Incorporating Audit Firms in Hong Kong: Issues and Problems

The Hong Kong Society of Accountants proposes to allow incorporating audit practices in Hong Kong. Finds that auditors are anxious about their increasing risk and the legal liabilities of their work, believing that incorporation is the best method to protect their interests. Many auditors believe that the profession should place the public interests at the top but the interests of the profession should also be protected. Therefore incorporation of the audit practice is necessary in Hong Kong, but strict rules should be imposed to prevent abuse. In addition, finds that clients are not concerned about this issue. The bankers will give a lower value to the audited financial statements issued by incorporated audit firms. In implementation, the professional indemnity insurance and the minimal capital requirement will become the key concern of auditors to incorporate their audit firms.