ISA for LCE: A Standard for Audits of Less Complex Entities

International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities, known as the ISA for LCE, is a pioneering standard  and significant milestone, addressing the unique needs of audits of smaller and less complex businesses.

The ISA for LCE is a standalone global auditing standard designed specifically for smaller and less complex businesses. Built on the foundation of the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), audits performed using this standard provide the same level of assurance for eligible audits: reasonable assurance.

New Resources

Adoption Guide Auditor Reporting Supplemental Guidance Authority of the Standard Supplemental Guidance
  • ISA for LCE

    The ISA for LCE is a standalone global auditing standard designed specifically for smaller and less complex businesses.

    • It is standalone standard that is proportionate & tailored to the specific needs of an audit of less complex entities, which makes it easier to navigate for those practitioners who support these types of engagements.
    • It provides the same level of assurance as an audit performed under the ISAs: reasonable assurance.
    • It will help maintain confidence in financial reporting and promote the consistent application of auditing standards to LCEs, which reduces the risk of jurisdictional divergence by driving consistency and comparability globally.
    • It recognizes the importance of smaller businesses and their specific audit needs.

    A French translation of the ISA for LCE will be conducted in 2025 by IFAC, with the support of the Pan African Federation of Accountants and Fédération Internationale des Experts Comptables et Commissaires aux Comptes Francophones (FIDEF).

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    The ISA for LCE Arabic translation of the ISA for LCE Finnish translation of the ISA for LCE Hungarian translation of the ISA for LCE Portuguese translation of the ISA for LCE Spanish-Latin America translation of the ISA for LCE
  • The Authority: When Can the ISA for LCE Be Used?

    The ISA for LCE can be used in jurisdictions that have adopted the standard.

    It is the nature of the business that determines if this standard can be used. Are the business activities, organizational and ownership structures, finance function, technology, accounting & reporting less complex?

    It also cannot be used by entities that are listed or have public interest characteristics.

    See the standard for further details on when the ISA for LCE can be used.

  • Video Series

    Navigating the ISA for LCE

    Exploring the Benefits

    Learn more about the objectives, benefits, and distinguishing features compared to the full suite of ISAs

    A Closer Look at Applicability and Use

    Better understand the conditions under which the standard can be applied, including the role of legislative and regulatory authorities

    A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

    Gain an in-depth understanding of the standard’s design principles, structure, and content layout

  • Watch the Global Webinar, Understanding the ISA for LCE

    Gain a comprehensive overview of the ISA for LCE in this webinar featuring IAASB member Kai Morten Hagen and IAASB staff members Isabelle Raiche, Jasper van den Hout, and Kazuko Yoshimura. The team covers the standard's purpose, authority, structure and associated benefits.

  • Available Resources

    A version of the ISA for LCE presentation deck with speaking notes is available upon request. Please email IAASBcommunications@iaasb.org.

    Basis for Conclusions Fact Sheet Frequently Asked Questions Overview presentation deck
  • Coming in 2024

    To support adoption and implementation of this new standard, in 2024 the IAASB will issue additional materials:

    • Adoption guide
    • First-time implementation guide

    All new materials will be included on this web page.