Completed investigation

On 20 September 2019, the FRC adopted the investigation report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements of a listed entity for the year ended 31 March 2014.

The FRC found that the auditor and the engagement partner failed or neglected to observe, maintain or otherwise apply certain professional standards in respect of the audit of the impairment assessment of goodwill as at 31 March 2014 arising from an acquisition of a subsidiary. In particular, it was found that the auditor and the engagement partner were in breach of Hong Kong Standard on Auditing ( HKSA ) 500 (Clarified) Audit Evidence and HKSA 540 (Clarified) Auditing Accounting Estimates, Including Fair Value Accounting Estimates, and Related Disclosures.

It was also found that the engagement quality control reviewer of the relevant audit failed to comply with the relevant provisions of HKSA 220 (Clarified) Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements in relation to the quality control review.

The investigation report has been referred to the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants to determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted. Names of the relevant parties are withheld because of the potential disciplinary proceedings.