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IFIAR: 2026 Report on the use of technology in audits
- 13 May 2026
- Legal and Compliance
- South African Accounting Academy
This report presents information and perspectives on the use of technology in audits and forms part of a series by the IFIAR's Technology Task Force.
The report highlights how advancements in technology are reshaping audits globally while introducing new risks, and provides observations and insights on emerging trends and practices based on information shared with IFIAR, without being a comprehensive assessment.
Audit firms are increasingly embedding tools such as advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into their audit workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness and reduce repetitive tasks. When applied effectively, a human-led approach can leverage these innovations to improve audit quality, particularly when they are used to deepen analysis and enhance critical thinking. Examples include more consistent execution across engagements, enhanced risk assessment that leverage predictive analytics and/or real-time data, and identifying unusual or unauthorized transactions. Together, these can help to provide better protection to investors and other users of financial information. However, some new risks that are introduced include challenges around oversight, ethical use and potential over-reliance on outputs without sufficient challenge of the work performed.
Audit firms are encouraged to address these challenges through the establishment of a defined and continually improved governance system that formally manages these risks and ensures firm-wide policy compliance.
The IFIAR comprises independent audit regulators from 56 jurisdictions representing Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
Click here to download the 12-page Report:
https://www.ifiar.org/?wpdmdl=19893
Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:
- Audit firms are increasingly embedding tools such as advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation into their audit workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness and reduce repetitive tasks. Auditors should therefore be aware of the related risks and implications of the use of technology in audits.
- As an auditor, independent reviewer and accountant, you should be aware of the latest developments regarding the use of technology in audits as identified by the relevant regulators.
- You also need to consider the latest publications by regulators, such as the IFIAR, to keep abreast of changes and important information.