Recognising and responding to conflicts of interest

Conflicts of interest can arise in many forms and are often difficult to identify, particularly when familiarity, competing pressures or personal interests are involved. Left unaddressed, they can undermine professional judgement, breach the Code of Ethics, and damage trust in both the individual and the profession.

This session is designed to help Chartered Accountants strengthen their ability to recognise and respond to conflicts of interest in practice. Drawing on the IESBA Code of Ethics and real-world scenarios, it focuses on applying the conceptual framework to assess threats to objectivity and determine appropriate responses.

You’ll explore how conflicts can emerge across different roles and engagements, including situations involving multiple parties, informal advice, or long-standing relationships. You’ll also learn how to take action, whether through disclosure, implementing safeguards, or declining or withdrawing from engagements.

This session emphasises professional judgement and accountability, helping you move beyond simply knowing the rules to applying them in complex, evolving situations. By strengthening your ability to identify and manage conflicts effectively, you’ll be better equipped to act in the public interest, uphold ethical standards, and maintain trust with clients, employers and stakeholders.