KPMG Podcast Series: Building Confidence

On the 2026 Audit Committee Agenda

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Join Krishna Grenville-Goble and Phil Smart from the KPMG Board Leadership Centre as they explore the top priorities for audit committees in 2026. This episode covers how audit committees can address financial reporting challenges amid market volatility, adapt to evolving regulatory demands, and oversee critical areas like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Gain practical insights on enhancing audit quality, strengthening internal audit, and building the right committee expertise to ensure effective governance and transparent stakeholder communication.

You can read the full article and related committee focused papers in the series here.

What’s on the board agenda for 2026?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:13:28 -0400

Join Krishna Grenville-Goble, Director in KPMG’s Board Leadership Centre (BLC), and Melissa Geiger, Group Chair of KPMG's UK and Swiss firms, for an insightful conversation on the priorities shaping boardrooms in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode, we explore:
• How boards can stay agile amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty
• The role of human-centred leadership in an AI-driven world
• Why data governance and cybersecurity remain critical business risks
• Practical steps to strengthen risk oversight and governance structures

You can read the full article and related committee focused papers in the series here.

Shaping the future of Corporate Reporting: Insights from the FRC's Annual Review

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:35:10 -0400

In this episode, Greg Stinson (Head of Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG) is joined by Manisha Santchurn (Corporate Reporting and IFRS 18 Lead, KPMG) and Geoff LeGouais (Case Director at the Financial Reporting Council) to discuss the latest findings from the FRC’s annual corporate reporting review.

Tune in as we explore:
• Upcoming legislative changes to streamline reporting and reduce the burden for UK companies
• Key highlights and recurring issues identified by the FRC, including impairment, cash flow statements, and consistency in reporting
• Practical advice for preparers on improving the quality and clarity of annual reports
• Insights into the FRC’s new initiatives, including the ‘Sandbox: Simplifying Annual Reporting’ project
• The future of corporate reporting and how companies can prepare for change

Whether you’re a preparer, auditor, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of corporate reporting, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways.

Let’s talk AI in Accounting and Reporting – turning insights into action

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:18:07 -0300

In this episode, Greg Stinson, Head and Partner in Accounting Advisory Services at KPMG UK is joined by Silvan Jurt, Head of ESG Reporting Advisory, Jayesh Gajare, Director in Accounting Advisory Services at KPMG UK, and Manisha Santchurn, Director and IFRS 18 Lead at KPMG UK. Together, they unpack real-world use cases of AI in financial reporting, ESG, and technical accounting, from contract reviews and annual report drafting to compliance automation and AI-powered knowledge assistants.

They also discuss where clients are on their AI journey, the challenges of implementation, and what the future of reporting teams might look like in an AI-enabled world. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already piloting tools, this episode offers practical insights and leadership perspectives to help you navigate the next phase of finance transformation.

To find out more, watch our webinar here: Accounting and Reporting update: Harnessing AI and navigating key issues

Let's talk FRS 102 - leases, revenue and big shifts ahead

Fri, 16 May 2025 06:32:06 -0300

Join Ian Greenwood, Partner in KPMG’s Accounting Advisory Services, as he breaks down the upcoming changes to FRS 102 and what they mean for businesses. In this episode, Ian is joined by Mark Woodland, Senior Manager in the team, to explore the key updates on revenue recognition, lease accounting, and more.

Together, they discuss the implications of the amendments, the timelines to be aware of, and the practical steps companies should be taking now to prepare. Tune in to get ahead of the changes and understand how to navigate this next phase of reporting with confidence.

For more information, check out our hubpage on the 'upcoming changes to FRS 102'.

Optimising Order to Cash: Insights on Process, Technology, and Compliance

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:24:11 -0300

Join Pratik Vora, Director in KPMG’s Accounting Advisory Services, as he unpacks the power of Order to Cash and its impact on financial reporting under IFRS. In this insightful episode, Pratik is joined by Liang Zhang from KPMG’s Modelling team and Mark Warne Smith from KPMG’s Enterprise Performance Management team.

Together they discuss the critical role of O2C in financial reporting, common challenges businesses face, and the strategies to optimise automation, compliance, and efficiency. Tune in to gain insights on how technology and best practices can transform your O2C process and enhance financial performance.

Key findings from the Annual Review of Corporate Reporting - with the FRC

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:23:45 -0400

Join Manisha Santchurn (Corporate Reporting Lead, KPMG UK) and Karen Duncan from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) as they discuss the latest corporate review findings, including key trends in impairment, cash flow statements and climate-related disclosures. Karen also provides an update on the ARGA reforms. Tune in to gain valuable insights for improving transparency and consistency in your reporting practices.

Click here to watch our latest Accounting and Reporting update.

The New Payment Standard ISO 20022

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:13:09 -0400

Join Shen Lee, Director at KPMG's Corporate Treasury Advisory Practice, as he hosts a conversation on the new ISO 20022 payment standard. For the first time, KPMG’s podcast series dives into the world of corporate treasury, joined by experts Phoenix Green from KPMG UK and Benjamin Gayet from KPMG Switzerland. Together, they explore why ISO 20022 has become a hot topic in 2024, its impact on corporate treasurers, and the critical deadlines for adopting this global standard. Discover the benefits, challenges, and steps your business should take to ensure a smooth transition in this insightful discussion.

Find out more in our recent article here.

Navigating IFRS 18 - the strategic steps ahead

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:28:18 -0300

How will IFRS 18 reshape financial reporting? In this episode Greg Stinson, Head of Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG UK, and Aishat Akinwale, Corporate Reporting Expert, KPMG UK discuss the implications of the newly issued IFRS 18 standard.

They cover key changes including a more structured income statement, management-defined performance measures (MPMs), and enhanced aggregation and disaggregation requirements. The conversation highlights challenges and considerations for companies preparing for this new standard, providing essential insights.

Click here to watch our latest 'Accounting and Reporting Update'.

The impact of AI on financial reporting in Audit with MindBridge

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:41:10 -0300

What roles do people, processes, technology, and data play in shaping the future of financial reporting in audit?

In our latest podcast, our host for the episode, Matt Campbell (CTO, Audit, KPMG in the UK) was joined by Rachel Kirkham (Vice President, AI and Product at MindBridge) to discuss the how AI can enhance the accuracy of financial reporting and audit quality, trusted technology, how to get the maximum return on investment from using AI, and how leading companies in this space are getting it right.

The latest developments for ESG reporting in the US

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:33:52 -0400

In this podcast, we were joined by Hilary Eastman, Partner and Head of ESG reporting at KPMG UK and Anita Chan, Audit Partner at KPMG US as they dive into the latest developments within ESG reporting in the US, the SEC rules, what companies need to be considering and how these updates impact UK companies.

The findings from the annual corporate reporting review with the FRC

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:13:41 -0400

Greg Stinson, Partner and Head of Accounting Advisory Services (AAS), is our host for this episode and is joined by Manisha Santchurn who leads our Corporate Reporting team at KPMG and Geoff LeGouais from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). They discuss the key themes and findings from the annual corporate reporting review and the latest news on audit and corporate governance reform, including some recent changes and delays.

To find out more, watch our November AAS accounting and reporting update here.

Date: 28 November 2023, Listen now (18m 56s)

The relevance of AI for audit

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:56:17 -0400

In this podcast, Matthew Campbell CTO of Audit at KPMG UK and Mark Wallington, Audit Tech Partner, KPMG UK discuss the relevance of AI in audit.

Listen in as they discuss the rise of AI over the years, it’s capabilities today, and how we apply and use AI within our audits. Mark and Matthew also discuss challenges faced along the way and the key questions you should be asking your auditor.

Date: 19 December 2023, Listen now (10m 13s)

Takeaways from the 2023 proxy season

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:37:09 -0400

In this podcast, we were joined by Sophie Gauthier-Beaudoin, Head of Investor Engagement as we delve into a topic that holds significant weight in the world of corporate governance, the review of the 2023 proxy season.

Find out the key themes and insights from this year's AGM season in the UK, the growing focus from investors on engaging with companies on ESG issues, and the tension between investors voting to evidence stewardship vs creating real value.

Date: 6 December 2023, Listen now (10m 22s)

Audit & Corporate Governance reforms: Update on recent announcements – what should companies do next?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:24:21 -0400

Last month, the Government announced that it had withdrawn the proposed changes to Companies Act which introduced new requirements. In addition, the King’s Speech in November did not include primary legislation needed to set up the Audit, Reporting, and Governance Authority (ARGA), and shortly after, the FRC released a policy update on the proposed changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code.

In our latest podcast, we are joined by Greg Stinson, Head and Partner of Accounting Advisory Services, and Manisha Santchurn, who specialises in advising our clients on the quality of their Corporate Reporting, to share what we are hearing from the different stakeholders and what these latest developments mean for companies.

References:

Annual Review of Corporate Reporting (frc.org.uk)

What Makes a Good Annual Report and Accounts (frc.org.uk)

FRC report looks at "Materiality Mindset" for better corporate reporting

The latest topical accounting and reporting issues

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:10:50 -0300

In this podcast, KPMG's Accounting Advisory Services experts joined together in the first ever live panel discussion broadcasted from the KPMG studio to reflect on the latest topical accounting and reporting issues.

The session focussed on the following topic areas:

The status of the regulatory landscape, including updates from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), the FRC, and the IASB.
ESG reporting and assurance developments, including the status of the ISSB's work.
The M&A market and what this means for reporting and accounting - both pre and post deal.

Watch the full discussion here.

Resources:

Accounting and reporting priorities - a forward look with the FRC | KPMG Podcast Series: Building Confidence (podbean.com)

ESG reporting and assurance: the challenges and opportunities ahead

The robustness of Modern Slavery Statements and Assurance

Treasurer's checklist when preparing for increased interest rates

Are you prepared for the changes to FRS 102?

Challenges for Treasurers in 2023

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

Is Transparency on Track?

Consultation on the UK Corporate Governance Code

Audit committees and external audit

Audit and assurance policies: A guide for audit committees

UK IPO values sink this year, but there’s hope for 2023 - KPMG United Kingdom

Maximising the sale value of your business - KPMG United Kingdom

Weighing up the sale options for your business - KPMG United Kingdom

The ’S’ in ESG - a renewed focus

Wed, 31 May 2023 05:40:12 -0300

With social issues being pushed up the agenda for UK reporters, stakeholders are now wanting to understand more about how social factors are critical and material to reporters, their business, and their operations. In this episode, we are joined by Tatiana Hardy-Stotz, Senior Manager of ESG Reporting to talk about why social issues are increasingly becoming an area of focus, where UK companies can start to prepare for the tidal wave of regulations at UK, EU and International level, and the tips and advice for clients when responding to these regulatory requirements.

Resources:

KPMG Global Survey of Sustainability Reporting

Is Transparency on Track? - KPMG's UK Sustainability Survey Report

Accounting and reporting priorities - a forward look with the FRC

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:30:49 -0300

At our recent webinar, we found that 26% of our attendees see Corporate Governance and Audit Reform and the changes being proposed to UK GAAP as their primary work-related challenge over the next 12 months.

In this episode our host, Greg Stinson, UK Head of Accounting Advisory Services, is joined by Jenny Carter, Director of Accounting and Reporting Policy, from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). Topics discussed include the evolving status of the Audit and Corporate Governance Reform, the changes recently announced to UK GAAP, and the proposed effective dates and what to expect from the FRC going forward.

Click here to watch the full webinar from 23 March 2023.

Internal controls - reviewing, reporting and assurance

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:47:28 -0400

Whether you are still in the 'wait and see' mode, or have started commencing programmes to implement or improve your controls framework, there are still some unknowns on how businesses will need to respond to some of the anticipated UK Corporate Governance Reforms. In this episode, Richard Andrews, Partner for our Financial Services Consulting, and Irene Sellars, Partner and Head of Controls Assurance will talk through regulation, controls, and assurance, and why well implemented internal controls programmes should be at the top of your agenda to keep ahead of the curve.

Listen as our experts delve into the scope of the FRC changes, where businesses should be focusing on to build out their control frameworks, industry examples, why businesses should be thinking about this now, and what this means for boards and investors.

References:

Service Organisation Assurance Reporting (SOAR) - KPMG United Kingdom

Internal controls | What can assurance cover? | ICAEW

Information for management of a service organization in a SOC 1® engagement (aicpa.org)

2017 Trust Services Criteria (With Revised Points of Focus – 2022) | Resources | AICPA

CSRD: Is your organisation prepared for a new level of ESG reporting?

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:26:37 -0400

The EU’s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive also known as the CSRD is transforming ESG reporting. Almost 50,000 companies are subject to mandatory sustainability reporting. Even companies with longstanding experience in sustainability reporting will likely require advancements in their ESG data collection, processing, and reporting systems. The clock is ticking for CSRD reporting and companies should ask whether they are ready.

Is Transparency on Track?

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 08:47:41 -0400

In this episode, Alexia Perversi, Senior Manager of ESG Reporting, our host for this episode is joined by Tatiana Hardy-Stotz, Senior Manager of ESG Reporting to talk through some of the headlines uncovered as part of KPMG's UK Sustainability Survey report titled, Is Transparency on Track?.

With an increasing volume, breadth and depth of ESG disclosures and data being prepared and reported year-on-year means that ESG reporting can no longer be a once-a-year 'tick-box' exercise. Listen as our experts showcase a few of the headline statistics we uncovered as part of our review of the annual reports and ESG reports from 100 of the UK's most valuable private and listed companies.

Read the full report here.

Reflections of COP27 - The future of ESG reporting and assurance

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:27:50 -0400

In this episode, we are joined by George Richards, our Partner and Head of ESG reporting and assurance, and Sahil Malhotra, our Senior Manager for ESG reporting where they share their views on all things COP27. With an increased focus on reporting frameworks, ESG reporting readiness, and a renewed focus on assurance, how can companies report in a meaningful way?

Listen as our experts explore how companies can report in a meaningful way, what has happened since COP26, and more importantly, what we can expect to come in the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – what does this mean for audit and how can businesses leverage technology?

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 08:21:01 -0300

What does the future of audit look like? How are businesses using cutting-edge technology, automation and AI for audit and assurance engagements to manage risk and obtain assurance?

In this episode we are joined by our Chief Technology Officer, Matt Campbell, who answers these questions and shares his views as to how technology can achieve an audit that delivers quality, provide fresh insights, and can ultimately help to shape the future of your business.

People, planet and profit: Building trust and integrity in the boardroom

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:40:32 -0300

In this episode we are joined by Oonagh Harpur to explore culture – how it can be measured, what it means for boards and the implications for corporate reporting and assurance.

Oonagh is our Independent Non-Executive Director and has over 30 years’ experience in the boardroom including 14 years in CEO roles in the private, public and third sectors and she openly shares her views and experiences on why culture is important and its relation to reputation, strategy and ESG.

In conversation with Jon Thompson from the FRC

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:05:26 -0300

In this episode, Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) shares his views on the progress made on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) consultation on “Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance”. Launched in March 2021, this consultation was seen by many as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform the corporate regulatory landscape and received thousands of responses. Listen as Sir Jon discusses the latest developments since our first BEIS conversation last year and shares his insights on how the FRC is evolving, market competition, investor engagement and also the attractiveness of the UK as a place to do business and the attractiveness of audit profession in particular.

We also cover the recommendations on what companies should be focusing on in this reporting season, whether they should start making changes now or wait for further guidance.

Ukraine crisis: what global geopolitical volatility means for business

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:22:40 -0300

As the Russian-Ukraine war unfolds, companies have had to move quickly to ensure the safety of their workers while girding themselves for the economic impacts and operational disruption to come. In this episode we are joined by Derek Leatherdale, Managing Director at GRI Strategies Ltd, to help explore the key areas boards need to consider whether that be re-evaluating their businesses in the region or managing the new risks faced by a global economy already struggling with inflation and supply chain disruption.

Future of Audit Global podcast - Innovation in audit

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 07:49:04 -0400

This episode discusses innovation in audit and how technology, including AI and new ways of working, are shaping the future of the profession.

Hosted by Larry Bradley, we hear from Eli Fathi, Chair and former CEO at MindBridge, Sebastian Stöckle, Global Head of Audit Innovation at KPMG International and Kristy Carscallen, Head of Audit for KPMG in Canada.

How can corporates address climate risks and exposures? - Part 2

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:58:30 -0400

In part 2 of our episode on how corporates can address climate risks and exposures, we continue our discussion from part 1 with Simon Henry, a Non-Executive Director, and Simon Virley, our Vice Chair and Head of Energy and Natural Resources at KPMG in the UK. Our guests provide details on the climate reporting landscape and what good practice looks like in terms of reporting requirements. We also discuss the role investors can play to engage on this important topic and what questions Board members should be asking of management to address the climate risk agenda.

How can corporates address climate risks and exposures? - Part 1

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:44:41 -0400

In part 1 of our podcast episode on how corporates can address climate risks and exposures, we are joined by Simon Henry, a Non-Executive Director, and Simon Virley, our Vice Chair and Head of Energy and Natural Resources at KPMG in the UK. In this episode, our guests examine the progress made during COP26 and provide insight on some of the notable successes and setbacks. With 90% of the world now signed up to net zero, we discuss the challenges facing all organisations and what key actions business leaders should be taking to address this. In part 2, we delve into a deeper discussion around the reporting landscape, industry examples of what good practice looks like, the role investors can play to engage on this important topic and what questions Board members should be asking of management .

Corporate governance: Are UK practices as tight and transparent as they should be?

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:33:33 -0400

Our KPMG host Michelle Hinchliffe is joined by David Styles, Director of Corporate Governance and Stewardship at the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and Peter Swabey, Policy and Research Director at the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI). David and Peter share their insights into the latest updates on corporate governance reporting, best practices, and share helpful tips and advice on areas where improvement is needed.

We also cover the introduction of ARGA, the next corporate governance challenges coming over the horizon and the questions Board members should be asking of management.

Geraldine Lawlor and Jonathan Evans, KPMG - What should a Director be doing to reduce fraud risks?

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:51:52 -0400

On our most recent episode, we were joined by Geraldine Lawlor, Global Head of Financial Crime and Jonathan Evans, the Chair of our Public Interest Committee and former Director General of MI5 to talk about financial crime and cyber risk. With developments in technology, preventing and detecting financial crime is rapidly evolving to be one of the biggest challenges facing organisations. In the episode, we explore lessons learnt, best practices and what questions Non-Executive Directors should be asking of management.

Dylan Whitfield, HSBC – A forensic analyst’s view on audit and corporate governance reform

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 03:56:08 -0300

In this episode, KPMG host Michelle Hinchliffe is joined by Dylan Whitfield, Head of Forensic Accounting within Global Research at HSBC. Dylan shares his insights about what analysts and investors think of the BEIS consultation on Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance, ahead of the consultation response deadline of 8th July 2021.

Listen as Dylan covers many of the recommendations set out in the BEIS consultation, including strengthening internal controls, introducing an Audit and Assurance Policy and also the role of the regulator, and how the package of reforms can help build confidence in the UK market. Dylan’s overriding view is that the proposals will represent a significant change for the better for the UK’s auditing, reporting and governance regime, and highlights that the relationship between the auditor and the shareholder will be one of the keys to success in the future.

Clare Payn, Senior Global ESG and Diversity Manager at LGIM – Investor priorities

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:20:33 -0300

In this episode we welcome Clare Payn, Senior Global ESG and Diversity Manager at LGIM, to discuss investor priorities and the role that institutional investors play in driving enhancements in corporate reporting more broadly.

Clare provides her insights into the key ESG themes that investors have been focusing on in the current AGM season including climate risk, TCFD reporting and Paris-aligned targets. Clare also discusses strengthened investor policies on gender inclusion and ethnic diversity, the board-level inclusion and diversity targets set by the Hampton-Alexander and Parker Reviews, and the voting policies that LGIM – one of the largest UK institutional investors – has introduced in response. Listen to this episode to gain clarity on what investors are requesting from companies, as well as the role of the auditor.

Alun Bowen, Severstal - Audit and Assurance Policy

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 03:58:13 -0300

In this episode, KPMG host Michelle Hinchliffe is joined by Alun Bowen, Chair of the Audit Committee Chair at Severstal, Russia’s largest fully integrated steel company, to discuss the Audit and Assurance Policy which was initially recommended by Sir Donald Brydon and also features in the BEIS consultation on Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance.

Alun shares the process that he took Severstal through to become a leader in this area and as far as we are aware, is one of the first companies to have published an Audit and Assurance Policy. You can read the policy they published in October 2020 here . He discusses the value of the policy both for the company and for shareholders. Listen to the episode today to find about his views of the benefits and challenges of developing an Audit and Assurance Policy and how it can enhance engagement with shareholders.

Charles Tilley, IIRC - Business Resilience

Tue, 25 May 2021 11:02:38 -0300

In this episode we talk to Charles Tilley, CEO of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), about the introduction of the new Resilience Statement – one of the proposals in the recent BEIS consultation on Restoring trust in audit and corporate governance.

Charles shares an overview of the proposals for the new Resilience Statement and how this will lead to more meaningful reporting, touching on some of the key challenges organisations will face. Charles also discusses the inclusion of TCFD reporting, reverse stress testing and concerns from preparers that commercially sensitive information will need to be shared. Listen to this episode to find out more about this important proposal and what companies should do today using existing requirements.

Jock Lennox, ACCIF - Strengthening the UK’s internal controls framework

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:12:01 -0300

In this episode, KPMG host Michelle Hinchliffe is joined by Jock Lennox, Chair of the Audit Committee Chair Independent Forum (ACCIF), to discuss the Government’s proposals to strengthen internal controls at UK companies.

Jock shares his views about why more evidence of robust controls over financial reporting is warranted in the UK and the approach he believes should be taken. As well as this, Jock comments on what the future could look like and how companies can re-establish trust in order to ‘get the corporate debate off the front pages and back into the business pages’. Listen to this episode in preparation for planning your own response to the consultation, which is due by 8th July.

Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of the FRC - Will reform drive change in the corporate reporting ecosystem?

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:53:55 -0300

In our first episode, KPMG host Michelle Hinchliffe is joined by Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of the FRC, to talk about the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) consultation to restore trust in audit and corporate governance, which was launched on 18 March 2021. Together they explore the package of reforms and how it aims to drive change and build confidence in the UK market.

Listen as Jon shares his views on how the recommendations can help businesses grow, changes in director responsibilities, its impact on investors, the regulatory perspective and the potential cost implications. He also provides some insights into what to expect as a result of the consultation, how it will be implemented and equips listeners with the perspective of our regulator as they plan their response to the consultation, which is due by 8th July.