Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is deeply disappointed by the serious allegations involving KPMG Australia and the handling of confidential client information.

As indicated in a statement issued on 29 May, CA ANZ's independent Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) is actively investigating this matter as it relates to possible action under CA ANZ’s By-Laws.

As well as investigations undertaken by the PCC, CA ANZ Regulations empower the CEO of CA ANZ to direct targeted practice reviews over and above the regular practice review cycle, focused on ensuring the continued strong standing of the CA designation.

As a result, I have directed targeted reviews of KPMG Australia and other major Australian firms, over and above the regular cycle of Quality Practice Reviews for firms. These reviews will examine how confidential client information is handled and how ethical culture is promoted.

CA ANZ has also confirmed that we will appear before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services on 19 June, focused on whistleblower allegations and KPMG Australia.

The key pillars that underpin trust in our profession are our Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, and our By-Laws, and any violation will be vigorously pursued.

The allegations fall short of the expectations of the broader community, including CA ANZ and our members. It is critical the investigations proceed through established adjudicatory channels, as every member would expect.

CA ANZ takes all complaints seriously and anyone with concerns should visit our website to access the member complaints forms.

A reminder of ethical obligations

CA ANZ reminds members of their ethical obligation to abide by the five fundamental principles outlined in the relevant Code of Ethics being either the Australian Professional and Ethical Standards Board's APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants or the NZICA Code of Ethics.

The guiding ethical principles for members are Integrity, Objectivity, Professional Competence and Due Care, Confidentiality and Professional Behaviour. These are explored in detail in our theme-based Quarterly Ethics Digest and also in our online Ethics Hub.

In relation to confidentiality APES110 is clear, members must “respect the right of (your) current, past or prospective clients and employers to have all information kept secure, private and confidential. The only exceptions are if there is a legal or professional duty or right to disclose confidential information, or disclosure is authorised by your client or employer.”

Members experiencing ethical dilemmas can receive counselling and support from our CA Advisory Group (CAAG), comprised of experienced senior Chartered Accountants. The service is free and discussions are confidential.

Appearance before the Parliamentary Joint Committee

As mentioned above, CA ANZ has been invited to appear before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services. I will represent CA ANZ at the hearing with General Counsel and Group Executive of Corporate Assurance Vanessa Chapman, Board Chair Sarah Petersen FCA, and Disciplinary Tribunal Chair Grace Kelly.

At the hearing CA ANZ will expand on evidence provided to the Committee, including the handling of anonymous email inquiries regarding the PCC complaints process. Other than a reference to Academic Integrity issues already under investigation, these emails did not include details of allegations regarding the handling of confidential information, that became public on 24 March 2026.

In our Going Further Roadmap, published in June 2024, CA ANZ called for a harmonised Australian national framework and practical reforms for whistleblowers. This included application to partnerships and targeted amendments to the Corporations Act to enable audit team members to share protected disclosures within the audit team with confidence, and without affecting whistleblower protections.

Accordingly, CA ANZ welcomes the Assistant Treasurer’s recent announcement of a review into tax and corporate whistleblowing and will contribute constructively to that process.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact CA ANZ.

Yours sincerely,

Ainslie van Onselen