Registration and licensing
Who to apply to and how auditors are regulated
Licences are issued and registrations authorised by the Financial Market Authority (FMA) and accredited bodies which include the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and CPA Australia Ltd (CPA). The register is maintained by the Registrar of Companies.
Role of the Registrar of Companies
The Registrar of Companies (the Registrar) must establish and maintain a register of licensed auditors and registered audit firms.
FMA, NZICA and CPA notify the Registrar of Companies the details of new licences and registrations and of any changes thereafter. The Registrar publishes the details of the new licences and registrations on the public register when notified.
Roles of the Financial Markets Authority, the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and CPA Australia Ltd
Financial Markets Authority (FMA)
The FMA is responsible under the Act for prescribing licensing, registration, and other matters, granting accreditation and monitoring accredited bodies. The FMA issues licences to overseas auditors and authorises the registration of overseas audit firms.
New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)
NZICA has been granted accreditation, and issues licences to its members and authorises registration of audit firms.
CPA Australia Ltd
CPA has been granted accreditation, and issues licenses to its members and authorises registration of audit firms.