Confidence in audit remains high, but stakeholder expectations are evolving

The 2026 Audit Trust Index from the Centre for Public Interest Audit (CPIA) found that satisfaction in UK audit remains strong, while also highlighting growing expectations around assurance and the use of artificial intelligence.

The annual Audit Trust Index (ATI) captures the views of audit committee chairs, finance directors and investors. Research conducted in August 2026 found that 96% of respondents were either very (48%) or somewhat (48%) satisfied with the quality of UK audit, remaining close to the 100% satisfaction levels recorded in 2025.

Stakeholders want more assurance

The Index found that stakeholders want broader assurance from UK auditors. This comes as the UK Government considers reducing audit and reporting requirements in some areas through its Modernising Corporate Reporting consultation.

Almost all respondents (98%) identified at least one element of corporate reporting, outside the financial statements, where they would like assurance from an auditor.

The research also found that different stakeholder groups place value on different parts of the corporate report. Audit committee chairs and finance directors prioritised disclosures relating to risk and controls, while investors generally placed greater emphasis on information about a company's impact on the world around it, particularly sustainability reporting. 

There was a strong link between the information valued most by each stakeholder group and the areas they most wanted to see independently assured. 

At a time when policymakers are considering the future shape of corporate reporting and assurance requirements, the findings suggest that stakeholders continue to place importance on credible, independently verified information.

Technology is welcomed but judgement remains essential 

The Index also explored attitudes towards the use of AI in audit. 

79% of stakeholders said they were satisfied with how audit firms are deploying AI and technology. While this is slightly lower than last year's figure (87%), it still indicates broad confidence in how technology is being used within the audit process. 

The findings highlight a clear distinction between tasks that benefit from automation and those that require professional judgement. When reviewing large volumes of financial data or contracts, 67% of respondents expressed greater confidence in work carried out primarily by AI tools, compared with 14% who preferred human auditors.

However, confidence shifted firmly towards auditors when respondents were asked about activities requiring judgement, including challenging management assumptions, exercising professional scepticism and forming an audit opinion. 

Stakeholders' biggest concern was that auditors could become overly reliant on AI, potentially affecting their professional scepticism (up to 46% from last year’s 45%). 

The results suggest that while technology is increasingly expected to support audit quality and efficiency, stakeholders continue to place significant value on the challenge, judgement and accountability that professionals provide.  

Audit continues to demonstrate its value 

Respondents reported high levels of satisfaction with the value audit provides across a range of measures: 

• 91% were satisfied with audit's role in providing assurance that financial statements are true and fair. 
• 86% were satisfied with the insights derived from audits. 
• 80% were satisfied with audit's value for money. 

These results reinforce audit's role in supporting confidence in corporate reporting and capital markets. They also suggest that stakeholders increasingly judge audit not only on technical quality, but on its ability to provide assurance in areas that matter most to users of corporate information.

An opportunity to lead through change

The Audit Trust Index provides a valuable indicator of how perceptions of audit are evolving, helping the profession understand whether reform and improvement efforts are being recognised by those who rely on audit most.

For CAs, the findings highlight an opportunity to lead through change. By combining new technology with professional judgement, ethical leadership and professional scepticism, CAs can strengthen confidence in corporate reporting, support better-informed decisions and reinforce the profession’s value to businesses and wider society.

About the CPIA and the Audit Trust Index

The CPIA (the Centre for Public Interest Audit) is a policy and research institute focused on Public Interest Entity audit.

It delivers evidence-based research and a discussion space for all stakeholders that enables policymakers and practitioners to drive forward changes that mean audit always delivers in the public interest and supports the growth and attractiveness of the UK economy.

The Audit Trust Index research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 257 senior finance professionals in the UK comprising 100 CFOs/Finance Directors working at FTSE 350 companies, 57 Audit Committee Chairs (including seven respondents recruited via a private client link), and 100 professional UK-based Equity Investors.

For the full sample demographics and survey data, please contact the CPIA.