Inspections staff are focusing on the following broker-dealer audit areas and attestation procedures in 2016:
Auditor independence
Financial statement areas with recurring deficiencies, including revenue, the assessment and response to risks of material misstatement due to fraud, financial statement presentation and disclosures, and fair value measurements
Audit procedures for related party transactions
Audit procedures on the supporting schedules to the financial statements
Procedures for the attestation engagements: the examination of compliance reports and the review of exemption reports
Engagement quality review