IA is Independent Assurance | Securities Investors Association (Singapore)

Date: May 8, 2014

Companies are operating in an increasingly complex business environment. In addition to facing intense competition, companies have to deal with more rules and regulations. At the same time, companies need to be more effective and efficient in running their business operations in order to improve the bottom line.

IA provides independent assurance to shareholders, directors, management and regulators that companies are meeting all these challenges.
IA protects shareholders’ interests by acting as the eyes and ears of shareholders in checking on whether things are working well.
IA reviews business operations and help to reduce the possibility of mistakes or wrongdoings.
IA must be independent of management in order to provide the proper assurance that the company is operating effectively and efficiently.

However, IA’s potential is often not fully utilised. Many people think of IA as only a policeman. Companies frequently do not allocate enough manpower resources to IA. IA can contribute to the business by helping management improve how the business works.

To find out more about IA, please visit SAC’s website here.