Private Equity in the Accountancy and Audit Market

Private Equity in the Accountancy and Audit Market

Share your insights on private equity's impact on your practice and the sector.
Private equity (PE) investment is becoming increasingly prominent in the accountancy and audit sectors.

The Association of International Accountants (AIA) is seeking views on how this trend is affecting firms and practitioners, and what it may mean for the future of the market.

This survey should take approximately 5–7 minutes to complete.

Responses will be treated in confidence and reported only in anonymised, aggregated form.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Awareness and exposure to private equity
How familiar are you with private equity investment in the accountancy and audit sector?

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Not aware at all, 5 is Very familiar
Which of the following best describes your firm’s current position?
Have you personally been approached by private equity investors in the last three years?

To what extent do you agree with the following statements?

Rows	Response
Private equity is changing the competitive dynamics of the accountancy and audit market
PE‑backed firms have advantages over independently owned firms
PE investment is increasing consolidation in the sector
PE involvement puts pressure on fees and pricing
PE ownership changes firm culture and decision‑making

Overall, how has the growth of PE in the sector affected you or your firm so far?
Please describe any specific impacts you have experienced (if any).

Future intentions
Are you considering selling all or part of your practice in the next five years?
How likely are you to consider PE investment in future?
What factors would most influence your decision regarding PE involvement?

Other

Market, standards and regulation
In your view, what are the main opportunities associated with PE investment in the profession?
In your view, what are the main risks or concerns?

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.

Rows	Response
Existing regulatory frameworks are sufficient to address PE‑backed ownership
PE ownership risks undermining audit independence
PE could support innovation and service quality
Greater regulatory oversight may be needed in future

What role, if any, should professional bodies like AIA play in response to this trend?

Is there anything else you would like AIA to consider in its policy or regulatory work relating to private equity in the profession?
Please verify that you are human
Should be Empty:

About you and your firm