Investigation into irregularities in examinations completed

At the request of the Autoriteit Financiele Markten (AFM), Forvis Mazars in the Netherlands has investigated whether any irregularities in examinations taken by employees have taken place during internal and external training sessions in the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023.

Based on research conducted within our organisation in the Netherlands, it has become clear that irregularities have also taken place here. In total, this concerns approximately 80 employees, spread over a period of six years  Additionally, approximately 20 employees were aware of answer sharing but did not report it (no speak-up).

For just over 20 employees, the irregularities involved the NBA knowledge tests, which are mandatory for certification as a statutory auditor.

This behaviour does not align with the values or the code of conduct of our organisation and should not have occurred. We highly value culture and professional conduct, which is why we have taken immediate action and have implemented measures to prevent recurrence.

We have imposed disciplinary measures on the employees and partners involved. In addition, we have improved the testing and control procedures, we are investigating the underlying causes of this behaviour, and we actively involve our employees and partners in internal discussions about integrity and professional culture.

The AFM has imposed a fine of €446,000 on Forvis Mazars because the irregularities were not sufficiently detected or prevented. Given our full cooperation with the investigation, the measures that have since been taken, and the fact that internal tests played a relatively limited role within our quality system, the AFM has moderated the statutory fine. Forvis Mazars has accepted the fine and considers the investigation to be concluded.

AFM article