Formally established in 2002, the Forum of Firms (FOF) is an association of international networks of accounting firms that perform audits of financial statements that are or may be used across national borders. Members of the Forum voluntarily agree to meet certain requirements as detailed in the FOF Constitution. Commitment to the obligations of membership in the Forum contributes to raising the standards of the international practice of auditing in the interest of users of the profession's services.

The object of the Forum of Firms is to promote consistent and high quality standards of financial reporting and auditing practices worldwide.  The Forum brings together firms that perform transnational audits and involves them more closely with the activities of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in audit and other assurance-related areas.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the global organization for the accountancy profession.  It works with its 158 members and associates in 122 countries and jurisdictions to protect the public interest by encouraging high quality practices by the world’s accountants.  IFAC members and associates, which are primarily national professional accountancy bodies, represent 2.5 million accountants employed in public practice, industry and commerce, government, and academia.

Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC develops international standards on ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards.  It also issues guidance to support professional accountants in business, small and medium practices, and developing nations.  In addition, IFAC issues policy positions on topics of public interest.

IFAC’s mission is to serve the public interest.  IFAC will continue to strengthen the worldwide accountancy profession and contribute to the development of strong international economies by establishing and promoting adherence to high-quality professional standards, furthering the international convergence of such standards and speaking out on public interests issues where the profession’s expertise is most relevant.