Crypto-assets are now included in the checklist that auditors must complete regarding the annual financial reports of companies with shares listed on regulated markets subject to statutory audit. Consob requires auditing firms to submit a checklist summarising the main data and information acquired during the statutory audit of the accounts, consisting of two documents: a general section and a summary table (communication no. 95002349 of 22 March 1995 and subsequent amendments and additions).

The control sheet has been updated in the section entitled “Other information” of the summary table. More specifically, a new sub-section on “Crypto-assets” has been introduced, in which the auditor is required to indicate whether the audited issuer holds positions in crypto-assets, such as cryptocurrencies, electronic money tokens and asset-linked tokens as defined by Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (the so-called MiCAR Regulation), as well as other types of crypto-assets, even if they do not fall within the scope of that Regulation.

If the answer is affirmative, the auditor is required to indicate: 1) the percentage of the total book value of the crypto-assets held in relation to total assets; 2) the type and regulatory scope (Micar or non-Micar) of the crypto-assets held; 3) the methods of recognition and measurement of the crypto-assets held in the financial statements; 4) the presence of any information in the financial statements regarding the nature and risks associated with the positions held in crypto-assets.

The new version is already available on the Consob website, in the section “Services for operators/Interactive services/Compliance/Audit firms”.

The signatory of the audit report must submit the above form to Consob within 20 days of the date of issue of the report on the financial statements and consolidated financial statements (communication no. 12019297 of 15 March 2012).