What is meant by "independence in appearance"?

Independence in appearance refers to the perception of independence by third parties, which is crucial in the audit profession. It emphasizes that an auditor must not only be independent in fact but also be seen as independent by those who rely on the auditor's work. This means that there should be no circumstances that suggest any partiality, bias, or conflict of interest that could lead stakeholders to question the integrity or objectivity of the auditor.

When stakeholders—such as clients, regulators, and the public—observe a situation where they might perceive a lack of independence, it could undermine trust in the audit process. Therefore, it is essential for auditors to ensure that their actions and relationships do not lead to any perceptions of compromised integrity or objectivity. Maintaining a strong reputation for independence enhances confidence in the audit outcomes, reinforcing the auditor's role as an impartial evaluator of financial statements.