The European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) will become effective as from 2020. This is a significant step forward for the accessibility and comparability of the financial information of the issuers on EU regulated markets. It is now up to each EU Member State to develop the implementation of ESEF and to maximise the benefits digitalisation can offer.

This document has been prepared by Accountancy Europe together with the European Contact Group (ECG) as a contribution to ESEF implementation efforts. Investor protection and the public interest have been the overarching principles applied while drafting this document. It sets outs specific considerations along with practical implications which may assist auditors in their role to provide an assurance conclusion in connection with ESEF.