International accounting firm Prager Metis has agreed to pay $745,000 to resolve charges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding its audit of FTX prior to the exchange’s collapse. This settlement also addresses another SEC investigation accusing Prager Metis of violating independence rules in over 200 audits between 2017 and 2020.
In total, the firm will pay $1.2 million in penalties and interest, pending court approval. The settlement highlights Prager Metis’ efforts to resolve the SEC’s accusations concerning its FTX audit, along with additional charges related to past audits.
SEC Charges and Settlement Agreement
The SEC’s complaint against Prager Metis alleges negligence and fraud in the firm’s audits of FTX during 2021 and 2022. While Prager Metis claimed its audits complied with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), the SEC found multiple deviations from these standards. This settlement is a significant development as regulators continue to scrutinize financial institutions linked to the collapsed crypto exchange.
Violations of Audit Standards
Beyond the FTX audits, the SEC’s investigation expanded to include over 200 audits Prager Metis conducted between 2017 and 2020. The commission accused the firm of failing to follow independence rules, which are designed to ensure impartial and objective audit results. Prager Metis accepted these findings and agreed to pay the $1.2 million fine while also committing to reviewing and restructuring its audit and quality control policies under the guidance of an independent consultant.
Concerns Over FTX Audit Competency
The SEC’s criticism of Prager Metis extended to the competency of the team conducting the FTX audits. Regulators expressed concerns that the firm failed to properly assess whether its team had the necessary experience and resources to effectively audit FTX. This issue was further complicated by the firm’s insufficient understanding of FTX’s relationship with Alameda Research LLC, which played a key role in FTX’s operations. These missteps raised questions about the firm’s diligence and accountability.
Implications for Future Audits
In response to the SEC’s findings, Prager Metis has pledged to implement several corrective actions. These include hiring an independent consultant to review its audit policies and adopting stricter guidelines for accepting new audit clients. These steps aim to ensure higher-quality audits and compliance in the future, especially as regulatory demands increase for accounting firms dealing with complex and high-risk sectors like cryptocurrencies.
The resolution of the SEC’s charges against Prager Metis underscores the importance of maintaining strict audit standards and protecting investors. By agreeing to significant financial penalties and committing to policy reviews, Prager Metis is working to restore its credibility and prevent future mistakes. This case serves as a strong reminder of the importance of independence and thoroughness for audit firms, particularly when dealing with complex financial assets such as crypto exchanges.
