PwC's independent Assurance Quality Advisory Committee

Advancing a continued focus on audit quality

Our independent Assurance Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC) currently consists of three members who have the collective experience and deep understanding of the interests of the preparer, auditor, investor, and standard setting and regulatory communities.

The AQAC provides perspectives and advice to Trust Solutions leadership on aspects of the business, operations, culture, governance, and risk management approach that are reasonably expected to impact audit and assurance quality. During a year of active regulatory and geopolitical activity, the AQAC has been a valuable resource for our leadership team, providing insight as it relates to emerging regulatory areas such as ESG, cybersecurity, digital assets, SPACs, human capital retention, and recruiting strategies. The establishment of the AQAC in 2020 made us the first firm with both a Board that includes external members and an independent advisory committee focused on quality.

Meet PwC's independent AQAC

Russel Golden

Russell Golden

Russell (Russ) Golden chairs PwC’s Assurance Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC). He most recently served as Chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) from July 2013 to June 2020. Prior to his role as FASB Chair, Russ served as the Technical Director overseeing FASB’s accounting standards and technical application and implementation activities and as Chair of FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF). Before joining FASB, he was a partner at a professional services firm, where he counseled partners and clients in the US and globally on technical accounting matters.

Alan Beller

Alan Beller

Alan Beller has been a member of PwC’s Assurance Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC) since July 2020. With nearly 40 years of experience at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where he is currently a Senior Counsel, Alan is a recognized thought leader on securities and corporate law, capital markets, accounting and auditing and corporate governance matters. He is also a Director of the Value Reporting Foundation (VRF). Previously, Alan served as the Director of the Division of Corporation Finance to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and as a Senior Counselor to the Commission.

Joanne Wakim

Joanne Wakim

Joanne Wakim has been a member of PwC’s Assurance Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC) since July 2020. Joanne brings a strong track record of leadership in the financial markets. Previously, she served as Chief Accountant at the Federal Reserve Board’s Division of Supervision and Regulation. Joanne has also worked to advance international initiatives, having served as a member of the Basel Committee Accounting Experts Group. She also previously served on the staff of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

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Wes Bricker

Wes Bricker

Vice Chair - US Trust Solutions Co-Leader, PwC US

Kathryn Kaminsky

Kathryn Kaminsky

Vice Chair - Trust Solutions Co-Leader, PwC US

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