PwC’s Investigation Uncovers Accounting Deficiencies
A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) review into IndusInd Bank’s accounting practices for derivative instruments has led to deeper scrutiny, prompting a forensic audit into possible corporate governance lapses. The review, initially focused on assessing financial discrepancies, reportedly identified issues significant enough to necessitate a more detailed forensic examination.
The findings from PwC’s probe, which began in October 2023, suggest that the bank may have been engaged in improper accounting practices for at least five to seven years, raising concerns over systemic governance failures.
PwC was tasked with identifying accounting deficiencies in derivative instruments.
Initial findings indicated the need for further investigation into governance failures.
IndusInd Bank initiated a forensic audit based on PwC’s preliminary conclusions.
The forensic probe, led by Grant Thornton, aims to examine possible long-term irregularities.
IndusInd Bank Faces Internal Resistance During Audit
Despite being appointed in late 2023, PwC faced delays and internal pushback while conducting its investigation, sources close to the matter revealed. The audit firm encountered resistance when requesting corroborative data beyond direct financial statements, raising concerns about the extent of transparency within the bank’s internal reporting structures.
PwC faced internal obstacles that delayed progress on the audit.
Requests for supplementary data were met with resistance from within the bank.
The review suggests a long-standing pattern of accounting lapses, making it unlikely to be mere negligence.
According to sources involved in the probe, the delay in PwC’s findings and the resistance to sharing relevant information could indicate broader systemic governance concerns within IndusInd Bank.
Forensic Audit Launched to Assess Corporate Governance Lapses
Following the PwC probe, IndusInd Bank has engaged Grant Thornton to conduct a forensic audit, focusing on potential corporate governance violations linked to misstatements in accounting for derivative instruments.
The forensic audit will evaluate whether accounting irregularities were intentional or systemic.
Grant Thornton’s investigation will also examine the role of top executives in the lapses.
Findings from the forensic audit could lead to regulatory scrutiny from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Given that accounting discrepancies appear to have persisted for over half a decade, experts believe that the forensic audit could unearth deeper structural and compliance failures.
Regulatory Oversight and RBI’s Response Awaited
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has yet to respond to queries regarding PwC’s initial findings and whether it had prior knowledge of accounting irregularities at IndusInd Bank.
RBI has remained silent on whether it was aware of PwC’s findings.
Regulatory intervention could follow depending on the forensic audit’s conclusions.
A financial impact assessment suggests that net worth erosion from the lapses could be significant.
On March 10, 2024, IndusInd Bank disclosed to stock exchanges that accounting errors in derivative transactions resulted in a 2.35% hit to its net worth for the December 2024 quarter. The bank’s CEO and MD, Sumant Kathpalia, estimated the impact at ₹1,500 crore, though he noted that final figures would depend on external investigations.
Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment
News of the accounting lapses and subsequent forensic audit has raised concerns among investors, with IndusInd Bank’s stock facing increased volatility. Market analysts warn that if the forensic audit reveals further lapses, it could impact investor confidence and lead to regulatory penalties.
IndusInd Bank’s stock has experienced fluctuations following the news.
Investors are awaiting clarity on the scope of governance failures before making strategic decisions.
Regulatory actions from RBI could influence the bank’s financial outlook.
As IndusInd Bank prepares to present PwC’s final report to its board by March 28, the financial sector will be closely watching the outcome of the forensic audit and any regulatory actions that may follow.
