Jun 1, 2026 – 8.00pmKPMG commissioned an independent investigation into allegations that ultimately led to the departure of its chief executive only after the intervention of three independent directors including former NSW premier Mike Baird, who subsequently quit the audit giant’s board.The firm had largely refused to commission a new investigation into the complaints – made by a former audit executive – that KPMG staff had misused client data, after two reviews cleared the firm of wrongdoing.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
KPMG dragged by directors to finally reopen client data investigation
The firm had refused to reopen inquiries into whether confidential information was being used to win work, claims that were ultimately proved correct.
TL;DRAI
KPMG launched an independent investigation into alleged client data misuse only after three independent directors — including former NSW premier Mike Baird — forced the issue, following two prior reviews that had cleared the firm. For tech leaders, this signals that audit firms handling sensitive client data face growing governance pressure, with independent oversight overriding internal clearances when data-handling allegations persist.
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