FSMA Announces In-Person 2026 Continuing Education Sessions for Accredited Auditors in November

Key Takeaways

• The Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) will hold its 2026 continuing education for accredited auditors in person in Brussels on November 19 and 24, with separate sessions by entity type.
• Registration is free but closes October 21, 2026, so audit and compliance teams should confirm attendance now to preserve accreditation standing.

Deep Dive

The FSMA has published the format and schedule for its 2026 permanent training for accredited auditors. Unlike virtual formats used in some prior cycles, the sessions will be held physically at the FSMA offices (Rue du Congrès 12-14, 1000 Brussels). Accredited auditors, and the firms and institutions that rely on them for prudential and regulatory assurance, should treat this as a mandatory-style professional development obligation tied to maintaining accreditation. Details are set out in FSMA communication FSMA_2026_17, which should be reviewed alongside this announcement.

The training is split by sector. On Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., a session will cover institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORPs). On Tuesday, November 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., a session will address collective investment undertakings, their management companies, and regulated real estate companies. Auditors with mandates in both sectors will likely need to attend both sessions, so calendars should be reconciled to avoid conflicts.

Registration is handled through the FSMA's Event application, with login via eID or Itsme, and closes Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Registration is free. The authentication requirement means auditors should confirm in advance that their digital credentials are active and working. The in-person format also requires planning for travel, time away from engagements, and capacity limits that may apply.

Recommended actions: (1) identify all accredited auditors within the organization or audit team and map them to the relevant sessions; (2) register well before the October 21 deadline; (3) verify eID or Itsme access; (4) review communication FSMA_2026_17 for content scope, attendance confirmation, and any accreditation-related consequences of non-attendance; and (5) block calendars and plan engagement coverage for the session dates. Entities that appoint accredited auditors should also confirm that their auditors are complying.

Risk impact is low in terms of direct financial exposure but moderate operationally. Missing the training could jeopardize an auditor's accreditation status or create questions about the quality of assurance provided to regulated entities. Training content may also signal FSMA supervisory priorities for the sectors covered, offering useful insight for audit planning and regulatory engagement.

Source: Financial Services and Markets Authority