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03 September 2025

Why Independent Financial Instrument Valuations Matter for Audit Confidence

It can be hard work being a corporate treasurer. When it comes to independent financial instrument valuations - it isn't just a regulatory requirement - it can be key to protecting audit credibility and stakeholder trust. Which happens to be a competitive advantage for Hedgebook.

For corporate treasurers managing foreign exchange and interest rate instruments, independent financial instrument valuations are not just a regulatory requirement—they are key to protecting audit credibility and stakeholder trust. When valuations are performed internally or by a counterparty, questions can arise. Is the methodology consistent with market norms? Is the data current and independent? Can you defend it under scrutiny?

That’s where independent financial instrument valuations come in – and why many finance teams are turning to tools like Hedgebook.

So, what do we mean by Financial Instruments

Skip over this if you already know…but we believe all too often we don’t really explain the grass roots of what we’re talking about enough.  At Hedgebook, the term ‘financial instruments’ refers to a wide range of derivatives used by corporates and financial professionals to manage treasury risk.

This includes foreign exchange forwards, options, interest rate swaps, and interest rate options – all of which can be independently valued using Hedgebook’s cloud-based tools. These instruments are central to managing exposure to market volatility and are supported through valuations, reporting and compliance features aligned with IFRS and US GAAP standards.

Audit-Ready Valuations: A Must-Have, Not a Nice-to-Have

Auditors expect valuations to be accurate, transparent and, crucially, independent. As Johnston Carmichael, one of the UK’s leading accountancy firms, puts it:

“Valuations are a critical part of the audit process, and Hedgebook’s independence gives both us and our clients confidence.”

These audit-ready valuations aren’t just about ticking compliance boxes. They support better decision-making, protect reputations, and make audit season smoother for everyone involved.

Third-Party Valuation Services that Simplify the Process

EROAD, a global transport technology company, uses Hedgebook’s independent third-party valuation functionality to support its treasury and finance teams with fast, reliable reporting.

“It’s one less thing to worry about at audit time,” says Ash Makkapati, Group Financial Controller at EROAD. “We know the valuations will be there, we know they’ll be accurate and that they’ll stand up to external review.”

With daily market data feeds and cloud access, Hedgebook delivers valuations quickly and accurately – no spreadsheets, no delays.

Valuation Best Practice for Auditors and Treasurers

For audit firms like Menzies, Hedgebook plays a central role in setting valuation best practice.

“Hedgebook allows us to deliver robust, audit-quality valuations, quickly and efficiently,” says one of the firm’s senior team members.

By relying on a trusted, independent provider, both auditors and corporate finance teams gain confidence in the numbers—and reduce the risk of audit delay or challenge.

Financial Valuations for Auditors That Stand Up to Scrutiny

Treasurers and auditors alike need more than just numbers – they need valuations that are robust, defensible and aligned with international standards. That’s where Hedgebook excels. Its approach to financial valuations for auditors is transparent, consistent and trusted by 75% of the UK’s top 30 audit firms. Whether you’re preparing for year-end or refining your treasury controls, independence in valuations is no longer optional. It’s part of best-practice financial governance.

If you’d like some firsthand examples, check out the case studies mentioned above with Menzies, Johnston Carmichael and EROAD – or let’s set up a call so we can show you just how easy this is.

 

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