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The Assurance Engagement Letter is a crucial document used in Hong Kong's professional services landscape to formalize the relationship between assurance providers and their clients. It is required whenever a professional firm undertakes an assurance engagement, whether for financial or non-financial information, sustainability reporting, internal controls, or other assurable subject matters. The letter must comply with Hong Kong Standards on Assurance Engagements (HKSAE), particularly HKSAE 3000, and HKICPA requirements. It serves multiple purposes: defining the engagement's scope and objectives, establishing professional fees, outlining responsibilities, and providing legal protection for both parties. The document is particularly important in Hong Kong's highly regulated business environment, where clear documentation of professional engagements is essential for regulatory compliance and risk management.

1. Letterhead and Date: Firm's official letterhead including name, address, and professional registrations, plus date of the letter

2. Addressee Details: Client's name, position, and company address

3. Engagement Title: Clear identification of the type of assurance engagement

4. Introduction: Opening paragraph confirming the client's request and practitioner's agreement to perform the engagement

5. Engagement Objectives: Clear statement of the assurance engagement's purpose and intended outcome

6. Subject Matter and Criteria: Identification and description of the subject matter and applicable criteria to be used

7. Scope of Work: Detailed description of the work to be performed and level of assurance to be provided

8. Responsibilities: Clear delineation of responsibilities between the practitioner and the responsible party

9. Professional Standards: Reference to relevant professional standards and regulatory requirements being followed

10. Independence and Quality Control: Statement about the firm's independence and quality control procedures

11. Deliverables: Description of the report or other outputs to be provided

12. Timeline: Expected timeframe for the engagement

13. Fees and Payment Terms: Professional fees, payment schedule, and other financial terms

14. Signature Block: Space for acceptance signatures from both parties