A coalition of the UK’s largest accounting firms, commonly referred to as the Big Four, together with mid‑tier firms and several industry bodies, has formally lobbied the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to discontinue its "name and shame" policy. The practice, which publicly identifies firms that fall short of regulatory standards, is intended to promote transparency and accountability within the accounting sector. However, the signatories argue that the approach may undermine professional reputation, create disproportionate pressure on firms, and potentially distract from constructive remediation efforts.

By seeking to end the policy, the firms aim to reshape the regulatory dialogue toward collaborative improvement rather than punitive exposure. The move highlights a broader tension between regulatory transparency initiatives and industry concerns about fairness and the impact on business operations. If successful, the lobbying could lead the FRC to revise its enforcement strategy, influencing how compliance failures are reported and managed across the UK accounting landscape.