Regulating audit committees in the banking sector : a comparative study of the north african context : Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco

Abstract EN

This study explores the similarities and differences in current laws, regulations and provisions governing the establishment, composition, tasks, duties, and powers of audit committees in the banking sector of three North African countries: Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.

For this purpose, we used a comparative analysis method to analyze and elicited the resemblance and divergence between the regulatory frameworks of audit committees in each country.

The study finds that audit committees in North African countries under study are still in the early stages of establishment and implementation, particularly in Algeria where audit committees play an awfully limited role.

To a lesser extent, Tunisia where audit committees have more powers and tasks to perform.

Thus, audit committees can work effectively in the Tunisian banking sector.

For Morocco's banking sector, audit committees have all the necessary powers and authorities.

In addition, the Moroccan regulator has given the audit committee numerous tasks, duties, and oversight functions to allow it to carry out its duties fully, in an effective and efficient manner, which will reflect on better corporate governance of the Moroccan banking sector.