A secretarial audit is an independent review of a company's records, books, and documents to ensure compliance with laws, rules, and regulations. It also verifies that the company has adequate systems and processes to monitor and ensure compliance.
Regulatory compliance can cover a wide range of areas, including:
Identify areas of non-compliance or inadequate compliance.
Facilitate corrective measures.
Ensure that the company is adhering to good corporate practices.
Protect the interests of stakeholders, such as customers, employees, and society.
Avoid legal actions or penalties.
A secretarial audit can be part of due diligence for a potential acquirer or joint venture partner. It can also help a company portray a good image to investors about its legal records.