Limited Assurance and ASRS: What You Need to Know and How Speeki Guardian Can Help

What is Limited Assurance

Limited assurance is a form of external review that delivers a moderate level of confidence in the accuracy and reliability of your sustainability disclosures. It’s less rigorous than a full audit (known as reasonable assurance) but still requires companies to present verifiable evidence, establish clear internal controls, and maintain traceable documentation throughout the reporting process.

This type of assurance checks that the disclosed information is prepared in line with ASRS requirements, not materially misstated, and that the underlying systems used to produce it are sound. It’s about demonstrating that your reporting process is credible and trustworthy—especially in areas like climate risk, emissions data, and governance structures.

What is Reviewed

Assurance providers don’t just look at final numbers. They also review the systems and processes used to generate and validate sustainability information. Under ASRS S2, limited assurance may involve:

• Governance arrangements and board oversight of sustainability disclosures 
• Internal processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks 
• Data sources and quality for emissions (Scope 1, 2, and potentially Scope 3) 
• Methodologies for materiality assessments and scenario analysis 
• Integration of climate risks into financial and operational planning 
• Consistency between narrative disclosures and underlying evidence 

This broader focus makes sustainability assurance different from traditional financial audits, which focus more narrowly on numerical data.

When It’s Required

Under the ASRS rollout, limited assurance will be phased in starting with Group 1 entities in 2025. This includes companies meeting two of the following:

• $500 million or more in consolidated revenue 
• $1 billion or more in consolidated gross assets 
• 500 or more employees 

Subsequent groups will follow in 2026 and 2027. However, even companies not immediately subject to assurance should consider preparing early. Many investors, lenders, and customers are already expecting third-party validation of climate-related disclosures. Starting now gives companies more time to strengthen controls, gather data efficiently, and avoid rushed remediation down the line.

Why Choose Speeki Guardian?

Speeki Guardian offers a credible and focused alternative to traditional assurance providers, including the Big Four accounting firms. Here’s why we’re a smart choice for ESG-focused assurance:

• Specialised ESG Expertise: Unlike generalist firms, Speeki has built its assurance practice around sustainability. Our team understands the nuances of non-financial disclosures, from greenhouse gas protocols to stakeholder governance.
• Aligned with ASRS and IFRS Standards: Speeki Guardian is built to support assurance aligned with global sustainability standards. Our familiarity with IFRS S1 and S2 (on which ASRS is based) ensures your disclosures are reviewed in context, not just in isolation.
• Streamlined, Scalable Approach: Our methodology is designed to be efficient and tailored to your company’s maturity. Whether you are reporting for the first time or refining your disclosures, our process scales with your needs.
• Cost-Effective Without Compromise: Speeki Guardian offers a more accessible alternative to the high-cost models of large audit firms. We deliver the same level of independence and professionalism but at a cost that fits better with sustainability and ESG budgets. Especially for companies that don’t want assurance fees to consume a disproportionate share of their ESG spend, Speeki provides a practical path forward.
• Tech-Enabled Efficiency: Our assurance process is integrated with the Speeki platform (if you use it), making document sharing, evidence tracking, and workflow approvals much more seamless.

Get Started with Confidence

Whether you’re preparing for your first year of mandatory assurance or looking to bring credibility to voluntary disclosures, Speeki Guardian is ready to help. Reach out to learn how our model can meet your ASRS obligations while keeping costs under control.