ESG Report Audit: New Requirements, Challenges, and Development Prospects for Kazakhstan

Abstract

The growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has significantly transformed corporate reporting and auditing practices worldwide. This article examines the emerging requirements for ESG report audits, identifies key challenges in their implementation, and evaluates development prospects within Kazakhstan. Drawing on international standards and recent academic and institutional research, the study highlights the evolving regulatory landscape, methodological complexities, and institutional gaps affecting ESG assurance. Particular attention is paid to Kazakhstan’s financial market, where ESG transparency is gradually improving but remains constrained by limited standardization and audit maturity. The findings suggest that aligning national practices with global frameworks such as IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards could enhance reliability and comparability. The article concludes that strengthening regulatory frameworks, developing professional competencies, and fostering digitalization are critical for advancing ESG audit practices in Kazakhstan.