PwC global independence policy cannot consider all circumstances that raise independence concerns. PwC firms and their partners and employees should be aware that interests in and relationships with assurance clients (including providing non-audit services) may create threats to independence. Such relationships may present one or more of the following threats:
• Self-Interest Threats, the threat that a financial or other interest will inappropriately influence an individual’s judgement or behavior.
• Self-Review Threats, the threat that the results of a previous judgement or service performed by a PwC firm and its personnel will not be appropriately evaluated when forming a judgement as part of providing a current service.
• Advocacy Threats, the threat that a PwC firm or its personnel will promote a client’s position to the point that objectivity is compromised.
• Familiarity Threats, the threat that due to a long or close relationship with a client, a PwC firm or its personnel will be too sympathetic to their interests or too accepting of their work, and
• Intimidation Threats, the threat that a PwC firm or its personnel will be deterred from acting objectively because of actual or perceived pressures, including attempts to exercise undue influence over the firm or individual.