Interim Assessment:HLB CMA SA Inc. as of 30 June 2023

The Executive Committee, on behalf of HLB CMA SA Inc., is required to conduct an interim assessment of the SQM on a biannual basis, as of 30 June 2023, to preliminarily gauge its effectiveness.

This interim assessment is conducted to ensure continued alignment with HLB CMA SA Inc.’s commitment to quality and professional standards. The assessment is intended to provide early insights into the SQM’s performance, enabling proactive adjustments before the annual review.

Scope of the Interim Assessment

• The interim assessment is carried out in accordance with the protocols established by HLB CMA SA Inc., which is indicative of a robust internal consistency in our approach to global best practices. This assessment considers whether HLB CMA SA Inc. maintains a system that supports:
• •The firm's adherence to its responsibilities in ensuring that all personnel act in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements, and in an environment that supports compliance with such standards and requirements.
• •Interim reporting by practice leaders to provide a snapshot of compliance and quality control mechanisms in place, and the effectiveness of the SQM in the context of ongoing operations.
• •The collation of interim metrics from monitoring activities conducted over the period. The assessment reviews the following:
• ⋅Monitoring of SQM quality indicators, including:
• ⋅Internal audits and reviews.
• ⋅External quality assurance checks and benchmarking against industry standards.
• •Review of internal and external engagement inspections and other monitoring activities (e.g., compliance with professional standards and ethics, as reflected in the firm's risk management and ethical guidelines).
• •Professional judgment in evaluating the results of interim activities, including the identification of any potential deficiencies, with preliminary measures taken to address them before the annual review.

Interim Conclusion

• The preliminary findings of the interim assessment for HLB CMA SA Inc. as of 30 June 2023 indicate that the firm is maintaining a course consistent with its quality assurance objectives. However, a detailed review and final conclusions will be presented after the comprehensive annual review scheduled for the first half of 2024, with findings to be published in June 2024.