CHICAGO – October 29, 2026 -- Oath CPAs PLLC, the audit arm of venture-backed fintech Oath Verified, has formed a Quality Advisory Board and named Sara Lord, former chair of the AICPA's Auditing Standards Board, as its founding member, just months after the firm launched its audit practice on May 28, 2026.
Oath describes the voluntary move as rare for an early-stage company. The board will provide external perspectives on the firm's audit methods and quality management, and will advise Oath CPAs PLLC, the separate legal entity that delivers Oath's audit services.
Lord brings nearly 30 years of standard-setting and audit leadership
Lord chaired the AICPA's Auditing Standards Board, which sets auditing standards for U.S. private companies. She also served as Chief Auditor of RSM US LLP, where she led audit methodology and oversaw quality management and audit technology. Her résumé includes a seat on RSM's Board of Directors and the PCAOB's Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group.
"Technology is changing how audits are done," Lord said, adding that this makes professional judgment and a strong quality management system more important.
Oath pairs continuous verification with CPA sign-off
Oath's technology connects directly to clients' financial systems to verify records throughout the year. Licensed CPAs evaluate the evidence, apply professional judgment and sign off on each audit.
The company targets venture and private equity funds, employee benefit plans, nonprofits and private companies. Oath CPAs PLLC is licensed to practice public accounting in 49 states, with New York approval pending.
Former PCAOB board member Christina Ho leads assurance
Chief Assurance Officer Christina Ho previously served on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. AI Audit Lead Asma Surani previously worked as a senior manager at EY and in assurance leadership at BDO. CEO Lucas Ward co-founded insurance company Kin.
Oath is backed by Rackhouse Venture Capital, M25, Chicago Ventures and Nameless Ventures. The source does not disclose funding amounts or the size of the board beyond Lord's appointment as its first member.