Asset securitizations increase audit complexity and audit risks, which may have an impact on audit fees. Using U.S. data from 2003 to 2008, we find that asset securitization risks (retained interests) are associated with audit fees after, but not before, the global financial crisis (GFC). This suggests auditors neglected securitization risks before the GFC. The results are consistent with auditors treating securitizations as asset sales rather than secured borrowing
