Best SOC 2 Auditors in the UK (5 Firms)
Compare 5 verified SOC 2 auditors in the United Kingdom. AICPA-authorized firms helping UK companies meet US compliance requirements for enterprise sales.
Top UK Auditors at a Glance
Best for startups: • Best value: A-LIGN (£15K-£45K) • Fastest: Prescient Security (3-8 mo). See full Top 10 rankings →
Why UK Companies Need SOC 2
US Market Access
Enterprise US customers require SOC 2 for procurement
Competitive Pricing
£12K-£55K for Type 2 from UK auditors
Dual Compliance
Bundle SOC 2 with ISO 27001 for both markets
UK-Based SOC 2 Auditors
Assent Risk Management
London, UK
Best For: UK SMEs needing SOC 2 preparation
Differentiator: SOC 2 readiness and preparation services
Barnes Dennig UK
London, UK
Best For: UK/US cross-border companies
Differentiator: UK/US cross-border expertise
Bulletproof
London, UK
Best For: UK companies needing affordable fast compliance
Differentiator: Fast turnaround with cybersecurity focus
ITGRC Advisory
London, UK
Best For: UK and EU companies expanding to US market needing SOC 2
Differentiator: UK-based with deep understanding of both US and EU compliance requirements
Mazars UK
London, UK
Best For: UK companies seeking efficient compliance
Differentiator: Efficient compliance with global network support
Benefits of UK-Based SOC 2 Auditors
Same Time Zone
Work with auditors in your time zone for real-time communication, faster responses, and easier scheduling. No more 5pm calls with US auditors.
Understand UK Context
UK auditors understand GDPR, UK data protection laws, and EU compliance requirements. They can help navigate dual US-UK compliance needs.
Competitive Pricing
UK auditors often charge 10-20% less than US counterparts for equivalent service, while maintaining AICPA standards and quality.
Bundle with ISO 27001
Most UK auditors offer both SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Bundle them for 20-30% savings and cover both US and EU market requirements.
UK-Based vs US-Based Auditors
| Factor | UK-Based Auditors | US-Based Auditors |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Cost | £12K-£55K ($14K-$65K) | $15K-$450K |
| Time Zone | GMT (UK business hours) | EST/PST (late UK hours) |
| GDPR Understanding | Native expertise | Basic knowledge |
| ISO 27001 Bundle | Common, discounted | Less common, full price |
| Timeline | 3-9 months | 3-20 months |
| Travel Costs | None (local) | May apply for on-site |
Bottom line: UK companies should prioritize UK-based auditors unless they need Big Four brand recognition for IPO/M&A purposes.
SOC 2 Process for UK Companies
1. Determine if You Need SOC 2
UK companies typically need SOC 2 when:
- Selling SaaS or cloud services to US enterprise customers
- Expanding to the US market and facing procurement requirements
- Responding to RFPs that require SOC 2 certification
- Competing with US-based companies that have SOC 2
2. Choose Type 1 or Type 2
Type 2 is recommended for most UK companies targeting US enterprise sales. Type 1 may suffice for early-stage or exploratory market entry.
3. Select a UK or US Auditor
UK-based auditors are ideal for most situations. Consider US auditors only if:
- You're IPO-bound and need Big Four coordination
- You have significant US operations and prefer local auditors
- Specific customer requirements mandate US-based auditor
4. Complete the Audit (3-9 months)
UK companies can complete SOC 2 in 3-9 months with proper preparation and a responsive auditor.
5. Leverage for US Sales
Once certified, use your SOC 2 report to:
- Respond to security questionnaires
- Accelerate enterprise procurement cycles
- Differentiate from non-certified competitors
- Build trust with US customers
Frequently Asked Questions (UK)
Do I need a UK-based SOC 2 auditor?
Generally, yes. While you can use US auditors, UK-based auditors operate in your time zone (GMT/BST), understand UK data protection laws (GDPR), and can often bundle SOC 2 with ISO 27001 for dual compliance.
How much does a SOC 2 audit cost in the UK?
In 2026, typical costs for UK-based firms are: Specialist firms (£12K-£30K), Mid-tier firms (£25K-£50K), and Big Four firms (£50K-£120K+). Prices vary based on company size and scope.
Can I use a US auditor for my UK company?
Yes, but be prepared for time zone differences and potentially higher fees. Most UK companies prefer UK-based auditors who are affiliated with the AICPA but offer local support.
What is the timeline for a UK SOC 2 audit?
Type 1 audits typically take 2-6 weeks. Type 2 audits require an observation period of 3-12 months, plus 4-6 weeks for reporting. UK auditors can often fast-track the preparation phase.
Get Matched with UK SOC 2 Auditors
Tell us your requirements. We'll match you with 3 UK-based or US-based auditors based on your timeline, budget, and US market goals.
⚠️ Important Notice for UK Companies
SOC 2 Attestation vs Consulting: SOC 2 reports must be issued by licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) under AICPA standards (SSAE 18). In the UK, only firms authorized by the AICPA or holding ICAEW practicing certificates can issue official SOC 2 attestation reports.
Verify Auditor Credentials: Many UK firms offer "SOC 2 consulting" or "SOC 2 preparation services" but cannot issue the actual attestation report. Before engaging a UK firm, verify they are:
- AICPA-authorized or ICAEW-licensed for audit services
- Qualified to issue SOC 2 attestation reports (not just consulting)
- Following SSAE 18 standards for SOC 2 examinations
Disclaimer: The pricing estimates and timelines shown are approximations based on publicly available information and user-submitted data. Actual costs and timelines vary based on company size, complexity, and scope. We make reasonable efforts to verify auditor credentials, but companies should independently verify AICPA/ICAEW authorization before engagement.
This directory includes both licensed audit firms (who can issue SOC 2 reports) and consulting firms (who assist with preparation). Always confirm a firm's attestation authority before signing contracts.
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