A STUDY ON METAVERSE AUDITING: FRAMEWORK FOR ACCOUNTING AND ASSURANCE IN VIRTUAL ECONOMIES

Abstract

The rise of the metaverse has introduced a new era of digital economies where virtual assets such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and virtual real estate hold significant financial value. While these developments open opportunities for businesses and investors, they also raise major challenges for accounting, auditing, and financial assurance. This study explores the concept of metaverse auditing, highlighting its potential frameworks, benefits, and limitations in ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance in virtual economies. By combining a review of existing literature, conceptual analysis, and survey-based insights, the research provides a roadmap for integrating blockchain technology, smart contracts, and AI-driven verification into assurance practices. The findings indicate that while the metaverse can redefine digital commerce, an effective auditing framework is essential to safeguard trust, reduce fraud, and ensure regulatory compliance.