Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

BEDFORD, MA, March 27, 2026 – Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STOK), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of RNA-based medicines, has announced a significant change concerning its independent registered public accounting firm. The company filed a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the dismissal of KPMG LLP and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as its new independent auditor effective March 23, 2026.

Key Points of the Report

• Dismissal of KPMG LLP: On March 23, 2026, the Audit Committee of Stoke Therapeutics’ Board of Directors dismissed KPMG LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
• KPMG’s Audit Reports: KPMG’s reports on Stoke’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 did not contain any adverse opinions or disclaimers, nor were they qualified or modified regarding uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
• No Disagreements or Reportable Events: There were no disagreements between the company and KPMG regarding accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or audit procedures during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, and through the interim period up to March 23, 2026. Additionally, there were no “reportable events” as defined by SEC rules.
• KPMG Provided a Letter to the SEC: KPMG has agreed with the statements made by Stoke Therapeutics in the Form 8-K related to their dismissal, except that KPMG is not in a position to agree or disagree with the company’s statements about their engagement with Ernst & Young LLP. The letter from KPMG, dated March 27, 2026, is included as Exhibit 16.1 to the filing.
• Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP: On March 23, 2026, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of EY as Stoke’s new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.
• No Prior Engagements with EY: During the company’s two most recent fiscal years and the interim period preceding EY’s appointment, neither the company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with EY regarding any matters related to accounting principles or audit opinions that would require disclosure under SEC rules.

Shareholder and Investor Implications

• Potentially Price-Sensitive Information:
  • The change of an independent auditor is a significant event for any public company. While Stoke’s dismissal of KPMG and appointment of EY was not due to any disagreements or disputes, such changes can attract investor attention as they may signal shifts in internal controls, audit quality, or future financial reporting practices.
  • The clean audit opinions from KPMG for 2024 and 2025, and the absence of disagreements or reportable events, suggest that the transition was not prompted by underlying financial or governance concerns. This should provide some reassurance to shareholders.
  • The appointment of a “Big Four” accounting firm, EY, may be viewed positively by investors, as it demonstrates Stoke’s continued commitment to robust financial oversight and high standards of corporate governance.
  • Any changes in audit processes, future restatements, or additional disclosures resulting from the new auditor’s engagement could impact future financial statements, which investors should monitor closely.
• Other Notable Facts:
  • The filing confirms that Stoke Therapeutics is not an “emerging growth company” under SEC definitions, and has not elected any extended transition periods for new or revised accounting standards.
  • The company’s common stock continues to trade under the ticker “STOK” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Conclusion

Investors should note that while the change in auditors was not precipitated by any negative event, such transitions can sometimes precede changes in financial reporting or internal controls. The involvement of Ernst & Young LLP, a globally recognized auditor, is likely to be seen as a positive step for Stoke Therapeutics, positioning the company well for continued transparency and compliance as it progresses with its clinical and business objectives. Shareholders are encouraged to review future filings for any new disclosures or impacts stemming from this auditor change.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions. The information presented is based on publicly available filings as of March 27, 2026.

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