It took three independent directors at the firm to intervene for the probe to happen, according to reports

Three independent directors at KPMG Australia had to intervene in order for a third probe to be carried out into the allegations that the company was misusing clients' confidential data, according to reports.

The probe, which ultimately led to the firm's chief executive's departure, only went ahead after intervention from former NSW premier Mike Baird, Jane Hemstritch, and Patty Akopiantz, the Australian Financial Review reported.

According to the report, KPMG initially declined to start a new inquiry into the allegations after two previous reviews cleared the company of wrongdoing.

Baird, Hemstritch, and Akopiantz reportedly demanded the third review after receiving information about the allegations that made it clear the previous reviews fell short.

The directors had offered to meet the whistleblower last year but were blocked after the firm declined to grant the former audit executive the legal protections normally extended to whistleblowers, the AFR reported.

Baird, frustrated by the absence of decisive action and unable to continue in a role restructured to require meetings in Singapore, left the board before the Allens inquiry was commissioned late last year. Hemstritch and Akopiantz remain.

Allegations against KPMG

The third probe found the firm had used confidential client information to win work from rival companies, a conclusion that led to the abrupt...

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