Chartered Accountants Global Update

What Six Difference Makers Can Teach Every Chartered AccountantOn Friday the 25th of September, Chartered Accountants Worldwide is hosting Difference Makers Discuss: Best of Season 4, a free one hour broadcast hosted by Sinead Donovan that brings together six standout conversations from across the year. The stories range from entrepreneurship to sport to social enterprise, but they all point to the same conclusion. The skills that create lasting impact are the ones that are hardest to measure and easiest to overlook.Connection compoundsKingsley Aikins built the largest Irish business network in any city in the world, starting from a twelve person dinner club in Sydney. One letter to a stranger became a professional relationship that lasted twenty one years. Aster Thackery built a community of around two thousand parents from a single coffee meetup she started in London, alone, during lockdown. Neither story started big. Both prove that influence is built one conversation at a time.Resilience shows up under real pressureCaitriona Jennings qualified for the 2012 Olympic marathon while working full time at PwC, balancing two demanding commitments at once. Manuel Rodrigues, CFO for African Operations at EDP Mozambique, described how a simple change in payment timing, from annual to every thirty five days, transformed household economies for over seventy five thousand farming families. Different scale, same principle. Structure and commitment turn pressure into progress.Judgment still belongs to peopleNick Riemer of The Invigilator and Liswaniso Namatama both spoke to the same point from different angles. AI can support academic and professional assessment, and it can support audit, but humans must retain the final call. As routine work becomes more automated, professional judgment becomes more valuable, not less.Why this matters for youNone of these six stories are about technical skill in the traditional sense. They are about the qualities that sit alongside it: patience, resilience, honest judgment. For chartered accountants navigating AI, client relationships, and career pressure all at once, that is a timely reminder.Registration for Difference Makers Discuss: Best of Season 4 is free. Full details and speaker profiles are available on the Chartered Accountants Worldwide events page.

Four Events Worth Your Calendar Space This AutumnIf you're a chartered accountant trying to keep pace with where the profession is heading, the next few weeks bring a genuinely useful cluster of events, on sustainability, ethics, and the broader question of what transformation means for finance leadership.First up, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand continues its CA Sustainability Community webinar series on 22 September. Running since 2023, it's built for finance professionals who need practical, ongoing grounding in ESG topics rather than a one-off briefing.Three days later, on 25 September, CCAB hosts a free virtual session called Ethics in the Digital Age. It walks through CCAB's draft statement on the ethical use of AI, using real scenarios that touch on confidentiality, professional scepticism, and accountability when a tool gets something wrong. Speakers are drawn from all five CCAB bodies, and CPD hours are on offer, though registration is capped at 1,000 places.On 7 October, ICAS brings its Sustainability Summit to Edinburgh, in a hybrid format for anyone who can't attend in person. Rather than treating sustainability as a compliance box to tick, the summit frames it as a genuine driver of commercial value, with keynotes and panels from voices across the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, GSK, and Swire Pacific, among others.And closing out the run, ICAEW's Annual Conference lands in London on 16 October, themed Thriving in Transformation. It's a full day covering AI's effect on finance leadership, cyber security, and Making Tax Digital, with Professor Hannah Fry delivering the keynote and afternoon streams tailored to practice, industry, or policy.Taken together, these four events point to a pattern worth noticing: sustainability and AI keep showing up side by side, not because they're the same issue, but because both are forcing the same underlying question, what good judgment looks like while the rules are still being written.Full details and registration links for all four are linked below, and you can catch the full conversation on this week's episode of Chartered Accountants Global Update.

Change rarely announces itself politely. It shows up as a career crossroads, a new technology, or a shift in what clients and the public expect of us. Two recent pieces from Chartered Accountants Worldwide look at change from very different angles, but land on the same conclusion: the profession's real strength has never been in the tools we use. It is in the judgment we bring to them.A career built on systems thinkingKate van der Merwe's path into the profession does not follow a predictable line. She studied social science in South Africa, qualified as a chartered accountant in Ireland, and spent years working in pharmaceuticals and technology, including a stint at Google. By most measures, that is a complete and successful career. Kate did not see it that way. She returned to study, this time a master's in renewable energy and environmental finance, and used it to move into sustainability work, first at the NGO Trócaire, and now across a range of advisory and board roles focused on climate and social enterprise.What stands out is not the list of roles. It is her thinking. Kate argues that environmental and social goals are not separate line items to manage independently, they are deeply interdependent, and treating them as isolated boxes to tick is exactly how organisations lose sight of the bigger picture. As she puts it, "The existing system is dying. It is going to change and what we do now will determine the new system that emerges."That is a big claim, and it puts financial professionals right at the centre of it. Someone has to model the numbers, test the assumptions, and hold organisations accountable for the sustainability commitments they make publicly. Kate's story is a reminder that a chartered accountancy qualification is not a narrow path. It is a foundation flexible enough to carry someone into work that genuinely shapes how organisations respond to the biggest challenges of our time.Trust in the age of AIThe second piece takes on a very different kind of change: artificial intelligence, and what it means for trust in the profession. The core argument is refreshingly clear. AI can meaningfully strengthen how accountants work, but it cannot replace professional judgment, scepticism, or ethical accountability. That responsibility stays with the accountant. It does not transfer to a vendor or an algorithm, however capable that algorithm appears.The risks are real and worth naming: automation bias, where AI-generated findings get accepted too readily; gaps in understanding how client data is stored and used; a gradual erosion of the scepticism that has always defined good accounting; and the "black box" problem, where a system cannot explain how it reached a conclusion, making that conclusion hard to defend to a client or regulator.None of this is a case against adopting AI. It is a case for adopting it properly, built on three foundations: human accountability that never gets delegated away, governance frameworks that are documented rather than assumed, and cybersecurity practices strong enough to protect the confidentiality clients rely on.The common threadWhether the change in question is a career redirected toward climate impact or a new tool reshaping daily practice, the constant is the same. Chartered accountants are trusted because they exercise judgment, uphold ethical standards, and take ownership of the work with their name on it. Technology and causes will keep evolving. That part of the job will not.

AI Agents, Insider Trading, and the Fight Against GreenwashingThe profession is facing three fast moving fronts at once, and each one comes back to the same core skill: judgment.Chartered Accountants Worldwide, working with member institutes and Ipsos, has opened wave two of its global study on AI and the future of the profession. Wave one set the baseline, and this round digs into how attitudes are shifting on traditional AI, generative AI, and agentic AI, the systems that carry out tasks on their own rather than simply assisting with them. The point of the exercise is straightforward, the findings will shape strategy and leadership decisions across the whole global profession, so it's worth the fifteen minutes to have your perspective counted. Responses are anonymised and aggregated, and the survey link is in the show notes.From there, a story that puts two unlikely topics side by side. EY's Richard Harrison has been discussing how audit firms are deploying AI agents to take on more routine work, which raises a genuinely open question: how much can automation reliably own, and where does professional judgment stay non negotiable. In the same conversation, Polly Tsang flags a separate risk worth watching, prediction markets, where people trade on the outcome of real world events. It sounds abstract until you hear that a Google employee reportedly made over a million dollars trading on inside information through one of these platforms. Existing insider trading rules were never built with this in mind, so finance professionals working on anything market sensitive could be exposed without realising it. Different problems, same root cause, technology is outrunning the frameworks meant to govern it.Finally, greenwashing, and why Chartered Accountants are increasingly the ones asked to separate genuine sustainability claims from spin. As sustainability reporting has gone mainstream, so has the temptation to oversell it, vague language, unsupported net zero pledges, and selective disclosure that shows the good numbers and buries the rest. The consequences are real. Volkswagen's emissions scandal wiped out a fifth of its share price and roughly thirteen billion euros in market value, and regulators are catching up fast, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority can now fine misleading environmental claims up to ten percent of global turnover. The same scepticism and evidence standards Chartered Accountants apply to financial statements are exactly what's needed here, which is why the profession's role in this space keeps growing.Three different stories, one consistent message: as the tools and the claims get more sophisticated, it's professional judgment, not the technology itself, that keeps the profession trustworthy.

Trust in Transition: Stablecoins and Climate Risk ReportingTwo very different stories made headlines in the accounting world recently, and together they say something important about where the profession is heading.The first is about stablecoins. They have moved from a niche corner of crypto into serious policy conversations, yet some fundamental questions remain unanswered. Should a stablecoin sit on the balance sheet as cash, an intangible asset, or something else entirely? The answer matters more than it might seem: classify it wrong and a bank could lose the ability to use it for liquidity at all. Layer on unresolved tax treatment (should every coffee paid for in stablecoin really trigger a taxable event?) and a patchy assurance landscape, and it becomes clear that mainstream adoption depends less on the technology and more on the profession's ability to build the trust infrastructure around it.The second story is about climate risk reporting, and it is maturing fast. The days of longer and longer disclosures are giving way to a sharper focus on materiality: what genuinely matters to stakeholders, and why. Investors are asking for less noise and more signal. Responsibility is shifting into finance functions, audit committees are paying closer attention, and the hardest challenge of all remains translating long range climate scenarios into numbers that fit a three year planning cycle.On the surface, stablecoins and climate disclosures could not look more different. But both are really about the same thing: building confidence in areas where the rules have not fully caught up with reality yet. That is not a new job for chartered accountants. It is the job. It is just showing up in some genuinely new places.We unpack both stories, and what they mean for practitioners, in episode 5 of Chartered Accountants Global Update. Have a listen and let us know what you think.

Trust has always been the currency of the accounting profession, and this month's stories show just how much that idea is being tested and reinforced at the same time.First up is a new paper from Chartered Accountants Worldwide on artificial intelligence and trust in the profession. Its central message is refreshingly clear: no matter how advanced the tool, responsibility for professional work always rests with the Chartered Accountant. The paper sets out five core principles, human accountability, professional scepticism, awareness of AI specific trust risks, strong governance, and cybersecurity and transparency, then walks through eleven concrete risk areas, from automation bias to accountability gaps. It closes with a practical framework of questions firms can use before adopting an AI tool, not after. The bottom line: AI can sharpen our work, but it can't carry our ethical obligations for us.On the sustainability side, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand has released a new Sustainability Playbook, and it's a genuinely useful resource. It walks practitioners through the fundamentals of stakeholder mapping and materiality assessments, then into strategy, target setting, and data processes, before addressing how to embed sustainability into an organisation's culture. It also covers inclusive workplace practices and mental health, a good reminder that sustainability is as much about people as it is about emissions data. As CA ANZ puts it, Chartered Accountants play a vital role in producing decision useful sustainability disclosures that investors and stakeholders rely on, so a clear playbook like this gives practitioners a real head start.Finally, for anyone working at the sharp end of ESG reporting, the ESG and Sustainability Controllers Conference 2026 is worth diarising. Running from September 15th to 17th and organised by A4S in partnership with the Center for Impact at UCLA Anderson, it's built specifically for finance leaders and controllers dealing with real world reporting challenges rather than theory. Expect sessions on ESG governance structures, materiality assessments, data controls, executive communication, and financial modelling that connects sustainability directly to business impact. Registration is open now through the A4S website.Taken together, these three stories point to the same conclusion: the profession is being asked to move faster on both AI and sustainability, and the accountants who earn the most trust will be the ones who pair that speed with judgment, governance, and genuinely useful practical tools.

Episode 3 of Chartered Accountants Global Update is out, and it's a packed one. Host Olivia brings listeners a mix of AI, sustainability, and events worth marking in the diary.First up is a call to action. Chartered Accountants Worldwide, alongside its network of member institutes and research firm Ipsos, has launched Wave 2 of its global study on AI and the future of the profession. It builds on Wave 1 and digs into how traditional AI, generative AI, and now agentic AI are reshaping the roles, skills, and expectations of chartered accountants everywhere. The survey takes about fifteen minutes, responses stay confidential, and the results will shape how institutes support members through this next wave of change, from training and standards to the tools firms invest in. If you haven't taken part yet, the link is available through your institute or on the Chartered Accountants Worldwide website.From AI, the episode turns to sustainability. The CA Sustainability Community, run by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, continues its practical, webinar based series, with the next session on 22 September. The focus stays grounded in how to demonstrate sustainability risks and opportunities to boards, clients, and investors, making it a low effort way to stay current.Looking further ahead, two flagship events land this October. The ICAS Sustainability Summit 2026 takes place on Wednesday 7 October at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh, with a hybrid option to join online. Expect a keynote from Fiona Watson of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, plus a panel featuring voices from Transition Finance Scotland, GSK, Swire Pacific, and more, all exploring how sustainability translates into commercial value.Just over a week later, on Friday 16 October, the ICAEW Annual Conference 2026 takes over the InterContinental London at The O2. Mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry headlines, exploring how AI and emerging technology are reshaping business and society. The day also includes specialist afternoon tracks across practice, industry, and policy, plus up to eight hours of CPD. Tickets are 295 pounds, with full details available through ICAEW.Three things to act on this episode: add your voice to the AI global study, get sustainability savvy with the CA Sustainability Community, and pencil in Edinburgh and London for October. Links to everything covered are available at charteredaccountantsworldwide.com.

Season two continues with an episode that swings from a friendly run through the City of London to a genuine warning about AI governance, then zooms out to the pressures facing the profession worldwide.It opens on the Standard Chartered Great City Race, where twenty ICAEW colleagues joined more than five thousand runners for the annual five kilometre event through London. The real story wasn't the running, though. Afterwards, Sarah Prescott, who chairs the CAW taskforce for wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, organised a joint social with runners from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, turning a race into a chance to build relationships across the network. CAW even sponsored a trophy for the fastest team. CA ANZ took it home this year, helped by an individual time of sixteen minutes thirty.From there, the tone sharpens. ICAEW has published six safeguards every organisation should build into an AI agent deployment, and the underlying message is blunt: most AI failures trace back to the organisation, not the model. The list covers limiting an agent's access to only what it needs, sandboxing before going live, naming a human owner for every agent, keeping backups the agent can't reach, building in a kill switch, and having a clear escalation plan. That last point carries real weight. EU breaches can mean fines of up to thirty five million euros, or seven per cent of global turnover, and recent research found that none of the leading AI models currently meet an acceptable bar for compliance with EU AI and privacy law. This isn't a job to hand off to IT. It's a leadership responsibility.The episode closes with a global scan from ICAEW's mid-year review, and the picture is a profession under pressure from every direction at once. Tariff uncertainty is now a finance problem in North America. Talent shortages are constraining Chinese firms expanding overseas. Europe's sustainability reporting timeline has slipped again, even as a harmonised EU framework moves toward a possible 2027 launch. Australia is pushing ahead with mandatory climate disclosures, and Southeast Asia is focused on building its next generation of finance professionals.Three stories, three different scales. But the thread holds: relationships, governance and global awareness are all doing more work than usual right now.

Season 2 kicks off with three stories that, on the surface, look unrelated: an event about industrial revolutions, a piece on carers, and one on school leavers. But they all circle the same idea, so here's the post.Chartered Accountants Global Update returns for season two, and the opening episode makes the case that the profession is quietly redefining what "value" even means.The first thread comes from an upcoming CAW Network USA session, Beyond Accounting: The Coming of the 5th Industrial Revolution. The pitch is that the Fourth Industrial Revolution was about efficiency, digitising data, automating the grunt work, cutting cost. The Fifth builds on that but changes the scorecard. Environmental impact, human wellbeing and income inequality move from footnote to headline, and stakeholder capitalism starts to matter as much as shareholder return. There's a sharper edge to it too: the same firms driving the AI and data centre boom are now bumping into real energy constraints, which makes energy security a live issue for finance teams, not just engineers.The second thread is closer to home. Unpaid carers are one of the fastest growing groups in the UK's working age population, and research from the Institute for Employment Studies shows they're less likely to be in paid work, and less likely to work full-time, than everyone else. That's not a lack of willingness to work, it's workplaces not flexing around what caring actually requires. Becoming a carer-friendly employer isn't one big policy change. It's usable flexibility, managers who can have the conversation well, and a culture where people don't feel they need to hide it.The third thread is about who gets in the door in the first place. Figures from Progress Together show around 90% of senior finance and accountancy roles go to people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds earn on average £17,500 less, the largest pay gap of any UK sector. BDO's response has been a school leavers scheme, an entry route that skips the traditional university path, because as its Head of Audit for Scotland puts it, this isn't goodwill, it's talent strategy. Ninety percent of senior roles coming from one slice of society means firms are all fighting over the same narrow pool.Three different stories, one underlying question: how widely does the profession define value, in its strategy, in its people, and in who it lets in.

Fifty episodes in, we pause to look back at the very best of season one: the people, the numbers, and the stories that defined a year in the life of the world's Chartered Accountancy community.We revisit Catriona Jennings, the Chartered Accountant turned Olympian and record-holding ultra-runner; Manuel Rodriguez, building an agricultural microeconomy in Mozambique that supports tens of thousands of farmers; Liswaniso Namatama in Lusaka, who gave us the defining quote of the season, "Audit is a human business"; Lem Chin Kok in Singapore, whose career runs from commercial crime policing to an AI-first technology firm; and Khethiwe Sibanyoniin South Africa, applying audit discipline to the fight against gender-based violence.We also count the season by the numbers: two new member institutes welcomed, a community of more than two million members and students across 190+ countries, a tenth birthday for Chartered Accountants Worldwide, and confirmation from Edelman that Chartered Accountants are the third most trusted profession on Earth.Then there are the headlines that shaped the year: AI adoption running at more than 70% across the profession, sustainability reporting and the UK's 2027 carbon border adjustment rollout, the tax traps hiding inside summer remote working, and research showing Chartered Accountants to be curious, creative, and altruistic.And finally, note one to the accounts. Because trust depends on transparency, we disclose exactly how this podcast has been made, and introduce Olivia, your new host for season two.Every story real. Every statistic checked. Every episode signed off by humans.Season two starts next week. Everything mentioned is linked in the show notes at charteredaccountantsworldwide.com.

Trust, Technology and the Questions Every Business Should Be Asking Right NowThree stories crossed our desk this month, and although they look unrelated at first glance, they all circle back to the same question: as technology and global ways of working accelerate, what actually earns trust?Governance will define the winners of the AI eraIn a recent piece for Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Fauzia Safdar Khan, Senior Director for Sustainability and Climate at Crowe Pakistan, makes a case worth sitting with. Most conversations about AI focus on speed and competitive advantage. Her argument is that neither determines whether AI creates lasting value. Governance does.This is especially true in sustainability, where stakeholders have moved past accepting pledges and now expect evidence, backed by reliable data and clear oversight. AI can help process that evidence, but the technology itself is far from weightless. It runs on physical infrastructure: data centres, semiconductors, water and electricity, all of which carry their own environmental cost. Fauzia calls this one of the defining paradoxes of the next decade, and her answer isn't to slow adoption down. It's to govern it properly, using frameworks such as ISO 42001 the same way financial controls have long supported reporting.Her conclusion lands squarely in familiar territory for Chartered Accountants: the organisations that succeed won't be the ones with the most advanced technology. They'll be the ones people trust most.Have your say in our global AI studyChartered Accountants Worldwide, working with our member institutes and Ipsos, has launched the second wave of a global study into how AI is reshaping the profession. Wave one gave us an initial picture. Wave two tracks how perspectives are shifting across traditional AI, generative AI and agentic AI.It takes about fifteen minutes to complete, every response is confidential, and results are only ever published in anonymised, aggregated form. The findings will directly shape strategy and leadership decisions across the global profession, so the accuracy of that picture depends on members taking part.Click here to launch the surveyThe hidden risks of remote working across bordersA special edition of Difference Makers Discuss, recorded for our UAE community, tackled a scenario that plays out in offices everywhere: an employee asks to work from another country for a few weeks, and someone says yes without thinking it through. Host Carla Wilson was joined by international tax specialist Hugo van Zyl and HR leader Sarah Brooks to unpack what that yes can actually cost.The biggest misconception is that a visa decides tax status. It doesn't. Countries count days differently, and a UAE employment contract earning no personal income tax at home doesn't mean the income stays tax free abroad, particularly if part of the salary is recharged to a branch in the country the employee is working from.Then there's permanent establishment risk, where a business itself becomes taxable in another country. The usual trigger isn't a laptop in a hotel room. It's a senior person who habitually signs contracts on behalf of the employer while abroad, and the consequences can extend well past a single tax bill.The advice from both speakers was consistent: treat remote working as a governed exception, not a casual perk. Put a written policy in place, document approvals properly, and don't run the decision on WhatsApp.Governance is the thread running through all three stories this month. Whether it's AI, sustainability data or a request to work abroad for a few weeks, the organisations that come out ahead are the ones that can explain their decisions, not just make them quickly.Hear the full conversation on all three topics in Episode 49 of Chartered Accountants Global Update, available now.

AI and the future of the profession: Have your say in Wave 2Chartered Accountants Worldwide, together with our member institutes and Ipsos, has launched the second wave of our global research study into how AI is reshaping the Chartered Accountancy profession. We need your input to make it count.What the study coversBuilding on Wave 1, this survey tracks how member perspectives are shifting across three areas of AI adoption: traditional AI, generative AI and agentic AI. The findings will shape strategy and leadership decisions across the global profession.Why it mattersYour experience on the ground is what makes this research useful. It helps Chartered Accountants Worldwide and our member institutes build a coordinated, evidence based response to AI, rather than a guess.Take partThe survey takes about 15 minutes. All responses are confidential and reported only in anonymised, aggregated form.

Is your business ready for the summer remote working rush?International remote working is on the rise — and so are the risks. Here is what finance and HR professionals need to know before they approve the next cross-border request.Every summer, the same requests land on desks across the globe. An employee wants to work remotely from another country for a few weeks. It feels low-risk. The contract stays the same, the salary does not change, and in the UAE, there is no personal income tax to worry about anyway. So organisations say yes — often without asking the questions that matter most.That instinct to be flexible is understandable. But the compliance picture is significantly more complex than most employers realise, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be costly and difficult to unwind.Episode 47 of the Chartered Accountants Global Update explores this in depth. Here are the key points.The UAE tax-free assumption does not travelOne of the most persistent misconceptions in international remote working is that an employee's UAE tax-free status protects them wherever they choose to work. It does not. The moment an employee begins exercising their employment in another jurisdiction, that country's rules begin to apply.Most countries will not tax a short-term visitor. But once an employee crosses the threshold set out in the relevant double tax treaty — typically 183 days within a rolling 12-month period — the host country acquires the right to tax their income. The calculation is not always straightforward: some treaties count from the date of arrival, others from the date of departure, and some are tied to a specific national tax year. An employee who has worked across borders over several consecutive summers may already be closer to the threshold than anyone realises.There is also the recoups rule: if the employee works from a related entity of the business in the host country, and that entity picks up any portion of the salary cost, the 183-day protection falls away entirely. Tax liability can begin from day one.Permanent establishment: the business-level riskBeyond the individual's tax position, there is a significant risk at the organisational level: permanent establishment (PE). This is the point at which a business is deemed to have a taxable presence in another country — and it can be triggered without anyone intending it.The fixed-premises test is rarely the issue for remote workers. The more common trigger is the dependent agent test: if an employee habitually enters into, or negotiates the terms of, contracts on behalf of their employer while located in another jurisdiction, that is enough to constitute a PE.The employees most likely to be doing this are senior ones — the very people organisations are keenest to accommodate. Once a PE is triggered, the business must register in that jurisdiction, file for income tax, account for payroll obligations including social security, and potentially register for VAT. In markets with strict exchange control regimes, such as South Africa and India, there are further regulatory layers on top.Tax specialists working in this area are clear: this is a board-level decision, not an HR process. The risks accumulate over time, and by the time they surface they are considerably harder to resolve.What good governance looks likeOrganisations that want to manage this risk properly should start with three things.First, know where your people are. Finance, HR, and payroll teams need a clear, current picture of who is working outside their home jurisdiction, in which country, and for how long. Visa records help, but they are not the complete picture.Second, take professional advice before approving arrangements. The applicable tax treaty, the PE risk, and the individual's residency position all need to be assessed at a senior level — not retrospectively, once the employee is already mid-stay.Third, review your broader risk management. Professional indemnity cover, medical aid obligations, and insurance policies may all have territorial exclusions. Some jurisdictions are excluded entirely from standard professional cover. It is worth verifying before the employee boards the plane.If your organisation already has people working abroad without a proper framework, the priority is to understand the current exposure and take advice on how to address it. In some cases, that may mean restructuring arrangements or temporarily recalling employees. It is manageable — but it requires action.

The latest episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update brings together three topics that are generating serious conversation across the global finance profession: the compliance risks hidden inside cross-border remote working, the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud, and the talent opportunity that social mobility represents. Here is a quick overview of what we covered.Remote working across borders: more complex than it looksFlexible and hybrid working arrangements have become the norm for many organisations. But when employees work across jurisdictions, that flexibility can quietly create significant legal and regulatory exposure. Cross-border remote working can trigger unintended permanent establishment risk, payroll complications, employee residency issues, and broader governance challenges.The problem is often not deliberate. Businesses approve remote arrangements without fully mapping the implications, and by the time the complexity becomes visible, it can be costly to unwind. The solution lies in proactive governance: clear policies, structured approval processes, and close collaboration between HR, finance and tax teams. Flexibility and compliance are not mutually exclusive, but getting both right requires deliberate planning.AI-enabled fraud: same playbook, much bigger scaleArtificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate. It is also transforming how criminals operate. Deepfake technology now allows fraudsters to clone voices and generate convincing video content from minimal source material, and the tools to do so are increasingly accessible and low-cost.What makes this threat particularly important to understand is that the underlying fraud is not new. Impersonation, false urgency, manipulation of trust: these are the same mechanisms that have always underpinned financial crime. AI has simply made them faster, more scalable and harder to detect. For finance professionals, the response is clear: strengthen verification processes, invest in internal controls, and maintain the kind of professional scepticism that treats even seemingly authentic requests as worth double-checking.Social mobility: a strategic response to the talent gapSkills shortages continue to constrain growth across the profession. Yet the talent pool being drawn from remains narrow. Around 90% of senior roles in accountancy are held by individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, a figure that points not to a shortage of talent, but to a shortage of access.Forward-thinking firms are already responding: building school-leaver programmes, creating accessible entry routes alongside traditional graduate pathways, and embedding social mobility into their culture rather than treating it as a box-ticking exercise. The broader argument is compelling. Addressing the diversity of the talent pipeline is not just an inclusion priority; it is a practical and strategic response to one of the sector's most persistent challenges.

We are excited to unveil the newly redesigned Chartered Accountants Worldwide website – a modern digital platform created to better connect, inform and inspire our global community of Chartered Accountants.Designed around the needs of today's profession, the new site offers easier navigation, richer content and improved access to thought leadership, insights and resources from across our worldwide network. Whether you are interested in AI and technology, sustainability, ethics and trust, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing or leadership, the new platform makes it easier than ever to explore the issues shaping the future of our profession. Chartered Accountants Worldwide now represents more than 2 million members and students across 190+ countries through 16 leading Chartered Accountancy institutes, creating a truly global hub for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.Introducing: “We Are” Chartered Accountants Worldwide animated videoAt the heart of the new website is our refreshed "We Are Chartered Accountants Worldwide" animated video. This is more than a new look. It reflects who we are as a global community of Difference Makers; showcasing the profession’s world-class qualification, the fact that we are trusted professionals who create value, build confidence, uphold ethical standards, drive positive change, and bring a strategic perspective to organisations, communities and economies around the world.Featured insight: An empowered profession – AI and the future of accountancyOne of the first featured articles on the new site explores one of the most important topics facing our profession today: artificial intelligence.An Empowered Profession: AI and the Future of Accountancy argues that AI should not be viewed as a threat to Chartered Accountants, but as an opportunity. As routine and rules-based activities become increasingly automated, the value of professional judgement, ethics, governance, critical thinking and trust will become even more important. The article highlights how Chartered Accountants are uniquely positioned to act as trusted advisers between technology and the people who rely on it.The article also emphasises the growing importance of skills such as systems thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and continuous learning. As AI transforms business and society, Chartered Accountants have an opportunity to lead that transformation while maintaining the trust and integrity on which economies depend.

Six Chartered Accountants. Six remarkable stories.Season 4 of Chartered Accountants Worldwide's flagship webinar series brought together six remarkable people from across the globe. An Olympian and world record holder. A social enterprise pioneer in rural Mozambique. A tech founder who built for students without fast internet or expensive laptops. A networking expert who once found networking sleazy. And a community builder who turned a pandemic coffee meetup into something much bigger.Different careers, different continents, different fields. But one idea runs through all of them: the profession is fundamentally a human business.Liswaniso Namatama, a Chartered Accountant from Zambia, makes that case plainly. Auditing, he says, is not about ticking boxes. It's about understanding people, organisations, and the world around you. Manuel Rodrigues took that same foundation into rural Mozambique, building a network of tens of thousands of smallholder farmers into a genuine micro-economy. The key to keeping it alive when donor funding dried up? Commercial discipline. Nick Riemer used his CA qualification to win investor confidence not with a tech background, but with sound financial principles and early profitability.Caitríona Jennings, who trained at PwC and ran for Ireland at the 2012 Olympics, talks about the mindset that links elite sport and a career in finance: risk awareness, resilience, and the ability to pick yourself up. Kingsley Aikins reframes networking as a process built on giving rather than getting. And Aster Thackeray's advice to younger members is simply this: keep your other interests alive. Every skill compounds.All six episodes of Difference Makers Discuss Season 4 are now available to watch and listen on demand at charteredaccountantsworldwide.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connecting people, and why AI is an opportunity not a threatIn the Season 4 finale of Difference Makers Discuss, Aster Thackery joins host Sinead Donovan to explore what it means when connecting people is your greatest professional skill. Her story spans trade promotion, the Italian Trade Agency, and building a 2,000-strong community in southeast London from scratch.We also dig into a new position paper from Chartered Accountants Ireland on AI and the profession. The argument is clear: as AI takes on routine tasks, the demand for trusted, qualified professionals only grows — and the skills that matter most, critical thinking, judgement, and the ability to keep learning, are the ones AI cannot replicate.

Why Good Work Isn’t Enough AnymoreThere’s a familiar piece of career advice many professionals still hear: keep your head down, work hard, and your efforts will speak for themselves.According to networking expert Kingsley Aikins, that advice is badly outdated.In a recent discussion featured by Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Aikins argues that “good work does not speak — people do.” In today’s professional world, visibility matters just as much as competence. If colleagues, clients, and decision-makers do not understand the value you bring, opportunities can easily pass you by.That does not mean becoming loud or self-promotional. In fact, one of the most interesting insights from Aikins is that introverts often make excellent networkers. Why? Because strong networking is less about talking and more about listening, asking thoughtful questions, and building genuine relationships.The message is especially relevant in professions like accounting, where technical expertise is often prioritised above all else. Hard skills may get you through the door, but communication, relationships, and emotional intelligence are what help careers progress over time.The wider update also highlighted another important shift happening within the profession: greater openness around workplace wellbeing. Research from ICAS explored women’s experiences around menstruation, menopause, and miscarriage — topics historically overlooked in many workplaces despite affecting countless professionals throughout their careers. Bringing these conversations into the open is an important step toward building more supportive and inclusive environments.Finally, with exam season underway for many students, the concept of “flow state” was explored as a practical way to improve revision. Rather than forcing endless hours of study, flow comes from focused, distraction-free work at the right level of challenge. When achieved, studying becomes more productive — and significantly less draining.Taken together, the themes are connected by one idea: professional success is no longer just about technical performance. Relationships, wellbeing, communication, and sustainable ways of working are becoming equally important parts of a successful career.

Three Big Themes Shaping the Future of Business and FinanceThe latest episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update explores three stories that highlight how the role of finance professionals is evolving in a rapidly changing world.The Power of Human ConnectionOne of the standout conversations in Episode 41 features entity["people","Aster Thackeray"], Chair of the CA ANZ UK Regional Council and a professional whose career demonstrates that success in business is about far more than technical expertise.From helping international companies invest in Italy through the Italian Trade Agency to building a thriving community initiative in Greenwich during the pandemic, Aster’s story shows how relationship-building, cultural awareness, and community engagement can become powerful professional assets.Her message is clear: technical qualifications open doors, but the ability to connect people creates lasting impact.Is GDP Still Measuring Real Progress?The episode also examines growing criticism of GDP as the world’s dominant measure of economic success.While GDP captures economic activity, it often ignores environmental damage, inequality, and social wellbeing. Alternative frameworks such as the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), the Human Development Index (HDI), and Doughnut Economics are gaining attention as organisations and governments search for more sustainable ways to measure progress.For finance professionals, this debate is increasingly important as sustainability reporting and ESG metrics become central to decision-making.Electric Vehicles and the Road to Net ZeroThe final story focuses on how businesses are using electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions and support net zero strategies.Although challenges remain — including charging infrastructure, upfront investment costs, and operational logistics — many organisations see fleet electrification as a practical and measurable step toward reducing Scope 1 emissions.For finance and sustainability teams, success depends on balancing environmental goals with operational realities and long-term financial planning.Looking AheadEpisode 41 highlights a common theme across all three stories: the future of business will require professionals who can combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, sustainability awareness, and strong human relationships.As the role of chartered accountants continues to evolve, these conversations offer valuable insight into the skills and ideas shaping the profession’s future.

Rethinking the Chartered Accountancy Career PathWhat does a Chartered Accountancy career really look like today? If you still picture a linear path through audit firms and finance departments, the latest episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update offers a refreshing challenge to that assumption.Episode 40 highlights the story of Aster Thackery, a Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand member whose career has crossed industries, countries, and cultures. From promoting international investment with the Italian Trade Agency to building a thriving community network in southeast London, Aster’s journey shows how adaptable and globally relevant the profession has become. One of the most compelling themes from the episode is the importance of cultural awareness in modern professional life. Aster reflects on the differences between New Zealand and Italian business culture, emphasising how understanding communication styles and workplace expectations can strengthen international relationships. Her recommendation of The Culture Map by Erin Meyer reinforces a growing reality for professionals today: technical expertise alone is no longer enough. The episode also explores leadership beyond the workplace. After moving to Greenwich and knowing very few people locally, Aster created a simple coffee meetup for parents that has since grown into a community of more than 2,000 members. Her experience highlights the value of initiative, connection, and creating spaces where others can thrive. Alongside Aster’s story, the episode introduces two important professional resources. Chartered Accountants Worldwide has launched a new UAE Institute Network Directory to improve collaboration and communication across institutes in the region. Meanwhile, Cherryl Cooper of Grant Thornton UK shares insights on inclusive communication and why equity, diversity, and inclusion should be viewed as central to ethical professional conduct — not separate from it. Together, these stories point to a profession that is evolving rapidly: more international, more people-focused, and increasingly shaped by communication, adaptability, and community leadership.Episode 40 serves as a reminder that the Chartered Accountancy qualification can open doors far beyond traditional expectations — often in ways people never initially planned for.

Episode 39: Auditing is a human business, Lessons from Zambia’s Liswaniso NamatamaWhen people think about auditing, they often picture spreadsheets, ticking boxes, and endless calculations. But for Liswaniso Namatama, auditing is about something much bigger: people, relationships, and creating positive change.In a recent conversation on Difference Makers Discuss, Liswaniso shared how his journey in accountancy has shaped both his professional career and his mission to support communities in Zambia.Based in Lusaka, Liswaniso trained through the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and now works as an assistant manager at a local audit firm. Over six years in auditing, he has developed a passion for understanding how businesses operate across industries, from NGOs to manufacturing and mining.But what stood out most was his perspective on the human side of auditing.“Audit is about understanding businesses, assessing risks, professional judgment, and helping organizations improve how they operate.”While AI and automation are transforming the profession, Liswaniso believes human interaction remains at the heart of effective auditing. Building trust with clients, interpreting risks, and communicating findings clearly are skills technology cannot replace.His story also highlights the wider impact of the accountancy profession. After attending the One Young World Summit, Liswaniso connected with fellow young leaders who inspired him to take action in his own community. Together with other Chartered Accountants, he became involved in a foundation focused on mentoring young people and supporting underserved communities through outreach programs.For Liswaniso, accountancy has become more than a career, it is a platform for leadership and social impact.His advice to aspiring accountants is simple:“Accounting is extremely amazing.”And judging by the passion and purpose behind his work, it is hard to disagree

Why Modern Accountants Are Redefining ImpactIn a profession often associated with precision, compliance, and technical expertise, a new narrative is emerging—one where chartered accountants are stepping beyond the numbers to create meaningful, human-centered impact.Two recent stories from the global accounting community highlight this shift.First, the idea that auditing is fundamentally a human business challenges the growing assumption that automation will dominate the profession. While technology continues to transform workflows, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment, empathy, and contextual understanding that skilled auditors bring. True audit quality comes not just from verifying figures, but from deeply understanding how organizations operate and helping them build trust and transparency.This perspective is especially relevant in an era of AI-driven tools. Rather than diminishing the role of accountants, automation is amplifying the importance of distinctly human skills—critical thinking, ethical judgment, and relationship-building.The second story explores how accountants are increasingly aligning profit with purpose. Traditionally seen as opposing forces, this mindset reframes them as mutually reinforcing. When financial strategy is used intentionally, it can drive real social outcomes—from improving public infrastructure to supporting mental health initiatives and expanding access to essential services.What stands out is the practicality of this approach. Purpose is not treated as an abstract ideal but as something measurable, testable, and scalable. Whether it’s investing in employee reskilling or designing tools that improve access to public services, the common thread is using financial expertise to deliver tangible value.Together, these stories point to a broader evolution within the profession. Today’s accountants are not just technical experts—they are advisors, innovators, and change-makers. They are asking bigger questions: How can our work build trust? How can it serve communities? How can financial decisions create lasting impact?The takeaway is clear: the future of accounting lies at the intersection of technical excellence and human insight. Those who embrace both will not only stay relevant—they will lead.

Global Update Episode 37: Purpose, Connection, and the Future of FinanceThe latest episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update brings together three powerful themes shaping the profession today: purpose-driven impact, global community, and the urgent need for evolution.First, a standout story from Mozambique highlights how chartered accountancy can transform lives at scale. Manuel Rodrigues, co-founder of EDP Mozambique, has helped build a thriving agricultural “micro-economy” supporting tens of thousands of farmers. By combining financial expertise with a systems-thinking approach, his work is improving food security, generating income, and strengthening entire communities. It’s a compelling reminder that accountancy skills can extend far beyond traditional roles.Next, attention turns to the upcoming ICAI UK Annual Conference in London. With hundreds of senior finance professionals expected—from major global organisations to leading banks and advisory firms—the event promises rich discussion on topics like AI, ESG, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border investment. It’s a key moment for connection, insight, and professional development within the Indian chartered accountancy community in the UK.Finally, the episode tackles a critical challenge facing finance teams: adapt or risk falling behind. As technology, ESG expectations, and workforce dynamics rapidly evolve, finance professionals must expand beyond technical expertise. Embracing AI, developing strategic insight, and adopting a broader “multi-capital” mindset are no longer optional—they’re essential for staying relevant. The role of the CFO itself is shifting toward a more holistic “Chief Value Officer,” balancing financial performance with wider organisational impact.Taken together, these stories point to a profession in transition—one where purpose, adaptability, and global collaboration are becoming defining traits.

A Profession in Motion: Three Stories Shaping Chartered AccountancyThe latest Chartered Accountants Global Update highlights how the profession is evolving in powerful ways.First, Manuel Rodrigues shows what’s possible when financial expertise meets purpose. His organisation in Mozambique has built a self-sustaining micro-economy supporting thousands of farmers—proving that accountancy can drive real social impact.Second, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM) are set to reshape global trade. With complex reporting and the UK rollout coming in 2027, the message is simple: start preparing now—or risk falling behind.Finally, Accountancy Ireland has gone digital, reflecting a broader shift toward faster, more accessible, and sustainable content.🔍 The takeawayFrom rural development to climate regulation and digital transformation, Chartered Accountants are no longer just reporting on change—they’re helping lead it.

The latest update from Chartered Accountants Worldwide highlights just how dynamic and far-reaching the profession has become — from global expansion to inspiring personal achievements and major technical developments.Expanding the Global CommunityA major milestone has been reached with the addition of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) as the network’s 17th member institute. This marks a significant step in strengthening representation across Africa and reinforces the organisation’s global footprint, now spanning over 190 countries and more than two million professionals and students.Leaders including Ainslie van Onselen and Oaitse Gabadirwe emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and maintaining high professional standards — all essential for shaping the future of the profession.Where Finance Meets Elite PerformanceThe upcoming “Difference Makers Discuss” webinar shines a spotlight on Caitriona Jennings, whose career uniquely blends high-performance finance and elite sport.From her work in aviation finance to representing Ireland at the 2012 London Olympics, Jennings exemplifies resilience and ambition. Her record-breaking 100-mile ultramarathon achievement in 2025 adds another extraordinary dimension to her story.This session promises valuable insights into mindset, perseverance, and what it takes to succeed in demanding environments — lessons that resonate far beyond sport or finance.Preparing for Major Reporting ChangesFor practitioners, significant changes are on the horizon. Updates to FRS 102 and FRS 105 — coming into effect from January 2026 — represent the most substantial overhaul in over a decade.Key developments include: A new five-step revenue recognition model  Major changes to lease accounting, aligning more closely with IFRS 16  Broader amendments impacting multiple areas of financial reporting To support professionals, Chartered Accountants Ireland has introduced a Certificate in FRS 102, designed to provide practical, implementation-focused expertise.Looking AheadThis latest update reflects a profession that is evolving on every front — geographically, professionally, and technically. Whether it’s welcoming new global voices, learning from extraordinary individuals, or preparing for regulatory change, one thing is clear: staying informed and adaptable has never been more important.

AI, Ultra-Running, and the Future of Your CareerWhat do artificial intelligence, elite endurance sport, and chartered accountancy have in common? More than you might think.In the latest update from Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a clear theme emerges: the future belongs to those who embrace challenge, stay adaptable, and keep learning.A standout example comes from Caitríona Jennings—a Chartered Accountant, Olympian, and world-record-holding ultra-runner. Her story is a powerful reminder that professional discipline and personal ambition don’t compete—they reinforce each other. The same mindset that drives success in a demanding career can fuel extraordinary achievements outside of it.But alongside inspiring stories, there’s a more urgent conversation unfolding: the impact of AI on the profession.AI isn’t just another technological shift—it’s redefining what it means to be a finance professional. The role of Chartered Accountants is moving beyond processing information to interpreting it, guiding decisions, and shaping strategy. As highlighted in this issue, those who lean into AI and develop new skills will position themselves as true business navigators.The message is clear: standing still is not an option. Continuous learning, strong data practices, and an understanding of emerging areas like ESG will define the next generation of finance teams.As one contributor puts it, the challenge isn’t whether AI will change your career—it’s what you’ll do about it over the next 12 months.So whether you’re inspired by world records or rethinking your professional path, one idea stands out: the future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to actively build.If you want, I can tailor this for a specific audience (students, senior professionals, LinkedIn tone, etc.) or make it punchier/longer.

Innovation, AI, and Leadership: Three Stories Shaping the Future of AccountancyThe accounting profession is evolving rapidly — driven by technology, new leadership approaches, and professionals willing to rethink how things are done. In the latest Chartered Accountants Global Update, three standout stories illustrate how the profession is adapting and moving forward.Rethinking Audit with Practical InnovationChristiaan Coetzee, CEO and co-founder of Audit Toolbar and overall winner of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Top 35 Under 35 award, is tackling one of audit’s most persistent challenges: efficiency.Rather than building a completely new platform, Coetzee and his team focused on where auditors already spend most of their time — Excel. By developing tools that work directly within spreadsheets, Audit Toolbar helps firms streamline their workflows without forcing them to learn entirely new systems.The impact has been significant. The company estimates that its software saves the equivalent of 650 years of work across Africa each year, giving smaller firms new opportunities to compete more effectively.Beyond the technology, Coetzee’s story also highlights a powerful mindset shift — challenging the habit of “self-rejecting” opportunities before they’re even pursued.AI as a Career MultiplierWhile much of the discussion around AI focuses on job disruption, Nick Reimer offers a different perspective.After qualifying as a chartered accountant, Reimer co-founded Invigilator, an AI-powered platform that enables secure online assessments. The platform is now used by over 100 academic institutions in South Africa and has grown to 850,000 active users, attracting $11 million in funding to support international expansion.Reimer argues that AI will not replace finance professionals — it will amplify their value. Professionals who understand both financial expertise and how to apply AI tools will be better positioned to interpret complex data and guide decision-making.Leading Teams Through ChangeTechnology isn’t the only force reshaping the profession. Leadership during uncertainty is becoming just as critical.A recent Women in Finance webinar hosted by Chartered Accountants Worldwide Network USA explored how leaders can support teams through constant change. Speakers including Linda Nel, Shingi Gwindingwi, and Nancy Chakabuda shared insights on building resilient teams.Their message was clear: leadership in uncertain times is less about having all the answers and more about creating an environment where teams can adapt together. Transparent communication, trust, and psychological safety play a crucial role in helping organizations navigate change successfully.A Profession in MotionAcross these stories, a common theme emerges: the future of accountancy belongs to professionals who innovate, embrace technology, and lead with intention.Whether building tools that level the playing field, using AI to unlock new capabilities, or guiding teams through transformation, today’s chartered accountants are helping shape what the profession will become next.

Rebuilding Trust and Shaping the Future in AccountingEpisode 32 of the Chartered Accountants Global Update highlights how chartered accountants continue to drive positive change across the profession.One standout story features Sitali Chiuyu, part of the Young Difference Makers series. After moving from engineering into audit, Sitali now works in the public sector strengthening governance and accountability. He emphasises how education, governance, and technology are interconnected, and how strong internal audit helps ensure public resources reach the people and services they are meant to support. He also highlights the need for responsible AI in public services, stressing transparency, bias testing, and human oversight. The episode also looks ahead to the CA ANZ UK Conference on 21 March in London, where professionals will explore topics such as AI, sustainability reporting, taxation, and ethics under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow: Accounting for Impact, Innovation and Relevance.”Finally, Season 4 of the “Difference Makers Discuss” webinar series launches on 19 March, featuring global speakers sharing insights on AI, leadership, social impact, and the future of audit.Together, these stories highlight a profession that continues to evolve while making a meaningful impact on society.

Apprenticeships, wellness, and career pathwaysIn the latest Chartered Accountants Global Update, three very different stories come together around one powerful idea: small, deliberate choices can shape both our careers and our wellbeing.The first is the inspiring journey of Jaspreet Rayat, who qualified as a chartered accountant through an apprenticeship rather than a traditional university route. With no professional role models to guide her, Jaspreet built her own pathway through research, networking and persistence, supported by ICAEW. Today, she is passionate about making alternative entry routes into the profession more visible for young people who may not realise these opportunities exist.Her story was shaped in part by attending One Young World, where a message from Bob Geldof stood out: “grit makes the pearl.” It is a reminder that progress does not depend on perfect conditions, but on consistent effort.The episode then turns to a topic many professionals can relate to during the darker months – the winter blues. Conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder affect a significant number of people, with guidance and awareness supported by organisations such as the Health Service Executive. Simple habits – daylight exposure, movement, connection and sleep routines – can make a genuine difference.Finally, the update explores the four “happy hormones” – serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins – and how everyday actions like small goal-setting, exercise and social connection can actively support them.Together, these stories from Chartered Accountants Worldwide show that whether you are building a career or protecting your wellbeing, it is the small, practical steps taken consistently that create lasting change.

Ethics, Carbon Policy, and Sustainability ReportingOne of the most powerful reminders in Episode 30 of the Chartered Accountants Global Update is that professional skills don’t stop at financial reporting — they can help solve some of society’s most urgent challenges.The episode opens with the story of Khethiwe Sibanyoni, a young South African aspiring chartered accountant and social impact activist tackling gender-based violence by applying the discipline of audit to community programmes. Her work is built around three pillars — detection, prevention and correction — supported by data, controls, budgets and outcome metrics. Through a youth-led foundation linked to thirteen shelters in Gauteng, she focuses on psychosocial care, education and economic empowerment, while designing programmes that can endure beyond any single leader. Her message to business is simple and powerful: define social impact with the same precision you bring to profit. The full profile appears on the Chartered Accountants Worldwide website. The episode then turns to a fast-approaching regulatory challenge: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms. Chartered Accountants Ireland and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland are hosting a webinar to help practitioners understand how the European Union regime is working in practice and what businesses should be doing now — particularly ahead of the United Kingdom introducing its own mechanism in 2027. For organisations importing high-carbon goods such as steel, cement or fertilisers, supply chain impacts, reporting requirements and cost modelling are becoming unavoidable priorities. The final feature highlights a new Sustainability Snapshot from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, aimed squarely at boards and executive teams working on transition planning. The guidance places strong emphasis on meaningful stakeholder engagement, measurable and time-bound targets, and governance structures that embed just transition principles. As sustainability claims face the same scrutiny as financial statements, the message is clear: credibility, accountability and transparency matter more than ever. Across all three stories, Episode 30 delivers a consistent message — the rigour of the accountancy profession is not just a tool for the boardroom, but a practical force for social impact, climate action and long-term organisational resilience.

Young Leadership, Global Collaboration, and the Mindset that MattersIn the latest episode of Chartered Accountants Global Update, we explore how chartered accountants across the world are shaping change — in their communities, their organisations and their own careers Our first story features chartered accountant and risk professional Rebecca Casey, whose career journey shows that young professionals don’t need to wait for permission to lead. From AI governance and data integrity to practical action on sustainability, Rebecca demonstrates how professional skills can be applied to real-world challenges. Her message is simple but powerful: choose one problem, apply your expertise and start making an impact.We also share highlights from our recent CAW Connects overseas representatives’ meeting, where leaders from member institutes came together to strengthen collaboration and identify priorities for 2026 and beyond. These conversations reinforced the value of working as a connected global community.Finally, we turn to insights from our latest Resilience Report, developed with the Resilience Institute, which explores how adopting a growth mindset can help professionals respond more effectively to challenge, change and uncertainty.Together, these stories reflect the purpose of Chartered Accountants Worldwide — supporting a resilient, connected profession that serves the public interest.

How Chartered Accountants Are Shaping the Future of Trust, Technology and SustainabilityThe latest Chartered Accountants Global Update highlights how the profession is rapidly evolving — and why today’s accountants need more than technical excellence alone.One inspiring example is the journey of Saad Bin Asim Zubairi from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. From an early love of mathematics to representing the profession on a global stage, Saad shows how curiosity, empathy and technology can combine to create real impact. At a recent international summit, he demonstrated how generative AI can support the UN’s education goals — without writing a single line of code. His message is clear: accountants who embrace new tools and ethical leadership can play a powerful role beyond traditional reporting. Alongside individual stories, the profession itself is responding to growing demands. The ICAEW’s new Sustainability Assurance Certificate addresses one of the most urgent skills gaps in accounting today — providing credible assurance over non-financial and sustainability information. As sustainability reporting becomes mandatory in many regions, the need for trusted professionals to combat greenwashing and ensure data quality has never been greater. This shift is reinforced by a recent Chartered Accountants Worldwide webinar on sustainability reporting, which explored how concepts such as double and dynamic materiality are reshaping how organisations explain long-term value. Sustainability is no longer an optional add-on — it is becoming central to business strategy and accountability.Together, these stories highlight a simple truth: the future chartered accountant must be technologically aware, sustainability-literate and socially conscious — while continuing to uphold the profession’s core commitment to trust, integrity and quality.

A Growing Global Community: Purpose, People, and ConnectionChartered Accountants Worldwide is marking an exciting milestone as we celebrate the continued growth and impact of our global profession. In our latest update, we share three powerful stories that highlight what makes our community thrive: expansion, purpose-driven careers, and the strength of human connection.First, we are proud to welcome the Institute of Chartered Accountants Nepal as our 16th member institute. Joining during CAW’s 10th anniversary year, this landmark expansion means we now represent 1.8 million members and students across more than 190 countries. Nepal’s inclusion strengthens our presence in South Asia and brings valuable new perspectives to our shared work in advancing trust, purpose, and impact across the profession.We also shine a spotlight on Sophie Sweeney, lecturer at the University of Galway and member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, whose journey exemplifies the human side of accountancy. From becoming a mother as a teenager to qualifying as a chartered accountant and moving into education, Sophie’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and values-led decision-making. Her work reminds us that accounting is not just about numbers, but about understanding stories, choices, and consequences—and using our skills to create meaningful change.Finally, we explore why networking matters more than ever in today’s digital and remote-working world. Drawing on insights from Networking Matters: The Power of Human Connection by Kingsley Aikins, we’re reminded that careers are shaped not only by what we do, but by the relationships we build. Strong networks help amplify good work, open doors, and create lasting professional impact.Together, these stories reflect what Chartered Accountants Worldwide stands for: a connected global profession that leads with integrity, purpose, and people at its heart.

Shaping the Future of the Accountancy Profession in 2026As we move further into 2026, the accountancy profession is evolving well beyond traditional financial reporting. Today’s chartered accountants are being called upon to play broader roles—as strategic advisors, global leaders, and trusted voices on issues that matter to society.One major shift is the growing importance of sustainability reporting. Financial statements alone no longer tell the full story of how organizations create long-term value. Investors, regulators, employees, and customers increasingly expect transparency around environmental and social impact. Sustainability disclosures, when done well, complement financial reporting and help organizations communicate risk, resilience, and purpose in a credible way.Equally important is the future pipeline of talent. Global initiatives like the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Global Talent Programme 2026 highlight how the profession is opening its doors to diverse backgrounds and skill sets. By exposing students from any discipline to real-world business challenges, leadership development, and cross-cultural collaboration, the profession is investing in agile, globally minded leaders for tomorrow.Finally, as technology and automation continue to reshape technical work, human skills are becoming the true differentiator. Empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical judgment are no longer “soft skills”—they are essential leadership capabilities. These qualities enable chartered accountants to lead teams, build trust, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.Together, these developments point to a profession that is dynamic, relevant, and deeply connected to the needs of business and society. Chartered accountants are not just keeping pace with change—they are helping to lead it.

Sustainability in Action: How Chartered Accountants Are Driving Real ChangeSustainability is no longer a “nice to have” — it is a business imperative. Across the Chartered Accountants Worldwide community, professionals and firms are embedding sustainability into strategy, governance and everyday decision-making to create long-term value.From practice to industry, the impact is clear. UK-based accountancy firm Kreston Reeves demonstrates how sustainability can be embedded at the core of a business. As a B Corp certified firm, it integrates ESG principles into its culture, governance and client services, supporting organisations to navigate regulatory expectations and build more resilient, responsible operations.Thought leadership also plays a vital role. Moneeza Butt, Partner at KPMG Pakistan, highlights the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and transparent ESG reporting. Drawing on global frameworks such as GRI, TCFD and the new IFRS sustainability standards, she emphasises that authentic ESG practices drive trust, innovation and long-term success.Sustainability impact is not limited to traditional accounting roles. Cayley Haig CA shows how accounting skills can shape ethical industries, applying her forensic background to support fair wages, reduce textile waste and address modern slavery risks in the fashion sector.Together, these stories underline a powerful truth: Chartered Accountants are uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more sustainable future — through insight, integrity and action.

Welcoming 2026: Building Skills, Strengthening Trust, Shaping the FutureAs we step into 2026, it’s a time to reflect on progress and look ahead with optimism. Chartered Accountants continue to play a vital role in strengthening economies, building trust, and supporting sustainable growth across the globe. Being part of this global community means staying connected, learning continuously, and engaging with ideas that shape the future of the profession. The year ahead offers exciting opportunities to grow and connect. From thought-provoking webinars focused on developing critical human skills for future-ready teams, to major international gatherings such as the World Forum of Accountants 2026, professionals can gain insight into emerging trends, technology, sustainability, and leadership. There are also networking and celebratory events, including the Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner, bringing together leaders and peers to share experiences and inspiration. As we move forward, staying engaged with learning, collaboration, and innovation will be key to sustaining excellence and impact. Here’s to a healthy, successful, and connected year ahead for the global accountancy community.

A Decade of Building Trust: Celebrating 10 Years of Chartered Accountants WorldwideThis year marks a significant milestone for Chartered Accountants Worldwide: ten years of bringing the global accountancy profession together under a shared commitment to trust, integrity, and excellence.What began as an ambitious idea a decade ago has grown into a truly global community, representing more than 1.8 million members and students across over 190 countries. Fifteen leading chartered accountancy institutes now work side by side, collaborating across continents to speak with one voice on the issues that matter most to business, government, and society.While the scale of this network is impressive, the real story lies beyond the numbers. The tenth-anniversary film released to mark the occasion highlights the people behind the profession — chartered accountants at every career stage, in every corner of the world, united by a commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option.Over the past decade, the global environment has been anything but stable. Financial shocks, geopolitical change, a global pandemic, and rapid advances in technology have all tested institutions and markets. In times like these, trust becomes essential. Chartered accountants play a critical role in sustaining that trust, providing reliable information, independent judgement, and assurance that underpins sound decision-making.The impact of the profession reaches far beyond financial statements. Across the Chartered Accountants Worldwide network, members are supporting sustainable businesses, strengthening governance, advancing sustainability reporting, and helping public and not-for-profit organisations make the most of limited resources. Collectively, this work delivers real and lasting value to economies and communities.As Chartered Accountants Worldwide looks ahead to its next decade, the focus remains firmly on the future. Technology, sustainability, and rising expectations around transparency will continue to reshape the profession. Through global insight, collaboration, and advocacy, the organisation is committed to helping members and students not just adapt to change, but lead it.The tenth-anniversary film is both a celebration and a statement of intent — a reminder of what has been achieved together, and a signal of the ambition that lies ahead. Here’s to ten years of building trust, and to many more to come.

Leadership Continuity and Global Connections: What’s Ahead for Chartered Accountants WorldwideChartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) has announced an important milestone in its global leadership: Ainslie van Onselen has been reappointed as Chair for a further two-year term. The unanimous support of the CAW Board reflects strong confidence in her continued leadership and the progress made during her first term.Ainslie made history in 2023 as the first woman—and the first representative from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)—to take on the role. As CEO of CA ANZ since 2020, she has championed ethics, inclusion, digital transformation, and public-interest advocacy. Her renewed term promises continued momentum in sustainability leadership and in inspiring the next generation of Chartered Accountants.Alongside this leadership news, CAW members can look forward to three major events on the horizon for 2026:World Forum of Accountants (WOFA 2.0) – Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants India from 30 January to 1 February 2026 in Greater Noida, this global gathering explores the theme “Nation Building to Global Collaboration: Strengthening Trust, Enabling Growth.” The event will spotlight ESG, digital transformation, and the evolving role of CAs in shaping global progress.Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner – Returning in 2026, this flagship event brings together leaders and rising talent from across Ireland. Dates are still to be announced, but it remains a highlight for networking and celebrating the profession.Sydney Burns Event – Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, this lively celebration blends Scottish culture with professional connection. Held at Dockside Group overlooking Sydney Harbour, the evening features traditional Scottish fare, the iconic Address to the Haggis, live music, and energetic ceilidh dancing.Together, these events showcase the strength, diversity, and global reach of the Chartered Accountant community. For more details, visit charteredaccountantsworldwide.com.

How Chartered Accountancy Institutes are equipping members for the age of Generative AIAcross the global accounting profession, one theme is becoming impossible to ignore: generative AI is no longer a future consideration—it’s a present-day competency. With more than 70% of chartered accountants already using AI tools in their work and 76% looking to integrate them further, professional bodies are stepping up to support their members in building confidence, capability, and ethical awareness in this rapidly evolving space. Two recent initiatives highlight this shift: the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) with its new GenAI Accelerator Programme, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) with its AI Fluency Playbook. Both aim to help accountants navigate generative AI—but each takes a distinct approach.ICAEW’s GenAI Accelerator ProgrammeLaunched in late summer 2025, ICAEW’s programme offers a structured, progressive learning path built around eight e-learning courses, each with modular content, video tutorials, interactive elements, and practical resources. The curriculum ranges from foundational AI concepts to highly targeted applications including financial operations, compliance, governance, and strategic finance. Members earn digital badges as they progress and can accumulate up to eight hours of verifiable CPD. The programme was developed with GenFinance.AI, underscoring a focus on real-world finance use cases rather than theory alone.Importantly, ICAEW has opened a limited number of discounted slots for members of other Chartered Accountants Worldwide bodies, extending access beyond its home base. CA ANZ’s AI Fluency PlaybookReleased in August 2025, CA ANZ’s Playbook serves as a practical, ongoing reference guide rather than a formal course. It features real case studies of firms using AI today, prompt templates, ethical guidance, and governance frameworks. It also integrates with CA ANZ’s existing learning ecosystem, including its Certificate in AI Fluency, a six-week programme launched earlier in 2025. With capability assessments and AI-readiness tools, members can benchmark themselves and plan their development strategically.Two Models, One MessageWhile the formats differ—ICAEW’s structured courses and digital badges versus CA ANZ’s flexible playbook and capability assessments—both initiatives send a unified message: AI literacy is now essential for professional relevance. They emphasize practical application, ethical awareness, and adaptability at a time when AI tools evolve faster than traditional training cycles. The result is a growing global ecosystem of support for chartered accountants who want to confidently, responsibly, and strategically integrate generative AI into their work.As the profession has done with spreadsheets, ERP systems, and cloud platforms, those who engage early with AI will be positioned at the forefront of the next chapter in accounting.

In the newest episode of Chartered Accountants Global Update, we explore one of the most important topics facing the profession today: how chartered accountants can thrive—mentally, emotionally, and physically—in an increasingly demanding world.This episode dives into highlights from the latest Difference Makers Discuss Live conversation with Brad Hook and Declan Scott, co-authors of the groundbreaking global resilience and well-being report for Chartered Accountants Worldwide.Whether you’re newly qualified or have decades of experience, this is an essential listen.The Surprising Strengths of Chartered AccountantsThe global report uncovered something many people overlook: chartered accountants are, on the whole, curious, creative, and altruistic. As Brad Hook notes, finance professionals aren’t always recognised for these qualities—but they shine through clearly in the data.The challenge?We often fail to apply that same kindness and curiosity inward. The pressure to perform, deliver, and multitask can overshadow the strengths that make us exceptional.A Profession in TransitionThe accounting world has evolved dramatically. Today’s chartered accountant may work in practice, industry, technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship—you name it.With this abundance of opportunity comes new pressures. This episode is a timely reminder that high performance is not about doing everything at once, but about doing the right things with clarity, rhythm, and intention.Continue the JourneyChartered Accountants Worldwide has created a dedicated well-being hub with practical tools and guidance to support members across the globe. A follow-up survey arrives in Q1 2026 to measure progress—and your participation will help shape future interventions.

If you think ethics standards and well-being research sound dry, think again. The latest episode of Chartered Accountants Global Update packs the punch of a TED Talk, the immediacy of a news briefing, and the heart of a conversation we all need right now.This episode delivers two powerful stories that hit at the core of the profession in 2025: how we build trust in a world of AI and climate claims, and how we rebuild ourselves in a culture that rewards burnout.1. Ethics Isn’t Boring — It’s a SuperpowerIn conversation with Sinead Donovan, Carla Vijian of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants proves that ethics is anything but abstract.Her career spans Malaysia, New Zealand, Sydney, London, and now New York — but it’s her audit mindset that ties it all together. When the rest of us read headlines, Carla sees the incentives, the assumptions, the risks and the unseen forces that really shape global events.Whether it’s the Northern Lights carbon-capture project or debt-for-policy swaps, she highlights the same truth: without strong ethics standards, big innovations become big question marks.And when it comes to AI? Carla puts it sharply:We don’t trust AI — we use it. Just like we don’t trust an Excel formula without checking it.Her “Three C’s” for future accountants — Curiosity, Courage, Consistency — are worth printing out and sticking on a wall.2. The Resilience Revolution Is HereThe second half of the episode previews an essential follow-up discussion with Brad Hook and Declan Scott — and it couldn’t come at a better time.CAW’s research earlier this year showed Chartered Accountants are kind, curious, creative… and exhausted.We’re multitasking ourselves into hypervigilance.Our boundaries between work and life have dissolved.And sleep? For many, it’s a crisis hiding in plain sight.One statistic hits hard:Adults can stay focused for just 47 seconds before getting distracted.Brad and Declan dig into why this is happening — and more importantly, what we can do about it. Their solutions aren’t corporate wellness clichés. They’re evidence-based habits that change how teams work:Monotasking to restore deep focusFriday Flow zones for creativity and long-term thinkingSleep as a leadership skillPresence as a quiet superpower in a noisy worldIt’s practical. It’s human. It’s uncomfortably honest.Why You Should ListenThis episode captures something rare: the crossroads the profession is standing at — between innovation and integrity, between high performance and human sustainability.It’s not fear-mongering. It’s not fluffy inspiration.It’s truth, told by people who care deeply about the work we do and the world we shape.

Leading the Future of Finance: How Accountants Are Embracing AI with ConfidenceThe future of finance is here — and it’s powered by generative AI. Across the profession, Chartered Accountants are discovering how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from financial operations and tax compliance to corporate governance and strategic decision-making.This month, three major initiatives from the Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) network highlight how finance professionals can take charge of this transformation — building new skills, driving innovation, and leading with confidence in an AI-powered world.🚀 Transform Your Career with the ICAEW GenAI Accelerator ProgrammeThe ICAEW GenAI Accelerator Programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to equip finance professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in the age of AI.Through modular, practical courses, participants explore real-world applications of generative AI in accounting and finance — from automating processes to enhancing insight generation. The programme also tackles the ethical and regulatory considerations of AI use, ensuring participants are ready to implement these tools responsibly.Special offer: As a valued member of the CAW community, you can access exclusive discounts when enrolling in the programme.👉 Find out more and register today → ICAEW GenAI Accelerator Programme💡 Lead with Confidence: The CA ANZ AI Fluency PlaybookArtificial intelligence isn’t just changing the profession — it’s redefining it. To help Chartered Accountants not just adapt, but lead, CA ANZ has launched the AI Fluency Playbook — a hands-on guide to building confidence and capability in the use of generative AI.Inside the playbook, you’ll find:Real-world case studies of AI in action across client engagement, reporting, and workflow optimisationToolkits and prompt guides to help you get started with GenAI toolsEthical frameworks to manage bias, privacy, and transparencyGovernance and risk best practicesLearning pathways including micro-courses, readiness assessments, and an official Certificate in AI FluencyWith over 70% of Chartered Accountants already experimenting with AI tools and 76% eager to expand their use, this playbook arrives at the perfect time.👉 Read more and download → CA ANZ Launches AI Fluency Playbook🎙️ “AI Will Take Your Job to a Whole New Level” — A Conversation with Nicola EllamAI isn’t coming for your job — it’s taking it to a whole new level.That’s the message from Nicola Ellam, who joins host Sinead Donovan, past president of Chartered Accountants Ireland, for the latest episode of Difference Makers Discuss. Broadcasting on November 6th at 12 noon and 1800 GMT, this conversation dives into one of the most ambitious technology transformations in professional services.Ellam’s insights are a must-hear for any finance professional looking to understand how AI can elevate their role, expand their impact, and shape the next generation of accounting.👉 Register for the event → Difference Makers Discuss - “AI Will Take Your Job to a Whole New Level”The Bottom LineFrom practical training and ethical guidance to inspiring conversations, the Chartered Accountants network is helping members future-proof their careers and lead in an AI-enabled world.This isn’t about keeping up — it’s about leading with insight, integrity, and innovation.Would you like me to tailor this for a specific platform (e.g. LinkedIn, your organization’s blog, or an email newsletter)? I can adjust tone, formatting, and links accordingl

This week’s Chartered Accountants Global Update is packed with two things every modern professional needs: forward-looking climate for talent and leadership (we’re heading to Munich for One Young World 2025) — and a deeply human, practical conversation about neurodiversity at work from Difference Makers Discuss with Mark Scully.One Young World Summit — Munich, 3–6 November 2025Chartered Accountants Worldwide is once again sending a stellar delegation to One Young World — where more than 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries convene to exchange ideas, build networks and spark action.Munich — a global hub for innovation, technology and research — is the perfect stage for those conversations. CAW’s delegates this year bring real-world projects and fresh perspectives, including:Laura Mason (UK) — public-service innovationSophie Sweeney (Ireland) — integrating sustainable development into professional educationSaad Bin Asim Zubairi (Bahrain) — ethical applications of AIJaspreet Rayat (UK) — social mobility and inclusionRebecca Casey — governance and diverse leadershipChristiaan Coetzee (South Africa) — transforming audit workflows globallySitali Chiuyu (Zambia) — entrepreneurship and inclusionKhethiwe Sibanyoni (South Africa) — gender-based violence activist and Deloitte audit traineeFollow the delegation and live updates via #CharteredStar on social — we’ll be sharing reflections, insights and moments from Munich as the summit unfolds.Difference Makers Discuss — Episode 3: Mark Scully on neurodiversity, courage and compassionIf you only listen to one episode this month, make it this one. Shinayd Donovan’s conversation with Mark Scully is an honest, practical, and hopeful guide to building workplaces where neurodivergent people — and everyone — can thrive.Mark’s story in briefMark’s CV reads like success: qualified at KPMG, rose to tax director. But behind the outward success was repeated struggle: excellent academic performance, yet an inability to decode the unwritten social rules of the workplace. He masked, over-worked, said “yes” to everything — until burnout forced him to pause and seek support.A counsellor later asked the life-changing question: “Has anyone ever mentioned autism to you?” After assessment, Mark was diagnosed autistic in 2021. That diagnosis gave him a framework to understand his experience and to start changing how he worked — compassionately and deliberately.What changed — and the important lessonThrough coaching, Mark learned to:Say no constructively instead of overcommittingCommunicate real expectations, rather than assuming others share themUse strategies that played to his strengthsThe result was tangible: performance ratings improved (from repeated middling results to top ratings). Mark made many of these changes before disclosing his diagnosis — and when he finally told his boss, the response was simple and powerful: “What adjustments do you need?” Mark replied, “You’ve already put them in place. I just asked for what I needed.”This underlines a vital point: adjustments that enable neurodivergent people to thrive often benefit everyone.Practical takeaways for leaders and managersMark’s conversation is full of hands-on advice. Key actions for firms and leaders:Shift from process-focused to person-centered, outcome-focused management. Ask: Is there a different way of working that suits how this person thinks and still achieves the outcome?

This week's episode of Chartered Accountants Global Update is all about saying yes — to opportunity, to change, and to leading the way forward.We meet Ken Croarkin, a Chartered Accountant whose journey from Glasgow to New York proves that the qualification really is a global passport. Then, we explore how Chartered Accountants Worldwide are putting sustainability front and centre with the launch of the brand-new Sustainability Hub.A Career Built on Saying YesWhen Ken Croarkin first heard about accountancy, it was almost by accident. Yet, decades later, he’s a partner at EisnerAmper in New York and a Council member at ICAS. His career story, shared with Sinead Donovan on Difference Makers Discuss, is a masterclass in the power of saying “yes” — even when the opportunity seems daunting.From early work with insurance clients (not his first choice) to a “temporary” assignment in the US that became a 27-year adventure, Ken’s path is proof that flexibility and curiosity pay off. His message to fellow accountants? Don’t underestimate the reach of your qualification. It can take you places you never imagined.Ken also offers a fresh take on technology. He sees AI as a partner, not a threat, freeing auditors to focus on judgment, insight, and what really matters. In his words, audit is anything but boring — it’s diverse, dynamic, and endlessly evolving.Leading the Sustainability ChargeThe episode then turns to another big theme: sustainability. Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s new Sustainability Hub is designed to help finance professionals become catalysts for change.This isn’t just another collection of reports. It’s a practical, well-organised resource that covers everything from carbon footprint measurement and governance to SME-friendly green finance guides. Whether you’re advising clients or driving change within your own business, the Hub helps you turn sustainability from a buzzword into a strategy.As experts like Karen McWilliams point out, sustainability reporting is fast becoming mainstream. For accountants, this is both a responsibility and an opportunity — to add strategic value, anticipate regulation, and help businesses thrive in a greener economy.A Global Profession, A Global ImpactFrom Ken’s international journey to the profession’s leadership on sustainability, Episode 16 celebrates what it means to be a modern Chartered Accountant: a strategic advisor, change agent, and global citizen.Explore the new Sustainability Hub at charteredaccountantsworldwide.com, and catch the full Difference Makers Discuss series for more inspiring stories.

The latest episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update takes us on a fascinating journey into the intersection of technology, forensic accounting, and innovation. In this week’s episode, host [insert host name if relevant] shines a spotlight on Lem Chin Kok, whose career path and insights are redefining what it means to be a modern accountant.From Police Officer to AI PioneerLem’s story is anything but typical. He began his career as a police officer in Singapore’s Commercial Crime Investigation squad, tackling fraud and forgery long before data analytics became part of the accounting toolkit. From there, he spent 23 years building KPMG Singapore’s forensic practice before stepping into his current role as CEO of an AI-first technology firm.His journey—from manual typewriters to cutting-edge artificial intelligence—embodies the rapid transformation our profession has experienced over the past three decades.The AI Breakthrough That Changed EverythingOne of the episode’s most striking moments comes when Lem recounts a breakthrough during his time at KPMG. His team was struggling with the limitations of early AI models that required “labeled data” to detect fraud. Then, a newly joined colleague suggested trying an unsupervised machine learning model on millions of transactions.The results were astonishing: out of tens of millions of entries, the model identified ten unusual transactions, nine of which were confirmed frauds already charged in court.This moment was a turning point—not just for Lem, but for the way AI could be used to uncover financial misconduct. The success wasn’t just about the algorithm; it came from combining forensic accounting expertise with data science. As Lem explains, the real power of AI lies in being guided by human understanding of accounting systems, fraud behavior, and judgment.Why Accountants Should Learn to “Speak Machine”Lem’s perspective on AI is refreshingly balanced. He divides it into two broad categories:Predictive AI – tools that can detect anomalies or risks in ways no human could replicate, such as identifying patterns across hundreds of data dimensions.Generative AI – tools like ChatGPT that enhance productivity by handling repetitive and manual work, freeing accountants to focus on strategic, high-value tasks.But perhaps Lem’s boldest idea is that accountants need to learn programming languages—not to become coders, but to communicate effectively with technology. “Programming is a language,” he says, “just like English or Mandarin.” It’s the key to harnessing AI in meaningful, profession-specific ways.Building the Future of Forensic AccountingLem has also been a driving force behind Singapore’s Financial Forensic Accounting Qualification, the first applied learning program of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The qualification blends forensic accounting, digital forensics, and financial crime investigation, equipping accountants to tackle the evolving risks of a digital economy.The “AI Twin”: A Glimpse of Tomorrow’s WorkplaceNow, as CEO of Arts, Lem is developing an extraordinary concept: the AI twin. This virtual twin can replicate the workflows of entire teams—performing tasks, following policies, making cognitive decisions, and producing outputs.For audit firms, the implications are huge. Imagine AI handling the administrative grind while professionals focus on judgment, relationships, and strategic value. Lem sees this as the next frontier—AI not just answering questions, but executing full workflows.Key TakeawaysAI won’t replace accountants—but accountants who use AI will replace those who don’t.Accounting knowledge + technology skills = the new professional advantage.We’re

In November 2025, the global spotlight will shine on Munich, Germany, as over 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries come together for the One Young World Summit—a global forum dedicated to driving social impact and sustainable change. Once again, Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) will be at the heart of this global conversation, sending a diverse and inspiring delegation of young professionals who exemplify what it means to lead with purpose.A Global Gathering for ChangeFrom 3–6 November, delegates will participate in four transformative days of speeches, panels, and workshops—all centred on five urgent global challenges:Education AccessCircular EconomyResponsible Technology DevelopmentAnti-Hate InitiativesPeace and SecurityThrough dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, these emerging leaders will help shape global solutions to the issues that matter most.Meet the Chartered Accountants Worldwide DelegationThe 2025 CAW delegation represents not only geographical diversity but also the incredible range of impact Chartered Accountants are making worldwide.Khethiwe Sibanyoni (South Africa) – Audit trainee at Deloitte and founder of Khethi’s Foundation, dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Her work has earned national recognition and corporate partnership with Deloitte Africa.Christiaan Coetzee (South Africa) – Creator of The Audit Toolbar, an Excel-based solution revolutionizing audit workflows, used by over 300 firms globally. Winner of SAICA’s Top 35 Under 35 (2024).Sitali Chiuyu (Zambia) – Head of Internal Audit at Kapasa Makasa University and founder of a financial institution promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.Rebecca Casey (Australia/New Zealand) – Senior Risk Manager with a decade of experience in risk culture and governance, representing CA ANZ.Jaspreet Rayat (England & Wales) – Chartered Accountant and Council Member of ICAEW, championing social mobility and leading the Student Council.Laura Mason (Scotland) – Finance and data specialist driving public sector innovation, renewable energy projects, and mental health tech initiatives.Sophie Sweeney (Ireland) – Lecturer and researcher at the University of Galway, and Chartered Star 2025, exploring fiscal citizenship and inclusive accounting education.Saad Bin Asim Zubairi (Pakistan) – Bahrain-based professional with nine years of Big Four experience, advocating for ethical AI and emerging technology governance.Each delegate represents a new generation of accountants redefining the profession—not as mere number crunchers, but as ethical changemakers applying financial insight to solve real-world problems.Beyond the Balance SheetAt One Young World, the CAW delegation will not only engage with global peers but also challenge and collaborate with world leaders, returning home as ambassadors for change. They’ll bring back insights, networks, and renewed energy to strengthen their ongoing initiatives—whether that’s empowering communities, driving digital transformation, or advancing sustainability.For Chartered Accountants Worldwide, participation in the summit is about more than attendance—it’s an investment in the future of ethical leadership. It’s a reminder that the skills accountants bring to the table—integrity, analytical thinking, and accountability—are exactly what the world needs in times of uncertainty and change.Looking AheadAs Munich once again welcomes the One Young World community, the message is clear: leadership grounded in ethics and collaboration can create global ripples of positive impact.Follow the Chart

This episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update gives our listeners a sneak peak at what lies ahead in Season 3 of Difference Makers Discuss, Chartered Accountants Worldwide’s flagship webinar series. Over six powerful conversations, chartered accountants from around the world share insights on AI, forensic accounting, neurodiversity, ethics, international careers, and resilience.From groundbreaking fraud detection with AI to reimagining inclusivity in the workplace, and from navigating global opportunities to redefining ethics in a fast-changing world—these sessions challenge assumptions and spotlight practical strategies for thriving in the profession today.

In Episode 11 of Chartered Accountants Global Update, we dive into one of the most powerful forces reshaping the accounting profession today: artificial intelligence. But this isn’t about disruption—it’s about opportunity.Discover how Chartered Accountants Worldwide are not only adapting to AI but actively leading its ethical and practical integration into our profession. From Australia and New Zealand’s groundbreaking AI Fluency Playbook to audit innovation in South Africa, and people-first strategies from Scotland’s Practice Conference, this episode is packed with real-world insights and actionable tools.Plus, we unpack findings from the Edelman Trust Report, where Chartered Accountants rank among the most trusted professionals globally—solidifying our role as data guardians in the AI era.Whether you’re in practice, industry, or just starting your CA journey, this episode will help you bridge human expertise with AI capability—ensuring you stay relevant, ethical, and trusted in a changing world.

In this powerful episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update, we explore the growing reality of burnout in the accounting profession—and how Chartered Accountants worldwide are stepping up with practical, proactive solutions.Hear from Vera Tan on recognising early burnout signs, discover why mono-tasking might be the key to smarter productivity with insights from Brad Hook, and learn how to press pause for better long-term performance.Plus, we bring encouraging news from the Edelman DXI survey: Chartered Accountants are now among the most trusted professionals globally, standing strong in an age of AI and misinformation.This episode is your essential briefing on how to stay well, stay focused, and stay trusted in a rapidly evolving world.