FCPA Philip Kakai joined the IFAC Board in November 2025, having been nominated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

He serves as an Assistant Director of Finance at the Judiciary of Kenya, previously working as Finance Manager at Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) Limited. He has more than 20 years of experience in leadership, financial accounting, management and reporting, budget management, audit, and project management.

FCPA Kakai served as the 25th Chairman of ICPAK from September 2023 to June 2025.He also served as the Vice Chairman from June 2021 to June 2023, after joining the ICPAK Council in June 2020. He has also served on the board of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and the board of trustees of KCA University. Within ICPAK, he convened key Council committees, such as Public Policy and Governance. He was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by ICPAK in December 2020 and conferred a Fellowship in November 2025.

FCPA Kakai currently serves on the Board of the Kenya Accountants and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KASNEB), where he also Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee and the National Steering Committee, overseeing Kenya’s transition from cash to accrual accounting.

FCPA Kakai is a certified Public Accountant of Kenya and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree, an MBA (Finance) and an Executive MBA from Moi University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Finance at Kenyatta University.

Ms. Silvia P. Giordano joined the IFAC Board in November 2025. She was nominated by Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales de Ciencias Económicas (FACPCE).

Ms. Giordano is a retired partner of PwC with more than 40 years of experience, including 27 as an audit partner in Argentina and Chile. She has experience in delivering services to national and international corporations and leading technical and risk management groups in Argentina across Latin America. Currently, Ms. Giordano is President of the Professional Ethic Court – Room 4 in Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CPCECABA) and Academic Director of the Chartered Accountant Career in Universidad Argentina de la Empresa – UADE.

Ms. Giordano has positions on the boards of non-profit organizations dedicated to corporate governance (IGEP) and audit education (IADA). Throughout her career she developed extensive experience in technical, professional and ethical matters including standard setting roles.  

Ms. Giordano is graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) as a Public Accountant and from the University Gabriela Mistral (Chile) as Auditor Accountant.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has named Mr. Barry Melancon (United States) and Prof. Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu (South Africa) as the 2025 recipients of the IFAC Global Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a positive and lasting impact on the global accountancy profession.

Mr. Barry Melancon

Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, the former President and CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, played a defining role for more than 30 years in advancing the accounting profession through a period of significant global, technological, and organizational changes.

For over three decades, he has championed innovation, public trust, and global collaboration, shaping strategic direction across such areas as digital transformation, audit quality, sustainability reporting, professional ethics, and competency development. His leadership helped unify the profession globally and strengthened its readiness to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Mr. Melancon now serves in several key advisory and governance roles, including Chair of the Board for Baker Tilly International and the Global Advisory Board at Caseware, where he continues to support innovation and excellence across the profession worldwide.

“Barry’s contributions have fundamentally shaped the modern accountancy profession,” said IFAC President Jean Bouquot. “His vision for a technology-enabled, globally connected profession has enhanced professional quality, helped prepare generations of accountants for the future, and strengthened the public’s trust.”

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu, one of Africa’s most distinguished accounting pioneers and leaders, has dedicated his career to strengthening public trust, advancing education, and expanding opportunities within and beyond the profession.

As the first Black African chartered accountant in South Africa, he paved the way for generations of Black African accountants. His exemplary career spans academia, public service—including as Economic Advisor to President Thabo Mbeki—and senior leadership at major corporations, including KPMG South Africa, where he guided the organization through complex governance and public trust challenges.

Prof. Nkuhlu’s contributions strengthened public-sector governance across the continent and elevated the chartered accountant’s role in building resilient economies. His influence extends beyond South Africa. As the Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the first chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee, he was at the forefront of African economic revival initiatives.  This underscores Prof. Nkuhlu’s commitment to the continent's economic development.  

“Prof. Nkuhlu’s legacy goes far beyond his pioneering work,” said Mr. Bouquot. “His leadership has strengthened governance, championed equity in the profession, and shaped accountancy education and public finance in Africa and globally.”

The Global Leadership Award was presented to Prof. Nkuhlu during IFAC’s Council meeting, held on November 12-13 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mr. Melancon will attend next year’s IFAC Council meeting in Seoul, South Korea, to receive his Award.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the voice of the global accountancy profession, announces its new and returning Board members this week. With these changes, IFAC will maintain a diverse representation from different backgrounds and jurisdictions.

The elected IFAC Board members and their nominating member organizations are:

New IFAC Board appointments:

• Onome Adewuyi (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Nigeria)
• Áine Collins (Chartered Accountants Ireland, Ireland)
• Silvia Giordano (Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales de Ciencias Económicas, Argentina)
• Philip Kakai (Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, Kenya)
• Brian McEnery (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK)
• Jungeun Shim (Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Korea)

IFAC Board Reappointments:

• Kathryn Byrne (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, USA)
• Francisco Sant’Anna (Conselho Federal de Contabilidade/Instituto de Auditoria Independente do Brasil, Brazil)
• Sidharta Utama (Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants, Indonesia)

“As an international organization, IFAC thrives on the diversity, talent, and leadership of our members”, said Lee White, Chief Executive Officer. “I’m delighted to welcome these exceptional individuals to the Board and look forward to the fresh perspectives they bring to advancing our global mission. I also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Board members—Yeong Kyun Ahn, Joan Curry, Caroline Gardner, Winnie Nyamute, Fiona Wilkinson, and Ismaila Zakari—for their tremendous service to our profession and IFAC.”

New IFAC Member and Associate Admitted

Alongside the election of new Board members, the IFAC Council also approved the admission of one new Member organization and one new Associate.

New IFAC Member:

• Kampuchea Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Auditors (Cambodia)

New Associate:

• Ordre National des Experts-Comptables de la République Démocratique du Congo (The Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The new appointments and membership admissions were approved at the 2025 IFAC Ordinary Council hybrid meeting, held in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 12, 2025.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The IFAC Nominating Committee has launched a global search for volunteer members to serve on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®), an independent standard-setting body that develops and maintains accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®), IPSASB Sustainability Reporting Standards™ (IPSASB SRS™), and other high-quality reporting guidance for use by governments and public sector entities worldwide.

The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations from a wide range of relevant backgrounds, including:

• Public sector standard setters and external auditors;
• Preparers of accrual-based financial statements and/or public sector sustainability reports such as from Ministries of Finance, Accountants Generals’ Departments, or other institutions;
• Users of general-purpose financial reports, such as parliamentarians, budget officials, and credit-rating agencies; and
• Professionals from jurisdictions that are transitioning to or have already implemented IPSAS.

Candidates should have relevant experience, such as strong knowledge of financial or sustainability reporting issues, accounting standard-setting experience, direct involvement in public financial management reforms, and/or familiarity with the needs of financial statement users. Excellent written and spoken English is required.

Selected members will serve an initial three-year term beginning January 1, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for an additional term.

All stakeholders, including from national, state, and local governments, national standard setters, IFAC member organizations, the Forum of Firms and their members from public accounting firms, other organizations, and members of the general public, are encouraged to nominate candidates or apply.

Nominations from all regions of the world are encouraged.

“The IPSASB plays a vital role in strengthening trust, accountability, and sustainability in public financial management worldwide,” said Jon Blondal, Co-Chair of the Public Interest Committee. “Serving on the Board is an opportunity to help shape the standards that improve how governments manage public resources and report to their citizens.”

“Supporting high-quality international standards is a core part of how we deliver value to our members and the global profession,” said Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer. “The IPSASB’s work supports transparency, accountability, and trust in the public sector. We encourage professionals who share that commitment to consider serving and contributing their experience to this important work.”

The deadline for submitting applications is January 31, 2026.

Please see the Call for Nominations for more details and information on how to submit an application.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS Standards), IPSASB Sustainability Reporting Standards (IPSASB SRS™ Standards) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS Standards and IPSASB SRS Standards and promotes the adoption and implementation of these to enhance the quality and consistency of practice throughout the world and strengthen the transparency and accountability of public sector finances and sustainable development. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and The World Bank. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC®). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

About the Public Interest Committee
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

About the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee makes recommendations to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Board on the composition of the IPSASB and other IFAC Groups. The Nominating Committee is guided in its work by the principle of selecting the most suitable candidate for the position. The Committee also seeks diversity in gender, regional, and professional background, as well as representation from jurisdictions with different levels of economic development.

The Public Interest Committee oversees the nomination process for IPSASB membership and provides its advice. To learn more about the Nominating Committee, please visit the IFAC website. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) this week opens IFAC Global Connect: Better Together 2025 in Mexico City, bringing together regulators, standard setters, investors, and IFAC member organizations from across the world to strengthen the consistency and credibility of global reporting, regulatory frameworks, and the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the accountancy profession. 

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Held alongside the IFAC Council meeting, this two-day, invitation-only event unites IFAC’s global members with the leadership from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) with senior officials from IOSCO.  

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rapid innovation is reshaping economies and their growth programs. We are focused on elevating and delivering the professional accountant’s role with governance, transparency, and accountability of AI. We will work with regulators and governments to align and benefit our core and common priorities —global collaboration is real progress.”

In addition to cross-sector collaboration, a defining feature of all IFAC Connect events is the elevation of local perspectives. Latin American viewpoints will feature prominently throughout the program, with opportunities to continue networking outside of sessions hosted by IFAC member, the Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (IMCP). 

Ludivina Leija, President, IMCP, said: “Hosting IFAC Council and Connect Global in Mexico City demonstrates the commitment of Mexico and the Latin American profession to advancing transparency, integrity, and innovation. Through this global dialogue, we are reinforcing the essential role professional accountants play in building stronger economies and more accountable institutions.” 

IFAC Global Connect is part of the ongoing IFAC Connect^TM  series, in its second year. The next regional IFAC Connect event will be held in Jakarta in December.  

About IFAC
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) have today launched a pioneering new initiative aimed at supporting legal and accountancy professional bodies in the fight against money laundering. 

This pilot workshop, which is the first in a planned global series of regional AML capacity building events, brings together representatives from the accountancy and legal professions in a shared learning environment designed to help strengthen national AML systems.

The three-day programme, with over 70 delegates from bar associations and professional accountancy bodies from 22 jurisdictions in the Caribbean region and beyond, is being held in the Cayman Islands between October 28-30. It is supported by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global AML standard setter, and CFATF, its regional affiliate, and is being hosted by the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) and the Legal Services Supervisory Authority (LSSA), with the sponsorship of the Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services. 

The workshop agenda, which comprises panel sessions, lectures, and collaborative breakout activities, aims to:

• Enhance the ability of professional bodies to educate and equip their members with relevant AML requirements and expectations;
• Empower professional associations to partner more effectively with key AML stakeholders, including government agencies and financial intelligence units; and
• Support professional bodies in undertaking or preparing for AML supervisory responsibilities where applicable.

Steven Richman, Chair of the IBA’s Bar Issues Commission, commented: ‘This initiative underscores the critical role that the accountancy and legal professions play in combatting money laundering and strengthening the integrity of the global financial system as a whole. Sharing ideas and working together is crucial to stamping out this corrupt practice.’

"IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession’s contributions to the fight against money laundering truly global.  Through our partnership with the FATF and IBA, we aim to equip our member professional bodies with the tools and networks they need to be AML leaders in their jurisdictions," said Scott Hanson, Director of Policy & Global Engagement of IFAC.

Media Contact

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

• Scott Hanson, Director, IFAC – scotthanson@ifac.org
• Sara Carnegie, International Bar Association – sara.carnegie@int-bar.org

About the International Bar Association (IBA)

The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the XXV INCOSAI meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The MoU formalizes collaboration between the three organizations to enhance the quality of public sector auditing and strengthen transparency and accountability in government activities—fostering good governance and promoting the economy, effectiveness, and efficiency of government programs for the benefit of all.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to strengthen public financial management, promote high-quality international standards, and build capacity within Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and the broader accountability profession.

Under the MoU, IFAC, INTOSAI, and IDI endeavor to :

• Collaborate on issues of mutual interest to promote sound public financial management, support each other’s efforts to promote the adoption and implementation of their standards, and foster partnerships between INTOSAI and IFAC members to strengthen public sector accountancy and audit capacity;
• Exchange relevant knowledge, experience, and best practices;
• Explore opportunities to convene or contribute to joint events, forums, and dialogues to advance shared objectives and engage stakeholders;
• Cooperate in engagements with donors and development partners to leverage synergies in capacity-building projects that support all three parties’ objectives; and
• Promote relevant initiatives and publications.

This partnership builds on a long history of cooperation between the global accountancy profession and the public sector audit community, recognizing their complementary roles in advancing integrity, trust, and effective governance.

Lee White, Chief Executive Officer, IFAC said:  “This MoU is a milestone in our ongoing collaboration with INTOSAI and IDI. Public sector accountability is fundamental to trust in government and citizens’ confidence in how public resources are managed. Together, we are reinforcing the bridge between the accountancy profession and Supreme Audit Institutions to strengthen integrity, transparency, and the quality of public sector reporting and assurance globally.”

Dr Margit Kraker, Secretary General, INTOSAI said:  "INTOSAI welcomes this strengthened collaboration with IFAC and IDI. This agreement is a reflection of our mutual confidence and our conviction that collaboration is central to lasting progress. By pooling our knowledge, experience, and resources, we are laying a strong foundation for sustainable and impactful results. Let us approach this partnership with commitment and confidence — for the benefit of our institutions, our partners, and ultimately, the citizens we serve."

Einar Gørrissen, Director General, IDI said: “As an INTOSAI body, the IDI is pleased to formalize this partnership with IFAC. Our collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to support independent, professional, and credible Supreme Audit Institutions ensuring trust in public institutions. We look forward to working together for capacity development, standard-setting support, and advocacy, for contributing to stronger, more resilient institutions that are essential for better societies and improved lives.”

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.