With a changing and uncertain business environment, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and finance functions must evolve to sit at the heart of decision making within their organizations, according to a series launched today by IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants). The series includes:

• A vision for the CFO and finance function;
• Future-fit accounting roles for the next decade; and
• An evaluation tool to help guide organizations in finance function transformation.

With more demanding customers and societal expectations, achieving long-term value creation and success has never been more challenging for businesses. The CFO and finance function of today and tomorrow needs to provide information and analysis that supports decisions about all aspects of an organization’s business model and value creation. As business partners, they need to communicate how value is created today, how it will be created in the future, and if profitability is sustainable.

“The finance function cannot survive as a support or back-office function and must do more than account for the balance sheet” said Kevin Dancey, IFAC CEO. “As business models evolve and uncertainty increases, CFOs and their finance teams are uniquely situated to provide the information that powers decision-making for long-term value creation.”

To be at the heart of decision making, effective CFOs and finance functions must deliver:

• Actionable insights to support strategic and operational planning and decisions;
• Performance analysis to steer the organization toward achieving objectives, targets, and long-term profitability, as well as to ensure alignment between strategy, planning and delivery;
• Enterprise risk management to manage uncertainty, opportunities, and risks in the context of business objectives and the external environment;
• Effective communication and storytelling on all aspects of an organization’s business model and value creation;
• Trust and confidence in the governance of the organization, and in the quality of data, processes, systems and reporting through adequate control and security; and
• Integrity and professionalism to encourage ethical behavior and decision making throughout an organization to ensure sustainable value creation.

It is incumbent upon various stakeholders – organizations, professional accountancy organizations (PAOs), and individuals – to help prepare future-fit accountants in business.

For organizations, developing a finance function vision will help identify the enablers of change and ensure that the finance function is fit-for-purpose to partner with the business. IFAC's evaluation tool is meant to help boards and management teams identify strengths and areas of improvement for their finance team.

For PAOs, there are three priority areas to develop future-ready accountants in business: engaging accountants in business and their employers, advancing accountancy education, and promoting the value of the accounting profession.

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About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Within five years, 65% of governments will report on an accrual basis, according to a recent report by IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) and CIPFA (the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy). The report was drawn from the International Public Sector Financial Accountability Index, which captures current and future use of public financial reporting bases and frameworks by governments around the world.

The 2018 Index Status Report, which captures information from 150 countries, finds that while 25% of governments currently report on an accrual basis, 65% of governments will report on accrual by the end of 2023. Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean will lead the projected increase by the end of 2023.

By providing a comprehensive view of government finances, accrual reporting helps ensure that expenditure of public funds is transparent, public officials are held accountable, and future liabilities are recognized officially and planned for properly.

“Accruals-based accounting and auditable financial statements are essential if governments are to promote trust and transparency, identify and fight corruption, and above all deliver the outcomes their citizens expect and deserve,” said Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive of CIPFA.

Public financial reporting frameworks are developed in various ways, with many using International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). IPSAS provide high quality financial reporting guidance for governments and other public bodies around the world, in order to improve their consistency and transparency. 51% of governments that currently report on an accrual basis use IPSAS directly, indirectly or as a reference point. By the end of 2023, nearly three-quarters (73%) of governments that report on accrual will use IPSAS in one of these three ways.

The report also outlines key actions for successful accrual reforms. According to the report, successful implementation of accrual reforms requires coordinated planning and sustained support. Additional recommendations include: frequent and clear communications, a change management program, and coordinated training and capacity building.

“The rapid acceleration of accrual reporting in the public sector, and IPSAS in particular, is a promising sign for citizens across the globe. Professional accountants play a critical role in unlocking the full benefits of accrual accounting and in improving decision making, transparency and accountability throughout the economy,” said Kevin Dancey, IFAC Incoming CEO.

IFAC and CIPFA plan to expand the Index progressively in terms of both coverage and information depth and to provide periodic status reports throughout this crucial uptake period for accrual financial reporting globally.

Media Contacts:
Tony Mirenda
IFAC Head of Communications
tonymirenda@ifac.org
+1 212 286 9344

Letreis Lawrence
CIPFA Corporate Communications Assistant
Letreis.lawrence@cipfa.org
0207543 5787

 
About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

About CIPFA
CIPFA is the professional body for people in public finance. It represents approximately 14,000 members who are public finance leaders and officials in the United Kingdom and overseas, specialising in high quality public financial management and governance for organisations in, and providing support to, government and public services. Its members work throughout the public sector, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other public and private sector bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed. As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s portfolio of qualifications is the foundation for a career in public finance. It also champions high performance in public services, translating its experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Jennifer Lopez as the new Chief Executive of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA).

Jennifer brings to CAPA a proven record of transformative and innovative leadership, most recently demonstrated during her tenure as Executive Director at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce. Her vision, strategic acumen, and commitment to collaboration come at a pivotal time for the profession. As IFAC strengthens its approach to regional engagement, Jennifer’s appointment marks an important step to further elevate collaboration between IFAC and CAPA, supporting the advancement of the accountancy profession both regionally and globally.

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Lopez into her new role at CAPA. Jennifer’s track record of innovation and strategic leadership will bring fresh energy and ideas to CAPA’s important mission. Her appointment comes at a time when our profession is navigating profound transformations—driven by sustainability, powered by technology, and shaped by the urgent need to attract, develop, and retain talent.

I am excited for the opportunities ahead as we work closely with Jennifer and the CAPA team to strengthen our collective impact for the benefit of the global profession and the public interest."

At the same time, IFAC expresses its deep gratitude to Brian Blood, who is stepping down after a remarkable tenure as CAPA’s Chief Executive Officer. "Brian has been a tireless champion for the profession in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Under his leadership, CAPA has become a true force—supporting PAOs through the Maturity Model, championing SMPs and Accounting Technicians, and producing vital resources on public sector reporting, ethics, and quality assurance. Brian has also been a generous advisor and friend to IFAC—always thoughtful and committed,” said Mr White. 

With Jennifer’s leadership and Brian’s enduring legacy, CAPA is well positioned to continue driving impact for its members and for the global profession.

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 Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released the 2025 edition of its Handbook of International Quality Management, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements.

The IAASB Handbook comprises the following five volumes:

• Volume 1: International Auditing Practice Notes (IAPNs), International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and International Standards on Quality Management (ISQMs)
• Volume 2: International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (the ISA for LCE)
• Volume 3: International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements
• Volume 4: International Standards on Assurance Engagements (ISAEs), International Standards on Review Engagements (ISREs), and International Standards on Related Services (ISRSs)
• Volume 5: A Framework for Audit Quality: Key Elements that Create an Environment for Audit Quality and the International Framework for Assurance Engagements

The following standards, which are not yet effective, are included in the 2025 Handbook:

• ISA 240 (Revised), The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements
• ISA 570 (Revised 2024), Going Concern
• ISSA 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements

The 2025 Handbook is available as a PDF download; print copies can be ordered via the IAASB website.

Reproducing and Translating the IAASB Handbook
To help adoption and implementation of the IAASB standards, stakeholders are invited to request permission to reproduce or translate the IAASB handbook via the Online Permissions Requests or Inquiries system on the IFAC website.

About the IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. Along with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the IAASB is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees IAASB and IESBA activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards. For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), developer of reporting standards for the public sector, today announced new and returning members of the Board, following its recent meeting in Lisbon, Portugal. The IPSASB Board continues to reflect broad geographic representation, gender parity, and professional expertise in public sector financial and sustainability reporting. 

Appointments follow a rigorous nomination and interview process operated by the IFAC Nominating Committee, which is overseen by the Public Interest Committee, and with final approval by the IFAC Board. 

The following individuals have been appointed for a three-year term of service beginning on January 1, 2026: 

• Judith Apaza, Bolivia 
• Dina Attia, United Arab Emirates 
• George Scott, United States of America 
• Alex Fabiane Teixeira, Brazil 

Two current members have been re-appointed:

• Andrew van der Burgh, South Africa 
• Nor Yati Ahmad, Malaysia 

“IPSASB’s strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives from across the globe,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “Our new and returning members will help ensure the Board continues to deliver high-quality standards that enhance public financial management and support sustainable development.” 

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®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance and sustainability reporting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. 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. 

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today released two new staff publications to enhance understanding and support global adoption and implementation of its ethics standard on Using the Work of an External Expert as well as the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance^TM (including International Independence Standards^TM) (IESSA^TM), both of which are effective from December 2026. These publications explain key aspects of the standard related to using the work of an external expert and the proportionality of the ethics and independence provisions for sustainability assurance in the IESSA.

1. Questions and Answers on Using the Work of an External Expert

This publication is relevant to all professional accountants, whether in business or in public practice, and sustainability assurance practitioners (SAPs). It provides answers to common questions on:

• Evaluating whether to use the work of an external expert
• How to identify an external expert
• The extended requirements for evaluating the objectivity of an external expert in the context of an audit or other assurance (including sustainability) engagement
• Concluding an external expert’s competence, capabilities and objectivity
• Potential threats arising from using the work of an external expert
• Specific considerations related to the IESSA

Access other resources relating to this standard on the IESBA Experts Page.

2. Proportionality of the IESSA

This publication highlights key aspects of the IESSA that illustrate its proportionality, while the IESSA also provides a robust global ethics and independence baseline for sustainability assurance engagements (SAEs). The proportionality of the IESSA enables it to support the performance of SAEs for entities of all sizes, thereby underpinning public trust in those engagements.

The publication is especially geared towards facilitating the implementation of the IESSA by SAPs that are small and medium practices (SMPs).

Access other resources relating to the IESSA on the IESBA Sustainability Focus Page.

Both publications may also be helpful to jurisdictional standard setters, regulators and oversight bodies, professional accountancy organizations, educational bodies, and other stakeholders.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting high-quality, international ethics (including independence) standards as a cornerstone to ethical behavior in business and organizations, and to public trust in financial and non-financial information that is fundamental to the proper functioning and sustainability of organizations, financial markets and economies worldwide.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.

• O programa final anunciado com o investimento de private equity nas firmas de auditoria e contabilidadee em destaque.
• As conferências principais contarão com Maria Luís Albuquerque (Comissária Europeia), Jean-Paul Servais (Presidente da IOSCO) e Joaquim Miranda Sarmento (Ministro de Estado e das Finanças de Portugal), acompanhados por mais de 20 líderes globais.
• Mais de 700 inscrições já foram confirmadas, representando 96 jurisdições em seis continentes, com mais de 250 participantes em Lisboa. As inscrições presenciais encontram-se encerradas, mas a participação virtual continua disponível.

O International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) anunciou hoje o programa final da sua Conferência inaugural de Ética e Independência, que terá lugar no dia 15 de setembro em Lisboa e online.

O programa ficou concluído com a confirmação dos oradores para o painel da tarde sobre o crescimento do investimento de Private Equity nas firmas de auditoria e contabilidade. O debate, moderado por Ken Siong, Diretor Sénior de Programas do IESBA, contará com Mark Babington, Diretor Executivo de Normas Regulatórias no UK Financial Reporting Council e Membro do Board do IESBA; Liam Boyle, Chief Risk Officer da Teneo; e Wendy Russel, Head of Audit da Grant Thornton UK.

Este será um dos seis debates temáticos que abordarão os principais desenvolvimentos que estão a moldar a profissão e os serviços financeiros. Entre estes incluem-se também os impactos das alterações regulatórias e da disrupção tecnológica e da inteligência artificial, cultura e governação nas empresas de auditoria e contabilidade, desenvolvimentos relacionados com a informação de sustentabilidade, ética em planeamento fiscal e o papel dos profissionais de contabilidade e auditoria no combate ao crime financeiro.

Os oradores principais incluem Maria Luís Albuquerque, Comissária Europeia para os Serviços Financeiros e para a União da Poupança e dos Investimentos, Jean-Paul Servais, Presidente da IOSCO, e Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Ministro de Estado e das Finanças de Portugal. Juntam-se a um prestigiado painel com mais de 20 especialistas e líderes internacionais.

Mais de 700 participantes já se inscreveram, representando 96 jurisdições em seis continentes, com mais de 250 inscritos para assistir em Lisboa. Embora as inscrições presenciais estejam encerradas, a participação virtual permanece disponível.

O programa completo e os detalhes de inscrição podem ser consultados em www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025.

Num momento em que a pressão regulatória evolui e a inovação acelera, a conferência oferece uma oportunidade para explorar o papel das práticas éticas e regras de independência  no reforço da competitividade, resiliência e confiança dos cidadãos e investidores nos setores da contabilidade e auditoria, nos mercados financeiros e na economia.

Esta  é a primeira conferência internacional dedicada à ética e à independência em serviços financeiros organizada pelo IESBA, refletindo o compromisso do Board com a promoção do diálogo com os seus stakeholders a nível internacional. Igualmente, visa contribuir para a adoção dos seus standards, consagrados no seu código internacional de ética de independência — um benchmark já adotado, utilizado ou usado como referência em mais de 130 jurisdições em todo o mundo.

A Conferência IESBA 2025 marca também o início da reunião do board do IESBA de setembro, que terá lugar em Lisboa, no campus do ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management.

O evento conta com o apoio generoso do ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, bem como das duas organizações profissionais portuguesas do setor: a OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados e a OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

Estes apoios são críticos para permitir a realização da conferência em Lisboa, evidenciando a associação destas organizações ao propósito desta iniciativa do IESBA de dinamização do diálogo internacional, ao mais alto nível, sobre temas de grande atualidade para o setor da contabilidade e auditoria, os mercados financeiros e a economia.

Sobre o IESBA

O International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) é um organismo independente de definição de normas internacionais. A sua missão é servir o interesse público através da definição de standards éticos internacionais de elevada qualidade (incluindo normas sobre independência), como base para o comportamento ético nos negócios e nas organizações, e para a confiança pública na informação financeira e não financeira — essencial ao funcionamento e sustentabilidade das organizações, dos mercados financeiros e das economias a nível global.

Juntamente com o International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), o IESBA integra a International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). As atividades do IESBA e do IAASB, bem como a adequação dos seus standards ao interesse público, são supervisionadas pelo Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

Contactos para a Imprensa:

Rui Peres Jorge 

Director de Comunicação Estratégica 

International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) 

ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Directo: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson 

Assessor Sénior de Comunicação

IESBA Communications

davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Directo: +1 (212) 471-8732

Rita Dimas

Consultora de Comunicação

Dédalo

ritadimas@dedalo.pt| Directo: +351 937-675-656

• Final program announced with Private Equity in Accounting under the spotlight, alongside panels on regulatory shifts, market transparency, firm culture, technology & AI, and financial crime.
• Keynotes feature Maria Luís Albuquerque (European Commissioner), Jean-Paul Servais (IOSCO Chair), and Joaquim Miranda Sarmento (Portugal’s Finance Minister), joined by more than 20 global leaders.
• Over 700 registrants confirmed from nearly 96 jurisdictions across six continents, including more than 250 in Lisbon. In-person registration closed; virtual participation still open.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today unveiled the final program for its inaugural Ethics and Independence Conference, taking place on September 15 in Lisbon and online.

The program is complete, with the confirmation of speakers for the afternoon panel on the rise of private equity in accounting firms. The discussion, moderated by Ken Siong, IESBA Program and Senior Director, will feature Mark Babington, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the UK Financial Reporting Council and IESBA Board Member; Liam Boyle, Chief Risk Officer at Teneo; and Wendy Russel, Head of Audit at Grant Thornton UK.

This will be one of six targeted discussions covering key developments shaping the accounting services sector and financial markets. Panels will address regulatory shifts and their impact on accounting and capital markets, sustainability reporting, firm culture and governance, ethical tax planning, the accountant’s role in combatting financial crime, and the ethical implications of technological disruption and AI.

Keynote speakers include Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Jean-Paul Servais, Chair of IOSCO, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Portugal’s Minister of State and Finance. They join a distinguished line-up of more than 20 global experts and leaders.

More than 700 participants have registered, representing 96 jurisdictions across six continents, with over 250 registered to attend in Lisbon. While in-person registration is now closed, virtual participation remains available.

The full program and registration details can be found at www.ethicsboard.org/iesba-conference-2025.

As regulatory pressures intensify and innovation accelerates, the conference offers a timely platform to explore how ethics and independence can strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and public confidence in business, the accounting profession, and global financial markets.

This event marks IESBA’s first global conference on ethics and independence, reflecting the Board’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders worldwide and promoting the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), a benchmark adopted or referenced in over 130 jurisdictions globally.

The conference also marks the beginning of the September 2025 IESBA Board Meeting, which will take place at the ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management.

The event is made possible with the support of ISEG, as well as Portugal’s two professional accountancy organizations: OCC – Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados and OROC – Ordem dos Revisores Oficiais de Contas.

Their support was critical to hosting the conference in Lisbon and reflects their alignment with IESBA’s mission to foster international dialogue on timely and pressing issues for the profession, financial markets, and the wider economy.

About IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting high-quality, international ethics (including independence) standards as a cornerstone to ethical behavior in business and organizations, and to public trust in financial and non-financial information that is fundamental to the proper functioning and sustainability of organizations, financial markets and economies worldwide.

Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA). The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.

Media Contacts:

Rui Peres Jorge

Director of Strategic Communications

International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)

ruiperesjorge@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +351 966-301-383

David Johnson

Senior Manager

IESBA Communications

davidjohnson@ethicsboard.org | Direct: +1 (212) 471-8732

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released narrow scope amendments to its standards revising the definition of listed entity to align with the definition in the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ (IESBA) Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards). The new definition will amend the International Standards on Quality Management and International Standards on Auditing. In addition, amendments to International Standard on Review Engagement 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements, aim to align with the IESBA Code of Ethics regarding certain public disclosures about the application of independence requirements.

The narrow scope amendments:

• Adopt the same definition of publicly traded entity (PTE) in the ISQMs and ISAs as adopted in the IESBA Code of Ethics, while recognizing the role local standard setters and regulators play in defining PTEs for their jurisdictions.
• Incorporate an overarching objective for differential requirements for PTEs in the ISQMs and ISAs and a framework for when it may be appropriate to apply such requirements to other entities.
• Amend the applicability of the existing requirements for audits of listed entities to apply to audits of PTEs.
• Add a new requirement in ISRE 2400 (Revised) for public disclosure in the practitioner’s review report when the practitioner applied independence requirements specific to reviews of financial statements of certain entities, e.g., for public interest entities.

Throughout the development of these amendments, the IAASB maintained close collaboration and coordination with IESBA, striving to align key concepts in the IAASB’s and IESBA’s standards, to the greatest extent possible.

To assist its stakeholder understanding and implementing the narrow scope amendments, the IAASB has published a Basis for Conclusions, available on its website here.

Effective Date and Resources
The narrow scope amendments become effective for engagements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2026. This effective date is aligned with the effective dates for the IAASB’s recently revised standards on going concern and fraud, ISA 570 (Revised 2024) and ISA 240 (Revised), respectively. Together, these standards provide a stronger, more coordinated response to the risks of fraud and financial distress.

About the IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. Along with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the IAASB is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees IAASB and IESBA activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards. For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is excited to announce that the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be held November 17–20, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA) and IFAC will serve as joint hosts, working closely to welcome professional accountants from around the world for the event.

Recognized as a preeminent event for the profession, WCOA brings together Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) representatives from over 100 countries to strengthen the global accountancy community by sharing experiences, learning and deepening relationships across the profession.  

WCOA 2026 marks the launch of a new biennial format, wherein the event will be held every two years. All accountants, as well as interested members of the public, are invited to participate in WCOA virtually to hear about how the profession is positioning itself for the future. In-person participation will be invite-only and will bring together some of the most experienced and visionary leaders in our field. WCOA will continue to be scheduled alongside IFAC Council meetings.

In-person participants of WCOA 2026 will have the opportunity to join in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and hear from distinguished subject-matter experts. The event will include opportunities to attend networking events, in order to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals from various sectors. In-person WCOA 2026 attendees will be comprised of IFAC PAO leadership (staff and volunteers), professional services firms, standard-setters, regulators and other government officials, representatives of multilateral and development agencies, and the business and investor communities. Select sessions will be livestreamed so that virtual attendees are included in these important conversations.    

 Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Seoul is a vibrant, innovative, and truly international city—an ideal host for WCOA 2026. At this Congress, the importance of a resilient, adaptable, and global accountancy profession will be front and center. We are honored to partner with our esteemed member, KICPA, to bring the world together here—leaders, colleagues, and friends united by our shared commitment to the public interest. The value of a strong, global profession has never been more pronounced, nor more needed.

We look forward to creating a Congress where every moment matters—whether on stage in a plenary or in a simple conversation between two new acquaintances—each connection will help shape the future of our profession. And of course, we will be engaging deeply on the drivers reshaping that future: sustainability, AI, and how we attract and empower the next generation of talent."

Mr. Woon-Youl Choi, KICPA President said:

“We are delighted that Seoul has been selected as the host city for WCOA 2026. I am confident that WCOA 2026 will serve as a meaningful platform not only to address priorities in accounting, auditing, and sustainability, but also to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI-enabled digital innovation.

Over the years, Korea has consistently strengthened transparency and trust amid a rapidly evolving domestic and global environment. Through this Congress, we look forward to sharing our experience with the global community while co-creating new value for future generations.

KICPA will work closely with IFAC—from program design through on-site delivery—to ensure a high-quality and rewarding experience for all participants. We also invite every participant to experience Seoul’s vibrant culture and dynamic innovation ecosystem during the Congress and to leave with forward-looking insights.”

IFAC looks forward to working with KICPA to deliver a world-class event in November 2026. Subscribe to IFAC newsletters and follow us on LinkedIn for more announcements in the coming months. For more information on WCOA 2026, please email WCOA@IFAC.org.

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 KICPA

The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA), established in 1954 under the Certified Public Accountants Act, is the statutory professional body representing Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Korea. Guided by the principle that sound accounting makes economic fundamentals sound, KICPA works to build trust and transparency in Korea's financial markets. Through setting professional standards, ensuring ethical conduct, and supporting continuous professional development, KICPA enables CPAs to serve the public interest, promote sound corporate governance, and contribute to Korea's economic development. KICPA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global home for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest.