The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) today announced the appointment of Helene Agélii (Sweden) as Chair of the Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group (SMP AG), Sinéad Donovan (Ireland) as Chair of the International Panel on Accountancy Education (IPAE), and Josephine Okui Ossiya (Uganda) as Chair of the Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group (PAIB AG). Each brings a wealth of leadership experience and proven records of advancing the global accountancy profession.

“We are delighted to welcome Sinéad, Josephine, and Helene—three outstanding members of the global accountancy community,” said Jean Bouquot, IFAC President. “Each has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing our profession and supporting the public interest, our members, and our collective mission. Their perspectives will be invaluable as we work together to shape the future of accountancy through learning, innovation, and a collective voice. I also extend my deep gratitude to the outgoing chairs for their dedicated service and impactful contributions.”

Ms. Helene Agélii, Incoming Chair, Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group

Ms. Agélii arrives with extensive experience in a variety of leadership roles in the accountancy profession. As Secretary General of the Nordic Federation of Public Accountants, she has deepened the collaborative relationships between the national accountancy bodies in the Nordic countries and, on the global stage, was a strong advocate for the development of an international auditing standard suitable for smaller and less complex entities—a need that was subsequently recognized and addressed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). Ms. Agélii previously served as general counsel for the Swedish Institute for Professional Accountants (FAR), as a technical advisor to the IAASB, as a member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), and in multiple capacities with IFAC, including within the SMP AG. She has applied her background in law as an expert advisor for Swedish government bodies on implementing EU audit regulations into Swedish law.

Ms. Sinéad Donovan, Incoming Chair, International Panel on Accountancy Education

Ms. Donovan brings with her a distinguished record in professional leadership and contribution to the accountancy profession. As former Chair and Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, Ms. Donovan led the firm through transformative growth across multiple international markets. She has been significantly involved in the development of the accountancy profession in Ireland, including terms as President of Accounting Technicians Ireland and Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the latter coinciding with the amalgamation of CAI and CPA Ireland. Her longstanding commitment to accountancy education includes serving as Chair of the Education Board at CAI, where she championed curriculum modernization and university engagement.

Mrs. Josephine Okui Ossiya, Incoming Chair, Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group

Mrs. Josephine Okui Ossiya brings a distinguished record of leadership in finance, capital markets, and governance across Africa. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Authority Uganda, she has held senior executive roles including Chief Finance Officer of Bujagali Energy Limited, Finance Director at Eskom Uganda, and CFO and Head of Finance at ATC Ghana. A committed leader in the accountancy profession, Mrs. Ossiya is the immediate Past President of Council of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, a Fellow of ACCA (UK), and a founding member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Uganda. She also contributes to public service through her board role at the Bank of Uganda, where she chairs key committees, and through her work in education and entrepreneurship.

Nominated by IFAC’s member organizations, these new chairs represent some of the profession’s most respected leaders and reinforce the global reach of IFAC’s network. Together with its members, IFAC works to shape the future of accountancy through learning, innovation, and a collective voice—always with a commitment to integrity, quality, and the public interest. Membership in IFAC is not only a mark of international recognition, but also a symbol of the profession’s unity and shared responsibility as a truly global force.

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.

All speeches and session videos from the IESBA Ethics and Independence Conference 2025 are now available on the conference website, offering open access to the key discussions and insights shared.

With about 800 participants - including more than 200 in-person attendees and 35 speakers and moderators from around the world - the conference was a milestone in the global dialogue on the relevance of ethics in the accounting services industry and the financial sector.

Keynotes and panels addressed:

• Ethical Conduct and Information Quality in Accounting and Auditing: Safeguarding Market Confidence
• The Importance of Ethics in Building Trust in Global Financial Markets
• Ethics in a World of Regulatory Shifts and Market Transformation
• Trust and Transparency in Capital Markets
• Ethical Culture and Governance – Reinforcing Resilience and Public Trust in Accounting Firms
• Ethics vs. Innovation? The Future of Technology in Audit and Accounting
• The Rise of Private Equity in Accounting: Strategic Partnerships or Increased Risks to Public Interest?
• Accountants at a Crossroads: Ethics and the Fight Against Financial Crime
• How to Enhance Trust in the Audit Market: a European Perspective

This content is part of a series of initiatives the IESBA will promote throughout October to celebrate Global Ethics Day 2025 (October 15), under the theme “Ethics Re-Envisioned.”

The conference discussions provide valuable contributions to the ongoing reflection on how we can, and should, re-envision the increasingly relevant role of ethics across the accounting profession and the broader financial system.

Throughout the month, the IESBA will invite its community to engage and contribute to the discussion through a series of initiatives, including dedicated videos and polls on each panel topic, content exploring how ethics can be re-envisioned, and highlights of IESBA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement and deliver greater public value.

Stay tuned to IESBA on LinkedIn for updates and opportunities to join the conversation.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today released the 2025 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards). This handbook incorporates the tax planning pronouncement that became effective for tax planning services and activities beginning after June 30, 2025.

The back of Volume 1 of the 2025 Handbook contains the IESBA-approved revisions to the Code addressing Using the Work of an External Expert as well as Sustainability Reporting-related Revisions. These revisions will become effective December 2026.

The new Volume 2 of the IESBA Handbook contains the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including Independence Standards) and Other Revisions to the Code Relating to Sustainability Assurance and the provisions addressing Using the Work of an External Expert. These provisions become effective December 2026, except for certain independence provisions relating to value chain, which become effective July 2028.

Click here to learn more about the IESBA Code.

Reproducing and Translating the IESBA Handbook

To help adoption and implementation of the IESBA standards, stakeholders are invited to submit requests for permission to reproduce or translate the IESBA Handbook via the Online Permissions Requests or Inquiries system on the IFAC website.

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

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), with support from the Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC), has released Opening Doors: Six Principles of Best Practice to Increase Access to Accountancy Qualifications.

The principles provide a practical framework for IFAC’s members and other professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) to welcome talent from diverse backgrounds, remove unnecessary barriers, and adapt qualification pathways—while maintaining the high standards that underpin public trust.

“The accountancy profession is enriched through talent drawn from the widest breadth possible,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White. “I am excited by the opportunity Opening Doors creates to engage future talent in new ways and respond to the evolving workplace. Our members uphold the highest standards of integrity and quality, and together we are building a broader-based, innovative and connected profession—one that is forward-looking and equipped to sustain public trust.”

The Six Principles focus on:

• Encouraging entry from diverse educational backgrounds.
• Recognizing and valuing prior work experience.
• Removing unnecessary barriers to access.
• Offering flexible qualification formats and delivery.
• Enabling career step-off points.
• Driving global reciprocity and mobility.

Some IFAC members have already embedded these principles into their operating models, demonstrating how the principles can broaden access to the profession in practice. For others, Opening Doors likely marks a fresh approach—an opportunity to reimagine pathways into accountancy and strengthen engagement with future talent.

Adaptable to local contexts and regulatory environments, the principles reflect emerging best practices from around the world. By adopting them, PAOs can create more inclusive pathways into the profession—ensuring it remains future-ready, connected, and committed to delivering value to economies, markets, and society.

Opening Doors is also the first in a series of new IFAC initiatives that will help the profession remain competitive and reset how it engages with future talent. A panel discussion at IFAC’s upcoming IFAC Global Connect conference in November in Mexico City will also spotlight the principles and foster a dynamic discussion with IFAC members.

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.

On behalf of IAASB, IESBA and IFEA, we warmly congratulate Tshegofatso (Tshego) B. Modise on her appointment as Chair of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB). Ms. Modise brings deep experience in governance, risk management, and the accountancy profession, and we look forward to working with her to advance the public interest through strong, globally accepted assurance and ethics standards.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Linda de Beer for her dedicated leadership of the PIOB over the past five years. Her tenure coincided with a period of profound change, during which she oversaw the careful implementation of the Monitoring Group’s 2020 Recommendations and guided the PIOB’s oversight through a time of significant global challenge and transformation.

The IAASB and IESBA share with the PIOB a commitment to enhancing trust and confidence in the audit and accountancy profession and the information it provides to stakeholders worldwide. Under Ms. Modise’s leadership, we are confident that our close collaboration with the PIOB will continue to strengthen the international standard-setting system and deliver standards that serve the global public interest.

Gabriela Figueiredo Dias
Chair, International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)
Co-CEO, International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA)

Tom Seidenstein
Chair, International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)
Co-CEO, International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA)

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in partnership with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA), IFAC member, has convened leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa this week in Riyadh for IFAC Connect MENA 2025. The gathering brings together regulators, standard setters, professional accountancy organizations (PAOs), and stakeholders across the public and private sectors to share perspectives and identify practical ways the profession can advance integrity, innovation, and public value.  

Today, regional regulators convened to exchange perspectives on how greater collaboration can accelerate the adoption and implementation of international accountancy standards and best practices across the region. PAOs shared forward-looking insights on modernizing education pathways, creating more inclusive workplaces, and defining clear professional development and leadership tracks to attract and retain top talent, particularly women. 

On October 1, IFAC and SOCPA will engage with regional PAO leaders to build institutional capacity, sharpen relevance and credibility, and strengthen alignment with the public interest through clear value propositions and evidence-based communication. The IPSASB will also hold a roundtable to gather direct feedback from attendees on its work program. 

On October 2, the main IFAC Connect MENA program will spotlight the global forces shaping the profession: corporate reporting transformation, technology, and artificial intelligence while deepening regional commitments to solutions that foster trust, resilience, and innovation. 

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: “The profession is facing unprecedented transformation. By convening regulators, PAOs, and business leaders in Riyadh, we are ensuring that global priorities are addressed with regional insight and leadership, and that PAOs in MENA move swiftly and boldly to shape solutions that serve the public interest.” 

Dr. Ahmad Almeghames, CEO of SOCPA and IFAC Board Member, said: “Hosting IFAC Connect MENA reflects our commitment to advancing transparency, integrity, and innovation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through partnership with IFAC and our regional colleagues, we are ensuring the profession plays a central role in supporting both national and global priorities.” 

IFAC Connect MENA follows a gathering in Nairobi this year and in Singapore, Bogotá, and Dubai in 2024. Later this year, the series will continue with IFAC Connect Global in Mexico City and IFAC Connect Asia-Pacific in Jakarta.

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 SOCPA 
The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) is Saudi Arabia’s leading professional accountancy body, committed to advancing professional competence, transparency, and accountability, while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) and extends its appreciation to Ian Carruthers, for his 10 years of service as Chair to the IPSASB. Thomas was selected through a rigorous selection process led by the Independent Search Committee under the oversight of the Public Interest Committee. The Search Committee submitted its recommendation to the Public Interest Committee for review, and the IFAC Board approved the selection. 

Thomas will lead the IPSASB in advancing high-quality International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS Standards) and Sustainability Reporting Standards (IPSASB SRS Standards) and advocating for their use, which support transparency, accountability, and decision-making in governments and public sector entities worldwide. Thomas has over 30 years of experience in public sector accounting and financial management. 

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said: “I thank Ian Carruthers for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to improving public sector financial reporting across the globe. We are delighted to welcome Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as the next Chair of the IPSASB. His deep expertise and long-standing commitment to the public interest will ensure the IPSASB continues to meet the evolving needs of governments, citizens, and the global accountancy profession.”  

Jon Blondal, co-chair of the Public Interest Committee, said: 
“The Public Interest Committee welcomes the appointment of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as the next Chair of the IPSASB. We extend our thanks to Vinod Rai, Search Committee Chair, its members, and IFAC leadership for their close cooperation and commitment throughout the process. The selection of Thomas follows a rigorous and transparent process that reflects public interest.” 

Incoming IPSASB Chair Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger said: 
“It is an immense honor to be selected as the next IPSASB Chair. For many years, I have been deeply passionate about the Board’s tremendous contribution to sound public financial management globally. I am fully committed to building on the strong foundation established by the Board to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in public sector reporting worldwide. On a personal note, I look forward to working with Board members, the staff team, and all relevant stakeholder groups across the globe. I am driven by the conviction that our work is vital to ensuring governments have the tools they need to achieve sustainable development and sound financial management.”  

IFAC looks forward to its continuing support of the IPSASB under the leadership of Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger.  

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 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 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.