Institute news

During the visit, insightful discussions focused on key areas including the convergence of Hong Kong and Mainland accounting standards, sustainable development initiatives, talent attraction and nurturing, digital transformation in the profession and strengthening Hong Kong’s role in international accounting affairs.

To further strengthen connections, the Institute hosted a reception dinner, bringing together around 80 representatives from regulatory bodies, members, Qualification Programme (QP) graduates, authorized employers and partner universities. The event provided a valuable platform for networking and exchanging insights on supporting members pursuing opportunities in the Mainland. Read the press release to learn more.

MRAs with CPA Australia and ACCA renewed

The Institute renewed its mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with CPA Australia and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) respectively in June, strengthening collaboration between the accounting bodies with the aim of cultivating top-tier accounting talent and advancing the profession.

The Institute has held both MRAs with CPA Australia and ACCA since 2000. The new five-year MRA with CPA Australia and the new three-year MRA with ACCA continues to enhance the professional development mobility of their members. More details about these new MRAs can be found here.

New Certificate in Accounting and Business launched

The Institute introduced the HKICPA Certificate in Accounting and Business (CAB) on 30 June, a new initiative designed to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary and professional accounting talents.

“While accounting is often referred to as the language of business, the professional knowledge it provides is a critical skill for strategic decision-making. HKICPA has been keeping pace with the times by proactively motivating the accounting profession to upgrade and transform. Through the CAB, the HKICPA strives to equip individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with solid accounting and business knowledge, thereby expanding the pool of accounting professionals, filling the market needs for interdisciplinary and novel types of talents, and further strengthening Hong Kong as an international financial centre,” said Institute President Edward Au.

Visit the dedicated website and read the press release to learn more.

Institute launches Certificate on Sustainability Reporting

In July, the Institute launched the HKICPA Certificate on Sustainability Reporting, a comprehensive programme designed to equip professionals with the skills to implement HKFRS S1 and HKFRS S2 for sustainability and climate-related disclosures, which take effect from 1 August 2025. The certificate includes expert-led modules on materiality assessment, scenario analysis, greenhouse gas emissions, stakeholder engagement, and integrating sustainability into financial and risk management practices. A limited-time discount of HK$1,000 on the enrolment fee is available until 31August.

Practical insights on implementing HKFRS S1 and HKFRS S2 were covered in the first HKICPA Sustainability Forum, which also took place in July, and brought together an inspiring lineup of chief financial officers, sustainability leaders, investors, and data experts.

Jurisdictional Profiles on ISSB Standards adoption welcomed

The Institute welcomed the IFRS Foundation’s publication of Jurisdictional Profiles on Adoption of ISSB Standards, which recognizes Hong Kong’s leading progress in aligning the local sustainability disclosure standards with the corresponding global baseline. According to the Profiles, Hong Kong has been confirmed to be among the first jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards. Read the Institute’s press release here.

As a member of the A4S Accounting Bodies Network (ABN), the Institute has also endorsed five new ABN principles, which will guide how the profession addresses today’s sustainability challenges and opportunities.

Institute collaborates with Mainland universities to cultivate talent

The Institute in July signed a memorandum of understanding for the cultivation of accounting professionals with 10 universities, including Nankai University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Xiamen National Accounting Institute, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing University of Technology, Liaoning University, Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, Jilin University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, and Shenyang Agricultural University.

These strategic partnerships will launch initiatives focused on accounting talent development, including providing the latest industry insights and information on the QP through the New Partnership Scheme, co-hosting seminars on career development planning and QP, and conducting QP module exemption assessments for nominated courses.

Launched in 2024, the scheme expands the Institute’s network with Mainland universities, fostering globally recognized accounting professionals. Under this initiative, the Institute will conduct QP module exemption assessments for nominated university courses, facilitating eligible students to undertake the QP. Read the press release here.

CPA Sports Carnival 2025

The CPA Sports Carnival 2025, co-organized by the Institute and the Society of Chinese Accountants and Auditors, was held on 17 May. This flagship annual event of the accounting profession attracted over 1,000 sports enthusiasts from more than 40 accounting organizations, joined by their family and friends, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the profession.

With the theme “Shared Success, Vibrant CPA” (共享共贏．活力CPA), this year’s event provided a welcome respite for practitioners to recharge, rejuvenate physically and mentally, and expand their professional networks. View the photo highlights here.

Council meeting minutes

The abridged minutes from the March, April, May and June 2025 Council meetings are now available.