HKICPA welcomes IFAC leadership
On 11 September, the HKICPA was honoured to host a cocktail reception for Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) during his visit to Hong Kong.
Institute President Edward Au delivered a welcome address, highlighting the robust partnership between the Institute and IFAC since its founding in 1977. Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, also shared a speech. Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC); Janey Lai, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC); Herbert Hui, Group Chief Financial Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX); Edmund Wong, Legislative Councillor representing the accountancy sector; and Nancy Tse, member of the IFAC Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group, were also in attendance. Council members were also present to show their support at the event.
During Bouquot’s visit, the Institute facilitated dialogue between IFAC and key Hong Kong stakeholders, including the HKEX, the AFRC and firm representatives. These engagements are crucial for aligning IFAC’s global vision with Hong Kong’s dynamic financial ecosystem. Bouquot also shared valuable insights on the transformations of sustainability and digitalization at a seminar on 12 September exclusively to Institute members.
ISSB Preparer Readiness Training
The Institute, in collaboration with the IFRS Foundation and with generous support from CLP Holdings, successfully concluded the ISSB Preparer Readiness Training on 13-14 October.
Following an opening address delivered by Institute President Edward Au to introduce the Institute’s capacity building efforts, Sue Lloyd, Vice-Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board, and Neil Stewart, Director of Corporate Outreach of the IFRS Foundation, provided keynote insights and facilitated discussions and deep dive sessions over the two-day event. This included a panel discussion facilitated by Eddie Ng, Chair of the Institute’s Sustainability Disclosure Standards Committee, with panellists from SFC, HKEX, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Hang Seng Investment and CTF Services, and a case studies session delivered by Hongkong Land.
The technical programme brought together around 120 ESG practitioners from listed companies, multinational companies, accounting firms, consultants, government and regulators, with the aim of strengthening understanding of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, equipping participants with practical insights to enhance sustainability reporting quality and consistency.
GAA board meeting held in Hong Kong
The Institute hosted the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA) board meeting on 7-8 October where Board members of all 10 GAA member bodies convened for strategic discussions focused on advancing a high-quality, global accounting profession. It was the first ever joint member event that the GAA has arranged.
The guest speakers included Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary; Carlson Tong, Chairman of HKEX; and Crystal Fok, Director of AI Application at Cyberport Hong Kong. They shared perspectives on Hong Kong’s development as an international financial centre, the development of HKEX, and local and regional AI development.
The event culminated in a cocktail reception attended by nearly 130 participants from GAA member organizations, demonstrating the international nature of Hong Kong, where many professional accountants from around the world have chosen to develop their professional careers. To help promote Hong Kong, GAA Board members and alternates enjoyed a guided tour of Hong Kong’s iconic sights, arranged by the Institute.
The 2025 Greater Bay Area Conference
Over 250 accounting professionals, business leaders, and government representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau came together for the 2025 Greater Bay Area Conference on 22 September.
The conference was jointly organized by the HKICPA and the Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors Limited, and supported by the Guangdong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Union of Associations of Professional Accountants of Macau.
The half-day event explored how the accounting profession across the Greater Bay Area can empower enterprises to navigate the complex global landscape.
A key highlight was the launch of the Alliance of CPA Firms Dedicated to Financial and Tax Guidance for Businesses’ Global Expansion. The initiative unites 123 firms across the region to provide robust cross-border support for outbound enterprises. Read the press release to learn more.
HKICPA welcomes the latest 2025 Policy Address
The Institute welcomed the diversified initiatives outlined in the Policy Address on 17 September to boost the local economic development. The HKICPA believes that the initiatives for enhancing the capital market, attracting talents and supporting the development of green finance and innovative technologies would enhance Hong Kong’s connectivity with the Mainland China and global markets, reinforcing the competitiveness of Hong Kong economy.
“We welcome the initiatives proposed in the Policy Address to boost the economy and enhance the capital market development, believing that these efforts will help Hong Kong maintain its competitive edge in the new global economic and trade landscape. In particular, we are delighted to see a focus on promoting green and sustainable finance and low-carbon transition, including expanding cooperation in the Greater Bay Area carbon market and strengthening green infrastructure,” said Institute President Edward Au. “These initiatives will accelerate the development of green finance ecosystem, driving progress toward Hong Kong’s 2050 carbon neutrality target. The HKICPA will continue to foster the Hong Kong accounting profession’s commitment to professionalism, providing high-quality professional services to various industries, and solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a leading international financial centre.” Read the press release to learn more about the Institute’s responses.
Members’ Forum and networking reception
More than 240 members took part in the Members’ Forum on 4 September.
Edward Au, the Institute’s President, along with Stephen Law and Jasmine Lee, Vice-Presidents, and Margaret Chan, Chief Executive and Registrar, shared insights on the Institute’s latest progress, strategic direction, and upcoming initiatives. The forum was followed by a lively networking reception where members, Council members, and the management team continued the conversation.
HKICPA Student Awards
The HKICPA Student Awards 2025, held on 27 September, brought together almost 200 participants to celebrate exceptional student achievements. The event recognized top performers from the Qualification Programme, scholarship recipients, Online Quiz winners, and top achievers in the BAFS exams.
Embracing the theme, “Connect & Celebrate,” the day highlighted the importance of recognizing excellence and building strong connections across the profession, academic partners, and tomorrow’s talents. Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan was the guest of honour.
HKICPA Teen Money Survey 2025 reveals new directions for financial education
The Institute announced the results of the Institute’s Teen Money Management Survey 2025 at a press conference held on 2 October. At the event, Institute President Edward Au and HKICPA Accounting Ambassador Debbie Pak presented key findings from the survey along with the Institute’s recommendations. Moses Wong, Vice Principal of S.K.H. St. Peter’s Primary School, was invited to share real-world insights into financial literacy education and discuss how professional bodies can offer meaningful support.
Based on the survey results, Hong Kong students’ financial literacy was ranked at a “B-” level, indicating students possess basic financial knowledge, while there is an urgent need to help them better manage the risks of cyber fraud.
Key findings include:
- Most students demonstrate basic financial knowledge
- Positive attitudes towards saving and tracking spending
- Nearly 10 percent of respondents reported falling victim to fraud, resulting in financial loss
- Lending and borrowing activities are common among students, reflecting a need to strengthen budgeting skills
The survey was conducted from May to June 2025, with over 2,000 responses received from Primary 4 to Secondary 3 students. Read the press release to learn more.
Council meeting minutes
The abridged minutes from the June, July and September 2025 Council meetings are now available.
