HKICPA hosts IESBA leadership visit for strategic dialogue on ethics and standards
The Institute hosted the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), led by Chair Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, on 20 January. The visit provided a valuable platform for dialogue on shared priorities, including the Institute’s strategic direction, IESBA’s forward strategy and work plan, local developments in sustainability reporting and assurance, and continued collaboration. Closed door sessions with firm practitioners, chief financial officers and senior professional accountants in business were also held with IESBA to seek feedback on the Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) provisions and beyond.
President Stephen Law stated, “Accountants in Hong Kong play an important role in contributing regional perspectives to the global ethics agenda, and maintaining close dialogue with IESBA enables the Institute to better support them as new standards continue to evolve. We appreciate IESBA’s visit, which strengthens our partnership and highlights the value of Hong Kong’s practical and globally relevant insights.”
The strategic engagements continued on 21 January as the IESBA delegation met with the Institute’s Ethics Committee, Small and Medium Practices Committee and firm representatives. The Institute also supported IESBA’s broader engagement with Hong Kong’s ecosystem during the visit, including meetings with regulators such as the Securities and Futures Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
New Institute leadership elected
Stephen Law was elected the Institute’s President for the 2025/26 Council, following the 53rd annual general meeting (AGM) held on 13 November 2025, Jasmine Lee and Calvin Tse as Vice-Presidents. Find the full composition of the Council here. The minutes from the AGM are now available.
Institute welcomes AFRC consultation on sustainability assurance
On 30 December 2025, the Institute welcomed the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council’s (AFRC) public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework for sustainability assurance in Hong Kong.
Institute President Stephen Law said, “The consultation is timely and important in reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre aligned with global standards. As Hong Kong’s statutory accountancy body, the Institute stands ready to contribute its professional expertise to support the development of a robust, credible and internationally consistent sustainability assurance framework.” Read the press release for details, and the consultation will close on 30 March.
Institute members complete national high-level accounting talent programme
On 11 December 2025, Past President Roy Leung, and Council members Frank Lam, Michael Li, Charbon Lo and Parco Wu, alongside five other Institute members, completed the Ministry of Finance’s High-level Finance and Accounting Talent Quality Improvement Project (Third cohort of Young and Middle-aged Talent Cultivation – CPA Class).
This three-year programme is jointly organized by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Shanghai National Accounting Institute. Since 2022, the Institute’s participants have joined 35 peers from across Mainland China for intensive training in 10 cities – including Shanghai, Beijing, and Xiamen – combining classroom study with field visits, debates, presentations, and case competitions. Read the press release for details.
Institute signs MoU with ACCA
The Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) on 10 November 2025, to reinforce shared values and contribute to the advancement of ethical standards within the accounting profession. The collaboration will focus on mutually promoting ethics-related learning and development, and launching joint initiatives to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and responsible practice across the profession. Under the MoU, both HKICPA and ACCA will also explore other areas of potential collaboration, including continued expansion of the range of continuing professional development course offerings available to members. Read the press release for details.
Empowering GBA businesses: accounting bodies launch tripartite initiative
In a strategic move to deepen regional cooperation, the Institute, the Guangdong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors, and the Union of Associations of Professional Accountants of Macau have established the “Alliance of CPA Firms Dedicated to Financial and Tax Guidance for Businesses” on 31 October 2025. This alliance is designed to significantly expand the impact of the Institute’s “List of accounting firms helping Mainland enterprises go global” by creating a powerful, collaborative network. The core mission of this tripartite initiative is to strengthen cross-border cooperation and provide a comprehensive suite of services to fuel enterprise growth and global expansion from the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Learn more about the alliance’s initiatives here.
Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards 2025
The winners of the Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards 2025 were announced at a press briefing on 27 October 2025, with a record-breaking 39 awards presented to listed companies and public sector organizations, including nine first-time awardees and two new winners of the prestigious Most Sustainable Organization Awards, the highest accolades in the competition. The presentation luncheon ceremony took place later on 31 October 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of the competition. Visit the dedicated webpage for the full awardee list, the Judges’ Report, the press release and photos.
Alongside the awards, the Institute conducted a brief study on carbon emissions reporting by the 105 constituent companies of the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index, to understand about their preparedness for the new climate-related reporting requirements in the ESG Code under the listing rules. Read the report for insights into the findings.
Annual report 2025 published
Themed “Sustainable impact, Enduring value,” the Annual Report 2025 reflects the Institute’s long-standing commitment to the public interest and the profession’s meaningful contributions to society. Read the report to learn more about our initiatives and efforts for supporting sustainable development, as well as our key achievements in FY 2024/25.
Council meeting minutes
The abridged minutes from the October, November and December (Strategy Day) 2025 Council meetings are now available.
