HKICPA hosts IFAC PAIBAG visit and conference on the future of accountants in business
The Institute hosted a cocktail reception on 15 April for Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group (PAIBAG) members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) during their visit to Hong Kong. Institute President Stephen Law delivered a welcome address, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global financial hub, and advancing the profession’s contribution to sustainable economic growth. PAIBAG Chair Josephine Okui Ossiya also shared her remarks at the event.
The reception brought together a broad range of stakeholders from across the financial sector, including HKICPA Council members; David Sun, Chairman of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC); Janey Lai, Chief Executive Officer of the AFRC; Agnes Chan, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Webster Ng, Legislative Councillor representing the accountancy sector; as well as representatives from corporations, professional bodies and trade associations.
Over the following two days, PAIBAG held a series of meetings at the Institute, culminating in the HKICPA x IFAC PAIB Conference on 18 April.
The conference, jointly organized by the Institute and IFAC, welcomed over 300 professionals for a day of insightful discussion and meaningful exchange, and shared valuable insights on initial public offering markets, green finance, family offices and cross-border investments. Under the theme “Forging what’s next: PAIBs at the helm of change”, the event spotlighted the evolving role of professional accountants in business as drivers of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth. In addition to addresses from the Institute President Law, IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White and PAIBAG Chair Ossiya, attendees heard from Guest of Honour Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, whose insights set the tone for the day. Keynote Speakers Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, and Michael George Fitzgerald, Finance Director of MTR Corporation Limited, together with a distinguished panel of industry leaders, added further depth to the programme. Read the press release to learn more.
Institute submits response to AFRC consultation on sustainability assurance
The Institute submitted its response to the AFRC’s public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework for sustainability assurance in Hong Kong. In preparing the submission, the Institute organized two all-member seminars and two focused discussion sessions with representatives from relevant committees and industry stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposals. The Institute’s response reflects its general support for the development of a credible and well-structured sustainability assurance regime in Hong Kong.
Strategic Plan 2026 sets out clearer priorities
The Institute released Strategic Plan 2026 in February, building on the 2025 framework with clearer priorities and more focused execution across all 12 areas. Guided by the principles of Building Trust, Nurturing Talent, and Driving Development and Transformation, the Plan strengthens support for members and Hong Kong’s standing as a leading international financial centre. While the 12 focus areas from the 2025 plan remain unchanged, the Strategic Plan 2026 introduces several notable highlights, including the launch of the HKICPA Volunteer Team, stronger Go Global and international engagement, and a greater focus on digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation. Visit the dedicated website to read the full plan.
Institute signs MoU with HKIAAC
The Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC), established by the Hong Kong ICAC, to further strengthen collaboration in upholding the highest ethical standards within the accounting profession and collectively safeguarding a robust financial ecosystem. The partnership establishes a framework for deepening collaboration on ethics-focused initiatives, including guest lectures, training course contributions, and the exchange of best practices in professional development. Read the press release for details.
Institute welcomes budget 2026-27 measures
The government’s 2026-27 Budget included a number of measures in line with the Institute’s budget submission, including promoting digitalization and the application of AI and quantum computing, as well as further tax incentives for commodities trading. Overall, the Institute welcomed the concrete and pragmatic approach to accelerating Hong Kong’s economic transformation and consolidating its standing as a world-class financial market, in alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. Read the press release for details.
Rich Kid, Poor Kid marks 20 years of financial education
The Institute hosted a cocktail reception on 21 January to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its “Rich Kid, Poor Kid” financial education programme. Honoured by Guest of Honour Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the event brought together around 100 partners from the education, social welfare and financial sectors, as well as the Institute’s Accountant Ambassadors, to recognize two decades of empowering Hong Kong’s younger generation with strong financial literacy. Read the press release to learn more.
Spring Cocktail and Spring Dinner mark the Year of the Horse
Nearly 300 guests joined the HKICPA Spring Cocktail 2026 on 27 February to celebrate the Year of the Horse, with festivities kicked off by a traditional Lion Dance. Watch the highlights and photos. A Spring Dinner was also held in Guangzhou on 20 March, hosting nearly 150 guests and members.
HKICPA Volunteer Team now recruiting
The Institute opened recruitment for the HKICPA Volunteer Team on 2 April, offering members a meaningful platform to give back by sharing their time, professional expertise and compassion. Members are welcome to join a wide range of volunteering activities throughout the year to bring positive impact to the community and demonstrate CPAs’ genuine care for those around them. Find the enrolment form here.
A Plus magazine recognized at MERCURY Awards
A Plus has been awarded Bronze in both the “Writing: Magazines – Overall” and “Magazines – Overall Presentation: Non Profit” categories at the 2025/26 MERCURY Awards, competing alongside publications from around the world. The recognition reflects the collective effort behind the magazine in serving Institute members and the wider accounting community. Guided by the interests of the profession, A Plus supports informed discussion and connection around the professional and business issues shaping Hong Kong and beyond.
Council meeting minutes
The abridged minutes from the January and February 2026 Council meetings are now available.
