IFAC CEO Ian Ball presents at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad & Tobago (ICATT) conference, Staying Ahead of the Curve.

IFAC Board member Masum Turker presents at the HLB International Conference.

Welcome to IFAC's Translations and Permissions eNews.

In This Issue:

1. Ibero-American Cooperation Progresses Spanish Translations
2. Russian Speakers, Standard Setters Convene on Adoption of International Standards
3. Newly Available Translations: January–May 2013
4. What to Watch for—French PAO Development Committee “Toolkit”
5. SMP Quick Poll—Open in 16 Languages
6. Copyright Statements Revised; See Updated T&P Policy Statements

1. Ibero-American Cooperation Progresses Spanish Translations

In October 2012, IFAC and its member bodies in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina formally agreed to establish an Ibero-American Cooperation Framework to collaborate on a long-term, sustainable process for achieving a single, Spanish translation of international standards and IFAC publications (the “IberAm project”). In February, the IberAm project’s Executive Committee held an inaugural meeting to agree on an annual translations plan, formulated following a gap analysis to see what publications had not yet been translated into Spanish.

The Executive Committee also appointed a chair of the Review Committee. Spanish-speaking IFAC member bodies have been invited to nominate candidates from among their membership to fill the five remaining open positions on the Review Committee. Qualified candidates will have sufficient experience in translation and applying international standards, and be well respected both within and outside of the profession. Nominations should be emailed to internacional@icjce.es to the attention of D. Bruno Mayoral. The successful candidates will be appointed and announced in late July.

Under the agreed plan, a Spanish translation of existing standards will be completed by the end of 2013; this includes the International Standards on Auditing and other standards issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB); the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants; International Education Standards; and International Public Sector Accounting Standards. The 2013 IAASB Handbook is expected to be released in July 2013; under the plan, the goal is to have the Spanish translation available within approximately six months of the English release.

To this end, the three IFAC member bodies have also procured translation memory software as a collaborative tool to help ensure the quality and consistency of the translations and to assist in reducing translation costs. With the software, it is not necessary to translate the same phrase twice. For more information on the advantages of translation memory software, especially as it relates to translation of the international standards and IFAC publications, please contact permissions@ifac.org.

In addition, Instituto Nacional de Contadores Públicos (INCP) – Colombia has agreed to translate IFAC news items into Spanish. See the Spanish News & Events pages to access translated newsletters and press releases. Translations of IFAC Update and Global Digest are available to member designees in the password-protected IFAC Extranet. For more information on Spanish-language or other translations, please visit the IFAC Translations Database.

2. Russian Speakers, Standard Setters Convene on Adoption of International Standards

Representatives from former Soviet republics in Europe and Central Asia gathered last month in London with IFAC, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to foster dialogue and cooperation in relation to the development, adoption, and implementation of international standards, in the context of relevant regulatory frameworks.

The two-day conference, hosted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, included meetings with national professional accountancy organizations and the three organizing bodies regarding experiences with the application of International Financial Reporting Standards, adoption and implementation of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and quality assurance requirements. The translation of IAASB and IASB pronouncements into Russian and other languages on an ongoing basis was also a significant topic of discussion.

3. Newly Available Translations: January–May 2013

• Bulgarian—Good Practice Checklist for Small Business (2012)
• Chinese—Global Leadership Survey (2011, 2012)
• Czech—Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (2012)
• Danish—International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization (2009); International Standard on Review Engagements 2400, Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements (2012); International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610 (Revised), Using the Work of Internal Auditors (2012); ISA 315 (Revised), Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement through Understanding the Entity and Its Environment (2012)
• Dutch—ISAE 3402, Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization (2009); Guide to Practice Management for Small- and Medium-Sized Practices, Third Edition (2012)
• French—Guide to Using International Standards on Auditing in the Audits of Small- and Medium-Sized Entities (2012)
• German—Tomorrow’s Firm and the Role of Value Pricing: IFAC Interview with Ronald J. Baker (2013)
• Hungarian—Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (2010), “Integrating Governance throughout an Organization Helps Achieve Sustainable Success” (2011)
• Korean—The Role of Ethics in Restoring Confidence: Interview with International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Chair Jörgen Holmquist (2013)
• Latvian—Guide to Quality Control for Small- and Medium-Sized Practices (2011)
• Lithuanian—Guide to Using International Standards on Auditing in the Audits of Small- and Medium-Sized Entities, Third Edition (2011)
• Polish—International Standard on Review Engagements (ISRE) 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity (2012)
• Romanian—Competent and Versatile: How Professional Accountants in Business Drive Sustainable Success (2011), International Good Practice Guidance: Principles for Effective Business Reporting Processes (2013), Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements (2012)
• Russian—Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements (2011)
• Serbian—Guide to Quality Control for Small- and Medium-Sized Practices, Third Edition (2011), Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (2012)
• Spanish—Guide to Practice Management for Small- and Medium-Sized Practices (2011), International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board eNews March 2013 (2013),March Global Digest (2013), April Global Digest (2013), IFAC Update March 2013 (2013), IFAC Update April 2013 (2013), IESBA eNews April 2013 (2013), SMP eNews April 2013 (2013), International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board eNews April 2013 (2013)
• Swedish—Guide to Practice Management for Small- and Medium-Sized Practices (2011), Guide to Using International Standards on Auditing in the Audits of Small- and Medium-Sized Entities, Third Edition - Volume 2 (2011)
• Turkish—Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements (2012), Handbook of the Code of Ethics For Professional Accountants (2012), IFAC SMP Quick Poll: 2012 Round-Up (2013)
• Vietnamese—Handbook of International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control (2009)

Access these and additional translations in IFAC’s Translations Database. Check back regularly for updates.

4. What to Watch for—French PAO Development Committee “Toolkit”

Establishing and Developing a Professional Accountancy Body covers the roles and responsibilities of a professional accountancy organization, education and examinations, and capacity development; Tools and Resources to Support the Development of the Accounting Profession includes case studies, practical illustrations, and supplementary guidance. Together they form the Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) Development Committee “Toolkit,” developed to support PAOs in expanding and strengthening their role and responsibilities. Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie is currently translating the nearly 300-page set into French. Look for access to the completed translation by year end in the Translations Database.

5. SMP Quick Poll—Open in 16 Languages

Are you a practitioner operating in a small- or medium-sized practice (SMP)? Then take the IFAC SMP Quick Poll. This edition of the poll is being conducted in 16 languages—English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch/Flemish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish—thanks to the generous translation support of IFAC member bodies. The poll should take only three minutes to complete and is being conducted semi-annually by IFAC in 2013 to take a snapshot of the key issues confronting SMPs and their small- and medium-sized entity (SME) clients. Polling will close on June 21, 2013. Look for the results in the next issue of the SMP eNews (register and subscribe here).

See the results from previous polls on our website (www.ifac.org/SMP): IFAC SMP Quick Polls

6. Copyright Statements Revised; See Updated T&P Policy Statements

IFAC’s Translations & Permissions (T&P) Policies, Policy for Translating and Reproducing Standards Published by the International Federation of Accountants and Policy for Reproducing, or Translating and Reproducing, Publications of the International Federation of Accountants, have been updated to reflect our new copyright statement. Please visit the IFAC website to download the newest forms when requesting permission to translate and reproduce IFAC publications. Requesting permission should be done prior to commencing any translation work, as it helps ensure proper authorization and assistance from IFAC and helps to avoid duplication of effort and resources. Guidelines are also available for use of IFAC graphics and logos on translated publications. If you have any questions, see our FAQs or email permissions@ifac.org.

Today over 175 delegates from 33 professional accountancy organizations in 30 countries convened in Kampala, Uganda, for the seventh annual IFAC Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Forum. Co-hosted with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), this year’s event featured a keynote address by Right Honorable Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda.

The SMP Forum brings together representatives from the regulatory community, regional and national professional accountancy bodies, standard setters, and thought leaders and experts in their fields to collaborate on solutions to the challenges and pressures facing SMPs, both regionally and globally. This year’s event focused on trends that may impact the growth of small business and the way SMPs deliver their services. In addition to the co-hosts, the event was made possible by the generous support of our gold sponsor, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; and silver sponsors, Corpul Expertilor Contabili si Contabililor Autorizati din Romania (CECCAR), Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Hong Kong Institute of CPAs), and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

IFAC CEO Fayez Choudhury noted, “The IFAC SMP Forum is an important event that allows us to learn how we can best support professional accountancy organizations in the development of their SMP members globally. The focus on innovative solutions to the unique challenges SMPs face is essential for helping SMPs to continue to adapt and create value. With this event, we aim to facilitate capacity development, which has long been a focus for IFAC, through the sharing of ideas and best practices on a global platform.”

Naru Thakkar, president of ICPAU, and Dr. Mussa J. Assad, president of PAFA, said, “We are proud to host this year’s SMP Forum with IFAC, as supporting the development of SMPs is at the core of our mission and values. Africa has sustained continued growth over the last fifteen years despite economic volatility and crisis elsewhere in the world. While parts of Africa have seen explosive growth and other areas are still developing, the accountancy profession is crucial to providing a sound financial infrastructure to support both.”

IFAC SMP Committee Chair Giancarlo Attolini added, “The world is changing and standard setters, practitioners, and regulators are responding. There are vast opportunities for SMPs, including internationalization and expanded business lines. Now is the time to position SMPs for growth so that by the time the economic recovery gains more momentum globally, SMPs and the small businesses they serve can lead the way.”

For more information on the IFAC SMP Forum, including the agenda and speakers, see www.ifac.org/2013SMPForum. Presentations will be made available in the week following the event. A Trainers’ Seminar was also held in conjunction with the Forum for a smaller group of attendees.

About PAFA
The Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) was established to accelerate the development of the accountancy profession in Africa and strengthen the voice of the profession within Africa and worldwide. PAFA believes that good governance, accountability, good financial management, and transparency are principal pillars in the acceleration of economic development and reduction of poverty.

About ICPAU
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) is the national body for professional accountants in Uganda. It currently offers two qualifications: the professional qualification  (CPA Uganda) and the accounting technician certificate (ATC). These qualifications are based on IAESB standards thus providing graduates with an excellent foundation of core accountancy skills that meet international benchmarks. ICPAU’s focus is to produce individuals who exhibit professional excellence and integrity, who are committed to service and good governance, and who are socially responsive to the environment in which they operate. 

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession, dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. It is comprised of 172 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

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AccountacyAge has published an in-depth interview with IFAC’s new CEO, Fayezul Choudhury, which discusses some of his goals as he takes the reins at IFAC.

The International Federation of Accountants today announced that the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation—a joint venture of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)—has been awarded the top sponsorship for the 2014 World Congress of Accountants by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC).

Held every four years, the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) is among the most prestigious events in the profession and attracts more than 5,000 global delegates each time it meets. WCOA 2014, hosted by the CNDCEC, will take place November 10-13 in Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica. The theme—2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future—will explore the pivotal role of accounting amid rapid economic, political, and social change. Delegates will discuss and debate best practices of the future and how accountants can lead the way in driving innovative and successful organizations.

“We are very excited by CGMA’s Imperial Sponsorship of WCOA 2014 and commend CNDCEC for its efforts in securing it,” said IFAC CEO Fayezul Choudhury. “The World Congress provides a unique opportunity for accountants from around the world to network, interact, and share knowledge. We appreciate CIMA’s and AICPA’s support for the Congress’ goals of fostering global unity and collegiality among professional accountants.”

In a joint statement on behalf of CGMA, Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the AICPA, and Charles Tilley, FCMA, CGMA, chief executive of CIMA, said, “We are honored to sponsor the World Congress of Accountants next year and look forward to showcasing the unique perspective that CGMA designation holders bring to business. Professional accountants in business are on the front lines of the future, navigating the challenges of complexity and uncertainty to guide their organizations toward sustainable market opportunity. We believe our growing community of CGMA designation holders have the skill set of the future.”

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 172 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About CNDCEC
CNDCEC represents the accountancy profession in Italy. It is a public entity regulated by law, under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. CNDCEC is one of the founding members of IFAC, FEE (Fédération des Experts Comptables Européens) as well as of other Regional and sectoral international Organizations. It has oversight powers over 140 local chapters.

The main fields of activity of the Italian accountancy profession are: accounting, taxation, auditing, corporate governance, management consulting, and insolvency.

About CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, founded in 1919, is the world’s leading and largest professional body of Management Accountants, with more than 203,000 members and students operating in 173 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organizations.

About AICPA
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the world’s largest association representing the accounting profession, with nearly 386,000 members in 128 countries and a 125-year heritage. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting.

About CGMA
The AICPA and CIMA launched the CGMA designation in January 2012 to elevate the profession of management accounting and establish global criteria for quality. The CGMA designation distinguishes accounting professionals who have achieved demanding levels of education and experience and provides organizations the consistency and confidence they need to operate across borders, around the world. There are more than 128,000 CGMA designation holders globally and they are helping shape 95 of the world’s top 100 brands. 

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Welcome to IFAC's Professional Accountants in Business Committee (PAIB) eNews.

In This Issue

GOVERNANCE, RISK, AND CONTROL
1. Internal Control Guidance Published as Executive Summary; Available for Local Customization
2. IFAC Staff Discuss Risk Management at ICAP CFO Conference
3. Updated Internal Control Framework Released by COSO
4. Conference on ISO Risk Management Standard to be Held in Toronto 

INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
5. IIRC Releases Integrated Reporting Framework
6. Proposed Sustainability Accounting Standards Released by SASB
7. GRI Global Conference Approaching
8. New Report Argues Business Case for Natural Capital

EVENTS
9. World Congross of Accountants 2014 to be Held in Rome; Sponsorship Opportunities Available

GOVERNANCE, RISK AND CONTROL 

1. Internal Control Guidance Highlights Published as Executive Summary; Available for Local Customization

The Professional Accountants in Business Committee recently published Evaluating and Improving Internal Control in Organizations: Executive Summary, part of the International Good Practice Guidance series. The condensed version of the guidance summarizes the principles and the importance of effective systems of internal control, as well as explains some of the pitfalls that can be avoided. The executive summary is available to IFAC members and associates for local customization and/or translation. If your organization is interested, please visit the Translations and Permissions page of the IFAC website for the permission request form, which will need to be completed and submitted to permissions@ifac.org. If you have any questions, please contact Vincent Tophoff.

2. IFAC Staff Discuss Risk Management at ICAP CFO Conference

IFAC staff recently participated in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)’s CFO Conference, lecturing on current trends and thinking in risk management and best practices. The presentation, Strategic Risk Management in the Face of Uncertainty and Unexpected Risks, is available on the IFAC website.

3. Updated Internal Control Framework Released by COSO

The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)  recently released the revised version of Internal Control-Integrated Framework to improve implementation of internal control.

Changes within the Framework include:

• articulating the fundamental concepts underlying the five components by highlighting 17 guiding principles and more detailed points of focus;
• accounting for environmental changes, such as increased globalization, complexity, and regulation, the growing importance of technology, and increased expectations for better governance oversight and fraud prevention;
• expanding the operations objective from “effective and efficient use of the entity’s resources” to “effectiveness and efficiency of the entity’s operations, including operational and financial performance goals, and safeguarding assets against loss”;
• broadening the reporting objective from “published financial statements” to “internal and external financial and non-financial reporting”; and
• providing additional approaches and examples relevant to operations, compliance, and non-financial reporting objectives.

The PAIB Committee has been closely involved in the revision, with two representatives on the COSO advisory council for the project. The PAIB Committee also submitted formal comment letters to both COSO internal control exposure drafts.

4. Conference on ISO Risk Management Standard to be Held in Toronto

The 2^nd International Conference on ISO 31000 [Risk Management] Standard will be held May 28-31, 2013, in Toronto, Canada. ISO 3100—Risk Management provides principles, framework, and a process for managing risk. It can help organizations increase the likelihood of achieving objectives, improve the identification of opportunities and threats, and effectively allocate and use resources for risk treatment. IFAC staff will be presenting on how to leverage ISO 31000 for effective integration of risk management and internal control.

INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING 

5. IIRC Releases Integrated Reporting Framework

The landmark International Integrated Reporting Framework has been released by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). The Framework is expected to be a critical tool for businesses as they create integrated reports and drive integrated thinking in their organizations. The IIRC is asking all stakeholders to provide feedback on the Framework during its public consultation period, which closes July 15, 2013. The Framework has been released in English but will also be available soon in additional languages. IFAC, a partner in this global effort, encourages all professional accountants to provide feedback.

In support of the Framework, IFAC, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and PwC released Business Model: A Background Paper for Integrated Reporting, which addresses the wide variation in how organizations define their business models and approaches. The paper provides background and context on how business model reporting should be undertaken in an integrated report and suggests content for business model reporting requirements, which are included in the proposed Framework. The proposed definition and guidance in the paper aim to bridge the varied interpretations by highlighting commonalities and ensuring a broad and inclusive application across industries and sectors. Additional background papers are available on the IIRC website.

6. Proposed Sustainability Accounting Standards Released by SASB

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) has released a set of proposed sustainability accounting standards for the financial sector. Industries included in this sector are: asset management and custody activities, investment banking and brokerage, commercial banking, consumer finance, mortgage finance, security and commodity exchanges, and insurance. The public comment period closes on June 14, 2013.

7. GRI Global Conference Approaching

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is holding the Global Conference on Sustainability and Reporting in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 22-24, 2013. The conference will provide the opportunity to connect, share successful strategies, and collaborate on efforts to build a sustainable global economy. Additionally, the latest evolution of GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (G4) will be released at the conference. GRI expects more than 1,500 leaders and practitioners from over 70 countries, including representatives from business, financial institutions, civil society, international organizations, governments, labor, and academia.

8. New Report Argues Business Case for Natural Capital

Organisational Change for Natural Capital Management, released by The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Business Coalition, describes how business leaders can strategize and implement changes in organizational behavior related to valuing natural capital in their companies. The TEEB for Business Coalition, which includes IFAC, supports the development of natural and social capital valuation in business, including providing a compelling economic case for the conservation of natural capital as the cornerstone of green economic policies. 

EVENTS

9. World Congress of Accountants 2014 to be Held in Rome; Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The next World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC) in Rome, Italy, in 2014. Themed 2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future, the 2014 WCOA will be held November 10-13 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. More than 4,000 professionals from all over the world will convene at this can’t-miss IFAC event, held every four years. WCOA 2014 will look back to explore the evolution of the accountancy profession and forward to showcase the innovations that will set the tone for the future

The WCOA also affords an unparalleled opportunity for organizations and firms to share their projects and visions with the world by taking advantage of one of our carefully crafted sponsorship packages. There are numerous options so you’ll be able to select the one that best suits your organization’s unique strategy and goals. For more information, please contact info@wcoa2014rome.com or Dimarco@wcoa2014rome.com.

More than 150 attendees from 14 ASEAN and other nations gathered this week at a symposium, ASEAN Capital Markets—The Importance of a Strong Financial Reporting Environment, to discuss strategies for building investor confidence through a strong financial reporting infrastructure that supports the integrity of the ASEAN capital markets.

The event was organized by the Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and supported by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS), US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), and Asian Corporate Governance Association (ACGA).

The symposium was opened by Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister of State, Singapore Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport. Attendees included senior government officials and policy makers, senior company executives, company directors and audit committee members, investors, audit regulators, and leaders of the accounting and auditing profession.

The moderated panel discussions included: “Setting the Scene: The ASEAN Community and its Capital Markets,” “A Strong Financial Reporting Infrastructure: Vital for a Growing Economy and Strong Capital Market,” “The Future of Audit,” “Independent Oversight of Auditors,” and “Corporate Governance in the ASEAN Region.” An overriding theme was the importance of high-quality financial reporting, which is essential for investor confidence and economic growth.

“The discussions today highlighted the important contributions of all participants in the financial reporting supply chain to the quality of financial information,” said IFAC President Warren Allen. “It is essential that all participants—including companies, the accounting and auditing profession, and the regulatory community—embrace a process of continuous improvement.”

Economic integration is one of the key strategic goals of ASEAN. At the 22nd ASEAN Summit in Brunei in April, the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 was highlighted as an important goal—and one that is expected to increase opportunities for ASEAN member states to prosper.

“Today's symposium provides an important platform for the profession and other stakeholders to exchange views on the particular financial reporting challenges and opportunities here in the ASEAN region,” noted Beth Brooke, Global Vice Chair of Public Policy, Ernst & Young. “This ASEAN perspective and voice is vital to the global debate on how best to promote investor confidence in financial reporting and audit.”

“As the national accountancy body, ICPAS is pleased to have worked with IFAC and the GPPC to organize this symposium and bring various stakeholders from ASEAN and further afield to Singapore. The symposium’s topics on building a strong financial reporting infrastructure, raising audit quality, and promoting corporate governance are aligned with our Institute’s goals to advance and promote the accountancy profession. In particular, the discussion on financial reporting ecosystems provided valuable ideas on how the various stakeholders can establish stronger integrated ASEAN capital markets,” said Dr Ernest Kan, President of ICPAS.

“ACGA was happy to support the ASEAN Capital Markets Symposium,” said Jamie Allen, Secretary General. “Robust auditing, financial reporting, and corporate governance standards go hand in hand and are important for ASEAN economic integration.”

USABC Vice President Marc Mealy noted, “The USABC is pleased to be part of this initiative by the accounting profession to support ASEAN's efforts to become more of a global investment asset class by strengthening its regional financial reporting and corporate governance benchmarks and standards.”

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 172 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About the GPPC
The GPPC is the global forum from the six largest international accounting networks: BDO, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, KPMG and PwC.  Its public interest objective is to enhance quality in auditing and financial reporting.

About the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore
Established in 1963, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) is the national accountancy body that develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession.

The Certified Public Accountant Singapore (CPA Singapore) is a professional in accountancy, finance and business distinguished by their technical expertise, integrity and professionalism, in addition to a recognised accountancy qualification and relevant work experience. CPAs Singapore serve every corner of the world in every industry. Many of them helm some of the most prominent local and international corporations.

ICPAS accords the CPA Singapore designation. Working closely alongside businesses, ICPAS connects its membership to an unmatched range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 26,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Singapore and around the world.

ICPAS’ international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations like the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the Asia-Oceania Tax Consultants’ Association (AOTCA), the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and International Innovation Network (IIN).