Kolkata | December 17, 2025: In a decisive move aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build strong domestic institutions with global stature, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at empowering Indian Chartered Accountant (CA) firms and elevating India’s professional presence worldwide.
Briefing the media after the 447th Council Meeting, ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda and Vice-President Prasanna Kumar D outlined a reform agenda that redefines professional visibility, ethics, global collaboration, and digital trust.
Advertising & Visibility: A Long-Awaited Opening
A major highlight is the Council’s approval of amendments to the Advertisement and Website Guidelines under the revised 13th Edition of the Code of Ethics (effective April 1, 2026). For the first time, Indian CA firms—particularly small and mid-sized practices—will be able to enhance visibility through contemporary, ethical advertising practices. The revisions expand creative flexibility in professional “write-ups,” modernize website norms, and permit promotion of non-exclusive services through digital “push” technologies.
Significantly, ICAI-registered network firms will now be allowed to develop and maintain independent websites, a move expected to strengthen collaboration, improve information sharing, and boost global discoverability.
Global Networking Guidelines 2025: Level Playing Field
To catalyze the creation of “Big Indian Firms,” the Council approved the ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025, enabling structured and compliant international affiliations. The framework allows Indian firms, domestic networks, and ICAI-registered consultancies to collaborate with overseas entities across jurisdictions—unlocking access to global expertise, advanced tools, shared knowledge, and collective brand strength.
Ethics Aligned with Global Best Practices
ICAI has converged with the 2024 IESBA Code of Ethics, reinforcing auditor independence and tightening norms around non-assurance services for audit clients—especially Public Interest Entities. The scope of NOCLAR (Responding to Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations) has been extended to all listed entities and material subsidiaries, strengthening transparency and accountability.
The revised Code also incorporates new ethical standards for sustainability assurance, aligning with international independence standards, and expands the list of Management Consultancy and Other Services (MCS) to include contemporary domains such as artificial intelligence services, forensic accounting, and social impact assessment.
In a push toward a digital-first economy, ICAI has recommended that audit fees be accepted only through banking or digital channels.
UDIN Crosses 10 Crore: Trust at Scale
Underscoring its technology-led governance, ICAI announced that Unique Document Identification Numbers (UDINs) have crossed the historic 10-crore milestone during the reporting year—reinforcing trust, transparency, and public confidence in India’s financial ecosystem.
WOFA 2.0: India at the Global Accounting Helm
The World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) 2.0 will be held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, under the theme “Nation Building to Global Collaboration: Strengthening Trust, Enabling Growth.” The forum is expected to host over 20,000 delegates from 40 countries, spotlighting India’s leadership in the global accountancy profession.
The Road Ahead
With these future-ready reforms, ICAI blends legacy with innovation—expanding global footprints, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and equipping members for a rapidly evolving professional landscape. As India advances, Chartered Accountants continue to anchor economic momentum with integrity, insight, and innovation—positioning the nation as a trusted global force in finance, governance, and sustainable development.
