Episode 22: Leadership Continuity and Global Connections: What’s Ahead for Chartered Accountants Worldwide

Leadership Continuity and Global Connections: What’s Ahead for Chartered Accountants Worldwide

Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) has announced an important milestone in its global leadership: Ainslie van Onselen has been reappointed as Chair for a further two-year term. The unanimous support of the CAW Board reflects strong confidence in her continued leadership and the progress made during her first term.

Ainslie made history in 2023 as the first woman—and the first representative from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)—to take on the role. As CEO of CA ANZ since 2020, she has championed ethics, inclusion, digital transformation, and public-interest advocacy. Her renewed term promises continued momentum in sustainability leadership and in inspiring the next generation of Chartered Accountants.

Alongside this leadership news, CAW members can look forward to three major events on the horizon for 2026:

• World Forum of Accountants (WOFA 2.0) – Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants India from 30 January to 1 February 2026 in Greater Noida, this global gathering explores the theme “Nation Building to Global Collaboration: Strengthening Trust, Enabling Growth.” The event will spotlight ESG, digital transformation, and the evolving role of CAs in shaping global progress.
• Chartered Accountants Ireland Annual Dinner – Returning in 2026, this flagship event brings together leaders and rising talent from across Ireland. Dates are still to be announced, but it remains a highlight for networking and celebrating the profession.
• Sydney Burns Event – Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, this lively celebration blends Scottish culture with professional connection. Held at Dockside Group overlooking Sydney Harbour, the evening features traditional Scottish fare, the iconic Address to the Haggis, live music, and energetic ceilidh dancing.

Together, these events showcase the strength, diversity, and global reach of the Chartered Accountant community. For more details, visit charteredaccountantsworldwide.com.

Transcript

HELLO! Welcome back to the Chartered Accountants Global Update. This is episode 22, bringing you the latest news and events from across our global community of Chartered Accountants.

Today, we have some significant leadership news to share, along with details about three exciting upcoming events that bring our members together across different continents. So let's dive in.

First up, we're pleased to announce that Ainslie van Onselen has been reappointed as Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide for another two-year term. The decision received unanimous support from the CAW Board, which really speaks to the confidence in her leadership.

For those who may not be familiar, Ainslie made history back in November 2023 when she became the first woman and the first representative from "Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand" to hold the position of Chair. Her reappointment reflects the significant progress that's been achieved under her leadership over the past two years.

Ainslie has been CEO of "Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand" since May 2020 and brings more than two decades of experience as a corporate law partner, non-executive director, and senior executive at Westpac. What really defines her leadership is her strong commitment to ethics, inclusion, and public interest advocacy.

Speaking about her reappointment, Ainslie said she's delighted to continue working alongside our 15 member institutes. She highlighted how the organization has strengthened its global voice over the past two years and advanced the profession's leadership in sustainability. Looking ahead, she emphasized her commitment to inspiring the next generation to see Chartered Accountancy as a dynamic, purposeful, and future-focused profession.

It's worth noting that under Ainslie's leadership, "Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand" has undergone significant digital transformation while developing a strengthened Professional Conduct Framework.

This continuity in leadership is important as we navigate an increasingly complex global economy, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI and technology, and the ongoing focus on sustainability and trust in our profession.

Now, let's talk about some exciting events coming up in 2026 that our members can look forward to. We have three significant gatherings happening across different parts of the world, each offering unique opportunities for networking, professional development, and celebration.

The first is the World Forum of Accountants, also known as WOFA 2.0, which will be hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants India from January 30th through February 1st, 2026, in Greater Noida.

This year's theme is particularly compelling: "Nation Building to Global Collaboration: Strengthening Trust, Enabling Growth." It really captures the evolution of our profession from local stewards of economic progress to global leaders in collaboration and sustainable development.

The forum is designed to be a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing and innovation. It will spotlight emerging trends, future-ready skills, and the profession's growing role in addressing global challenges such as ESG, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

What I find particularly interesting about this event is its focus on celebrating how Chartered Accountants are not only strengthening national economies but also enabling global partnerships. With participants expected from diverse economies and disciplines, it's an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from different perspectives, and collectively shape the agenda for a forward-looking profession.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants India is positioning this as more than just a conference. It's about fostering a culture of learning, leadership, and long-term impact. As one of the organizing messages states, it's about embracing the opportunities of tomorrow, guided by ethics, powered by expertise, and committed to excellence.

Moving to Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland will be hosting their Annual Dinner in 2026. While specific dates haven't been announced yet, this valued event continues the tradition of celebrating industry leaders while also recognizing emerging talent.

The CAI Annual Dinner is known for bringing together the entire community of accountants in an evening that transcends generations and embraces change. It's an excellent opportunity for networking and celebrating the achievements within the profession across Ireland.

Keep an eye on Chartered Accountants Ireland's website for the official announcement of dates and booking details for this event.

And finally, for our members in Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland is hosting a Sydney Burns event, which offers a wonderful blend of professional networking and cultural celebration.

This event will take place at Dockside Group, situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour. It's a belated Burns Night celebration and a nod to the institute of chartered accountants scotlands roots, complete with some fantastic Scottish traditions.

The evening begins with drinks and canapés, followed by a two-course Scottish-inspired meal in the Dockside Darling Rooms. Then comes the highlight for many: the traditional Address to the Haggis, which is a Burns Night staple.

But here's where it gets really fun. The evening features lively kaylee dancing with a professional caller to guide you through the steps. Don't worry if you've never done it before—no experience is needed, and everyone can join in. There will also be live music from a traditional Scottish band called The Scotsman & The Stovies, and unlimited drinks throughout the night.

So there you have it—significant leadership continuity with Ainslie van Onselen's reappointment, and three diverse events spanning from India to Ireland to Australia, each offering unique opportunities for our global community to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

For more information on any of these events, visit the Chartered Accountants Worldwide website at charteredaccountantsworldwide.com, where you'll find links to all our member institutes and their upcoming events.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Chartered Accountants Global Update. Reminding you that together we're building a stronger, more connected global profession.