Events by ICAEW

Shaping the Future of Finance The ICAEW Annual Conference 2026 is the premier gathering for finance professionals looking to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving global market. As the financial landscape undergoes radical shifts due to technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and changing regulatory environments, this conference serves as a critical junction for leaders to gain strategic foresight. Held in the heart of London, this event offers an unparalleled platform to explore how the profession can turn today’s multifaceted challenges into lasting value. Strategic Insights and Leadership Attendees will benefit from a robust agenda designed to provide actionable intelligence. Key themes for this year include the integration of Artificial Intelligence in accounting practices, navigating cyber risk in an era of digital dependency, and understanding the evolving nature of global regulation. Through a series of keynote speeches from industry pioneers and interactive breakout sessions, delegates will gain the tools necessary to lead their organizations with confidence. The conference emphasizes not just technical proficiency, but the strategic leadership skills required to drive economic performance and resilience. Networking and Collaboration Beyond the technical sessions, the conference is a unique opportunity to connect with peers, regulators, and industry innovators. The curated networking breaks are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, allowing attendees to share experiences, discuss common hurdles, and build relationships that extend well beyond the day of the event. Whether you are a seasoned partner in a global firm or a finance leader in a growing business, the connections made here will serve as a valuable asset for your career trajectory. Embracing Change In a world where change is the only constant, the ICAEW Annual Conference aims to replace apprehension with empowerment. By examining real-world case studies and engaging with forward-looking economic data, participants will leave with a clear roadmap for the future. The event is more than a professional development requirement; it is a catalyst for transformation. Join your colleagues in London for a day of rigorous intellectual stimulation, peer-to-peer learning, and strategic networking that will prepare you to face the future of the accountancy profession head-on.

The "ICAEW London: Business Member Insight Group" is a tailored platform for finance professionals working within commercial sectors across the capital. Unlike practice-based sessions, this group focuses on the unique realities of working within a business, where finance leaders must navigate economic downturns, evolving customer preferences, and internal corporate governance. This session provides a confidential forum for members to exchange advice on real-world challenges, moving beyond compliance to focus on strategic value and business resilience. Led by industry veterans with experience in global sales, M&A integration, and international tax, the roundtable format ensures that the discussion is both high-level and practically relevant. Participants are encouraged to delve into "hot topics" that impact the daily lives of business-based CAs, including treasury management, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of sustainability reporting into standard business operations. The group operates under the Chatham House Rule, allowing for a level of transparency that is rarely possible in more public forums. By attending this virtual session, London’s business members can strengthen their professional ties and gain a supportive network of peers who understand the specific pressures of the commercial world. It is an ideal space for those in leadership roles—or those aspiring to them—to discuss the shifting expectations of the finance function. The event is designed to be interactive, with pre-set topics circulated in advance to ensure that the hour spent is focused and productive. Whether you are working for a high-flying airline, a software start-up, or a retail giant, this insight group helps you see the "bigger picture" of the UK business landscape. It is not just a CPD opportunity; it is a strategic investment in your professional growth and a chance to learn from the diverse experiences of London's vibrant business community.

Running a sole or small practice is often a solitary endeavor, yet the regulatory and technical challenges are just as complex as those faced by major firms. The "ICAEW London: Sole and Small Practice Insight Group" in Croydon is specifically designed to bridge this gap, offering a collaborative environment where practice owners can find a valuable sounding board. This in-person session focuses on the practicalities of growth, from managing a practice's daily operations to implementing a modern tech stack that can compete with larger entities. The event moves beyond theory to address the immediate concerns of small practitioners in the London area. Key discussion points include the do's and don'ts of practice management, navigating the future of HMRC helplines, and preparing for compulsory payrolling of benefits in kind. In a period of significant legislative change, having a room full of peers to discuss these updates is invaluable. The group serves as a confidential space to explore the pros and cons of different business structures—such as unincorporated versus limited company—and how to provide value-added services that ensure client retention in a competitive market. Beyond the technical updates, this event is about community building. It connects practitioners who may otherwise work in isolation, allowing them to share best practices on client communication and talent recruitment. For those considering a transition into sole practice or those in the early stages of setting up, this session provides access to seasoned professionals who have successfully navigated the same hurdles. The informal yet structured format encourages active participation, ensuring every attendee leaves with actionable insights and a strengthened local professional network. It is a unique opportunity to step away from the desk, reflect on your business strategy, and gain the objective opinions of supportive fellow professionals in the heart of the London and East region.

The "ICAEW London: Digital and AI Insight Group" is a premier gathering designed to navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of financial technology. As Artificial Intelligence moves from a futuristic concept to a daily operational reality, this session provides a critical space for business leaders and finance professionals to discuss the transformative impact of digital tools on accounting practices. The session is specifically curated for business-focused members who need to understand the strategic implications of AI rather than just the technical mechanics. In a professional world where "Agentic AI" and automated decision-making are becoming standard, this event allows participants to step back and evaluate the bigger picture. The agenda is built around the specific challenges of talent development, looking closely at how AI affects junior roles and what the "accountant of the future" looks like. It serves as a high-level briefing and peer-to-peer exchange, ensuring that London’s finance professionals remain at the cutting edge of global technological trends. Participants are encouraged to engage in open dialogue under the Chatham House Rule, ensuring a safe environment for discussing both the successes and failures of implementing new tech stacks. Whether you are looking to refine your firm’s digital strategy or seeking to understand how to better utilize off-the-shelf AI tools for M&A and reporting, this insight group offers the collective wisdom of London’s top financial minds. The event is not just about the "how-to" of technology, but the "why" and "what next," providing attendees with a roadmap for digital resilience in an increasingly automated economy. By attending, members gain 1 hour of verified CPD while building relationships with the Digital and AI community board, positioning themselves as leaders in the digital transformation of the UK's financial sector.

The Audit & Assurance Conference 2026, hosted by ICAEW, stands as a premier gathering for professionals navigating the complex landscape of modern auditing. As the industry sits at a critical crossroads, this event is themed around three core pillars: certainty, credibility, and the future. Attendees will delve into how the profession can continue to provide high-quality assurance in an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting regulatory expectations. The program is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive update on the latest auditing standards and the practical implications of recent regulatory reforms. Throughout the day, expert speakers and industry leaders will facilitate deep-dive sessions into the most pressing issues facing auditors today. Key topics include the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in audit processes, the evolving role of sustainability reporting, and strategies for maintaining professional skepticism in a digital-first environment. Beyond the technical sessions, the conference serves as a vital hub for professional networking. Set within the historic and prestigious surroundings of Chartered Accountants' Hall, it offers a unique environment for delegates to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and build lasting professional relationships. Participants will leave the event not only with a clearer understanding of the future trajectory of the profession but also with practical tools to enhance the quality and value of their audit work. This conference is an essential date for those committed to upholding the integrity of the financial system and driving excellence in the field of assurance.

The ICAEW Annual Conference 2026 is the premier event for chartered accountants, finance directors, and business leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape. Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, this full-day summit brings together the brightest minds in the profession to discuss the pivotal shifts in global finance, regulation, and technology. The 2026 program is specifically designed to address the "Triple Bottom Line" of the future: Economic Resilience, Digital Transformation, and Sustainability. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into the latest developments in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the evolving tax landscape, and the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence in audit and advisory roles. With a focus on "future-proofing" the profession, the conference features high-level plenary sessions and specialized breakout tracks that allow delegates to tailor their learning experience to their specific sector—be it public practice, corporate finance, or the public sector. Beyond the technical updates, the conference serves as a vital platform for high-level networking. Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic O2 Arena, the event includes a comprehensive exhibition of the latest fintech solutions and a concluding networking reception. Whether you are an ACA student or a seasoned Fellow (FCA), this conference provides the verifiable CPD hours and strategic foresight necessary to lead in an increasingly volatile global market.