Editor's note

Issue 631 

March 2022

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This month, IAB launched its highly anticipated annual World Survey 2022 that ranks accounting networks and associations globally by revenue and staff numbers; alongside this there is also a Supplement that provides a summary of the WS 2022 and carries original features and case studies by IAB’s industry partners, talking about their strategic plans and operations and highlighting partner engagement.

There were 52 participants in the WS 2022, with little change in the overall rankings this year in terms of movement; the report found 8% growth year-on-year for associations and networks and 7% combined growth of the Big Four, with over 50% of networks and associations seeing double digit growth. Total revenue reported for the industry globally in 2021 was $261 bn.

In this issue, I speak to Heather Gill, Chief People Officer at FinancialForce about her role and her view on strengthening HR practices and deepening corporate culture; Jean Stephens, CEO RSM describes the objectives and findings of RSM’s Women in Leadership Summit; read digital solutions by Avalara on VAT; Aqilla experts discuss automating accounting and the benefits of operating in the cloud; ESG specialists at BLCI talk about ESG advisory in Italy; there is further insight from Russell Bedford on ESG standards in Brazil and William Je, Founder and CEO at Hong Kong based Hamilton Investment explores whether cryptocurrency can be considered an asset class and ensuing implications for taxing it.

There are US and Canada reports and tables. Do also read a round-up of news.

Zoya Malik, Group Accountancy Editor