“The FRC’s latest data shows a profession that continues to attract talented people and create rewarding careers, even as the work itself is changing rapidly.
"For ICAEW, the challenge is not simply to bring the next generation into accountancy, but to prepare them for the profession they will actually enter. AI is already reshaping how accountants work, the skills employers need, and how people build experience. That makes the quality and relevance of professional education more important, not less.
"The ACA will continue to combine rigorous technical foundations with the judgement, practical experience, digital capability, and human skills that will distinguish great chartered accountants in an AI-enabled world. That is where our focus is: ensuring the qualification continues to set a high bar while preparing people to lead the profession through its next chapter.”
ENDS
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About ICAEW
Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 211,600 members and students around the world. 81 of the top 100 global brands employ ICAEW Chartered Accountants.* 82% of FTSE 100 companies have an ICAEW member on their board.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor more than 11,500 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.
We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet’s resources are managed sustainably.
ICAEW is working towards becoming net zero, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.
ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.
We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.
* includes parent companies. Source: ICAEW member data March 2026, Interbrand, Best Global Brands 2025.
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As a global professional body for chartered accountants, we ensure all our chartered accountants have the knowledge and values to help build local and global economies that are sustainable, accountable and fair.
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