Audit and corporate governance reform remains uncertain, but we should see important progress in both audit and assurance in 2026, according to Alex Russell, Head of Audit and Assurance Strategy at ICAEW.

While the economy is not perfect, there are positive signs that we’ll see more public company and private equity activity in 2026, says David Petrie, ICAEW’s Head of Corporate Finance.

As always, expect a lot of changes in tax this year – more specifically, how tax advisers file income tax returns for clients, and new HMRC powers, says Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy.

The tricky economic climate is here to stay, but inflation is likely to fall more quickly in the year ahead, according to Suren Thiru, ICAEW's Director, Economies.

AML supervision will shift to the FCA in 2026, and Companies House changes will continue, explains ICAEW's Economic Crime Manager Mike Miller.

There will be continued emphasis on good governance in 2026, as Provision 29 of the Corporate Governance Code comes into effect, explains Peter van Veen, ICAEW's Director of Corporate Governance and Stewardship.

In 2026, accountants will play a critical role in preparing companies to disclose and assure sustainability information, says Ravi Abeywardana, Director of Sustainability, Reporting and Assurance at ICAEW.

Whether you prepare accounts under UK GAAP or IFRS Accounting Standards, 2026 will bring new standards that accountants in business and practice need to prepare for. Plus, the UK government will be conducting a holistic review of the entire annual report.