Large, multi-jurisdictional firms dominate the global accounting market, yet Indian CA firms rarely feature in that conversation. India produces some of the world's most qualified CAs, yet very few Indian CA firms have made a mark on the global stage.

The path to global competitiveness isn't just about numbers; it's about strategy. Indian firms need to adopt a consolidated structure, leverage technology for advisory services beyond compliance, and most importantly, build international alliances that open doors to the global level.

To compete on a global level or boost the global tie -ups for the domestic chartered accountant firms, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has given its approval to a set of guidelines. The new guidelines are designed to give Indian CAs greater freedom to promote and highlight their professional services.

ICAI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is an organisation that was established under the Chartered Accountants Act of 1949. This organisation is in charge of theChartered Accountants in India. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India does a lot of things, like making rules, for accounting and auditing. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India also gives certificates to people who pass the CA exams and regulates professional misconduct

The approval of the ICAI Global Networking framework marks a decisive move by the Institute to open global doors for Indian CA firms. This initiative shifts the focus from individual global success to firm-level international growth, enabling Indian CA practices, especially small and mid-sized firms, to step beyond domestic boundaries and compete on a global platform with greater confidence and credibility. The ICAI Global Networking framework will help them compete with firms around the world.

The move opened new avenues for Indian CA firms, particularly mid-sized and emerging practices, to enhance visibility and compete globally. The council has approved the ICAI (Global networking) guidelines 2025, which marks a key milestone in enabling global partnerships for Indian CA firms.

ICAI Guidelines

• A critical pillar of this global roadmap is the ICAI's Global networking framework, which provides a structured, transparent, and compliant mechanism for Indian CA firms, domestic networks, and ICAI-registered consultancy companies to forge international affiliation and access opportunities across the global market. The framework also empowers domestic networks to collaborate seamlessly with overseas entities across multiple jurisdictions.
• Complementing this structural reform, the ICAI Council at its 447th Meeting approved the revised 13th Edition of the Code of Ethics, which will come into force from April 1, 2026.
• One of the most significant changes relates to the Advertisement and Website Guidelines.
• ICAI is now permitted to develop and maintain websites.
• Recognising the growing importance of sustainability reporting and assurance, the revised Code incorporates new ethical standards for Sustainability Assurance, based on the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including International Independence Standards) issued by IESBA
• Another key reform is the expanded applicability of the NOCLAR (Responding to Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations) provisions. These requirements now extend to all listed entities and their material subsidiaries, significantly strengthening transparency, accountability, and auditor responsibility in identifying and addressing non-compliance
• The scope of Management Consultancy and Other Services (MCS) has also been expanded to reflect the needs of a digital and innovation-driven economy

Roadmap

1. Know about your market target: researching your target is crucial for the success of your business. This involves market trends, consumer behaviour, and economic indicators that impact your industry. Understanding your target audience and developing targeted marketing is crucial.
2. Maximise technology for enhanced efficiency and security purposes: it's very important to maximise the power of technology to streamline operations and strengthen security.
3. Global growth requires a solid web presence, achieved by tailoring your site's content design and functionality to international user preferences: its is like translating your content into various languages, and adapting your website design to be culturally sensitive.
4. Global collaboration: Networking and collaboration play an important role. Through the structured alliance and partnership, firms can share expertise, access specialised skills, and participate in large -scle crossborder engagement without establishing a full physical presence abroad.
5. Ethical excellence: it is a core global credibility for indian CA firms. By strictly adhering to internationally recognised standards, including the IESBA Code of Ethics, and implementing rigorous provisions on auditor independence, NOCLAR compliance, and sustainability assurance, firms demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability
6. Specialisation: it is a key to standing out. on niche areas like international taxation, forensic accounting, AI advisory, can offer high - value solution that global clients demand
7. Governance and compliance: strong corporate governance and adherence to international standards build trust with global partners.
8. Skill development: continues upskilling of employees, especially in finance and technology
9. Sustainability: Companies should integrate ESG(Environmental, Social, Governance) practices to align with global expectations.
10. Global mindset: indian business needs to think beyond domestic markets, focusing on exports, collaborations and international benchmarks.

Future outlook

The reforms by ICAI show that, in the coming years, through the global alliance and international affiliations, even small and mid-sized Indian CA firms will be able to service globally, participate in multinational engagement, and compete alongside global accounting networks.

For Indian firms to thrive internationally, they must modernise, comply with global standards, invest in people, and embrace sustainability.

Concluding that, Indian CA firms are entering a transformative phase, with the approval of the ICAI global networking guidelines 2025, the institute has effectively opened doors to international markets, enabling firms to form global partnerships, collaborate across jurisdictions, and access cross-border opportunities. With enabling regulatory reforms, global networking frameworks, modernised ethical standards, and greater professional visibility, the foundation for global competitiveness is firmly in place.

This change is very good for medium-sized Indian chartered accountant firms. They can now work with people in other countries. The Indian chartered accountant firms are now seen as good and reliable. They are ready for the future. Can compete with other countries.

Indian CA firms are equipped with the tools and credibility to compete globally. Indian CA firms have the flexibility to compete globally. By embracing global networks, technology, specialisation, and ethical excellence, Indian CA firms can scale confidently, enhance visibility, and emerge as key players on the world stage. The future belongs to those willing to think bigger, collaborate smarter, and lead with global ambition.

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