ICAI Notifies ‘Global Networking Guidelines, 2025’ to Regulate Cross-Border CA Networks [Read Notification]

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has notified the ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025 formalising a regulatory architecture for collaboration between domestic Chartered Accountant entities and overseas accounting networks.

The Guidelines were published in the Official Gazette on 11th February 2026.

The move comes as the Indian Finance and Accounting industry makes strides to build larger, homegrown accounting firms capable of competing with global players.

ICAI President Prasanna Kumar D stated that foreign networks must now obtain registration with the Institute in order to collaborate with domestic firms.

Through this, the working of “Global Networks of Chartered Accountants (or equivalent in respective jurisdictions)” would come under ICAI’s regulatory jurisdiction in respect of their Indian operations.

Also Read: ICAI Tightens UDIN Rules: Field-Level Validation Live, 60 Tax Audit Cap per Partner from April 1, 2026

Mandatory Registration of Global Networks

A central feature of the framework is compulsory registration. All arrangements between a Domestic Entity registered with ICAI and an Overseas Entity are mandatorily required to be registered with ICAI.

Upon approval, ICAI will allot a Unique Registration Number to the Global Network. Existing firms that are already part of international networks are required to apply within 180 days from when the Guidelines come into force.

“Global Network”

“Global Network” is defined as an arrangement between entities that is based on cost-sharing, common quality control policies, shared operational strategy, common branding, shared professional resources or even shared digital infrastructure such as websites and communication systems.

The Guidelines clarify that the mere use of public co-working spaces available on fees or on sharing basis shall not amount to be a part of a ‘global network’.

Nodal Officer and Compliance

Each Global Network must designate a “Nodal Officer cum Contact Person” who must be a member in good standing with the Institute, and shall also possess a full-time Certificate of Practice. The Nodal Officer is responsible to ensure that the Network fulfills all compliance requirements with the Act, Regulations, Code of Ethics and the Guidelines, and may face disciplinary proceedings in case of violations.

Ethical Safeguards and Prohibited Services

The Guidelines prohibit domestic entities from rendering services that are barred under Section 144 of the Companies Act, 2013 to audit clients. Furthermore, domestic entities may not engage in fee or profit-sharing affiliations with non-members, as per the ICAI Code of Ethics and the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.

Any violation of the Guidelines is deemed to constitute professional misconduct.

Annual Returns

The nodal officer of the Global Network shall file the annual returns of the Global Network in Form ‘DGN’ within 120 days of the close of each financial year - the return shall disclose capital structure, revenue sharing, disciplinary proceedings and payments exchanged between domestic and overseas constituents among particulars.

ICAI may call for any records, documents and information from the domestic entity in respect of any alleged violation of these guidelines.

With over five lakh members, the Institute’s latest move is expected to reshape how Indian Chartered Accountant firms navigate and establish international affiliations, all the while strengthening their global competitiveness.

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