ICAI Approves Major Advertising and Global Networking Reforms for Indian Chartered Accountancy Firms, ETCFO
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has approved a significant set of regulatory changes aimed at strengthening domestic chartered accountancy firms, including easing long-standing advertising restrictions and introducing a new framework for global collaborations.
Briefing reporters on the outcomes of the 447th Council meeting, ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda said the measures update key professional rules to reflect current market realities. “These reforms modernise the regulatory framework and provide greater clarity for firms operating in a rapidly changing environment,” he said. ICAI Vice President CA Prasanna Kumar D was also present.
Ad Rules Eased After Decades
The Council has cleared amendments to the Advertisement and Website Guidelines as part of the revised 13th edition of the Code of Ethics, which will come into force on April 1, 2026. The changes broaden permissible advertising formats, expand the scope of write-ups, and allow firms to use push notifications for non-exclusive services such as consultancy and accounting.
ICAI-registered network firms have also been permitted to maintain their own websites, a move expected to increase visibility and streamline communication across networks.
Nanda said the updates bring existing rules in line with current digital practices and provide functional flexibility for firms to communicate their service offerings.
New Global Networking Framework for Cross-Border Collaborations
In one of the most consequential decisions, the Council approved the ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025, which set out a formal structure for Indian firms, domestic networks and ICAI-registered consultancy entities to enter collaborations with overseas counterparts.
According to ICAI, the guidelines are intended to create a level playing field for mid-sized and emerging firms by enabling access to global knowledge, tools and cross-jurisdictional partnerships, while prescribing disclosure and compliance requirements.
Alignment with Latest IESBA Ethical Standards
The Council has also adopted the 2024 International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics, tightening auditor independence provisions.
Key changes include:
Audit firms will be barred from accepting Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits if they have provided non-assurance services that create a self-review threat.
Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) requirements will now apply to all listed entities and their material subsidiaries.
New ethical norms for sustainability assurance engagements have been incorporated.
The list of permitted Management Consultancy and Other Services has been expanded to include emerging areas such as artificial intelligence-related services, forensic accounting and social-impact assessments.
The Council has also recommended that audit fees be accepted only through digital or banking channels.
UDIN Crosses 10 Crore
ICAI said that issuance of Unique Document Identification Numbers (UDINs) crossed the 10-crore mark during the year, which the Institute described as a benchmark for documentation monitoring and transparency.
WOFA 2.0 to Bring 20,000 Delegates in 2026
The Institute also announced that the World Forum of Accountants (WOFA) 2.0 will be held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, with participation expected from more than 20,000 delegates across 40 countries.
