Group 1 - The importance of having the right accountant during tax season is emphasized, as Black-owned accounting firms assist businesses and individuals in maintaining tax compliance and making informed financial decisions [1][2] - Black-owned accounting firms combine traditional CPA expertise with cultural understanding, enhancing their service delivery through legacy operations and modern strategies [2] Group 2 - Lucas, Tucker & Company, established in 1938, is one of the first Black-owned CPA firms in the U.S., providing comprehensive accounting and financial services to clients in the Northeast [3] - In The Black Accounting Services, led by Joy Black, offers personalized tax guidance and accounting expertise to small businesses in Nashville since 2000 [4] - Richardson & Associates Accounting, founded by Sherri Richardson in 2007, provides tax preparation, consulting, and auditing services to small businesses and nonprofits in Cincinnati [5] - The McGee CPA Group in Atlanta focuses on year-round tax strategy, offering services such as tax preparation, planning, and IRS problem resolution for small- and mid-sized businesses [6] - Black Cube Tax & Accounting, a veteran-owned firm in Oklahoma City, provides business tax planning and monthly bookkeeping services to local businesses [7]

BDO Cayman Islands, a member of accounting network BDO International, has announced the promotion of Gordon Procter to the position of partner. With more than ten years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector, Procter specialises in captive insurance arrangements and alternative risk vehicles. Since joining the company, Procter has advised insurance managers, captive owners and reinsurers, helping clients meet a range of regulatory, reporting and operational obligations. BDO Cayman Island ...

RSM US has introduced Ask Luca, a generative AI (genAI) capability embedded in RSM Luca, its digital audit environment. Ask Luca returns on-demand guidance drawn from the firm’s assurance manuals, practice aids and technical accounting guides. This is intended to help more than 4,000 assurance staff quickly locate internally approved references and use them when forming audit judgements. The company also indicated that the tool is a first step towards developing assurance-oriented intelligent agents to ...

Group 1 - Kreston FLS has integrated FCM Consultores, enhancing its presence in the Bajío region of Mexico, a significant economic corridor [1][2] - The Querétaro team brings over 20 years of experience in audit, tax, accounting, and foreign trade, focusing on sectors such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and construction [1][2] - The integration supports international businesses looking for nearshoring opportunities and facilitates foreign direct investment into the North American market [2] Group 2 - The Querétaro office creates a corridor linking the central industrial area with Kreston FLS locations in Hermosillo (north) and Mérida (south-east) [2] - New audit partners Alejandra Feregrino and Agustín Mendoza, along with accounting director Marcela Cabrera, have joined Kreston FLS as part of the integration [2][3] - Kreston FLS aims to empower clients engaged in business between Mexico City and Querétaro, supporting their expansion into the Bajío region [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The IFRS Foundation's Capital Markets Advisory Committee (CMAC) has appointed three new members to enhance its independent operations and provide ongoing perspectives from financial statement users across various markets [1]. Group 1: New Appointees - Deborah Taylor has been a professional trainer at Financial Edge for seven years, teaching accounting and financial modeling, and previously worked at Barclays Equity Research for seven years [2]. - Jungyeon (Jay) Seo is the chief analyst at Shinyoung Securities, specializing in consumer and internet sectors, with over 2,000 published analyses since joining in 2006 [3]. - Xiaolu Wang leads Due Diligence and Portfolio Management at Efund PE in China, with prior experience in Transaction Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong [4]. Group 2: Appointment Details - Each of the three new appointments is for a three-year term, with the possibility of one renewal [4]. - The new members replace Anthony Scilipoti, Joao Toniato, and Koei Otaki, who stepped down at the end of 2025 [4].

Core Insights - Henderson Loggie has appointed Jay McKinnon as VAT director in its Aberdeen office, aiming to enhance its VAT and tax advisory services across Scotland [1][4] - McKinnon brings over 20 years of experience in indirect tax, having held senior roles at Big Four firms and in leadership positions in Dubai [1][3] Company Strategy - The appointment of McKinnon is part of Henderson Loggie's strategy to invest in top expertise to help businesses adapt to regulatory changes and plan for sustainable growth [4] - The firm previously appointed Stephen Dodds as tax director in March last year, indicating a focused effort to expand tax advisory services in Scotland's central belt [4] Expertise and Specialization - McKinnon specializes in sectors such as energy, utilities, renewables, construction, land and property, higher education, and the charity and not-for-profit sectors [3] - Kimberley Thomson, head of tax at Henderson Loggie, highlighted that McKinnon's extensive knowledge in VAT and indirect taxes, particularly in energy and property, will be a significant asset to the firm [3]

Core Insights - The Trump administration has created new opportunities for traditional financial institutions to engage with digital assets, particularly cryptocurrency [1] - PwC is shifting its approach towards cryptocurrency, moving from a cautious stance to actively embracing the asset class due to favorable regulatory changes [1][5] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The appointment of pro-crypto regulators and the introduction of new regulations, such as the GENIUS Act, are pivotal in allowing PwC to pivot towards cryptocurrency [2][3] - The GENIUS Act, signed into law on July 18, 2025, aims to regulate stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar, fostering a more stable environment for digital assets [3] Group 2: Market Growth - The market capitalization of USD-pegged stablecoins has increased from $259 billion on July 18 to $307 billion, indicating significant growth in this asset class [4] Group 3: PwC's Strategic Shift - PwC is now exploring various opportunities in the crypto space, including audit and consulting services, as the regulatory environment becomes more favorable [6] - The firm is advising clients on utilizing crypto technology, such as stablecoins for payment settlements, reflecting a strategic shift in its service offerings [6]

Core Insights - CohnReznick has acquired Smith Schafer & Associates, enhancing its presence in Minnesota and expanding its service offerings [1][4] - The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but it signifies CohnReznick's strategy of organic growth and selective mergers [1][3] - Smith Schafer, with three offices, 12 partners, and 89 employees, specializes in professional services across various sectors including construction and manufacturing [1][2] Company Strategy - CohnReznick aims to leverage its advisory, assurance, and tax capabilities to support clients in Minnesota, particularly in real estate, financial services, technology, and consumer manufacturing [2][3] - The acquisition aligns with CohnReznick's recent expansion efforts, which include new offices in San Francisco, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Richmond [3] - The partnership with Apax Funds has facilitated CohnReznick's growth strategy through both organic means and strategic acquisitions [3] Leadership Perspective - Michael Malugani, managing principal of Smith Schafer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential for enhanced client value and career opportunities [2] - CohnReznick Advisory CEO David Kessler emphasized the complementary nature of Smith Schafer's local expertise with CohnReznick's national reach [3][4] - The collaboration is expected to provide clients with valuable insights to optimize performance and manage risk effectively [4]

Core Viewpoint - The merger of Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, and JGH Consulting aims to create a comprehensive platform that integrates accounting, insurance, and transaction advisory services for small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and family-owned companies [1][6]. Group 1: Merger Details - Nichols Cauley is merging with Partners Risk Services and JGH Consulting to form a new platform [1]. - The merger is supported by Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), which will provide growth investment and leverage its experience in financial services [2]. - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 [3]. Group 2: Leadership Structure - Todd Giddens, managing partner of Nichols Cauley, will become the chief operations officer of the new platform [2]. - Joe Thompson, CEO of Partners Risk Services, will lead risk management and insurance services, while Greg Hicks from JGH Consulting will oversee transaction advisory services [3]. - Alan Whitman is anticipated to serve as the CEO of the combined entity [3]. Group 3: Operational Changes - Post-merger, Nichols Cauley will operate under a new structure, with Nichols Cauley & Associates providing attest services and Nichols Cauley Advisory Group offering business advisory, tax, and other non-attest services [4]. Group 4: Strategic Intent - The merger is positioned as a strategy to enhance competitiveness and provide sophisticated business solutions to clients [5]. - The combined strengths of the firms are expected to amplify their ability to innovate and deliver value-added solutions across various service lines [6].

Core Insights - Regulatory clarity is shifting the landscape for blockchain technology, moving it from IT teams to CFO control frameworks and capital allocation decisions [1][3] - PwC is expanding its digital asset business in response to clearer U.S. regulations, indicating a growing belief in the scalability of stablecoins and tokenized assets [2][3] - The passage of the GENIUS Act is seen as a significant catalyst for PwC's increased engagement in crypto-related work, providing a more defined regulatory framework [3][4] Regulatory Developments - New leadership at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Paul Atkins is prioritizing clearer rules for digital assets, reducing uncertainty for accounting firms [4] - Clearer rulemaking enables firms to develop consistent audit, compliance, and advisory frameworks applicable across clients [5] Business Expansion - PwC has expanded its range of crypto-related services, including accounting, cybersecurity, wallet governance, and regulatory advisory, in response to increased opportunities in the digital assets sector [6] - The firm reported global revenues of $56.9 billion for FY 2025, highlighting its capacity to scale services in areas with durable demand [6] - PwC is committed to being "hyper-engaged" in both audit and consulting, as more crypto-related opportunities arise with growing institutional confidence in the regulatory environment [7]