Group 1 - The Hong Kong government is promoting AI development through a "dual-engine" strategy, with the Financial Secretary evaluating the opportunities and potential risks of AI in auditing firms [1] - The advancement of technology, particularly AI, is changing the work and value of accountants, with a global focus on expanding auditing and assurance services while ensuring the credibility of sustainability reports [1] - Hong Kong faces a shortage of accounting talent, prompting collaboration between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and professional institutions to implement educational and professional development programs [1] Group 2 - Hong Kong has become a platform for many mainland enterprises to expand internationally, leveraging its financial and professional services for trade financing, supply chain and fund management, cross-border taxation, and ESG consulting [2] - Over 300 companies are currently queued to list in Hong Kong, making it a world leader in capital markets [2] - Hong Kong facilitates the connection between mainland enterprises and international markets, promoting the alignment of mainland standards with international standards [2]

Core Insights - Moore Kingston Smith has appointed James Bird as an audit partner in its non-profit division, bringing extensive experience in the charity and education sectors [1][2] - Bird's audit approach emphasizes technology and innovation, allowing for customized services tailored to client needs [1][2] - The firm aims to enhance client service in areas like higher education and address sector-specific challenges such as governance and digital transformation [2][3] Company Developments - James Bird has over 18 years of audit experience, primarily focused on non-profit organizations, and is expected to contribute significantly to the firm's expertise [2][3] - The managing partner of Moore Kingston Smith, Matt Meadows, highlighted Bird's extensive experience as a valuable asset to the firm's award-winning non-profit team [3] - In August 2025, Melanie Reed was appointed as the head of advisory services to guide the firm's response to evolving client needs [4]

Group 1 - The General Shareholders Meeting of Invalda INVL held on October 7, 2025, made resolutions regarding the selection of an audit company for annual financial statements [1] - KPMG Baltics, UAB has been appointed to audit the separate and consolidated annual financial statements for the years 2025 and 2026 [1][2] - The audit fee for the 2025 financial statements is set at EUR 60,000 plus VAT, with annual recalculations for subsequent years based on inflation or average salary changes [3] - The Management Board has the authority to increase the audit fee by up to 15% if the scope of work changes significantly [4] - The CEO, Darius Šulnis, is tasked with coordinating the terms of the audit services agreement and signing it with the Audit Company [4]

Core Insights - The report by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) emphasizes the transformative impact of technology on audit services, highlighting the need for firms to enhance transparency and trust through technological advancements [1][5]. Group 1: Survey Findings - A survey involving 115 auditors indicates that 90% believe technology has improved audit quality in the last five years, with 56% expecting significant future impacts [2][3]. - The report reveals a growing importance of verifying non-financial metrics, with 54% of auditors recognizing the significance of AI and ESG verification [3]. Group 2: Cybersecurity and Workforce Challenges - The report addresses increased cybersecurity risks associated with cloud and AI integration, recommending "regulatory sandboxes" for safe technology adoption, especially for small and midsize firms [4]. - Workforce challenges are highlighted, with retention being a greater concern than recruitment, suggesting the need for flexible work environments and upskilling opportunities to attract tech-savvy auditors [4]. Group 3: Recommendations for Firms - Firms are encouraged to invest in scalable technology, enhance skills through targeted training, and engage in regulatory discussions to adapt to the evolving audit landscape [5]. - The report advocates for a shift from periodic audits to ongoing, real-time assurance, emphasizing the necessity of aligning auditors, clients, and regulators on future audit processes [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Cooper Parry is enhancing its team with senior appointments to strengthen its services in the UK and Ireland, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to the Big Four accounting firms [1][4]. Group 1: New Appointments - Nick Hatton has been appointed as partner and head of transaction tax, bringing over 25 years of experience from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and EY, focusing on the growth of transaction tax services in the private equity mid-market sector [2][4]. - Arif Ahmad has been appointed as regional market leader for Yorkshire & North East and audit relationship partner, with 28 years at PwC, including leadership roles in the Leeds office and private equity [2][3]. - Laura Bevan joins as assurance director, with 12 years at PwC leading the sustainability practice for PwC Wales, specializing in environmental, social, and governance assurance [3]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Vision - Cooper Parry's CEO, Ade Cheatham, emphasizes the firm's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and client impact, indicating that the new leaders are part of a strategy to build a next-generation professional services firm [4]. - The recent acquisition of Fellwood Advisory, a debt advisory firm specializing in the mid-market sector, aligns with Cooper Parry's growth strategy [4].

Core Points - The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of Invalda INVL is scheduled for 7 October 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in Vilnius, Lithuania [1] - The total number of shares is 12,299,375, with a quorum of 12,058,469 votes required for the meeting [2] - The accounting day for the meeting is set for 30 September 2025, and only shareholders on this date can attend and vote [3] Agenda - The agenda includes the selection of an audit company for the annual financial statements and determining the payment terms for audit services [3] - The proposed audit company is KPMG Baltics, UAB, for the audit of the separate and consolidated annual financial statements for 2025-2026 [4] - The audit fee for 2025 is set at EUR 60,000 plus VAT, with annual recalculations based on inflation or average salary changes for subsequent years [6] Shareholder Rights - Shareholders holding at least 1/20 of the votes can propose to supplement the agenda or submit draft resolutions [9][10] - Shareholders can submit questions related to the agenda up to 3 business days before the meeting [11] - Shareholders must provide identity documents to vote, and they can authorize representatives to vote on their behalf [13][14] Voting Procedures - Voting can be done in writing using a ballot paper, which can be sent by mail or submitted electronically with a qualified electronic signature [15][17] - The completed ballot paper must be submitted by 8:30 a.m. on 7 October 2025 [17] - The company does not allow attendance and voting through electronic means of communication [15]