How AGN member firms are creating opportunities through knowledge sharing, international business relationships and AI innovation.
One of the greatest strengths of AGN membership is the ability to connect with trusted professionals around the world to share knowledge, explore opportunities and deliver better outcomes for clients.
That value was on full display during a recent visit to Hong Kong and Taiwan, where AGN members came together to discuss international business opportunities, evolving regulatory requirements and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) within the accounting profession.
The visit formed part of a joint roadshow by AGN members focused on promoting New Zealand Foreign Trust (NZFT) structures, Family Office services and New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus Visa programme, which has attracted significant international interest since its relaunch in April 2025.
While the business agenda was important, the visit also highlighted something equally valuable: the strong relationships that underpin the AGN community and the willingness of members to openly share knowledge and experience across jurisdictions.
Sharing Expertise with United Power HK CPA (Hong Kong)
The first stop was AGN member firm United Power HK CPA in Hong Kong.
Located in The Gateway at Harbour City overlooking Victoria Harbour, the firm’s offices provided an impressive setting for discussions with Managing Director Michael Tsang and Winnie Ng. The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about the firm’s continued growth following a successful leadership transition and succession planning process.
Discussions focused on the significant impact that Common Reporting Standard (CRS) requirements have had on offshore ownership structures and banking practices across Hong Kong. As compliance requirements continue to evolve, clients are increasingly seeking robust and sustainable structures in higher-tax jurisdictions.
The conversation also turned to one of the most important topics on the AGN Member Value Agenda: artificial intelligence.
Like many firms across the AGN community, United Power is actively exploring how AI-powered tools and agents can support business advisory, tax and audit processes. The exchange of ideas identified several opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge sharing, demonstrating the value of bringing together firms facing similar challenges in different markets.
Learning from Leadership and Innovation at EnWise CPAs & Co. (Taiwan)
The second visit took place in Taiwan with AGN member firm EnWise CPAs & Co., one of the country’s leading accounting firms and recently celebrating its 40th anniversary.
After travelling by high-speed rail from Taipei to Taichung, the visitors were welcomed by Sandy Lin and introduced to an impressive leadership team including Chairperson Tony Liao, Administrative Director, Karen Lai, Chair-elect Brian Huang and senior partners, Ching Yi Chen and Grace Lo.
A particularly insightful part of the visit was meeting EnWise’s founding partner, Abel Chi, a respected professor at Taichung University. Abel shared the philosophy that has helped shape the firm’s leadership culture over many years. Recognising the importance of developing future leaders, he established a practice of regularly rotating the firm’s chairmanship, creating opportunities for younger partners to develop leadership skills, contribute fresh perspectives and help guide the firm’s future.
This commitment to leadership development and succession planning was evident throughout the discussions. Conversations with current, former and future firm leaders demonstrated how EnWise has intentionally created opportunities for the next generation while maintaining continuity and stability. It is an approach that has undoubtedly contributed to the firm’s success over four decades.
The visit also provided an opportunity to reconnect with Gordon Yi, another former chair, who joined the group later for dinner at a local boutique restaurant. These conversations offered valuable insight into the firm’s culture, history and vision for the future.
Business discussions focused on evolving tax compliance requirements in Taiwan. Recent regulatory changes now require Taiwanese tax residents to provide audited financial statements for certain offshore structures in low-tax jurisdictions as part of their tax filings. While this has created challenges for taxpayers, it has also created opportunities for firms such as EnWise to provide specialised support and guidance.
The discussions also highlighted how New Zealand’s regulatory environment may offer alternative solutions for some clients and opened the door for further collaboration between firms.
As in Hong Kong, artificial intelligence featured prominently in conversations. Members exchanged experiences, practical applications and perspectives on how AI is transforming professional services. Sharing knowledge in this rapidly evolving area is becoming increasingly important for firms seeking to improve efficiency, strengthen client service and prepare for the future.
The Power of AGN Relationships
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the visit was the generosity and openness of the people involved.
The timing coincided with one of the busiest periods of the year for accounting professionals in Taiwan, with 31 May marking the country’s tax filing deadline. Despite operating at peak capacity, EnWise’s leadership team dedicated significant time to sharing their experiences, challenges and opportunities.
This spirit of collaboration reflects the true value of AGN membership.
In an environment characterised by increasing regulation, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, clients increasingly require trusted advisers who can work seamlessly across borders. The ability to draw on the expertise, experience and relationships of fellow AGN members creates opportunities that would be difficult to achieve alone.
Whether discussing international tax structures, leadership development, succession planning or the future impact of AI, these conversations demonstrate the power of bringing talented professionals together.
AGN provides the platform that makes those connections possible. Through firm visits, conferences, roundtables and ongoing dialogue, members continue to strengthen relationships, share knowledge and identify opportunities to better serve clients around the world.
As this visit demonstrated, the true value of AGN membership extends far beyond geography. It is about bringing people together, sharing expertise and turning connections into meaningful business opportunities that benefit firms and clients alike.
