Location: Global

Twenty-seven emerging professionals from AGN member firms came together in Birmingham on 14–15 May for the 2026 AGN-UK NextGen Conference — a practical and engaging two-day programme focused on strengthening client relationships, communication, and commercial confidence within professional services.

In a global profession, the ability to collaborate effectively across borders is not just valuable—it is essential. But true collaboration goes beyond having contacts in different countries. It requires structure, trust, and a shared commitment to solving problems together.

This is where the strength of AGN International becomes clear.

Contributed by: Calibre.

For many emerging companies, the early years are defined by a laser focus on survival and technical excellence. Whether our clients are managing large-scale landscaping for property developers or coordinating civil works for new estates, their primary concern is usually the project at hand. However, as a business scales, a subtle yet dangerous rift often opens between daily operations and financial strategy. At Calibre Business Advisory, we call this the decision-making gap.

Succession in accountancy firms has entered a new and more complex phase. Evidence from the AGN–Nexia World Congress in Munich, supported by comparative survey data from 2019 to 2025, points to a profession at an inflection point. While firms report moderate preparedness for digital and AI adaptation, leadership readiness, talent pipeline strength, and ownership appeal are weakening.

Insights from the AGN Member Roundtable, Dallas-Fort Worth, January 2026.

In early 2026, AGN member firms convened in Dallas, Fort Worth for a focused roundtable on AI adoption in the modern accounting firm. The session combined an external expert briefing from AI thought leader Roman Kepczyk from Rightworks, with a peer-led discussion among managing partners and senior practice leaders.

“Summer Fridays” have evolved from a perk into an expected component of accounting and advisory firm workplace flexibility. While approaches vary, the underlying goal remains the same: improve employee satisfaction without compromising productivity. From half-day Fridays to full shutdowns, firms are experimenting with models that balance operational needs with employee well-being. 

AGN UK member firm RPGCC partnered with fellow AGN member firm United Power HK CPA Limited (UPHK) in Hong Kong to support a client with Hong Kong-based entities requiring a statutory audit on a compressed timeline to meet local filing deadlines.

With no incumbent local auditor in place, the client needed to quickly appoint a trusted firm to ensure compliance and avoid disruption to their reporting obligations.

A joint AGN & Nexia thought-leadership publication, developed through global collaboration at the AGN & Nexia World Congress, Munich.

This Global Business Voice draws on the insights gathered during the Future Funding workshop delivered at the AGN & Nexia World Congress in Munich in late 2025. Partners from AGN and Nexia member firms across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and emerging markets explored how accounting firms are responding to accelerating structural change, new capital and funding models, and new sets of tech enabled well-funded competitors.

AGN firm Ballards has unveiled a major brand refresh, signalling its evolution into an agile, insight-driven advisory partner for mid-market and corporate clients across the UK. As firms shift towards advisory-led services, strong brand and culture are critical — not only to stand out, but to attract and retain the talent that drives future growth.

RPGCC is pleased to announce Grant Lee as Partner, strengthening the firm’s audit and assurance capability and specialist sector expertise. This move highlights RPGCC’s investment in top talent, showcases leadership growth across AGN, and reflects the firm’s transition into advisory — a key focus AGN helps members develop.