Issue no. 198 (3 April 2008)
Dear Members / Member Practices,
 
  Institute news
Healthcare reform
 

Secretary for Food and Health Dr. York Chow, Hospital Authority Chairman Anthony Wu and a panel of experts will speak to members about healthcare reform on 25 Apr. Come express your views. +

 

President talks to SCMP about HKEx proposal

In a recent interview with SCMP, President Albert Au says the Institute opposes the stock exchange's proposal to scrap the requirement for listed firms to appoint qualified accountants. He says the proposal is a step backward and sends a negative message to international markets. Click here to select "31/03: HKICPA laments HKEx proposal" under "video" to watch the podcast.


A Plus: Insider trading goes global
The April issue of A Plus studies the globalization of insider trading and regulators' reach across borders. The issue reports how the Institute's new insolvency faculty raises the bar for specialized fields. The success ingredient interview features Country Garden CFO Estella Ng. Click here for the main story and refer to your copy coming soon.  

High response rates to practice review
Only a single digit number of the first batch - 1,500 CPA practices - have yet to complete the practice review electronic questionnaire or file a declaration that they no longer audit. This is an excellent result according to quality assurance director Chris Joy, who reports on progress in the April issue of A Plus. +

Reminder: China forum series
The China forum series will begin 19 Apr. on how the mainland's government is structured and how business works. More sessions will follow in May and June covering mainland tax, accounting, legal, investment and other business issues. +

Rowing winners
The Institute's women's team won the championship of the 4x500m team relay in the government department and professional body category of the Hong Kong Open Indoor Rowing Championships on 30 Mar. Click here to see winners.

2008 voter registration
Register now to vote in the Legislative Council election this September. Forms are available from the voter registration website. +
 
  Business news
U.S. finance system overhauled

The U.S. Treasury announces extensive changes to the regulations governing banks and insurers after the ravages of the credit crunch, BBC News reports. +

 
  Tech update
The latest issue of TechWatch is out. Click the tab above for more.
   
A global survey commissioned by IFAC shows that the financial reporting process, corporate governance and auditing have significantly improved but financial reports could still be more useful. +
   
  CPD
What's relevant to your professional development? It's a good question when choosing CPD courses and remember, training on leadership and other non-technical skills is recognized. Click here for FAQs.
   
Come join this workshop organized with CIMA about strategic management accountancy techniques. +
   
The Hong Kong Institute of Directors' conference 2008 is taking place on 9 Apr. +
   
For more programmes, please refer to the new CPD Online above.
 
   
UBS chief steps down

Chairman of UBS, the largest Swiss bank, will step down amid another write-down of $19 billion related to U.S. real estate and related structured credit positions, The New York Times reports. +


Accounting for carbon trading

India will introduce new accounting standards to make carbon credits earned by companies more transparent LiveMint.com reports. +

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Disclaimer: "Business news" section
The "Business news" section contains information from outside sources. We endeavour to link to reputable sources but the Institute is not responsible for the accuracy of the content and the content does not necessarily represent the views of the Institute.

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