The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is urging decisive measures to prepare ASEAN across the finance landscape for future challenges, as outlined in its latest recommendations for the region.  

This follows the formal inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s eleventh member and aligns with ongoing plans towards the 2045 vision for the region. 

The ACCA recommendations for ASEAN finance present actionable measures for policymakers, regulators and business leaders.  

The focus is on improving economic integration, supporting ethical and AI-ready financial operations, and progressing sustainability reporting in both public and private sectors.  

These priorities were outlined after consultation with the accountancy sector and were presented at the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFMGM). 

ACCA’s involvement with the region extends almost 90 years, and the latest guidance centres on four main themes. 

The first priority is to reinforce ethics and trust within financial systems by backing reliable financial and sustainability reporting, implementing stronger governance, and enhancing standards to provide assurance for investors.  

The second focus is on enhancing skills and preparedness for sustainability, offering practical training and resources especially to smaller businesses and public sector bodies.  

This is in response to new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) aligned requirements and climate-related objectives in the region. 

ACCA also calls for responsible digital transformation in finance. 

This includes preparing finance teams to use AI technology appropriately, promoting digital assurance processes, and maintaining ethical standards in technology deployment for audit.  

The fourth theme highlights the need to develop a workforce ready for future demands by encouraging regional mobility schemes and partnerships to close skills gaps within accountancy across ASEAN countries. 

In 2025, ACCA began working with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) on sustainability reporting initiatives, providing analysis and recommendations through the ASRAC statement on sustainability reporting alignment.  

The latest ACCA recommendations for ASEAN have now been introduced as part of a broader regional plan and will be circulated among policy authorities, business representatives and partners throughout Southeast Asia. 

ACCA chief executive Helen Brand said: “ACCA has supported the profession across ASEAN for almost 90 years, working with governments, regulators and educators to strengthen the infrastructure of trust.  

“The vision of an economically integrated and socially responsible ASEAN is fully aligned with our purpose to be a force for public good. From sustainability and AI to governance and talent mobility, ASEAN is at the precipice of global change, and we have an important contribution to make.”