The Spanish Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICJCE) via its Auditors’ Mediation Service (SMAS), has entered a partnership with Aranzadi to provide its members with mediation training, aligning with the latest legal requirements mandated by Organic Law 1/2025.
The signing was attended by Isabel Bermúdez, president of SMAS; Javier Quintana, general director of ICJCE; Noemí de Córdoba, secretary of the SMAS Commission; Alberto Moreno Martín, commercial director of Aranzadi; and Miguel Guibelalde, director of Alliances & Partners.
This agreement is in response to the implementation of Organic Law 1/2025, which mandates the use of appropriate means of dispute resolution, such as mediation, conciliation, and independent expert opinion, before commencing legal proceedings.
To practice as a mediator, the law necessitates specific training of at least 100 hours, as well as 20 hours of ongoing practical training every five years.
ICJCE professionals will now have access to two accredited training programs: a 110-hour initial course in civil and commercial mediation, which allows for admission to the SMAS, and a 20-hour practical refresher course, mandatory before 31 December 2025, for individuals registered as mediators.
The Auditors’ Mediation Service (SMAS), which is managed by the ICJCE and registered in the Ministry of Justice’s Registry of Mediation Institutions, enhances its position as a professional avenue for the ASMs promoted by the new law.
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By GlobalDataSMAS president Isabel Bermúdez said: “The objective is clear: to make it easier for auditors to comply with legal requirements and provide them with practical tools to mediate in economic and financial disputes.”
“Mediation is no longer a complementary option: it’s a legal obligation and an opportunity to add value through independence and technical rigor. Auditors have the technical training and professional experience to make them ideal candidates to act as mediators.”
Javier Quintana added: “This agreement with Aranzadi guarantees rigorous training tailored to the real needs of our profession. The approval of this law has transformed the role of the mediator in the legal and economic spheres. At the Institute, we understand that auditors must be prepared to act as neutral and qualified professionals in conflict resolution.”
