The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a prestigious and globally recognized professional membership organization for chartered accountants, established by Royal Charter in 1880. It is the largest professional accountancy body in Europe, with over 210,000 members and students across 150 countries as of December 2024. ICAEW provides leadership, education, and support to its members, maintaining the highest ethical and technical standards in accountancy, finance, and business practice.
ICAEW’s primary objectives are to educate and train chartered accountants, uphold professional conduct standards, provide member services, and advance accountancy theory and practice. The Institute influences key regulatory and policy developments in the UK, Europe, and internationally by engaging with governments, regulators, and standard-setting bodies. It plays a significant role in corporate reporting, governance, auditing, and taxation policy through submissions, consultations, and participation in committees.
The Institute operates with a council and committees composed largely of elected members, supported by around 480 staff based mainly in London and Milton Keynes. It also maintains regional offices across England and Wales and has international offices in Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
ICAEW is a member of several influential bodies including the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB), Chartered Accountants Worldwide, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Accountancy Europe, and others. It actively networks with these organizations to promote the profession and influence policy at the EU level and beyond.
The Institute’s lobbying efforts focus on maintaining and enhancing the professional standards and regulatory environment for chartered accountants, ensuring that the ICAEW qualification remains respected and protected, and advocating for policies that support business transparency, financial integrity, and economic growth.
