SMEs Feel Strain Of Middle East Conflict
The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) released findings from a new business poll, highlighting that two in three Singapore businesses have been moderately to severely affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict, as rising energy and logistics costs affect operations and demand. While firms are actively managing costs and pivoting strategies, the findings point to a […]
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
AUDITING AND ASSURANCE ACRA Issues Practice Direction On External Private Capital Arrangements In Accounting Entities This Practice Direction sets out the key considerations and regulatory expectations for accounting entities that are considering, implementing, or operating under external private capital arrangements that may affect their ownership, governance or control structures. ETHICS IESBA And IAASB Complete Analysis […]
AI As Augmentation, Not Replacement
TAKEAWAYS “AI-enabled”. The phrase the National University Health System (NUHS) uses to describe its AI ambition is deliberate. Not “AI-powered”, not “AI-first”, but “AI-enabled”. The distinction matters. “AI augments – it doesn’t replace,” says Wong Soo Min, CA (Singapore), Group Chief Financial Officer of NUHS. “The core of healthcare still lies in human interaction.” In […]
When Criminals Donate (Part 1 of 2)
TAKEAWAYS In August 2023, Singapore authorities conducted the largest anti-money laundering (AML) operation in the country’s history, seizing approximately S$3 billion in assets. What emerged in the weeks following was troubling, but not surprising to those who understand how criminals think. At least five of the accused had donated six-figure sums to Singapore’s most reputable […]
Accountants As Storytellers
TAKEAWAYS Recent geopolitical conflicts and economic developments have driven business communities around the world into a frenzy. Against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East and the imposition of tariffs by the United States, the global economy has been shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty and hit by pessimistic sentiments. Stock markets have […]
Global Economic Outlook Reflects Growth Potential: OECD
The resilience of the global economy is being tested by the evolving conflict in the Middle East, which has generated new inflationary pressures while creating significant uncertainty, according to the OECD’s latest Interim Economic Outlook released on March 26. Global growth was steady heading into 2026, supported by the strength of technology-related production, lower effective […]
Women Supporting Women
The International Women’s Day 2026 theme of “Give to Gain” highlights the power of reciprocity – how sharing knowledge, encouragement, education, training, mentoring, and actively challenging stereotypes, discrimination and bias can create meaningful impact for women. CA Lab posed the question, “Can you share a time when you supported another woman – through mentoring, encouragement, […]
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
AUDITING AND ASSURANCE Focus Group On Review Of Audit Exemption Framework ACRA will be reviewing Singapore’s audit exemption framework to reduce compliance cost for small companies. This review aims to ensure the regulatory framework remains responsive to business realities while maintaining strong corporate governance standards and balancing regulatory requirements with compliance costs. Registration for the […]
Singapore Remains Least Corrupt Nation In Asia Pacific
Singapore has retained its top position as the least corrupt nation in Asia Pacific, according to the latest 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report by Transparency International. With a score of 84 out of 100, Singapore is ahead of New Zealand (score: 81) in second place, and Australia (score: 76) in third, regionally. On a […]
Assessing Property Valuations In Audits
TAKEAWAYS For entities that hold property, it is usually among the most significant assets on the balance sheet. Especially where such properties are measured at fair value in accordance with FRS 113 Fair Value Measurement, valuations often sit at the heart of the audit, given their materiality and the degree of estimation involved. Property valuations […]