The global economic landscape is undergoing profound shifts driven by the crumbling rules-based trading system, sustainability concerns, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological disruption. For CFOs, understanding and managing these macrotrends is essential for steering organisations through uncertainty toward sustainable growth.

This session delves into the key forces shaping financial leadership in 2026 and beyond, including:

• The changing dynamics of global trade and supply chains amid geopolitical risks
• Tax reform aimed at facilitating equitable growth
• Emerging technology disruptions transforming business models and finance functions
• Strategies for proactive crisis management and resilience building in volatile markets
• How CFOs can leverage insights on macrotrends to inform strategic planning, risk mitigation, and capital allocation
• Practical frameworks to navigate complexity while driving innovation and stakeholder confidence

Join us for a forward-looking discussion that equips CFOs with the tools and perspectives needed to convert disruption into strategic direction and lead with confidence in an uncertain world.

Speaker: To Be Confirmed

As businesses face unprecedented complexity and rapid change, the traditional boundaries between finance and operations are blurring. An emerging trend among forward-thinking organisations is the consolidation of CFO and COO responsibilities into a single hybrid role, which represents a redefinition of C-suite leadership — empowering organisations to thrive amid disruption and complexity by driving agility, operational excellence, and strategic alignment.

This session explores the evolving CFO-COO role, examining how combining finance and operations leadership can address the challenges and opportunities in adopting this dual role within different organisational contexts.

Gain practical insights and real-world examples in this session of how the CFO-COO role is reshaping leadership dynamics to help organisations succeed in an ever-changing business environment.

After decades of progress lifting millions out of poverty and steering nations toward prosperity, recent shifts toward trade protectionism and de-globalization threaten to unwind these achievements. Singapore’s remarkable economic ascent has been deeply intertwined with the expansion of global trade—will this trajectory be reversed? What shape will the new economic order take?

Francis Tan, Chief Strategist for Asia at Indosuez Wealth Management—a Swiss private bank with a presence in Singapore since 1905—examines the data and highlights key trends shaping the future of Singapore and Asia’s economies.

Stay ahead in financial reporting by leveraging crucial takeaways from ACRA’s latest areas of review focus and surveillance findings! This segment spotlights an overview of the geopolitical landscape and its implications for financial reporting, along with other developments such as the new presentation standard – SFRS(I) 18, and interconnectivity between financial reporting and sustainability reporting. The session will include opportunities for interaction between the speakers and the participants.

Speakers:

Ms Kong Lai San, Partner, Deloitte & Touche; 
Ms Low Yen Mei, Partner, EY

SSA 570 (Revised 2024) Going Concern, expected to be issued in Q1 2026, responds to corporate failures that highlighted gaps in how going concern risks are assessed and communicated.

Effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2026, the revised standard significantly strengthens auditors’ responsibilities in evaluating an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Correspondingly, management will now be expected to prepare a robust going concern assessment every year, regardless of risk indicators, with greater scrutiny on assumptions, data reliability, and bias. The extended assessment period and heightened documentation expectations mean preparers must be ready for deeper auditor challenge and earlier coordination.

Key enhancements include:

• Robust and timely risk assessments to identify events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
• Evaluating management’s assessment regardless of whether such events or conditions are identified, with greater emphasis on management bias, reasonableness of assumptions, and reliability of underlying data.
• Extended evaluation period to at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements, providing more relevant, forward-looking insights.
• Enhanced transparency through clearer auditor reporting and strengthened communication with those charged with governance.

This session will keep auditors and preparers up to date on the critical revisions, equipping them to respond to stakeholders’ heightened expectations on going concern.

Speaker:

Ms Preethi Sarma, Partner, KPMG Singapore and Member of the ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee (AASC)

This session will provide an overview of the STR filing regime in Singapore, with a focus on the role of accounting entities in combatting money laundering and terrorism financing. Attendees will gain insights into observations from STRs filed by the sector as well as trends and common red flags to aid in improving the quality of STRs filed.

Speaker:

Ms Karen Seah, Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO), Singapore Police Force

In a complex and fast-evolving financial crime landscape, accountants are increasingly on the front lines of Singapore’s AML/CFT regime. This presentation will feature a senior law enforcement officer from the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) to explore the real-world risks, responsibilities, and repercussions facing the accountancy profession today.

Our speaker will share insights on:

• How criminals misuse professional services and where red flags often go unnoticed;
• Case examples of enforcement action and the implications for practitioners;
• Legal liabilities and ethical dilemmas accountants may face in client work;
• And how firms can protect themselves through strong compliance culture, documentation, and early escalation.

Expect practical, straight-talking insights from the enforcement angle — to help accountants stay not just compliant, but confident in high-risk situations.

Speaker: To Be Confirmed

• The critical role of valuation experts in financial reporting.
• Key differences in responsibilities between valuers acting as management’s expert vs. the auditor’s expert.
• Practical challenges faced by valuers and auditors, from data limitations to expectations gaps.
• Best practices for effective collaboration among management, valuers and auditors, drawing on established guidance and real-world examples.

Moderator: 
Mr Nicolas Konialidis, Director (Asia) of the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC)

Panellist:
Mr Damien Tai, Assurance Partner, Grant Thorntan LLP and Member of the ISCA Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee (AASC) 
Mr Ashish Mc Laren, Managing Director and Southeast Asia Leader, Valuation Advisory Services, Kroll

Panel discussion highlights include:

• Addressing Common Observations – Key observations from ACRA inspections, including pitfalls in designing SoQMs.
• Best Practices – Success stories and strategies that have led to an effective design, implementation and operation of SoQMs.
• Scalability of SoQMs - Learn how SMPs are tailoring their SoQMs to fit their size, complexity, and service offerings.
• Tools and Technology for SMPs – Leverage on practical resources and technology-enabled tools that can reduce manual efforts and improve consistencies in their SoQMs.
• Interactive Q&A - Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive discussion with the panelists.

Business Owner Track

2.00pm - 3.00pm

Diversifying and Maximizing ASEAN Opportunities: What Growing Businesses Need to Know for 2026 and Beyond

As ASEAN economies continue to deepen regional integration and expand trade and investment agreements, new opportunities emerge for growing businesses looking to diversify and grow in this dynamic market. Understanding the evolving landscape of ASEAN trade policies and investment frameworks is critical for strategic planning and sustainable growth.

This session will provide business owners and accounting professionals with insights on:

• Key trade and investment agreements shaping the ASEAN region’s economic outlook
• Strategies to diversify markets and leverage new growth avenues across ASEAN member states
• The role of accounting firms in advising clients on compliance, risk management, and financial optimisation related to regional agreements
• Practical guidance on navigating regulatory complexities and maximising benefits from ASEAN’s evolving trade ecosystem
• Preparing for the challenges and opportunities in 2026 and beyond through proactive scenario planning and strategic alignment

Join us to equip your organisation with the knowledge and tools to capitalise on ASEAN’s expanding trade and investment landscape.

Moderator: 
Mr. Goh Puay Guan, Associate Professor, NUS

Panellist: 
Mr. Ershad Ahamed, Head, Southeast Asia, Airwallex
Mr Steven Yeah, CEO, ValueMax
Mr Derek How, Deputy CEO, RSM Singapore

3.00pm - 3.30pm

The Smart Towkay Playbook: All You Need to Know to Survive 2026

As economic uncertainty and market volatility continue to challenge leaders worldwide, navigating 2026 requires smart strategies and resilient mindsets. This session equips leaders with essential insights on managing crises, adapting to shifting market economies, and crafting effective expansion plans. Discover practical approaches to thrive amid disruption and position your organisation for sustainable growth in the year ahead.

Let the expert Towkays share their experience.

Moderator: 
Mr Chin Chee Choon, Partner, Forvis Mazars LLP
Speakers: 
Mr Ang Yuit, ASME President or Mr Winston Chan, ASME Council Member
Mr Lennon Tan, SMF Council Chair

4.00pm - 4.45pm

From Disruption to Direction: Market Opportunities for SME in uncertain times

In today’s competitive and fast-evolving business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be agile and evidence-driven in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities. This session equips SME leaders with practical strategies to test, validate, and scale new ideas while minimizing risk.

Join the speaker as he guides participants through a proven framework for assessing business viability from three critical angles:

• Market Feasibility: Understand how to assess market demand, target segments, and competitor positioning before making major investments.
• Real-World Validation: Learn how to pilot your idea in a controlled, cost-effective manner and gather actionable feedback from early adopters.
• Financial & Operational Feasibility: Evaluate the cost, capacity, and sustainability of scaling your solution — from funding needs to internal capability alignment.

This session is ideal for SME founders, business development leads, and innovation teams looking to unlock growth opportunities in a structured, data-informed way.

Speaker:

Mr. Karunesh Prasad, Founder and CEO, Change Et Al

4.45pm - 5.30pm

Economic Uncertainty and Business Resilience: How Industry Sectors Are Adapting

In an era marked by global disruptions—from supply chain shocks to geopolitical tensions—business resilience has become a strategic imperative. This fireside chat brings together leaders from diverse industry sectors to share candid insights on how they are navigating economic uncertainty and positioning their organisations for long-term success.

Participants will hear firsthand how different industries are:

• Adapting operations and financial strategies to volatile market conditions
• Leveraging accountants and finance professionals as vital partners in scenario planning and strategic pivots
• Identifying and managing key risks through proactive crisis management frameworks
• Fostering organisational agility and innovation in response to unpredictable challenges

This dynamic conversation highlights the critical role of finance and accounting in enabling business owners to steer through complexity with confidence and clarity.

Speaker: To Be Confirmed

Digital Transformation Expert Track

2.00pm - 2.45pm

From Disruption to Direction: Agility of Business Models for Volatility

2.45pm - 3.30pm

Transforming finance with AI: unlocking potential and navigating challenges

4.00pm - 4.30pm

From Hype to Impact: AI Adoption Through a Business Lens 

4.30pm - 5.00pm

To Be Confirmed

The landscape of business risk is fundamentally changing. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, social inequality, and heightened regulatory scrutiny are no longer distant threats; they are immediate challenges that impact a company’s bottom line, reputation, and long-term viability. We will examine how new risk landscapes are shaping these governance frameworks, from the boardroom to daily operations.

Join us to learn how to:

• Integrate ESG into your company's governance structure to build resilience and drive value.
• Understand and navigate the complex, rapidly evolving landscape of sustainability regulations and reporting standards.
• Elevate the accountant’s role as a strategic advisor—beyond compliance—supporting boards and management in navigating uncertainty.

Moderator:
Ms. Josette Soh, Climate and Sustainability Advisory and Assurance Partner, Deloitte

Panellists: 
Mr. Christopher Au, Asia-Pacific Climate Risk Centre Director, WTW
Mr. Tan Boon Gin, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Exchange Regulation

Mr. Kelvin Chow, Chief Executive Officer, Lendlease Commercial REIT

This session examines the importance of connectivity between financial statements and sustainability-related financial disclosures in providing a holistic view of an entity’s performance and resilience. With growing investor demand for transparency on how sustainability risks—particularly climate-related and other emerging uncertainties—affect financial outcomes, the session will share illustrative examples on how such impacts are reflected in areas like asset valuation, impairment, and provisioning. It will also cover the efforts by the IASB and ISSB to promote coherence between financial and sustainability reporting, ensuring relevance and reliability in a rapidly evolving reporting landscape.

Speaker:

Ms. Kok Moi Lre, Partner, PwC Singapore & Member, ISCA FRC Core Sub-Committee

As sustainability reporting becomes increasingly critical to business strategy and stakeholder trust, accountants are emerging as pivotal drivers in the sustainability agenda.

The segment will highlight key insights on how finance professionals are engaging with sustainability initiatives, the challenges they face—particularly in terms of skills and knowledge gaps—and the growing expectations placed on them in this new landscape.

Importantly, the segment will also examine how finance professionals can be better supported in this transition. From capability-building programmes to cross-sector collaborations, participants will explore concrete ways to close the skill gap and empower the profession to lead with confidence and credibility in sustainability reporting and decision-making.

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and Singapore Exchange Regulation recently announced the extension of timelines for implementing climate reporting (including external assurance) requirements, to support listed companies and large non-listed companies in developing reporting capabilities. Under the revised timelines,  all SGX-listed issuers will be required to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from FY2025,  while large non-listed companies will follow suit from FY2030. Progressively, listed and large non-listed companies will need also need to align their climate reporting with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards in phases. To strengthen the credibility of these disclosures, mandatory external limited assurance for these emissions will be required from FY2029 for listed issuers, and FY2032 for large non-listed companies.

This segment examines whether Singapore companies are prepared for this shift toward sustainability assurance. Drawing from the findings of a recent survey conducted by ISCA and PwC, we will explore the current state of readiness among listed and large non-listed companies. Are existing reporting processes robust enough to meet assurance requirements? Do companies have the necessary internal controls, data quality, and governance in place? With the extended timelines, how can companies better prepare themselves and build the needed capabilities for assurance? 

Join us as we discuss the practical realities, emerging gaps, and what organisations should prioritise now to navigate this new assurance landscape with confidence.

Speaker:

Mr. Lee Bing Yi, Sustainability & Climate Change, Financial Services Assurance Partner, PwC Singapore