Worldwide: Accounting and Audit

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families face a valuation environment that is far more complex than simply determining the worth of an asset. In the context of trust, gift, and estate tax planning, valuation becomes a foundational discipline that affects wealth transfer strategy, tax efficiency, compliance, and long-term family outcomes.

In recent years, the accounting profession has been grappling with a concerning trend: a shortage of skilled workers. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)...

Cybersecurity breaches concerning workers' personal information and retirement savings have increased liability risks for benefit plans and third-party administrators under federal benefits laws.

Companies facing financial distress often miss early warning signs that could mean the difference between recovery and insolvency. From maxed-out credit lines and covenant breaches to deteriorating fundamentals and reporting red flags, recognizing these indicators early allows businesses to engage turnaround advisors who bring critical experience and perspective to navigate challenges before they become crises.

A mid-sized manufacturing company facing financial turmoil after a private equity acquisition found itself struggling with employee turnover, delayed accounting, and unreliable financial reporting. When traditional support failed to deliver the hands-on assistance needed, a specialized advisory team stepped in to restore financial clarity and guide the business from crisis to profitability.

On July 13, the OCC, FDIC, and NCUA issued interagency guidance addressing lending to individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States. Issued pursuant to Executive Order 14406, the guidance reminds supervised financial institutions of existing credit risk management obligations and advises them to consider how employment authorization may affect a borrower’s ability to repay.

IPO readiness extends far beyond technical accounting, requiring companies to operate like public entities months before filing. Finance leaders must establish robust financial architecture, align stakeholders across departments, and address historical accounting issues that can derail timelines when exposed to public-company scrutiny.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2026-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Investment Companies with Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, on September 9, 2026. While the update is aimed at investment company accounting, it could benefit estate planners and valuation professionals who regularly defend marketability discounts on closely held and restricted stock.

Access to capital in the cannabis industry is increasingly driven by financial credibility, not just market opportunity or growth potential.

When an internal investigation surfaces just before a filing deadline, how a company engages its external auditor in those critical first days can determine whether it meets regulatory requirements.

The SEC has established a new Financial Reporting and Accounting Unit within its Division of Enforcement, consolidating nationwide resources to investigate public company accounting and financial reporting issues. This organizational shift signals heightened scrutiny of complex accounting matters, non-GAAP measures, and disclosure practices.

Finance teams face critical implementation challenges as new GAAP amendments take effect for 2026, requiring immediate attention to accounting policies, documentation standards, and system readiness. Are your financial reporting processes prepared to handle expanded disclosure requirements, CECL practical expedients, and internal-use software accounting changes before year-end audit fieldwork begins?