BKR Worldwide Bulletin
May 2023 Edition
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Letter from the Worldwide Chair
The regional meetings are with us. Our three regional meetings are always a great chance to get together and refocus after the busy season. As Chair, I feel very privileged with this opportunity to meet with members in their own regions and to see how business is developing. The efforts that your Regional Boards and Executive Directors make in putting these meetings together makes them a worthwhile occasion from both a professional and a business development perspective, with the added bonus that they are fun too!
We have just finished an excellent EMEA Meeting in the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, with members from all three regions gathering to hear from a great line up of external speakers talking on the theme of ‘What Will Your Legacy Be.’ Africa is a continent that is growing all the time, and its economic potential is huge. From a ‘no holds barred’ discussion on the economic threats and opportunities for business across Africa by Lindiwe Mazibuko, to a fascinating talk on the legacy of being Nelson Mandela’s prison warden and friend by Christo Brand, there was something for all. Amongst the highlights of the meeting was the scholarship award to Gracia Randriamadinirina, an up-and-coming accountancy student from Cape Town.
The meeting was a good opportunity for our CEO, Tim Morris (London), to update the delegates on our strategic work, branding, and the new website. The ‘BKR Story’ has been approved and will be briefed to members at all the regional meetings. It gives ‘BKR’ real meaning - ‘Doing Business | Sharing Knowledge | Creating Relationships’ - and defines our goals. The full paper will appear in next month’s Bulletin once the regional meetings have all been briefed. Our ‘One BKR’ strategy document continues to be developed by the Worldwide Board, with input from the regional boards. Whilst this has been going on, the work on re-branding continues with some really interesting stand out logo paths being developed by our partners, Silverless, having taken into account feedback from the members. The aim is to present the culmination of this work to you at the Worldwide Meeting in Washington, DC, in October.
Our next meetings are the Asia-Pacific Region in The Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei, from May 6 to 8, and the Americas Region in the InterContinental Presidente, Mexico City, from May 20 to 23. I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible.
Regards,
Marycris Oplas
Alas, Oplas & Co., CPAs
Manila, Philippines
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Register by May 4 for BKR's 2023 Americas Regional Meeting |
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Click here for complete Program Information, including online meeting registration instructions and the hotel reservations link.
Each firm receives one free member registration, including all social events, and this year we're offering a 15% discount on the third member and beyond. Take advantage of this opportunity and invite your team today!
Hotel reservations at the BKR group rate are selling out fast. Please contact the Executive Office at bkr@bkr.com to secure your reservation today!
The last day to register for the meeting is May 4.
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EMEA Presents Scholarship Award in Cape Town
At the BKR's annual EMEA Regional Meeting, the BKRI scholarship award was presented to Gracia Randriamadinirina, a final-year student at Cape Town University where she is studying Financial Accounting.
The selection panel considered a number of candidates, all of whom met the criteria, but Gracia stood out as someone with passion and drive, and the ambition to use her qualification for good.
This will be Gracia’s final year of study, and, as she said when she received the scholarship, “This is a wonderful day for me. I will now be able to concentrate on my studies over the next year and realize my dream of becoming a chartered accountant."
BKR looks forward to watching her progress and achieve her goals.
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Register for BKR's May Events
All sessions begin at 2:00 PM ET unless otherwise noted.
Time: 12:00 PM ET
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Check out all of BKR's upcoming events here.
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Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of BKR International will be held at the Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, USA, on Monday, October 30, 2023.
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Catch up with BKR's Regions
Read the latest updates from around the world:
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EMEA Global Mobility Business Group Holds First Meeting of 2023
The EMEA Region held a great first meeting of 2023 with its Global Mobility Business Group, where 22 members from 16 firms came together virtually to discuss all things global mobility and explore how the association can work more closely together for business wins for their clients.
Special thanks to the group's chair, Paul Tucker of UNW LLP (Newcastle upon Tyne).
The next meeting will be hosted by Exponens Conseil & Expertise on July 7 in Paris.
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EMEA Transfer Pricing Business Group
Another successful EMEA meeting chaired by René Peeters of Flynth Adviseurs & Accountants B.V. (Arnhem) took place on March 27, seeing 14 member firms from across the region and even one from further afield in India. This was the first meeting for the group, and provided an excellent opportunity to establish credentials, explore where collaborative opportunities lie, and share the considerable expertise already in the association.
The next meeting is scheduled for the end of June.
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EMEA Mergers & Acquisitions Group Meeting
Completing the current round of new EMEA Regional Business Groups, the Mergers & Acquisitions Group came together on March 28 to look at how BKR can leverage business wins.
Specific thanks to Daniel Walters of Harris & Trotter LLP (London), who pulled the team together.
The group plans to meet again in June for further development.
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BKR's 2023 Americas Member Firm Analysis Is Due May 1
All information must be completed and submitted by end-of-day Monday, May 1, and will be discussed at the Americas Regional Meeting in Mexico. Due to time and scheduling constraints, we will not be able to extend the deadline beyond May 1. If you need the information resent, please contact the Executive Office at bkr@bkr.com.
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Welcome EXIMIA Global: The New EMEA Member Firm from the Isle of Man
BKR is delighted to announce its new member in the Isle of Man.
Eximia Global is an expanding firm that provides a number of corporate, trust, and regulatory support services to a range of clients. The Isle of Man is a leading, internationally compliant and well-regulated business centre renowned for its innovation, world-class connectivity, telecoms, and enviable eGaming and digital sectors. This means Eximia Global is well placed to service their clients’ needs on an international basis. Their directors are leading industrial professionals with more than 100 years of combined industry experience.
Eximia CEO Oliver Kean said, "We pride ourselves on our responsiveness and professionalism, and maintain cutting-edge client onboarding technology that promotes the protection of our business at the same time as creating maximum efficiency in relation to customer onboarding. Joining BKR will increase both our and BKR’s service offering and allow us to establish links across the world."
Tim Morris, BKR’s CEO, commented, "Eximia Global has already made a mark with BKR members. Given the Isle of Man’s position and some of their specialist expertise in areas such as regulated digital industries, Eximia is an exciting new member of BKR, and I look forward to welcoming them to our global association of first-rate member firms."
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Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP (New York) Recognized by Accounting Today as "Top 100 Firm," "Top Tax Firm," and "Regional Leader" for 2023
Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP has announced that it has again been recognized by Accounting Today as a "Top 100 Firm," "Top Tax Firm," and "Regional Leader" for 2023. This recognition comes on the heels of being named a "Best of Accounting – Client Satisfaction" award winner by ClearlyRated, and one of "America's Best Tax and Accounting Firms" by Forbes. Anchin has been recognized by Accounting Today in various categories since 2016.
These rankings speak to Anchin's continued success as an independent firm achieving optimal financial results and tax savings for businesses, investment funds, and high net worth families. It is also a reflection of how focusing on building firm culture and cultivating home-grown and lateral talent impacts Anchin's partner-led and exceptional client service.
"I firmly believe that Anchin's ability to provide excellent service starts with its people," said Russell B. Shinsky, Anchin's managing partner. "For a century, Anchin has cultivated a strong, inclusive culture, and this directly impacts our staff's dedication. In a time when many firms are experiencing consolidation, we are proud to be celebrating our 100th anniversary, and focused on providing businesses, families, and funds with the support needed to achieve their goals."
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Partner Promotions at K C Mehta & Co LLP (Ahmedabad)
K C Mehta & Co LLP is delighted to announce the promotion of four of its directors to partners effective April 1.
The firm would like to congratulate Bhadresh Vyas (Indirect Tax, Mumbai), Virat Bhavsar (Corporate Tax, Vadodara), Chinmay Naik (Transaction Advisory, Vadodara), and Suril Mehta (Transaction Advisory, Vadodara), who have graciously accepted its invitation to be inducted as partners.
They bring with them tons of experience, hard work, and versatility. The firm will scale greater heights with their addition to the team.
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A New Partner for Harris & Trotter LLP (London)
Harris & Trotter LLP is delighted to announce the promotion of Zaev Leonard from the Audit and Accounts Department, who will be made partner effective May 1.
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Lindquist, von Husen and Joyce LLP (San Francisco) Announces Partner Retirement
With great respect, Lindquist, von Husen & Joyce LLP (LvHJ) announces that Alexis Wong, CPA, retired as partner of the firm effective December 31, 2022. He will remain with LvHJ as a tax and advisory consultant.
Alex has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting. He was the lead partner for a variety of not-for-profit clients, as well as high-net-worth and closely held business clients.
“We are grateful for Alex’s contributions to the firm,” said Partner Charlotte Tay, CPA, CGMA, who serves as LvHJ’s Management Committee chair. “He has trusted relationships with our not-for-profit clients, families, and individual business owners. Going forward, his knowledge and consulting role at LvHJ will provide seamless client support.”
Alex’s day-to-day client oversight is transitioning into the capable hands of LvHJ’s tax and accounting leaders, including Tax Partner Joe Huie, CPA. Alex will continue to be available for client questions and team guidance on complex client issues.
Alex looks forward to spending more time with family and doing some traveling. Any questions specific to client relationships or industry representation can be directed to Tara Gleaton, LvHJ director of operations.
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Nicholas Newman (London) Pens Article, "How Can the Crypto Industry Mature? In One Word: Audit"
The crypto industry is facing several challenges, including increased regulation, bank failures, and a lack of transparency. Read how you can work with a crypto-native audit firm and build an internal database here.
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GST Considerations for the Closing and Start of New Financial Year
K C M Network and K C Mehta & Co LLP have presented an informative article on year-end considerations from a GST perspective in this month's edition of #KCMFlash. This covers various kinds of topics, including e-invoicing, reconciliations, ITC reversals, LUT, composition schemes, etc.
Click here to view the document.
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Accountancy Europe's Latest Updates Now Available
Check out the latest editions of Accountancy Europe's:
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Free Whitepapers on BKR's Member Forum
BKR has recently posted a number of free whitepapers and other resources on BKR's Member Forum. See what's available here.
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Make the Most of Your BKR Membership
Don't miss updates on BKR's many membership benefits. Direct your staff to register here for access to the Members' Area of BKR's website, where they can also sign up to receive email updates, download resources, participate in committees, and post to our Member Forums.
If you would like to learn more, please contact bkr@bkr.com.
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Promote Your Firm and BKR on Social Media
In an effort to promote BKR and our members, we request that member firms share their social media handles with BKR's Executive Office, so we may easily tag your firm in our posts. Send your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook handles to bkr@bkr.com. We also encourage you to tag BKR in your posts, and be sure to use #BKRelationships when promoting your BKR membership.
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