Key Themes from the Meet the Experts Conference

The recent Meet the Experts conference brought critical updates from global leaders in accounting, finance, and sustainability, offering insights into evolving regulations and sustainability practices. Representing CFBL Consulting, I attended to deepen our expertise and connect these insights back to our commitment to guiding businesses through the complexities of regulatory changes and sustainable financial strategies.?

Opening Remarks and Setting the Stage for Transformation?

David Wray, a board member with the French network of CFOs, opened the conference with a focus on how today’s financial leaders can adapt to a world increasingly shaped by regulatory demands and sustainability expectations. For CFBL Consulting, this mission resonates with our approach to integrating financial and sustainability consulting, preparing our clients to be not just compliant but also strategically prepared for a rapidly changing landscape. CFBL’s consulting framework empowers clients to manage this transformation effectively, aligning business objectives with the latest industry standards.?

Keynote from the IASB Chair: Impact on Global Standards?

IASB Chair Andreas Barckow delivered a keynote on the progress of global standard-setting, underscoring the IASB’s focus on simplifying standards and ensuring global applicability. This direction reinforces CFBL’s role in helping clients understand and implement the IFRS standards across jurisdictions, ensuring consistent and accurate reporting. Our regulatory strategy includes advisory services that decode these updates for clients, allowing them to stay ahead of shifts in global standards with confidence.?

ISSB Update: Connecting Sustainability and Financial Reporting?

Vice-Chair Sue Lloyd’s ISSB update addressed the critical role of transparency in sustainability reporting and how companies can connect sustainability metrics with financial reporting. For CFBL Consulting, this intersection of financial and ESG reporting is pivotal. By incorporating ISSB’s guidelines, CFBL is well-positioned to assist clients in integrating sustainability metrics into their financial statements, meeting both investor expectations and regulatory requirements. This alignment builds trust with stakeholders, supporting long-term financial resilience through sustainability.?

Panel Discussion: Connectivity Between Financial and Sustainability Reporting?

A thought-provoking panel with PwC’s Peter Hogarth and representatives from ISSB and Redington explored the challenges and solutions in merging financial data with sustainability metrics. The insights from this session will enable CFBL to further assist clients in bridging the gap between these areas, ensuring comprehensive reporting that reflects a business’ full impact. CFBL’s consulting strategy involves working closely with our clients to implement reports that meet regulatory standards while also conveying the company’s commitment to sustainability, enhancing their appeal to investors and stakeholders.?

Breakout Sessions on Financial vs. Non-Financial Institutions?

The afternoon offered tailored insights for both financial and non-financial institutions, led by industry experts including PwC and members of the IASB. Financial institutions were guided on implementing IFRS 17, while non-financial institutions tackled global reporting variations and specific challenges in sectors such as hospitality and technology. At CFBL, we recognise that sector-specific guidance is essential. Our consultants provide specialised insights, helping clients tailor their reporting to address the nuances of their industry, whether it is aligning with IFRS 17 for financial entities or navigating global accounting requirements for non-financial organisations.?

ESG Reporting and Preparing for the Future?

In the ESG-focused panel, leaders discussed how organisations can enhance their sustainability reporting. With experts from PwC, AstraZeneca, and Trivium Packaging, the conversation touched on best practices for transparency and accountability in reporting, particularly for socially-focused metrics. CFBL Consulting’s ESG services already align with many of these practices, offering clients tailored strategies for capturing and reporting their social and environmental impacts. We see this focus on ESG as a cornerstone of future reporting, enabling organisations to gain stakeholder trust while advancing their sustainability goals.?

Q&A and Closing Remarks: Navigating the Road Ahead?

The final Q&A provided an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with leaders on practical issues companies face. This open forum underscored the importance of staying adaptable and prepared for ongoing regulatory updates. CFBL Consulting supports clients in building a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, helping them stay ahead of changes and integrate new requirements efficiently. Our commitment is to provide clear, actionable insights that empower our clients to navigate complex regulatory reporting landscapes with assurance.?

CFBL Consulting: Your Partner in Navigating Financial and Sustainability Regulations?

As we reflect on the Meet the Experts conference, CFBL Consulting is more dedicated than ever to supporting clients in achieving assurance with compliance, transparency, and sustainability reporting. From regulatory guidance to tailored ESG consulting, CFBL offers a robust suite of services that prepare businesses for the future of finance and sustainability.?

We look forward to continuing these conversations and helping our clients lead the way in regulatory compliance and sustainable business practices.?