ICAEW podcasts
ICAEW podcasts come from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a professional membership body for the accountancy and finance profession. The shows offer insight, analysis and leadership on issues affecting accountants and finance professionals worldwide. Episodes may cover technical updates, business trends, regulation and career development. They are aimed at members and others working in or with the global accountancy sector.
Episodes
Cyber: assessing your insurance for the AI age
AI is intensifying the scale and frequency of cyber attacks against businesses. Experts tell us what this means for insurers and the companies that will be seeking their protection.
Cyber: inside the evolving world of cyber crime
Technology investigative journalist and author Geoff White explores the growing sophistication of cyber criminals, from unlikely alliances between organised crime and nation states to the rise of cross-border money-laundering networks and AI-enabled attacks, and why good cyber hygiene is vital.
Cyber: how prompt injection attacks target your AI tools
As part of Cyber Security Awareness month, we look at the ongoing battle of the accounting and finance industry against technology-enabled criminals and how prompt injection attacks are emerging as another threat the sector must defend against.
Common data protection fails and how to prevent them
As the Information Commissioner’s Office becomes the Information Commission, we look at nine data protection pitfalls and offer advice for smaller organisations on ways to avoid them.
Review the roll-out of MTD, says ICAEW
In its budget submission, ICAEW has urged the government to conduct a full review of the first reporting cycle under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax before proceeding with the planned roll-out to more taxpayers from April 2027.
New tax relief needed for predevelopment costs, says ICAEW
The existing tax treatment of predevelopment costs, which has recently been clarified by the Supreme Court, risks discouraging investment and increasing compliance costs for businesses.
HMRC clarifies VAT treatment of fund management services
HMRC has published guidelines for compliance (GfC) 20, setting out its recommended approach for determining the VAT treatment of outsourced fund management services, including whether services are single or multiple supplies.
ICAEW supports government plans to modernise the customs system
ICAEW has called for customs modernisation to be designed around the needs of businesses and has recommended that mandatory registration for customs intermediaries is incorporated into the existing regime for tax advisers.
Cyber roundup: new AI threats raise the bar for resilience
September’s cyber roundup further explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the threat landscape, including the misuse of AI tools, the rise of shadow AI, and new regulatory expectations for resilience.
How to ensure an ethics based approach to AI procurement
Embedding ICAEW’s fundamental principles into contract terms can help organisations to ensure they are taking an ethical approach when buying AI services. Dr Sam De Silva explains how.
Government proposals for distributions risk stifling growth, says ICAEW
ICAEW is concerned that the government’s proposals to reform the tax rules applying where a company carries out a reduction or return of share capital could have negative implications for commercial transactions.
How EY embedded AI agents into its audit operations
Richard Harrison explains how EY has rolled out the use of AI agents across its global audit operations and ensures humans remain in the loop.
HMRC promises client lists in the agent services account
Responding to feedback from ICAEW and others, HMRC says that it is developing client list functionality within the agent services account (ASA) and aims to complete the work in time for summer 2027.
Survey reveals mixed views on MTD and HMRC performance
The Administrative Burdens Advisory Board’s (ABAB’s) latest annual survey suggests that some improvements are being made in how the tax system is administered, although significant challenges remain.
How to optimise supply chains to maximise financial performance
While a number of factors can impact supply chains and negatively impact financial performance, smart planning and the right metrics can create opportunities to create more profitability.
How to affect real change – according to a former EU Chief Accountant
Across his career, accountant and auditor Brian Gray helped introduce accrual accounting and international standards to the European Commission during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
Charities need to get ready for SORP 2026
Some of the biggest changes affecting the charity finance landscape in recent years are about to take effect. Author and expert Elaine Alsop outlines what trustees and treasurers need to be preparing for.
What tech-enabled fraud means for detection and prevention
As AI-enabled tech fraud becomes cheaper, more accessible and convincing, businesses need stronger controls and smarter verification methods to detect and prevent emerging risks.
What is the FRC’s Corporate Reporting Review?
In addition to its monitoring responsibilities, the FRC’s Corporate Reporting Review (CRR) function plays an important role in improving the quality, clarity and credibility of UK corporate reporting.
Why data analytics is crucial in improving audit quality
While generative AI dominates the headlines in audit technology, data analytics continues to deliver significant benefits, helping firms conduct more effective, risk-focused audits, as demonstrated in the FRC’s 2026 Annual Review of Audit Quality.
ICAEW suggests other options for reforming land remediation relief
ICAEW has welcomed the government’s intention to reform land remediation relief (LRR) and has made three suggestions for how LRR could better meet its objectives.
Update: client allocation in the online services account
HMRC has announced that the online services account (OSA) is to be improved so that firms can assign multiple clients to a staff member, making it easier for firms to manage having separate credentials for staff.
Globally mobile employees can be excluded from mandatory payrolling
HMRC has announced that employers may exclude globally mobile employees (GME) from mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind (BIK) and has confirmed the class 1A national insurance contributions (NIC) position for voluntary payrolling.
Modernising corporate reporting: your chance to shape the future
The government’s plans to simplify the UK’s corporate reporting regime are the most significant in a generation and cover almost every aspect of the annual report. ICAEW is urging members to share their views and help shape what the rules will look like.
ICAEW urges ‘breathing space’ for business ahead of Autumn budget
In its budget submission to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, ICAEW has asked for greater clarity and certainty for businesses – and no more increases to employment tax.
Agents – are you prepared for 28 September 2026?
The final phase in HMRC’s roll-out of multi factor authentication (MFA) will begin on the 28th of September 2026. ICAEW explains what will change, who may be affected and how to get help.
HMRC to send 1.8m simple assessment letters for 2025/26
Taxpayers may have received a simple assessment letter for 2025/26 over the summer. ICAEW explains why simple assessments are needed, why so many letters are now sent each year, and how taxpayers should respond if they receive one.
Government confirms new tourist levy
Mayors and leaders of foundation strategic authorities (FSAs) in England will be given the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy, subject to consultation locally and within a national framework.
HMRC changes VAT refund policy for non-UK businesses in a VAT group
HMRC has announced that, for VAT incurred from 1 July 2026 onwards, it will only accept VAT refund claims from the non-UK business that incurred the VAT, rather than from the representative member of the VAT group.
VAT cut on domestic electricity bills confirmed
Legislation has been enacted that delivers on the government’s commitment to reduce the rate of VAT, from 5% to 0%, on domestic electricity bills from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
How to use Copilot to boost your client relationships
With guardrails in place, Copilot can help accountants to streamline client relationship management, including support on client follow-ups, deadlines and meeting preparation. Experts offer tips and share example prompts.
HMRC clarifies position on tax return requirements for directors
HMRC has responded to queries from ICAEW on the new self assessment (SA) tax return requirements for directors of close companies, and has updated its guidance to clarify the position for directors of charities.
Healey's Budget options are narrowing
On 7 September, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey delivered a speech setting out his goals for the Budget, amid twitchiness in the bond markets. What did he hope to achieve, and what does it tell us about the Budget in October? We discuss the speech, the factors that are likely to shape the Budget, and what options the Chancellor has to encourage growth, balance tax and spend, and calm th
ICAEW responds to draft Finance Bill provisions
ICAEW has responded to the government’s technical consultation on draft legislation for the Finance Bill (FB) 2026-27, and to its consultation on simplifying treaty relief from withholding tax on interest paid overseas, both published on 13 July 2026.
Chancellor hints at Budget measures to encourage growth
While keeping his cards close to the chest in terms of tax increases and spending decisions, the Chancellor has emphasised fiscal responsibility and measures to encourage investment ahead of the Budget in October.
Government consults on sweeping reforms to modernise corporate reporting
The government has launched its wide‑ranging review of the UK’s corporate reporting framework, the outcome of which will reshape annual reports and impact companies of all sizes.
Synthetic identity fraud: what is it, and why does it matter?
New technology means that criminals no longer rely on a real person’s identity to commit fraud. Now, they can create convincing new ones, using a mixture of real and fabricated details.
Autumn deadlines approach for opting out of the winter fuel payment
Pensioners who wish to opt out of receiving the winter fuel payment for winter 2026/27, or the equivalent payment in Scotland, must take action soon, explains ICAEW’s Tax Faculty.
Updated VAT guidance for alternative providers of education
Revenue & Customs Brief 9 (2026) explains HMRC’s position on the V-A-T treatment of supplies of education and closely related services by alternative providers of higher and further education.
Plans to tackle tax debt require robust safeguards, says ICAEW
ICAEW has raised concerns with the government’s proposals for recovering lower value tax debts from taxpayers who choose not to engage with HMRC, and has set out the safeguards it would like to see introduced if the policy is implemented.
Views sought on business rates for pubs and hotels
The government has commissioned an independent review of the business rates valuation methodology for pubs and hotels in response to concerns about the outcome of the 2026 revaluation.
Companies House cracks down on ID non-compliance
Companies House will be reaching out to unverified directors and persons of significant control to improve ID verification compliance.
How did MTD go? The dangers of digital fraud
In this episode, we take a look at the government’s Fraud in the Digital Age report: what does it tell us about trends and what can businesses do to protect themselves? And with the first submissions deadline for Income Tax under the new Making Tax Digital system just passed - how did it go? We discuss the lessons learned for the next submission.
First MTD income tax submission: how did it go?
Tax advisers have started to report back on their experiences of completing Making Tax Digital (MTD) income tax Q1 submissions, and the verdict is mixed.
Occupational health pitfalls and how to avoid them
Good approaches to occupational health can benefit staff wellbeing and have a positive impact on organisational outcomes, including retention and productivity. Experts outline how employers can make the most of the process.
How accountants can make the most of copilot notebooks
As self-contained workspaces trained on specific bodies of data, Copilot Notebooks can bring focus, clarity and shareability to accountancy work.
ICAEW supports new VAT relief for social housing
The introduction of a new, targeted V-A-T relief would reduce costs and help avoid delays in building new social housing, says ICAEW in its response to the government’s consultation.
Changes proposed to the VAT rules for online marketplaces
ICAEW has questioned whether the government’s proposals, as set out in a consultation document published in June 2026, would effectively address VAT non-compliance on online marketplaces, and suggests an alternative solution.
HMRC to begin signing up taxpayers for MTD income tax
From September 2026, HMRC will sign up taxpayers within scope of MTD income tax from April 2026 that have not done so themselves. Taxpayers – and agents on their behalf – are encouraged to take action before HMRC does.
ICAEW rejects case for new recklessness offence
HMRC should make better use of its current powers before the government considers introducing a new criminal offence for recklessly making an untrue statement to HMRC regarding a direct tax matter, says ICAEW.
ICAEW cautions against mandating direct debits for VAT and PAYE
Requiring payment of V-A-T and pay as you earn (PAYE) by direct debit is not a suitable measure to tackle late payment and tax debt, says ICAEW in its response to the government’s consultation.
How to plan for a Russian test of NATO
For Business, faraway wars feel way closer than they used to. In the current volatile geopolitical environment, businesses need to consider planning for these events. So in this episode, we run through such an exercise: what if Russia tests NATO resolve by firing on Poland and amassing troops near the region? We explore this hypothetical but increasingly plausible scenario in this episode.
Prize to recognise worker-focused AI adoption to continue despite government changes
A government prize recognising UK organisations that use artificial intelligence to improve worker productivity and capability will continue under the new department, with nominations open until 30 September 2026.
New trade union rules: what employers need to know
New rules relating to trade unions are being introduced as part of the Employment Rights Act, including the requirement to inform staff of their right to join one. Experts talk us through some of the main changes and their practical implications.
Sustainability reporting: why SMEs should care
Accountancy Europe Senior Director Paul Gisby explains why sustainability reporting among small and micro businesses is as critical as ever, despite an apparent relaxation of EU rules over recent months. Find out about the changes and what they mean.
ICAEW welcomes tax reforms for members of reverse hybrids
ICAEW has expressed support for the government’s plans to remove tax barriers that deter individuals from moving to, working in and investing in the UK, and has suggested the government should go further.
Proportionate response needed to plastic packaging tax concerns, says ICAEW
Responding to the consultation on introducing a mandatory certification requirement for plastic packaging tax (PPT), ICAEW has encouraged the government to make better use of existing data alongside targeted compliance interventions.
Companies House: Presenter verification deadline changed
Requirements for those submitting information to Companies House have been deferred by a year.
Significant concerns raised over plans for earlier payment of income tax
In its response to the government’s consultation on more timely payment of income tax self assessment (ITSA), ICAEW has warned that the policy may overburden employers and cause hardship for taxpayers.
How AI is making Crime as a Service more dangerous than ever
An illegal enterprise that closely models itself on legitimate Software as a Service methodology is making online criminality more accessible, while gaining a powerful boost from AI.
10 Copilot use cases for Excel
Copilot boasts an array of prompts and functions that can give accountants’ Excel work a real boost. Here are Microsoft MVP David Benaim’s picks of the best.
Common employee pay disputes and how to avoid them
Pay disputes are one of the main causes of workplace conflict and formal employee grievances. Employment law experts outline seven of the areas where employers can trip up and ways to avoid falling foul of the rules.
Tokenisation: how will stablecoins be accounted for, taxed and assured?
Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager at ICAEW, reveals the irony of stablecoins is that the newest "form of money" may ultimately depend on one of finance’s oldest disciplines: accounting.
Why tax complexity matters
In this episode, we consider the pain points for businesses in meeting their tax reporting obligations and we explore the causes and implications of tax complexity, including what the UK stands to gain from addressing it.
How auditors are bringing the audit report to life
Auditors are finding new and imaginative ways to present their findings and transform the traditionally dry auditor’s report into something more engaging.
How to use HMRC webchat for agents
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty explains how to access HMRC’s webchat for agents, what to expect and which types of query are suitable for webchat.
HMRC writes to businesses running prize draws
HMRC has written to businesses that run prize draws offering both paid and free entry routes to remind them that paid entries are subject to V-A-T at the standard rate of 20%.
Further guidance available on the summer holidays VAT cut
HMRC has updated its guidance on the temporary reduced rate of V-A-T for children's meals, tickets and family attractions to include additional guidance on mixed supplies, party packages and prepayments.
Tax news highlights from July 2026
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty provides a summary of some of the key developments in tax in July 2026 and explains where you can find further information.
Mills Review: five AI trends we cannot ignore
The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA's) report on AI and the future of retail financial services, authored by Executive Director Sheldon Mills, points to the profound impact AI will have on the sector.
Seven ways technology can challenge ethics
New guidance from the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants outlines the biggest risk areas for emerging technologies such as AI.
EY’s backing AI agents; and a new form of insider trading
In this episode, EY UK Digital Assurance Leader Richard Harrison joins us to talk about how the firm is using AI agents in audit. How do they divide tasks between people and tech? And how are they understanding and mitigating risk?
Then, Polly Tsang, ICAEW’s Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager tells us about Prediction Markets. While you may not have heard of them, they’re opening up a
Tokenisation: what does FCA package mean for accountants?
In a big step towards the tokenisation of the UK economy, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out a package of regulatory changes to account for cryptoassets.
Four AI agent use cases for finance teams
Finance teams who want to adopt agentic AI can start with these four practical use cases to reduce the pressure on finance teams.
HMRC uses information from third parties to target landlords
The letter encourages taxpayers to disclose any income from let property and reminds them that they may have responsibilities to meet under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax.
ICAEW reflects on Andy Burnham's first-week tax announcements
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty considers the announcements made during the new Prime Minister's first week in office, including reductions in VAT on domestic energy bills and in business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues.
Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
Business confidence in UK regions: challenges and opportunities
Business confidence is down across the UK and ICAEW’s latest research reveals that while many have common concerns there are slivers of optimism across certain regions. Find out how your area compares.
How to use Copilot to detect balance sheet errors
Copilot can be used to create agents that help solve accounting issues, but accountants should always check their output.
HMRC should consider making better use of its powers, say MP's
While recognising that HMRC’s large business directorate is working well, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has identified a number of areas for improvement, including how HMRC approaches the special measures regime.
