With nearly one-third of UK adults feeling anxious about money, Tom Barrett explores practical ways to manage finances without letting stress take control Financial stress is an increasing reality for many in the UK, with studies reporting a strong link between conditions like depression and anxiety with those experiencing money struggles. According to research from The Mental Health Foundation, close to one-third of UK adults (31%) feel anxious due to their financial status, while more than a quarter (27%) feel stressed.  Understanding financial anxiety   For many people, financial anxiety can manifest into habits like constantly checking their bank balance. A recent report by Lloyd’s Banking Group found that just 55 percent of Brits feel comfortable checking their bank balance, while one in four (23%) worry about their finances at least once a week.   While checking your bank balance isn’t necessarily a bad habit, if you find yourself becoming obsessive or feeling significant anxiety, it may indicate a larger issue and could be worth considering reducing the frequency with which you check your balance.   With 17 million Brits experiencing daily financial anxiety, it’s evident that financial well-being needs urgent attention. Frequently arising from historical money concerns, overspending or the fear of insufficient resources, cultivating a healthy relationship with your personal finances is essential.   So, how can you stay financially aware without triggering stress or worry?   While it is essential to manage your finances, habits such as frequently checking your bank account can lead to stress rather than control. Worrying about money involves not only the figures, but also the emotional weight connected to financial security. Fortunately, there are ways to maintain awareness without allowing it to negatively impact your mental and physical well-being. Schedule regular check-ins Rather than engaging in regular impulsive checks, allocate specific times (weekly or monthly) to conduct a thorough review of your finances. Think of it as a financial check-in and set a recurring appointment with yourself. During each ‘check-in’, review transactions, look for unnecessary expenses (e.g. subscriptions or direct debits you might have forgotten to cancel) and track your progress. Make necessary adjustments and stick to them. Review your direct debits   Don’t become complacent about your direct debits. Dedicate some time to shopping around for better deals on your regular outgoings once or twice a year. This includes things like insurance (e.g. car, home, life), phone contracts, internet providers and energy bills. Comparison sites can make this process easier, helping you save money and improve your bank balance over time. Build a financial safety net  This doesn’t generally need to be said to accountants, but it’s worth repeating for anyone: financial emergency funds are important. If you can do it, setting up a small emergency fund can provide reassurance and reduce stress related to unexpected bills or expenses. Knowing you have a safety net can make checking your finances less daunting and easier to handle.   Use budgeting tools   Even accountants need help sometimes. Budgeting tools are a great way to manage your money without the anxiety of constantly checking your accounts. Tools that help you budget can give you a clear overview of your spending patterns and allow you to stay proactive. Many apps also offer features like spending summaries categorised by type (e.g. food, travel, entertainment) and goal tracking all in one place. These provide valuable insights to keep you on track, which can then reduce your anxiety. Seek support when needed  If worrying about your finances is part of a bigger problem distressing you, it’s important to reach out for support. Whether it’s accessing advice from a charity like caba or seeking out financial resources, there is support out there to help you build healthier money habits, reduce your anxiety about your finances and provide tailored advice realistic to your situation. Tom Barrett is Financial Wellbeing Expert at caba

Dan Byrne explores the turbulent future of ESG investing as political headwinds, shifting investor priorities and global divisions challenge what was once seen as the surefire future of finance Things are heating up around environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing—a movement that, just a few short years ago, was supposed to be the future. For years, it seemed unstoppable, but now ESG is being tested. This is the year of backlash, motivated mainly by the change of government in the US. To put it simply, the Trump administration sees ESG less as the way forward and more as a punching bag. In response, some corporate giants in the US are disowning ESG or shutting up about it. Others are wondering what to do next.  It’s the pressing question for company boards: how do they proceed from here, given the considerable hostility towards a movement that continues to attract significant investment and, in many countries, solid legal support? The mayhem surrounding ESG Some reports suggest that investor support for ESG proposals may be waning.  According to a report from ShareAction, just 1.4 percent of ESG-related shareholder resolutions won majority approval in 2024. While this covers the US, it also includes the UK and EU, territories in which ESG was supposed to have strong backing.  These resolutions are not legally binding, but they can—and often do—pressure boards into shifting their goalposts.  One of the main drivers of the success of these ESG-related shareholder resolutions is the support of any asset managers who might have a stake in individual companies. The ShareAction report also found that the most prominent managers in the world, including BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, and Fidelity, backed just seven percent of these resolutions.  It also found significant geographical discrepancies among asset managers in general, noting that those in Europe backed 81 percent of resolutions and those in the US backed just 25 percent. These numbers hammer home the idea that ESG lives two separate lives at this point, which isn’t easy to navigate for cross-border businesses. Future outlook With Donald Trump back in the White House and Republicans solidifying their influence on US business, ESG is going to have an even tougher time there. The US administration has already rolled back climate-related rules and made it harder for investors to push companies on sustainability. Trump’s Securities and Exchange Commission leadership is shifting power from shareholders to corporate boards, which means fewer ESG resolutions making it to a vote in the first place. Globally, the picture is different but equally puzzling. Europe still sees ESG as essential, with regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) making sustainability reporting mandatory. Many Asian markets are also ramping up ESG requirements, particularly in finance.  If ESG now operates in two divided worlds, we can expect the trends in one to spill over into the other all the time, creating more headaches for anyone caught in the middle. Advice for corporate leaders The smartest thing corporate leaders can do right now is to read the room—focus on your stakeholders and what they want. If your investors, customers and regulators care about ESG, it should be a priority. In this scenario, you will need the right strategy and trained talent sitting on your board who will be able to offer the proper guidance when called upon.   However, there is no longer a universal ESG playbook—what works in Frankfurt might be poison on Wall Street. This means businesses need to take a more strategic, tailored approach. For companies operating in multiple markets, this balancing act is even trickier. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about messaging. How do you talk about sustainability in a way that resonates with European investors but doesn’t alienate US stakeholders? How do you maintain ESG commitments without getting caught in the political crossfire? This is where adaptability is key. Training executives and board members on regional ESG dynamics, monitoring regulatory shifts and crafting flexible ESG strategies will be essential. Shifting tides The ESG landscape has diverged, and businesses can no longer afford to take a one-size-fits-all approach in this kind of mayhem. While the movement still holds weight in many parts of the world, the political and financial headwinds emanating the US are impossible to ignore. Corporate leaders need to be pragmatic—ESG isn’t dead, but it is no longer a guaranteed win. The companies that succeed will be the ones that can navigate these shifting tides without losing sight of what matters most to their own stakeholders. Dan Byrne is Content Manager with The Corporate Governance Institute

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, the European Commission has released its eagerly anticipated ‘Omnibus’ proposal. Meanwhile, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has published amendments to its 'IFRS for SMEs' standard. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued updated “Guidance on the Going Concern Basis of Accounting and Related Reporting”. The guidance brings together various company law requirements, listing rules, codes and standards and serves as a practical guide to assist companies prepare high-quality going concern disclosures. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued its February 2025 update and podcast. The IASB has issued a major update to the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard. The standard is either required or permitted in 85 jurisdictions. Included in the updated standard (amongst other things) is a revised model for revenue recognition. The update is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027. The UK Endorsement board is seeking comments and views in relation to the IFRS Foundation’s Proposed Amendments to the Due Process Handbook. Comments are welcomed by 11 March 2025. EFRAG (the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) is also seeking comments to contribute towards its response to the same project, with comments welcomed by 24 March 2025. EFRAG has published a summary report on its recent event “Financial Reporting: What’s Ahead for 2025”. EFRAG has published its Feedback Statement on the IASB's Exposure Draft on Amendments to IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures. It has also issued a Feedback Statement on the IASB ED Climate-related and Other Uncertainties in the Financial Statements - Proposed illustrative examples. EFRAG are still accepting comments on its Draft Endorsement Advice for IFRS 18 - Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements. Accountancy Europe and IFAC, in a joint statement, have outlined ways in which they will work together to support their members and strengthen the profession. Sustainability Omnibus proposals In its release of the eagerly awaited “Omnibus” proposals on 26 February, the European Commission (EC) has proposed some significant changes to its Sustainability Reporting Regulatory framework. These proposals, if approved, will simplify the sustainability reporting rules that many Irish companies have been preparing for in recent years. The proposals will also remove many companies from a mandatory sustainability reporting regime. The proposals will now enter trialogue negotiations between the European Parliament and the European Council where amendments may be made prior to its introduction. Chartered Accountants Ireland will continue to engage with the relevant bodies, and we will update members on any significant developments. To read more about the proposals, see our recent news item. The Omnibus proposals have attracted a lot of attention since they have been published. Readers may be interested in reading the following. Accountancy Europe’s March 2025 Sustainability Update addresses some of the key changes proposed. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has labelled the decision “a backward step for EU sustainability” and has questioned how this will achieve a climate-neutral EU which is one of the key goals set out in the European Green Deal. The European Funds and Asset Management Association have published this infographic outlining some of the proposals expected from the European Commission in 2025. An IFRS Sustainability Stakeholder event took place on 25 February – Disclosure about transition plans.  The recordings of the various sessions are available to view online. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published the recording of its seventh 'Perspectives on sustainability disclosure' webinar Using the GHG Protocol for climate-related disclosures. Episode 8 ‘The future of integrated reporting and integrated thinking’ will be held on March 20th. The ISSB has issued its February 2025 update and podcast. The GRI has published a series of five case studies of companies reflecting on their journey towards compliance with GRI 101: Biodiversity 2024. Accountancy Europe recently held an online discussion with SMEs and discussed some of their sustainability reporting issues. Legislation 2025 Readers are reminded that new UK company size thresholds for micro, small and medium companies will come into force from 6 April 2025. The Professional Accountancy team has added a new UK company thresholds page to the Technical Hub where you can read more about the changes and access a chart showing the pre and post 6 April 2025 thresholds . Other news The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published its Annual Mergers and Acquisitions Report 2024, providing details of the mergers and acquisitions notified to, and reviewed by the CCPC, throughout the year. The professional services sector (including legal, accountancy, consultancy, engineering, and veterinary) was the most prominent sector, with 13 merger notifications received. In February 2025 the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI ) published its 2025 Regulatory & Supervisory Outlook report. CBI states that the report sets out the Central Bank’s perspective on the key trends and risks that are shaping the financial sector operating landscape, and its consequent regulatory and supervisory priorities for the next two years. Artificial Intelligence is spotlighted again this year with the Central Bank expecting to be designated as a “Market Surveillance Authority” by the Government as part of a multi-lateral system of AI supervision in Ireland and the EU. Another spotlight is Geopolitical Risks: and the report outlines a Framework for Navigating Heightened Uncertainty. Other topics which may be of interest include the piece on credit unions including Credit Union Sector Key Risks Overview. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched a consultation on a revised version of ‘GRI 404: Training and Education 2016' and a new standard titled ‘Working Parents and Caregivers’. The consultation is open until 29 April 2025. Enterprise Ireland recently launched its new five-year strategy, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025-2029) which sets out targets to increase jobs and to increase exports, focussing on strengthening skills and talent, funding ambition and embracing sustainability. In episode 12 of its podcast series “The Fast Future”, IFAC look at ways in which SMEs can embrace technology. The Charities Commission for Northern Ireland has released a short video outlining what it means to be a charity trustee. Charities representative body, the Wheel, is encouraging its members to support an initiative being undertaken by the Government’s Anti-Money Laundering Steering Committee, which is aimed at helping to assess the AML risk to the non-profit sector.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) - updates The Irish AI Advisory Council was established in January 2024 to provide independent expert advice to government on artificial intelligence policy. In February 2025 it released its latest report  “Ireland’s AI Advisory Council Recommendations --Helping to Shape Ireland’s AI Future”. One of the areas the report covers is AI Literacy and education. AI literacy is something which readers may be aware Article 4 of the AI Act requires providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure a sufficient level of. The report also calls for government guidelines for use of generative AI and a system to access AI tools. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.    This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

Chartered Accountants Ireland has identified a common thread of discussion at our recent events and among our members more broadly, that of “burnout in the profession”.  Reflecting on the 2025 International Women’s Day theme #AccelerateAction and motivated by the desire to better understand and address this issue, the Institute team consulted with well-being leaders and members at Chartered Accountants Ireland, who are deeply invested in the topic - Dee France, Thrive Wellbeing Manager, Dr. Caroline McGroary FCA, Lecturer in Accounting at Dublin City University and Institute Past President and former Chair and Partner with Grant Thornton Ireland, Sinead Donovan FCA.  What is burnout? What we learned is that there are common misunderstandings about the true meaning of burnout. While many consider burnout to be a state of physical exhaustion, it is in fact a multidimensional concept with three main components: exhaustion, cynicism and low professional efficacy, a definition now accepted by the World Health Organisation. It is also part of a complex psychological process, which is impacted by a range of factors, leading to a host of negative outcomes, including serious mental health and physical health issues, decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover intentions, among many more.   Challenging assumptions and seeking solutions We also learned that while much research labels burnout as a “female experience”, these findings must be challenged. The reality is that burnout can be experienced by any gender, at any stage of career, in any profession. Generalisations such as this claiming that we, as women, are more prone to burnout than other genders, may imply that we are less resilient and more prone to stress, resulting in a range of negative career outcomes.  Burnout has also emerged as something of great concern to Gen Z (those born in the mid-90s) and Millennials (those born in the early-1980s). In the Deloitte 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, respondents outlined that work-life balance remained a top priority. That said, many feel they don’t achieve this balance due to long working hours, which is resulting in significant stress. In addition, the 2024 ICBE (Irish Centre for Business Excellence) Business Excellence Skillnet and UL Study found that future business leaders were reluctant to “step up” to leadership roles due to concerns over work-life balance.  In response to these studies, Immediate Past President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Sinead Donovan, highlighted that burnout should not be an accepted culture in any profession. She further reiterated that as leaders in the accountancy profession, we have a duty to our current members, and the next generation, to show what a purposeful career looks like and how we can exist, and indeed thrive, in these roles without experiencing burnout. It should not be accepted as a side-effect of a successful career. To this end, there was collective agreement that while there is a lot of valuable work being done by wellbeing teams across professions to support members, given the prevalence of, and increased attention on, burnout in recent times, we need to learn more about it and the extent to which it affects members in our profession. We also need to learn how to prevent it from occurring in the first place so that it becomes more of a rarity, not just another stepping stone to be endured.  #AccelerateAction – Stronger together Therefore, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we encourage our many stakeholders in the accountancy profession, as well as colleagues in other professions, to #AccelerateAction against burnout and to support each other while doing so.   

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin read about a new guide on how accountants can integrate nature into their work, a report on costs facing Ireland for non-compliance with climate targets, the Climate and Environmental Expenditure for 2025 and sustainability in IDA Ireland’s new five-year strategy. Also covered is sustainability in Northern Ireland’s Programme for Government 2024-2027, the UK’s new National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Accountancy Europe’s analysis of the Omnibus proposal, the conclusion of COP16 in Rome, and the usual articles, resources and upcoming events.   Ireland news New guide for accountants on nature Chartered Accountants Ireland has welcomed the publication of a new guide on how accountants can integrate nature into their work. Why nature matters to accountants addresses the urgent need for accountants to understand and integrate nature-related issues into their work and highlights the financial impact of nature-related issues. It is relevant for accountants in any global region or jurisdiction, and in business and practice. Providing tailored guidance for board members, senior managers, analysts, report preparers, and external auditors, it will help accountants getting started with nature in these roles and for those further along their nature journey or maturity pathway. The guide was developed and prepared by ICAEW for the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), of which Chartered Accountants Ireland is a member. It launched on World Wildlife Day, 3 March to emphasize the importance of reversing global nature loss to business resilience and economic prosperity. Ireland could face ‘staggering’ costs for non-compliance with climate targets A joint report from two Government advisory councils – the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and the Climate Change Advisory Council – has warned that Ireland could face costs of between €8 and €26 billion if it misses legally binding climate targets. The report also warns that Ireland is currently on track to overshoot 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target for transport, buildings, small industry, waste and agriculture by around 57 percent.  The costs, described by the report as ‘staggering’, could potentially be more than halved if the Government follows through on its Climate Action Plan, although the report warns that the Plan is not being delivered at the scale or the speed required. The report recommends several actions that would cost less than one-tenth of capital spending planned by the Government out to 2030, and which could dramatically reduce the costs burden, as well as transform Ireland into a healthier, more sustainable, and energy-secure society, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and also boost economic activity and employment in related sectors. Parliamentary Budget Office publishes Climate and Environmental Expenditure 2025 The Parliamentary Budget Office has published its Climate and Environmental Expenditure 2025 in which it details relevant budget allocations for climate action. Within the Revised Estimates for 2025, just over €9 billion has been identified as being climate and environment-related – an increase of almost €2 billion on 2024. €6.996 billion relates to climate ‘favourable’ measures i.e. actions that have a positive impact on Ireland’s transition to a low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. The remaining €2.124 billion is identified as being climate ‘unfavourable’ i.e. measures that impede these actions. The report concludes with recommendations that Departments set ‘clear and separate’ performance metrics linked to all climate-related spending – including the use of carbon tax revenues – to help Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the public better understand how the allocation of these funds works. IDA Ireland’s new five-year strategy for sustainable growth and innovation IDA Ireland has unveiled its new five-year strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29 with four key strategic objectives: Strengthen long term investment, Scale cutting-edge innovation, Drive sustainable change and Maximise regional opportunities. Under ‘driving sustainable change’ the strategy describes client companies as ‘instrumental in shaping a green and digital global economy’, and Ireland as ‘having the potential to be a prime location for green-powered and digitally enabled enterprises’. The new strategy, which is aligned with the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, also identifies four key growth drivers – digitalisation and AI; semiconductors; health; and sustainability.   Northern Ireland/UK news Northern Ireland publishes programme for government The NI Executive has launched its Programme for Government 2024-2027, Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most. Growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy and protecting the environment are among its immediate priorities, and its targets include achieving self-sufficiency with clean and affordable energy and becoming a net exporter of renewables. Proposed measures include helping local businesses cut their energy bills by investing £15 million in the Energy and Resource Efficiency Support Scheme and investing a further £75 million via the Invest to Save Fund into the public sector’s transition to net zero, in addition to publishing a Circular Economy Strategy and a Green Growth Strategy. Unlocking business value through sustainability integration New research from the Sustainability Value Creation Partnership reveals that businesses with deeply integrated sustainability strategies unlock greater value, driving innovation, boosting sales, enhancing reputation, and improving cost control. However, while two-thirds of leaders recognize sustainability’s importance to commercial success, only 37 percent report full integration within their organizations. Read more from Accounting for Sustainability. UK National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The UK government has published its National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) in which it commits to achieving all 23 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (see below) at home. The document sets out how the four countries of the UK will work together to address biodiversity loss, drawing on the commitments made by the UK and the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to summarise and emphasise a collective ambition and determination to work together to address biodiversity loss.   Europe News Accountancy Europe publishes its analysis of the Omnibus proposal Accountancy Europe’s has issued three factual analysis of the European Commission’s (EC) recent Omnibus proposal focusing on: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) sustainability reporting standards (ESRS), and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). These papers aim to give stakeholders an initial overview of the key proposed changes expected to reshape sustainability reporting and due diligence practices across Europe. The papers can be read alongside Accountancy Europe’s statement on the EC Omnibus sustainability proposal. European Commission adopts Union of Skills The European Commission has adopted a package of initiatives to improve high quality education, training and lifelong learning in the EU. The Union of Skills aims to deliver higher levels of basic and advanced skills, provide opportunities for people to regularly update and learn new skills, facilitate recruitment by businesses across the EU and attract, develop and retain top talent in Europe. The plan is accompanied by an Action Plan on Basic Skills and a STEM Education Strategic Plan to improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths, promote STEM careers, attract more girls and women, and boost preparedness in the face of digital and clean-tech transitions.   Environment and climate change a concern of European 16–30-year-olds Forty percent of 25,863 participants in the latest Eurobarometer Youth Survey have identified ‘rising prices and the cost of living’ as a concern, with one third of respondents saying the EU should focus its attention on the environment and climate change over the next five years. The majority of the participants, aged 16-30, for whom social media is the main information source, are also aware of the risks of online disinformation, with 31 percent believing the economic situation and job creation should be a priority.   World news COP16 concludes in Rome The extended session of COP16 concluded in Rome on Friday 28 February, with participants reaching a significant new agreement to address the global nature crisis. Governments agreed on the strategy to raise the funds needed to protect biodiversity and achieve the action targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), an international agreement aimed at addressing the global biodiversity crisis. The session brings to a successful close the business of the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP16. That meeting was suspended in Cali, Colombia in 2024 after failing to find common ground on a financing deal. UN Global Compact reaffirms support for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence The world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the UN Global Compact, has reaffirmed its support for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, a crucial issue as businesses navigate evolving sustainability requirements. The Compact’s newly available Decent Work Toolkit for Sustainable Procurement helps companies, procurement professionals and suppliers align purchasing decisions with decent work principles to enable procurement staff and their suppliers to take action to improve labour conditions for supply chain workers. Report finds financial institutes remain committed to net zero A report from the global non-profit Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has found that financial institutions remain committed to their net-zero pledges, despite what it describes as “diffidence towards collaborative action” (a possible reference to the recent exodus of US banks from the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero). The report, Cautious Urgency Can Resuscitate GFANZ 'Transition-Informed' Indexes, also predicts an expansion in the market for net-zero-aligned indexes. Resources Sustainability trends 2025 2025 is already seeing changes that are reshaping our future. Read about what to expect from sustainability in 2025 in this roundup by Institute Sustainability Advocacy Manager, Susan Rossney, with contributions from experts in reporting, assurance, tax, skills, procurement and more. Climate Ambition Accelerator (Limited Places) The UN Global Compact Network UK is making places available for Irish companies to take part in its Climate Ambition Accelerator. This offers participants a structured pathway and a clear roadmap to set and achieve science-based net-zero targets, align a corporate strategy with a 1.5°C future and to connect with experts & peers to drive climate action. Did you know? A report commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland, Good for your Pocket - How renewable energy helps Irish electricity consumers, has found that scaling up of renewable energy sources in Ireland since 2000 has cut spending on fossil fuels by €7.4 billion and prevented the production of more than 47 million tonnes of CO2 up to the end of 2023. Articles EU firms give cautious welcome to ESG deregulation amid fears of weakened standards (Business Post)   Euro ‘omnibus’ proposal reveals softer CSRD and CSDDD (ICEAW Insights)   European Commission proposes simplification of sustainability reporting rules (Chartered Accountants Ireland)   Trump’s return prompts companies to stifle climate talk with ‘greenhushing’ - Businesses that used to tout carbon-cutting are switching their message (Bloomberg)   Don’t Call It ESG, Call It Resilience - A new taxonomy around environmental, social and governance investing comes as political pressure mounts on investors (Wall Street Journal)   One in seven Irish firms have no women in senior roles (Irish Examiner)   Stand up for the future we want (Sustainable Views – Subscriber only)   Podcasts Zero: Why (Almost) Everyone Hates ESG Right Now (Bloomberg, 26 mins) Reporter Frances Schwartzkopff tells Akshat Rathi why the EU is rolling back some ESG legislation. And reporter Saijel Kishan explains that many companies today are still keeping their ESG plans in place — but just not talking about it.   Why ignoring women endangers the climate | International Women's Day 2025 (Outrage + Optimism, 50 mins) Are women the key to solving the climate crisis? Why are they - and their children - so disproportionately affected by the issue? And how can men step up to support change? To mark International Women’s Day, Christiana Figueres is joined by top climate scientist Dr Katharine Hayhoe. Events Institute of Chartered Accountant England and Wales (ICEAW), 2025: ESG – how should the financial statements reflect sustainability? Gain a practical understanding of how to reflect ESG principles in financial reporting for your organisation. Virtual, 14 & 24 March 2025, 9.30-12.30     EPA, Climate Change Lecture Series - Transformation in a Changing Climate: Insights from the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment Virtual, 26 March, 2025, 7pm   Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Difference Makers Discuss Special: Global Challenges and the Drive for Sustainability with Carmine Di Noia (OECD) In our upcoming episode of Difference Makers Discuss, Ainslie van Onselen, Chair of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and CEO of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, will be speaking with Carmine Di Noia, the Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs at the OECD. This special conversation will dive into the crucial global challenges we face today and the role of finance professionals in tackling them. Virtual, 3 April, 18:00 - 18:30 pm BST   Chartered Accountants Ireland ESG Masterclass: Take your sustainability knowledge to the next level (ROI/NI) Masterclass designed for all professional accountants working in business or practice, wishing to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the sustainability regulatory, reporting and assurance landscape. 9 April, 08:30 – 14.00, Virtual Chartered Accountants Ireland, The SME and SMP Sustainability Workshop A workshop for SMEs and small/medium accounting practices (SMPs) on how to get ahead of the sustainability curve. This interactive half-day session will focus on positive actions you can take to understand the ‘trickle-down’ effect of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ('CSRD’), green public procurement, access to sustainable finance, and how to make your practice more sustainable to save costs and respond to staff and client demands. Virtual, 23 May, 9.30- 12.30; €60 members; €75 non-members; 3 hours CPD points. EPA, EPA Annual Climate Change Conference 2025 The EPA Annual Climate Change Conference will be held on Wednesday 28 May 2025 in Dublin Castle. Please save the date for this event. In person, May 28, 2025 Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.        

Yesterday (March 6), Thrive and the Institute’s Member Experience team welcomed guests to our Step into your Power Sparkling Lunch in celebration of International Women’s Day.    Check out photos from the event here. In the wonderful surroundings of the Dean Townhouse, we were joined by members and students of the chartered community.  In her opening address, Dee France, from the Institute’s Thrive Wellbeing Hub, outlined the importance of shining a spotlight on some of the key challenges women face in the workplace and in society, while celebrating the many advances made in recent times.  Guests enjoyed a keynote speech from Eimer Lyons, founder of Well Rise Coaching, entitled “The Importance Of Healthy Boundaries” where attendees were encouraged to establish boundaries as a non-negotiable for a balanced, fulfilling career and life. Áine Crotty, Head of Compliance (UK & Europe) at nib Group, facilitated a panel discussion covering some key issues of the day namely barriers encountered and inclusive changes to the workplace, the importance of male allyship and leadership, challenges faced by working mothers and broached the topic of burnout and how it shows up for women. The panellists - Nifemi Ogunbiyi, Financial Account at Fenergo, Gillian Bane, Founder of Well Work 360, Katharine Mulcahy, Sales Excellence and Strategy Lead at Microsoft and Barry Doyle, President of Chartered Accountants Ireland -  shared many important insights on these topics and how they navigate their own personal challenges and successes both in their professional and personal lives.   The final segment of the afternoon was a fireside chat with Lorna Conn, Chief Executive Officer at CPL and Cróna Clohisey, Director of Advocacy & Voice at Chartered Accountants Ireland. Lorna reflected on the highs and lows of her career, how resilience helps build leaders and how she manages and balances her professional and personal life. The event was also raising funds for CA Support (the Institute’s in-house charity). In his opening address, Barry Doyle spoke about the Institute’s commitment to supporting the success and wellbeing of our female members through career and wellbeing initiatives and highlighted the important work of CA Support, encouraging those in the room to donate to CA Support as the majority of the cases the charity support are families – mothers and fathers who have encountered adversity and are in dire need of assistance.  If you would like to donate to CA Support in celebration of International Women’s Day, please do so here.  

To celebrate International Women's Day, we want to showcase some of our female authors. With expertise in a huge range of topics – from audit, to tax through to corporate governance and leadership – we're incredibly proud to have worked with these women to publish high-quality books and textbooks. Patricia Barker Patricia Barker is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, having qualified in 1973, the 20th woman to qualify since the inception of the Institute in 1888. She served her articles with Stokes Bros & Pimin Dublin and worked in Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Manchester. She then became a partner in an accounting practice in Manchester and worked in Manchester University as a principal lecturer. She was appointed lecturer in DCU in 1980 and progressed through senior lecturer, Associate Dean (Business School) and Vice-President (Academic) of DCU. She has completed an MPhil in Gender Studies at Trinity College. Her PhD developed a paradigm of disclosure of financial information to employees in organisations. Patricia has written The Minority Interest: Women Who Succeed in the Accountancy Profession. Veronica Canning Veronica Canning is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, executive mentor and consultant, with 30 years’ experience working at senior level across a wide range of organisations in all sectors and of all sizes, from SMEs to multinationals and the public sector. With her considerable experience, Veronica works with high potential individuals addressing their challenges, including developing an executive presence and building or repairing their personal brands. She also designs and runs group programmes, customised to the challenges facing organisations. Veronica has written Your Brand: Advance your Career by Building a Personal Brand. Dr Mary Collins Dr Mary E. Collins is a Chartered Psychologist who has worked in the leadership development/talent management field since 2003. Her current role with the RCSI Institute of Leadership involves working with senior leaders in the healthcare sector to develop their capabilities through a range of executive development and academic programmes. Prior to joining RCSI, she was Head of Talent and Learning for Deloitte Ireland. Mary is an Accredited Professional Executive Coach and Coach Assessor with the Association of Coaching, a committee member of the Coaching Psychology Division of the Psychological Society of Ireland and a council member of the Irish Institute of Training & Development (IITD). She also leads a successful business psychology practice.  Mary has written Recruiting Talented People. Margaret D'Arcy Margaret D’Arcy holds a BA in Accounting and Finance from DCU and is an Associate of Chartered Accountants Ireland. She has extensive experience in delivering courses for professional accounting examinations. Margaret has been lecturing for almost years and has taught both management and financial accounting for both third level and professional education courses. Previous to her lecturing and teaching career, Margaret held a number of roles in financial institutions in such areas as retail banking, treasury and international operations. Margaret has written An Introduction to Financial Accounting (2nd Edition). Gabrielle Dillon Gabrielle Dillon is an AITI Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and a Director of Dermot O’Brien & Associates. With over 18 years’ experience in VAT, she previously worked as a VAT Manager for BDO. Gabrielle has lectured in VAT for the Irish Tax Institute as well as other professional bodies. She is the regular author of VAT Cases & VAT News in the Irish Tax Review and is a member of its Editorial Board. Gabrielle has co-authored VAT on Property: Law and Practice (2nd Edition). Ethna Kennon Ethna Kennon, FCA, AITI is a Director in KPMG Ireland’s indirect tax group. Ethna has over 15 years’ experience specialising in VAT and providing indirect tax advisory and compliance services to a wide range of domestic and international businesses. She also lectures on VAT matters for Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Irish Tax Institute. Ethna has co-authored A Practical Guide to Value-added Tax. Penelope Kenny Penelope Kenny is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, a former member of the Institute’s Council and also former Chairman of the Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants. With over 20 years’ accounting experience, she is principal at ArtsGovernance, which offers consulting on corporate governance specialising in the arts and cultural sectors. Penelope is a non-executive director, treasurer and head of the finance and audit committee of a large non-profit organisation with assets of over €500 million. She holds an MA degree from University College Dublin, for which her thesis was corporate governance. Penelope has written Corporate Governance for the Irish Arts Sector. Rachel Killeen Rachel Killeen is a marketing and communications consultant working with entrepreneurs and professional services firms to help them build business using integrated, strategic digital and traditional marketing plans. Rachel has worked with the RBS Group and also Danske Bank, focusing on marketing to corporate, treasury and SME clients. In 2007, she founded Killeen Communications Limited and now works with a range of clients from financial services and professional firms to FMCGs. Rachel has written Digital Marketing and Client Science: The Five Cs Marketing Plan for Professionals. Sheila Killian Sheila Killian is an associate professor of accountability at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, where she teaches corporate sustainability and corporate finance, mainly at postgraduate level. She has also taught at universities in Finland and South Africa. Prior to joining academia, Sheila graduated in mathematics and professionally qualified in taxation and as a Chartered Accountant. She has worked in tax practice, aviation finance and educational software development. Sheila has published numerous peer-reviewed research papers on sustainability, accountability and the common good, with a focus on professional expertise, social justice, tax policy and responsible business school education.  Sheila has written Corporate Social Responsibility: A Guide, with Irish Experiences and Doing Good Business: How to Build Sustainable Value. Collette Kirwan Collette Kirwan FCA, BBS, PhD is a lecturer in accounting at Waterford Institute of Technology. She trained as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers where she subsequently worked as a manager in Audit Services. Collette first joined the School of Business at Waterford Institute of Technology in 2005. Between 2012 and 2016, Collette was a lecturer in accounting at University College Dublin where she lectured on the Master of Accounting and the Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance. Over her career, Collette has lectured at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education levels on a range of subjects including auditing, financial reporting, financial management, corporate governance and business research methods. In 2013, Collette was awarded her PhD from University College Dublin. The study examines the role of non-executive directors on boards of private family firms. Collette’s research interests include corporate governance, boards of directors, governance of family firms, governance of not-for-profit organisations, financial reporting and auditing. During her academic career, Collette has presented at a number of international and national conferences and has published articles in Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ) and Accounting in Europe. She has also published articles on corporate governance in Accountancy Ireland. Collette has co-authored Cases in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics. Mariannunziata Liguori Mariannunziata Liguori is Senior Lecturer in Management Accounting and Director of the MSc Accounting and Finance at Queen’s Management School, Belfast, where she moved after a visiting period at the University of Alberta in Canada. She was awarded a PhD, investigating processes and organisational dynamics of accounting change in the public sector, by Bocconi University, Milan, where she has also previously worked. Mariannunziata is a member of the editorial board of the public-sector and not-for-profit journal Financial Accountability & Management. She has been the secretary of the Public Services and Charities Special Interest Group of the British Accounting and Finance Association since 2015. Mariannunziata has co-authored Charity Accounting and Reporting at a Time of Change. June Menton June Menton FCA holds a degree in Business and Legal Studies from UCD. She is a technician member of the Irish Taxation Institute. She completed her training in a medium-sized accountancy firm, O'Kelly and Co., before joining Deloitte where she worked as an auditor and management consultant. She has been Financial Controller of the Irish Sports Council since 2002. June has written Crack the Books: Accounting for Non-Accountants. Christine Nangle Christine Nangle B. Comm., ACA, Finance Manager of the Institute of Technology Tallaght where she is also an associate lecturer in the Department of Accountancy & Professional Studies. She is also director of a software development company. Christine has extensive practical and lecturing experience in auditing and assurance, and financial reporting. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant following her professional training with Deloitte and subsequently worked in industry, including eight years with Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland, where she was Head of Internal Audit and latterly Commercial Finance Manager. Christine has written External Auditing and Assurance (4th Edition). Ros O'Shea Ros O’Shea, BComm, MAcc, FCA, AITI, Dip Corp Gov, is a highly experienced business leader with a career spanning almost 20 years working with the board and executive of two of Ireland’s largest and most-respected companies: CRH plc, where she was Head of Group Compliance & Ethics, and Smurfit Kappa Group plc. An Irish Chartered Accountant by profession, Ros is a partner in Acorn Governance Solutions, sits on the boards of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, is Programme Director for the Diploma in Governance & Compliance at the Irish Management Institute and also runs programmes for the Institute of Directors on these topics. Ros has written Leading with Integrity: A Practical Guide to Business Ethics. Anne Marie Ward Anne Marie Ward is Professor of Accounting at Ulster University (Jordanstown). Her teaching specialities are managerial finance and financial accounting. She has taught both topics at undergraduate and at postgraduate levels, and she also lectured for Chartered Accountants Ireland for 18 years. Anne Marie has also published articles and research reports in professional and academic journals. Anne Marie has written Finance: Theory and Practice (4th Edition).

In Irish news this week, we bring you an update from the recent TALC Collections sub-committee meeting and Revenue has published guidance on the new agent e-linking process. In UK news, HMRC release a message on ADL performance and recent banking issues, and we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications in our post EU exit corner. In International news, the OCED has published a working paper on taxation of capital gains. Ireland 1.Read about the representations made by the Institute, under the auspices of the CCAB-I, at the recent TALC Collections sub-committee meeting. 2. Revenue has issued guidance on the new agent e-linking process. UK 3. HMRC issue a message on ADL performance and recent banking issues. 4. Read the latest updates and publications in the post EU exit corner. International 5. The OECD has published a paper on taxing capital gains. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount.

Revenue has updated its guidance on Return of Values – Investment Undertakings to confirm a reporting obligation does not arise for excepted unit holders in Pan European Pension Product (PEPP) and The Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The manual now confirms that all returns should be submitted through the Revenue File Transfer System (RFTS) to the Analytics and Information Branch of the Accountant General's and Strategic Planning Division.

HMRC has released a brief message on two issues raised last week; problems with some advisors accessing certain systems and issues with some banks having problems with some of their services. ADL Performance (Advisors unable to access certain systems)  We’re sorry about the issue that impacted customers on our Self Assessment telephone service and ADL last week. This has been resolved. Affected colleagues continued to provide a service to customers by offering general advice and we encouraged people to use our online services, which were working as normal. Banking Issues Friday 28 February We’re aware of the issues with some banks on Friday 28 February 2025. They've now been resolved, meaning customers will have been able to pay their tax and avoid any penalties. Our online services are working as normal.

HMRC Stakeholder Digest HMRC has released the February 2025 HMRC Stakeholder Digest which provides a monthly round-up of HMRC’s latest news and updates including:   New ‘Help for Hustles’ campaign Unlocking Child Trust Funds Filling National Insurance gaps to increase the State Pension Tax advice– don't get caught out by tax avoidance

Revenue has published a new Tax and Duty Manual on the VAT treatment relevant to Taxi drivers outlining the various VAT rules which apply to taxi drivers. The manual outlines the VAT registration obligations of taxi drivers, and the VAT recoverability rules for relevant services received. The VAT implications for taxi drivers using the services of an online platform provider for taxi booking are outlined in the guidance.