ICAN's STRATEGIC REVIEW
STRATEGIC REVIEW
Expanding Reach and Credibility of Accounting Profession
Interaction Program on Practice Development
The Institute organized an Interaction Program on Practice Development on 31st October 2025, at ICAN premises under its Accounting Practice Development Project.
Virtual Meeting with World Bank on ROSC – Accounting and Auditing (A&A)
A virtual meeting was held between ICAN and World Bank on 18th December 2025, to discuss on Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes – Accounting and Auditing (ROSC A&A). ROSC A&A is a collaborative initiative of World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank, for comprehensive evaluation of Nepal’s accounting and auditing environment, identify the existing gaps and challenges, and recommend reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. And ICAN is the key counterpart in this process. The ROSC A&A assessment will review applicable accounting and auditing standards, regulatory and institutional framework, professional education and training system, compliance and enforcement mechanism and actual practice. The previous ROSC A&A assessment for Nepal was conducted in 2015.
In the occasion, the ICAN President Nil Bahadur Saru Magar said that ICAN remains fully committed in promoting excellence in accounting and auditing practice in line with international standards. The meeting was attended by president, vice president, along with immediate past president, executive director and technical director on behalf of ICAN.
Meeting of Joint Coordination Committee of ICAN and NCRA on Cooperative Prudential Audit
A meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee of ICAN and National Cooperative Regulatory Authority (NCRA) was held on 24th December 2025 at NCRA Office. The meeting concluded with decisions to form a task force to prepare Guidelines for Prudential Audit of Cooperatives, to request nomination of names from ICAN for inclusion in the roster for conducting prudential audits, and to develop guidelines for involving Chartered Accountants in the supervision of cooperatives.
Meeting with AccountEx Representative
CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN and CA. Bimal Dangol, Executive Director, ICAN had a virtual meeting with AccountEx Executive, Richi Harwood on 19th September 2025 regarding participation in AccountEx London 2026 to be held in May 2026. The meeting was focused on the benefits of participation, modality and layout of exhibition.
Result of CA Membership Examination, September 2025 Published
The Institute published the results of September 2025 Membership Examination held on 12th and 13th October 2025. The result was published on 1st December 2025. Altogether, 30 examinees have qualified to obtain ICAN membership out of total 190 examinees appeared in the exams among 295 applied examinees. Congratulation to successful candidates. Notice of the same can be viewed from the link below:
https://en.ican.org.np/_uploads/_downloads/_files/3/b354194b7b299f9ae2c0d3ffd42e0e26.pdf
Result of Accounting Technician (AT) Examination September 2025 Published
The Institute published the result of AT Examination for September 2025 held from 12th to 15th October in Kathmandu. Only,1 student applied and appeared in the examination however, none of the applicants qualified in the exam.
Launching of Virtual Learning Platform (VLE)
The Virtual Learning Platform (VLE) was launched on 28th November 2025 to provide online access of soft copy to Learning Materials under the new CA syllabus for ICAN members and students.
Career Counselling
A series of career counseling programs was organized by Institute with the objective to inform the students about Chartered Accountancy education, syllabus, fees, scholarship scheme, and to address students’ queries and other relevant information for pursuing CA course in Nepal. The details of career counselling program organized is presented below:
|
Location |
Date |
|
Kathmandu |
9th and 24th November 2025 |
|
Dhangadhi |
11th November 2025 |
|
Nepalgunj |
14th November 2025 |
|
Butwal |
14th November 2025 |
|
Bhairahawa, Butwal, Dang, and Nepalgunj |
15th to 19th November 2025 |
|
Pokhara |
27th November 2025 |
|
Birgunj |
24th November 2025 |
ICAN Webinar on “Transforming Challenges into Success”
The Institute organized a free webinar on topic “Transforming Challenges into Success” for students on 19th October 2025. The webinar started with opening remarks of CA. Bimal Dangol, Executive Director, ICAN and was facilitated by CA. Arun Raut. The session was focused on guiding students overcoming the fear of failure, maintaining daily routine to study, staying motivated and positive thinking, ways to handle family pressure and social expectation. The program was concluded with the closing remarks of the Director of the Institute, Mr. Binod Prasad Neupane. Altogether, 127 students participated in the webinar.
CA Examination and CA Membership for ACCAs Examination, December 2025
The Institute conducted Chartered Accountancy Examination Foundation, CAP I, CAP II, CAP III and CA Membership for ACCAs Examination, December 2025 from 1st to 15th December 2025. The examination was conducted in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and outside the Kathmandu valley at Butwal, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi. Altogether, 6,300 students appeared in the examination out of total 6,954 applicants. Details of students who applied and appeared in different level of CA Examination December 2025 is as follows:
|
|
Foundation |
CAPI |
CAP II |
CAP III |
|||||
|
Group I |
Group II |
Both |
Group I |
Group II |
Both |
|
|||
|
Applicants |
913 |
453 |
915 |
513 |
2254 |
929 |
356 |
621 |
|
|
Appeared |
876 |
390 |
773 |
391 |
2113 |
844 |
304 |
609 |
|
Likewise, 3 applicants appeared in the CA Membership Examination for ACCA out of 4 applicants.
New Students’ Orientation Program for June 2026 Batch
The Institute organized New Students’ Orientation Program for students enrolled in the June 2026 examination batch on 28th December 2025 at Nepal Police Club, Bhrikutimandap. The Program started with welcome remarks delivered by the CA Bimal Dangol, Executive Director. CA Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN; CA Anand Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice-President, ICAN; CA Prabin Kumar Jha, Immediate Past President; CA Hari Kumar Silwal, Council Member; CA Maha Prasad Adhikari, former Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank addressed the program.
Glimpse of the opening session of Students orientation program.
In the program, CA Gaurab Khatiwoda delivered a presentation highlighting the CA education and relevant matters to be considered by the students. Likewise, Mr. Sagar Gyawali delivered an inspiring speech to motivate the students. The program concluded with the closing remarks from CA Umesh Raj Pandeya, Council Member. Altogether, 413 students attended the program physically and 80 students attended virtually.
Engaging Members and Collaboration with Stakeholders
Interaction Program on Workplace Dignity and Conduct
The Women Leadership Committee (WLC) of the Institute in collaboration with Association of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ACAN), Auditor’s Association of Nepal (AuDAN) and Nepal Chartered Accountant’s Student Association (NCASA) organized an Awareness Program on Workplace Dignity on 19th December 2025 at ICAN premises Satdobato, Lalitpur. The objective of the program was to enhance understanding of harassment-related issues within the professional community and promote a culture of respect, safety and accountability in the workplace.
Glimpse of Interaction Program on Workplace dignity and conduct
In the program, Ms. Euden Koirala, Independent Safeguarding and People Specialist; Advocate Sabin Shrestha and Sub Inspector Sita Bam, Nepal Police presented paper on the theme of the program. Thereafter a panel discussion session was held comprising of the paper presenters, CA Ananda Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice-President, ICAN; CA Anup Nepal, President, ACAN and RA. Badri Prasad Bhattarai, President, AuDAN. Moreover, CA Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President of ICAN, CA Umesh Raj Pandeya, CA Aman Upreti, CA Hem Kumar Kafle and RA Meera Shrestha, Chairperson, WLC who were present in the program. The session was moderated by CA Baishali Thakur, Member, WLC. Altogether, 117 members and students participated the program physically and the program was also live streamed on social media of ICAN, ACAN and AuDAN.
Webinar on Practical Issues and FAQs of UDIN System
The Institute hosted a webinar on “Practical Issues and FAQs of UDIN System” on 12th December 2025. The webinar was focused on recent updates in the UDIN System and key procedural requirements under the UDIN Related Bylaws, 2082. The webinar was facilitated by CA Santosh Bista, Deputy Director, ICAN whereby he addressed common queries and practical issues raised by members regarding UDIN. Altogether, 205 participants attended the webinar. The updated FAQ in UDIN can be accessed from the link: https://udin.ican.org.np/faq
Master Class on Startup Advisory conducted
The Institute conducted a two-day Comprehensive Masterclass on Startup Advisory on 13th and 14th December 2025 at ICAN Premises, Satdobato, Lalitpur. The program aimed to equip members with practical skills to transition from compliance-focused roles to strategic Startup Advisors and Virtual CFOs, in response to Nepal’s evolving startup ecosystem. The session was facilitated by CA Rohit Pradhan from India, Startup Mentor and Director of Viksit Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd. and attended by 26 members.
Certification Course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Members
The Institute organized a Certification Course on “AI for Members” in technical collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) from 14th to 16th October 2025 at ICAN premises at Satdobato, Lalitpur. The certification course was conducted to develop a foundational understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, enhance proficiency in using AI tools relevant to both practitioners and industry professionals, and build AI skills to effectively leverage this technologies in professional practices. Altogether, 61 members participated in the certification course.
Information System Audit (ISA) Assessment Test
The Institute published result of Information System Audit (ISA) Assessment Test Examination held on 8th November 2025 in technical support of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The examination was conducted in Kathmandu and out of 36 members appeared in the examination whereby 5 members were qualified in the exam.
Members qualifying in the ISA AT Examination
|
S.No. |
Membership Number |
Name of Member |
|
1 |
CA-1519 |
CA. Ashes Aryal |
|
2 |
CA-1502 |
CA. Bibek Khanal |
|
3 |
CA-2226 |
CA. Nikesh Adhikari |
|
4 |
CA-1141 |
CA. Rupesh Bhandary |
|
5 |
CA-1051 |
CA. Ujjwal Khanal |
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Training
The Institute with the objective of enhancing the capacity of Members of the Institute in various contemporary issues organized a three-day Continuing Professional Education (CPE) training from 11th to 13th October 2025 at ICAN Premises, at Satdobato, Lalitpur. The CPE covered topics related to audit reporting, NSA for LCE, consideration of ethical issues in audit, amendments introduced through the Finance Bill 2082, evaluation of Internal Control in IT Environment and preparation of financial statements of cooperatives as per Full NFRS, NFRS for SMEs and NAS for MEs. Altogether, 56 members participated in the training.
Members’ Capacity Development Program
The Institute has organized a one-day Members’ Capacity Development program on “Consideration of Misstatement Scenarios in Forming an Audit Opinion” on 14th November 2025 to enhance the professional capacity of the members. CA Sanjeev Dhakal facilitated the session. Altogether, 45 members participated in the program.
Members’ Capacity Development Program
The RA Capacity Development Committee of the Institute, conducted training on NFRS in Cooperatives in line with prevailing reporting and compliance requirements in Janakpur. The training was also addressed by RA. Bharat Shrestha, Council Member and Chairman, RA Capacity Development Committee along with Mr. Binod Prasad Neupane, Administration Director of ICAN. The training was facilitated by CA Prabin Baral and total 45 members participated in the training.
SAFA Best Presented Annual Report Award Ceremony 2025
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan hosted South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) Best Presented Annual Report Award 2024 distribution ceremony on 27th November 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. CA. Muktinath Sapkota, Assistant Director attended the Ceremony along with the representative from the award-winning companies. Altogether, 5 Companies from Nepal received SAFA Award under 5 categories.
List of Companies Receiving SAFA Award, 2024
|
Category |
Name of Company |
Award |
|
Service Sector |
Oriental Hotels Ltd. |
Bronze Certificate |
|
Public Sector Banks |
Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. |
Merit Certificate |
|
General Insurance |
Shikhar Insurance Co. Ltd. |
Merit Certificate |
|
Financial Services |
Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank Ltd. |
Merit Certificate |
|
Manufacturing Sector |
Unilever Nepal Limited |
Merit Certificate |
Glimpse of SAFA BPA 2025 Award Distribution Ceremony
Prior to holding up the meeting, the Institute completed preliminary markings and evaluation of annual report of companies nominated for SAFA Best Presented Annual Report (BPA) Award 2024. Nominations from 120 companies were received for SAFA BPA 2024. CA. Asmita Dhakal, Joint Director, ICAN represented the Institute and attended the SAFA BPA Conference Marking hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, in Karachi, Pakistan. The Conference Marking was conducted from 12th to 17th October 2025.
Celebration of International Accounting Day
The Institute organized a webinar on topic “Accounting Profession: Evolution and Contemporary Issues” on 10th November 2025 on the occasion of International Accounting Day. The objective of the program was to enhance awareness and understanding of the evolution of the accounting profession and to explore contemporary trends, challenges, and opportunities in accounting practice and education. The program served as an informative platform for members to engage with subject matter experts and reflect on the changing landscape of the accounting profession. The webinar was attended by approximately 300 participants.
Expanding Role as Government’s Partner for Economic Prosperity and Elevating Global Standing
Cordial Meeting with the Hon’ble Finance Minister
A delegation from Institute led by President CA Nil Bahadur Saru Magar and accompanied by Vice President CA Anand Sharma Wagle, Immediate Past President CA Prabin Kumar Jha, Council Member Than Prasad Pangyani, and Executive Director CA Bimal Dangol, had a cordial meeting with the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Mr. Rameshwar Khanal on 31st December 2025 at the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
Glimpse of meeting of ICAN delegation with the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Mr. Rameshwar Khanal at MoF
The meeting deliberated on key matters including the Global Accounting Initiative of Nepal (GAIN) Project, amendment in Nepal Chartered Accountants Act, 2053, equivalence of CA qualification, accommodating CA in government services and opportunities for collaboration in Public Financial Management and other sectors.
ICAN Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)
The Institute signed MoU with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police for collaborative action against corporate financial crimes on 4th November 2025. The MoU was signed by CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President of ICAN, and Dr. Manoj Kumar K.C., A.I.G. P and Chief of CIB. The signing ceremony took place at the premises of CIB located at Lazimpat, Kathmandu and was attended by senior officials from both institutions.
Glimpse of MoU signing Ceremony between ICAN and CIB, Nepal Police
Participated in the Meeting Organized by Inland Revenue Department
Council Member, CA. Umesh Raj Pandeya and Deputy Director, CA. Santosh Bista attended a meeting organized by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on 26th November 2025. The meeting was focused on development of a model Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) by the IRD.
Engagement in FCGO Internal Audit Review Committee
Director CA Kiran Kumar Khatri participated in a meeting of the committee formed at the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO) to update Internal Audit Procedures.
Participation in the Ordinary Meeting of the IFAC Council
CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN along with Council Member RA. Hari Bahadur Karki, Mr. Shyam Prasad Bhandari attended the Ordinary Meeting of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Council followed by an IFAC Global Connect: Better Together (“IFAC Global Connect”) program on 12th and 13th November 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Delegation from ICAN along with IFAC CEO, Lee White in the IFAC Council and Global Connect Event in Mexico
Participation in IFAC Connect Global Events Series and CAPA Meeting
A delegation led by CA Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President of ICAN comprising of CA Anand Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice President and Council Members, CA Hem Kumar Kafle and RA Jhalak Mani Lamsal attended the IFAC Connect Global Events Series, CAPA Meeting, and the 68th Anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Indonesia (IAI) held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2nd to 6th December 2025. During the meeting, the delegation had an impactful discussion on potential areas for collaboration, marking a meaningful and forward-looking engagement.
Glimpse of meeting of ICAN Delegation with the President, IFAC and CEO, IFAC
Appointment of CA Prabin Kumar Jha, as the Vice President of SAFA for the year 2026
CA Prabin Kumar Jha, Immediate Past-President and Council Member, ICAN has been appointed as the Vice-President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) for the year 2026 with effective from 1st January 2026. The Institute with great honor congratulates CA Prabin Kumar Jha, on his appointment as a SAFA Vice-President and extends its best wishes for success in his future endeavors in this role. Earlier CA Komal Bahadur Chitracar and CA (Dr.) Suvod Kumar Karn has served as President of SAFA in 2010 and 2018 respectively.
Participation in SAFA Board Meetings
CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN and CA. Ananda Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice-President, ICAN virtually attended the SAFA Board Meeting hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan on 27th November 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Participation in SAFA Committee Meetings
Representative from ICAN participated virtually in various SAFA Committee Meetings hosted by CA Pakistan on 26th November 2025. The details of ICAN representatives participating in the meeting were as under:
|
Name of SAFA Committee |
Name of ICAN Representative |
|
SAFA Economic Advisory Committee |
CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar |
|
SAFA Committee for Cooperatives and NPO Sectors |
CA. Sunil Devkota |
|
SAFA Women Leadership Committee |
CA Vandana Khetan |
|
SAFA Government & Public Sector Enterprises Accountant Committee |
CA Thakur Prasad Adhikari |
|
SAFA Accounting Standards Committee |
CA Peeyush Anand |
|
SAFA Anti–Money Laundering Committee |
CA. Kiran Kumar Khatri |
Participation in ITAG Committee Meeting
CA. Ananda Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice-President, ICAN attended the meeting of South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) Committee for Improvement in Transparency, Accountability and Governance held in Karachi, Pakistan on 17th October 2025.
ICAN Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)
The Institute has signed MoU with Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) for the Enhancement of Professional and Academic Excellence in Accounting, Auditing, and Related Disciplines on 30th November 2025 which shall be effective for 3 years and shall be renewed on mutual consent. The MoU was signed by CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President ICAN and Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President, MUJ.
Left: Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President, MUJ and Right: CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN sharing MoU between ICAN and MUJ
The MoU intends to collaborate in areas of academic outreach for accounting professionals in Nepal, mutual recognition of qualification, collaboration in research and academic development faculty and professional exchange, development of specialized academic module and access to educational resources and digital infrastructure.
ICAN Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA, India)
The Institute has signed MoU with Institute of Internal Auditors India (IIA, India) as renewal of previous MoU. The MoU aims to facilitate ICAN members in obtaining membership of IIA India along with all associated benefits, including membership of IIA Inc. This collaboration enables ICAN members to gain global recognition through IIA’s certifications and qualifications, including the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification, at concessional rates.
Members can avail up to 62.5% reduction in CIA application fees and up to 50% reduction in CIA examination fees, as applicable in India. For further information, please visit the link below:
https://en.ican.org.np/_browsable/file/downloads/MOU_-_IIA_India_ICAN_Nov_2025.pdf
Meeting with ICAN US Chapter and ICAN Members in Canada and UAE
A virtual meeting was held on 12th October 2025 with representatives from the ICAN US Chapter and ICAN members based in Canada and the UAE to gather constructive feedback on strengthening ICAN’s international presence. The meeting was chaired by CA. Nil Bahadur Saru Magar, President, ICAN, and was attended by CA. Ananda Raj Sharma Wagle, Vice President, ICAN; Council Members CA. Aman Uprety, RA. Bharat Shrestha along with Executive Director and Directors of ICAN. Similarly, representatives and members joining from abroad included CA. Ganesh Baniya and CA. Jyoti Raj Adhikari from the ICAN US Chapter, CA. Pushpendra Singh from Canada, and CA. Himal Dahal from the UAE.
The meeting was focused on making ICAN’s international chapters more effective and vibrant, especially considering the planned establishment of chapters in Canada and the UAE, and in alignment with ICAN’s Global Initiative in Nepal Project, which aims to promote outsourcing services by ICAN members. Participants provided valuable suggestions, including the need for regular interactions with the Institute, a clear roadmap for chapter activities, greater involvement of overseas members in training and knowledge-sharing programs, and revision of minimum CPE requirements to encourage membership renewal.
Ensuring Operational Resilience and Sustainability
Grievance Handling and Complaint Management System Launched
The Institute has launched “Grievance Handling and Complaint Management System” in accordance with the Grievance Redressal Byelaw, 2025. The system can be accessed from ICAN website. Link:
https://grievance.ican.org.np/
Staff Recruitment
The Institute recruited seven staff in different positions with effective from 28th October 2025. The recruitment was based on the process of Public Service Commission. The details of newly appointed staff are as follows:
|
S. No. |
Position, Level |
Name of the Candidate |
|
|
Deputy Director, Technical-CA, 9 |
CA. Prapanna Gautam |
|
|
Senior Officer, Technical-CA, 7 |
CA. Pujan Rijal |
|
|
Senior Officer, Technical-CA, 7 |
CA. Chanarjit Sah |
|
|
Senior Officer, Administration-CA, 7 |
CA. Barsha Panthi |
|
|
Officer, Adminstration-6 |
Mr. Pawan Kumar Gupta |
|
|
Officer, Adminstration-6 |
Mr. Ranjan Mishra |
|
|
Assistant, Adminstration-4 |
Mr. Roshan Acharya |
5-day Yoga Session
The Institute organized five-day yoga sessions for staffs at Head Office in collaboration with Patanjali Yog Samiti Nepal, Lalitpur District Committee from 9th to 13th November 2025.
Glimpse of 5-day yoga session at ICAN Head Office
Staff Health Checkup
The Employee Union of Institute organized health checkup for staff from 24th to 27th November 2025.
Employee Training
A one-day training on “Self-Awareness & Positive Attitude for Excellence” was organized for all staff of ICAN on 20th December 2025 at Green Valley Hotel, Shivapuri. The session was facilitated by Dr. Kedar Bahadur Rayamajhi and was attended by total 72 staff at Head and Branch office of ICAN.