AIA is committed to protecting the public interest by ensuring our members, their firms, and our students uphold the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct.
This commitment goes beyond individual conduct, it’s embedded in AIA’s governance, qualifications, and regulatory frameworks. We promote ethical leadership and responsible decision-making across the profession by setting rigorous standards, providing ongoing professional development, and ensuring accountability through independent oversight. Acting in the public interest means safeguarding trust in financial reporting, supporting transparent business practices, and helping our members serve their clients and communities with integrity and competence, wherever they are in the world.
Governance plays a vital role in supporting AIA’s mission and values. Ethical leadership is promoted across all levels of the organisation, with practices that reflect the standards expected of our members. From the head office to board level, integrity and accountability are embedded in our culture. Our governance structures ensure transparency, uphold professional standards, and align with best corporate practice.
Learn moreAIA fosters an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages broad representation. We believe that a diverse organisation strengthens decision-making and reflects the global nature of our membership. Our internal values promote respect, fairness, and belonging, ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual is supported in contributing to the profession.
Learn moreEthics is a core value throughout the AIA qualification and professional development journey. Students graduate with both a master’s-level credential and a strong foundation in ethical conduct.
Ethical conduct is a central pillar of the AIA qualification. Ethics is integrated at every stage of the syllabus and assessed through a dedicated Ethics and Professional Practice paper at the final level. This ensures students graduate with a strong understanding of the ethical standards expected in the global accountancy profession. Ethics continues to be a focus throughout members’ careers via the continuing professional development programme.
AIA qualifications are independently assessed and benchmarked by UK ENIC, confirming their equivalence to a UK master’s degree and ensuring global recognition. Developed in collaboration with employers and academics, the qualifications deliver the skills and knowledge that businesses value most.
AIA is a Recognised Qualifying Body regulated by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in the UK and IAASA in Ireland. The qualifications are subject to continuous monitoring, quality assurance, and secure online assessment. This ensures they remain fit for purpose and meet the highest professional and academic standards.
AIA’s regulatory framework is designed to protect the integrity of the accountancy profession and provide confidence to the public. Entry and renewal requirements ensure that members meet high standards of competence and conduct. Independent disciplinary processes are in place to uphold professional behaviour and maintain trust in the profession.
Learn moreAs a recognised supervisory body under UK and ROI Money Laundering Regulations, AIA is regulated by OPBAS and other national authorities. This oversight ensures our qualifications and practices meet rigorous standards. Through continuous monitoring and improvement, we remain committed to accountability and excellence across all areas of professional practice.
Each year we produce a public report detailing the activities we have undertaken as a professional body supervisor to test our members’ compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations.
Learn moreAIA actively engages with governments, regulators, and industry leaders to shape the future of the accountancy profession. Through collaboration and consultation, we advocate for high standards, ethical practice, and policies that serve both our members and the wider public interest.
Our policy work is informed by member-led working groups and expert insight. We contribute to consultations and collaborate with stakeholders to influence regulatory developments and promote best practice across the profession.
We provide timely updates on government budgets, legislative changes, and regulatory developments. This helps members stay informed, prepared, and aligned with evolving professional requirements.
