Hong Kong's accounting oversight body has voiced strong support for the Chief Executive's newly unveiled first Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, describing the initiatives as a clear roadmap for coordinated action.

The regulator's Chief Executive, Lai Chui-bik, stated that the policy documents provide a strategic framework for advancing responsible artificial intelligence adoption, digital transformation, and sustainable development, alongside cultivating talent equipped with future-ready skills. She emphasized close collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to amplify the accounting profession's contribution to Hong Kong's growth and help the industry seize opportunities emerging from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The authority endorsed the Economic and Social Development Five-Year Plan, which outlines measures to better align Hong Kong's development with national strategies. Particular praise was given to the "Finance+" approach aimed at cementing the city's status as a global financial hub. Expanded cross-border investment and financing channels are expected to unlock fresh opportunities for accounting, auditing, and assurance professionals, while continued momentum in green finance will support the establishment of a robust framework for sustainability assurance regulation.

The regulatory body also welcomed the Policy Address's emphasis on promoting AI applications. As artificial intelligence reshapes audit and accounting practices, these measures are seen as key to boosting productivity, allowing professionals to redirect their focus toward high-value tasks that demand professional judgment.

The chairman of the oversight body, Sun Tak-kei, remarked that the inaugural Five-Year Plan will elevate Hong Kong's competitiveness and deepen its integration into the nation's broader development landscape. He underscored that trustworthy financial reporting and quality audits remain cornerstones for sustaining market confidence and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading international financial center. He reaffirmed the regulator's commitment to safeguarding public interest, upholding audit quality, and fostering a resilient, future-oriented accounting profession to underpin the city's long-term economic prosperity.