CFO® conference 2026: Message from Muhammad Zaid Kaliya, Chairman, Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee, ICAP

It gives me immense pride to present the CFO Conference 2026 and the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA), organized under the auspices of the Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). These initiatives reflect ICAP’s continued commitment to strengthening finance leadership and advancing the profession in an increasingly complex and demanding business environment.

This year’s conference is being held at a critical juncture for organizations operating amid economic pressures such as rising fuel and energy costs, inflationary challenges, and heightened uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the theme “The New Playbook – Adapt, Innovate, Elevate” calls for a fundamental rethinking of how leaders lead, decide, and create value. It underscores the need for leaders to move beyond conventional approaches and adopt agile, innovative, and forward-looking strategies to steer their organizations through disruption.

The evolving role of CFOs today extends far beyond financial stewardship. Finance leaders are expected to be strategic partners, transformation champions, and custodians of ethical and sustainable decision-making. Through this year’s agenda, the PAIB Committee aims to foster meaningful dialogue on finance transformation, responsible adoption of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, leadership mindsets, shared services, and governance frameworks that support long-term resilience and growth. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we seek to equip finance professionals with practical insights and strategic foresight to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose.

About the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), is a premier regulatory body for the profession of accounting that has a robust membership with over 10,000 dedicated Chartered Accountants, globally since 1961. With chapters spanning ASEAN, Australia, New-Zealand, US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and KSA, ICAP fosters collaboration for sustainable economies worldwide, empowering individuals and organizations alike.

ICAP CFO CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:

ICAP’s CFO Conference, a flagship initiative launched in 2010, stands today as a pivotal platform bringing together finance leaders, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts to deliberate on critical themes shaping the profession. With 26 conferences held across Pakistan and internationally, including Dubai and the Middle East, the CFO Conference has firmly established itself as the premier forum for knowledge sharing, strategic dialogue, and high-level networking, attracting a diverse and influential audience.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2026

The ICAP Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee held the 4th edition of the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) on May 11, 2026.

The awards aim to recognize ICAP members in business—including those serving in non-profit organizations, government bodies, and other entities—for their outstanding contributions, performance, and value addition within their respective organizations.

We are delighted to announce the esteemed recipients of the Professional Excellence Awards 2026, who have excelled in their respective categories and demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and expertise.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026