2 Jul 2026
The ACCA Report on Regulation 2026 describes the key work of the Regulatory Board – supported by the Appointments, Qualifications and Standards Boards – in overseeing ACCA’s regulatory arrangements.
In its annual report the Board says the ongoing geopolitical factors in various parts of the world continue to provide uncertainty with a consequential impact on the regulatory landscape. Against this background, the Board has a significant role to play in ensuring ACCA’s regulatory arrangements remain robust, transparent and proportionate and in the public interest.
Lucy Winskell, Chair of the Regulatory Board, who is stepping down from the role at the end of her tenure, said: ‘The Board plays a key role in both safeguarding the public interest and delivering public value. The Board, therefore, takes very seriously its role in overseeing ACCA’s regulatory activities and to do so in the public interest. The substantial level of lay involvement remains a key differentiator and a real strength in demonstrating impartiality and public interest are at the fore.’
Reflecting positively on what has been achieved, with the support of her colleagues on the Board, members of the Executive team and ACCA colleagues, she added that she had ‘greatly enjoyed’ her time in the role.
In the year, the Board has been updated of further developments regarding UK audit and corporate governance reforms. It also considered the implementation of ACCA’s ongoing Digital Transformation programme to ensure any impacted regulatory arrangements remain robust. A key focus of the Board’s activity has been measuring progress against key performance indicators and most critically in considering the time taken to conclude investigations and hold hearings. There are early indications of improvement, and the Board will continue to critically assess relevant regulatory data and monitor initiatives to improve outcomes.
Thanking Lucy Winskell as outgoing Chair of the Regulatory Board for her outstanding leadership of the Board, Maggie McGhee, executive director strategy and governance at ACCA, said: ‘We work proactively with our lead regulators to support improvements, implementing recommendations and engaging on regulatory developments to help shape policy in the public interest.’
‘ACCA is driving forward innovations in learning and assessment. This reflects our commitment to education and ensuring that our future members and members develop and maintain up to date professional and technical skills that support the standing of the ACCA accountant globally.
‘We continue to set and enforce high ethical standards for our members and future members – to which all must adhere.’
Suzanne McCarthy is the incoming Chair. To support a smooth transition Suzanne was appointed Chair Designate with effect from 1 December 2025. Suzanne has a wealth of experience in regulation and professional standards, and her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the global accountancy profession.
