The newly released rankings demonstrate DFK’s continued growth, with the association’s collective turnover reaching $1.72 billion. This represents a dramatic 36% increase from the previous year’s IAB report, highlighting the strength and scale of DFK’s global community.

Over the past year, DFK International has welcomed 20 new firms into its growing alliance, whether through direct admission or strategic mergers. With an expanding global footprint, DFK ensures that firms and their clients have access to trusted professionals in every corner of world.

More importantly, each member firm upholds the DFK standard of excellence, ensuring they deliver high-quality, client-focused solutions across multiple jurisdictions. Regardless of location, member firms bring deep local expertise, a global perspective, and a shared commitment to outstanding service, instilling trust and confidence in clients as they navigate complex international challenges.

The association now comprises over 200 member firms, with more than 430 offices across over 90 countries and territories, and nearly 13,000 colleagues worldwide.

Bill Wright, Executive Director and CEO of DFK International, commented:

“We’re proud to be recognised once again as one of the leading global associations. The IAB report reflects the continued success of our members and the strength of our international community. Our members are united in their commitment to delivering exceptional service, and through DFK International, they collaborate extensively across borders to provide their clients with the specialist resources they need.”

DFK International continues to prioritise collaboration, cohesion and innovation across its association, solidifying its reputation as a trusted leader in the global accounting profession.

For further information, please contact Bill Wright, Executive Director and CEO.

Stephen Bushell, President of the Board, Cheree Woolcock, Vice President of DFK Asia Pacific, Angelu Yu, Partner at CIB Accountants & Advisers, Australia, and Marco Vignoli, Founding Partner at Studio Vignoli, Italy, spent a week meeting with existing DFK member firms, leading law firms, and the China Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA). Their goal was to strengthen relationships, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and discuss how DFK can further assist firms in expanding their capabilities to better serve their clients.

Stephen Bushell shared, “It is always a pleasure to visit our members. This time we had the chance to reconnect and engage with our Greater China members together with some of the top law firms in China and the China Institute of CPA’s. Sharing our plans and goals for DFK and understanding our members’ needs in the region were two important goals for our visit. Building new relationships and getting the chance to engage with potential new partners was also a great experience that will provide DFK with future opportunities. The potential to grow DFK in this important region is immense as we continue to support our members while also seeking new opportunities."

The journey began in Beijing with visits to some of China’s leading law firms and the China Institute of CPAs, followed by a warm welcome from our DFK member firm Peking Certified Public Accountants.

The team then engaged with legal professionals and reconnected with a former Beijing member firm now considering rejoining DFK. As they rebuild their international presence following Covid-19, discussions focused on exploring ways to utilise DFK’s international platform to strengthen cross-border collaboration, expand client services and reconnect with the global DFK community.

The next stop was MarcumAsia’s office in Guangzhou, followed by a visit to their Hong Kong office and AMA CPA Limited, one of DFK’s longest-serving member firms in the region. While in Hong Kong, the team also met with JCK & Associates Consulting, winners of the DFK Asia Pacific Firm of the Year 2024 award, to celebrate their contributions to DFK over the years. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence on the profession and opportunities for professional development.

Cheree Woolcock said, "The recent trip was a successful way of reconnecting with existing members as well as forming the foundation of lasting relationships with new and potential members. Discussions around exploring opportunities to collaborate not only in the Greater China region but globally were very well received. Insightful meetings with accounting professional bodies and leading legal firms has led to a deeper understanding of the region.

The reconnection and growth in this region is part of the broader strategic vision of DFK both at an Asia Pacific and International level. We look forward to working together in the future.”

The tour concluded with a visit to Sino-Bridge China Consulting Ltd, marking the end of an insightful and extremely rewarding journey. As the team reflected on the trip, one key takeaway stood out: meeting in person is invaluable. Strengthening personal relationships and sharing knowledge firsthand reinforces the global unity that defines DFK.

DFK International encourages all members to take the opportunity to visit fellow firms around the world. By doing so, we continue to grow together, expanding our abilities to serve clients across borders. A huge thank you to all the firms who welcomed the team and contributed to such a successful trip!

This is DFK. United Globally.

HB&O, which also has existing offices in Coventry and Leamington Spa, has moved into a prime location at Northspring on Temple Street, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

It will be the first time the firm, which can trace its roots back to 1924, has had a presence in the city.

The firm works primarily with SMEs, not-for-profit companies and owner-managed businesses. HB&O offers a wide range of services to businesses and individuals, including audit, business and tax advisory, compliance services, payroll, transaction tax services, inheritance tax, trusts and estates, VAT and indirect tax, and Virtual Finance Office.

It currently employs more than 100 people and has plans to further expand its audit and tax teams as part of its ambitious growth plans in Birmingham.

The business will also continue to develop its offering to clients from its offices in Coventry and Leamington.

Its new private office space at Northspring will provide a platform to grow HB&O’s business in Birmingham as it seeks to establish itself as one of the leading independent accountancy and finance firms in the city.

Last year, HB&O was named in the prestigious Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings for 2024 – recognising the firm as one of the top 100 in the UK.

Mark Ashfield, Managing Director at HB&O, said: “It has been a fantastic few years of sustained growth for the business and opening HB&O Birmingham is an exciting next step as we look to build on that momentum.

“We will be seeking to expand the reach of our services in the Birmingham area and further enhance our already strong reputation in the West Midlands, which has been built over many years from our established offices in Coventry and Leamington.

“This signals a major investment milestone as we seek to grow our presence across the West Midlands, with the new base in Birmingham bringing our expertise closer to businesses operating in the city.

“We’ll be looking to embed HB&O in the city’s business community, establishing and developing relationships with clients and other professional services firms operating in Birmingham.”

To find out more about HB&O and the expert services available from its new Birmingham office, visit www.hbotld.co.uk