Two of the world’s leading professional bodies have signed a three-year cooperation deal aimed at strengthening the global response to fraud in business and the wider economy.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of initiatives, including joint research, learning, and professional development opportunities.
The partnership will expand on existing thought leadership activity between the two organisations, and includes plans to identify new areas for co-authored research, particularly in light of rising fraud threats across industries.
“This MOU reinforces [our] commitment,” said Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA. “We look forward to working with fellow global professional body ACFE in promoting the highest ethical business standards.”
ACCA has long advocated for stronger approaches to fraud prevention and detection, including improved risk assessment processes, robust internal controls, and the adoption of forensic auditing techniques.
One of the first outcomes of the MoU will see ACCA taking part in the upcoming ACFE Fraud Conference Europe in London (24–26 March), where a jointly hosted panel—led by ACCA’s global head of risk management and corporate governance for policy and insights, Rachael Johnson—will examine cyber fraud, AI-powered fraud attacks, and the role of technology in detecting them.
“Together, ACFE and ACCA memberships include thousands of professionals in countries around the world,” said John Warren, CEO of ACFE. “This strategic partnership between our organisations is a natural fit in pursuit of one common goal: fighting fraud.”
The agreement will also explore opportunities to jointly develop and deliver continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing professional education (CPE) programmes, aimed at equipping finance professionals with up-to-date tools and insights for combatting emerging fraud threats.