Published by ICAEW
In this podcast series from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a panel of guests dissect the latest headlines and provide expert analysis on the top stories from across the world of business, finance and accountancy
Listen on Apple PodcastsThe question of whether an ‘AI bubble’ is going to burst doesn’t seem to be going away. There’s a compelling case to be made on both sides of the argument, with the growing demand for AI tools, and the huge amount of money and resources needed to deliver on that demand. So what are the actual risks of an AI bubble, and what would that mean for the tools that businesses and firms are investing in right now? We interrogate the various indicators of whether there might be a bubble or not, and discuss the considerations and failsafes that businesses should consider when adopting AI software. Links Data centre planning policy - https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-10315/CBP-10315.pdf Gas use in data centres - https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/dramatic-increase-in-data-centre-developers-wanting-gas-grid-connections-21-04-2026/ Water use for data centres - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688cb407dc6688ed50878367/Water_use_in_data_centre_and_AI_report.pdf AI company IPOs - https://www.blackrock.com/us/financial-professionals/insights/mega-ai-ipos-and-index-inclusion Increasing demand for AI – Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/uk/business/software/uk-artificial-intelligence-ai-statistics/ AI boom leaves data centre demand beyond supply - https://datacentrenews.uk/story/ai-boom-to-leave-data-centre-demand-far-above-supply ICAEW CPD record - https://my.icaew.com/cpdrecord Host Philippa Lamb Guests Tom Pugh, Chief Economist, RSM UK Tasmin Lockwood, tech and environment journalist Hothyfa Elbeera, Senior Software Engineer, Claimsgate, MoJ Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 15 July Podcast recorded: 08 June
We’ll have a new PM soon, while the war in the Middle East rages on. Does this mean more uncertainty for businesses in the second half of 2026? ICAEW’s Chief Economist tries to predict what might happen next. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a lot going on in tax at the moment, from MTD Income Tax to new agent registration rules and more tax changes than expected mid-year. Lindsey Wicks explains all the changes. Finally, we get an insight from Junaidy Ab-Mutalib about the profession in Malaysia. What are the unique opportunities and challenges for the profession in the region? Links ICAEW: Suren Thiru on how US-Iran peace deal could influence UK’s economic outlook - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jun-2026/suren-thiru-on-how-us-iran-peace-deal-could-influence-uk-economy ICAEW: Significant changes announced at Tax Update 2026 - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/significant-changes-announced-at-tax-update-2026 ICAEW: HMRC sets timetable for agent multi factor authentication rollout - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/hmrc-sets-timetable-for-agent-multi-factor-authentication-rollout ICAEW: HMRC publishes detailed guidance on mandatory tax adviser registration - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/hmrc-publishes-detailed-guidance-on-mandatory-tax-adviser-registration ICAEW: MTD income tax and claims for averaging relief - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/mtd-income-tax-and-claims-for-averaging-relief ICAEW: CPD record - https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/online-cpd-record Host Philippa Lamb Guests Suren Thiru, Chief Economist, ICAEW Lindsey Wicks, Senior Tax Technical Manager, ICAEW Junaidy Ab-Mutalib, Managing Partner, JM & Co Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 1 July Podcast recorded: 26 June
Last year CEO pay rose 20 times faster than workers’ pay, according to new research from Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation. At the most extreme end of that pay scale, investors approved an executive package for Elon Musk worth a potential $1tn. So when does CEO pay become too high? What are the commercial, ethical and cultural implications for organisations if they’re perceived to be over-paying their CEOs? And as businesses compete globally for the best executive talent what can Boards do to keep pay packages in check? Links Top CEO pay statistics from Oxfam - https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/top-ceo-pay-increased-20-times-faster-workers-pay-2025 ICAEW: Remuneration Committee ebooks - https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-governance/committees/remuneration-committees/remuneration-committee-ebooks ICAEW: Guidance on remuneration - https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-governance/committees/remuneration-committees ICAEW: How a CEOs pay package influences corporate culture - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/apr-2025/how-a-ceos-pay-package-influences-corporate-culture ICAEW CPD record - https://www.icaew.com/membership/cpd/online-cpd-record Host Philippa Lamb Guests Shefaly Yogendra, independent Board director, board adviser and author Peter van Veen, Governance and Ethics Director, ICAEW Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 17 June Podcast recorded: 11 May
The government has plans to tokenise financial markets. What exactly is tokenisation? What might it look like in practice and what are the big questions about it that still need answering? Polly Tsang, ICAEW’s Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, explains. After that, audit reports: ICAEW has created the Auditor Reporting Lab, alongside audit firms, to encourage modernisation in the market. KPMG Partner in Professional Practice, Accounting & Reporting, Pamela Taylor, has been thinking hard about how to make them more useful and more user-friendly. This podcast counts towards your annual CPD – click the link below to log your time. Links ICAEW: What is tokenisation, and what are the challenges for accountants? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/may-2026/what-is-tokenisation-and-the-challenges-for-accountants Government tokenisation announcement - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-fintech-backed-to-embrace-future-payments-technology FCA call for input on the future of tokenisation - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/calls-input/future-tokenisation-joint-vision-authorities-uk-wholesale-markets ICAEW: Digital Assets Conference - https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/digital-assets-conference ICAEW: Auditor Reporting Lab - https://www.icaew.com/policy-and-research/thought-leadership/audit-and-assurance-thought-leadership/auditor-reporting-lab ICAEW: Rethinking the auditor’s report - https://www.icaew.com/policy-and-research/thought-leadership/audit-and-assurance-thought-leadership/auditor-reporting-lab/rethinking-the-auditors-report ICAEW: Audit and Assurance Conference - https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/audit-and-assurance-conference ICAEW podcasts - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast Host Philippa Lamb Guests Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager Pamela Taylor, Partner in Professional Practice, Accounting & Reporting, KPMG Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 3 June 2026 Podcast recorded: 19 May 2026
Fraud is the largest reported crime in England and Wales, and the UK government wants to bring numbers down. With failure to prevent fraud now an offence, there is some onus on business to address the issue. But are enough businesses taking it seriously? In this episode, we take a look at the common types of fraud, what businesses should be vigilant of, and how can they protect themselves? Links UK government fraud strategy - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fraud-strategy-2026-to-2029 UK fraud statistics - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/natureoffraudandcomputermisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2025 ICAEW: Fraud helpsheets - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tas-helpsheets/fraud ICAEW: What the government’s new fraud strategies mean for business - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/apr-2026/what-the-governments-new-fraud-strategies-mean-for-business ICAEW: podcasts - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast Host Guy Ruddle Guests Tristan Yelland, Partner, Forensic and Investigations, Grant Thornton Will Christopher, Partner, Kinsgsley Napley Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 20 May 2026 Podcast recorded: 20 April 2026
Everyone’s talking about energy costs at the moment. Greenfields Energy Group’s co-founder LIAM CONWAY walks us through the energy impacts of the Iran War and outlines the best ways for businesses to protect themselves from global energy shocks. Elsewhere on the episode, we discuss new guidance from the Financial Reporting Council on managing the risks for auditors when it comes to AI adoption; and a quick update on UKGAAP: the challenges that the changes pose for smaller entities Links How higher oil prices will change Britain -https://www.thetimes.com/article/f754197a-859b-460b-8ad0-1e36fc878ff1 FRC – AI in Audit: Generative and Agentic AI guidance -https://www.frc.org.uk/library/standards-codes-policy/audit-assurance-and-ethics/guidance/ai-in-audit/ ICAEW UK GAAP hub - https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-reporting/uk-gaap/changes-to-uk-gaap ICAEW: Changes to UK GAAP Conference - https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/corporate-reporting-conference ICAEW podcasts - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast Host Philippa Lamb Guests Liam Conway, Co-Founder, Greenfield Energy Group Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics, ICAEW Fahad Asgar, Technical Manager, Corporate Reporting, ICAEW Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 6 May Podcast recorded: 29 April
AI is already having an impact on the make-up of audit teams and there’s some evidence it’s already reducing the number of junior roles. But it’s all still new, and developing all of the time. What about the medium and longer term effects? How might it change training and career paths and will it ultimately boost or diminish the appeal of a career in accountancy? We’re joined by a young accountant, an ex-accountant turned HR advisor, and the MD of a leading hiring firm in the audit and accounting sector, about how roles, skills and hiring practices are evolving, and what that means for the profession. Links ICAEW: Why we still need junior accountants in the age of AI - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/apr-2026/why-we-still-need-junior-accountants-and-how-their-role-might-change Is There a Brain Drain in Auditing? - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/402277496_Modeling_the_Consequences_of_the_Auditors'_Leaving_the_Public_Accounting_Profession_Is_There_a_Brain_Drain_in_Auditing ICAEW: How to stop accountancy's brain drain - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-stop-accountancys-brain-drain/transcript ICAEW: How is AI transforming roles in industry? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/apr-2026/how-is-ai-transforming-roles-in-industry ICAEW podcasts - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast Host Philippa Lamb Guests Lola Abitogun, Fractional HR Director George Oliver, Audit Associate, KPMG Chris Lawton, Group MD, Executive Search, Robert Half Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 15 April Podcast recorded: 11 March
We’ve already seen immediate spikes and fluctuations in the oil price and the wider financial and commodity markets. But how will the UK economy be affected in the months to come and how heavy a price will British Business pay? RSM Chief Economist Tom Pugh shares his thoughts. Liz Barclay is Co-founder of Business 111, Special Adviser on Small Business & Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Directors and campaigner for tighter rules on late payments. She gives her views on the Government’s recently announced plans. Finally, with demand growing for AI assurance, what does good actually look like? Expert and Senior Programme Manager in Digital Ethics & AI at TechUK, Tess Buckley, fills us in. Links ICAEW: Iran conflict sends economic shockwave across the Gulf -https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/mar-2026/iran-conflict-sends-economic-shockwave-through-the-gulf Oil prices to stay elevated across Iran War scenarios - https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-stay-elevated-across-iran-war-scenarios-2026-03-27/ Late payments consultation response - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/late-payments-tackling-poor-payment-practices/outcome/late-payment-consultation-time-to-pay-up-government-response-web-version Government AI assurance roadmap - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trusted-third-party-ai-assurance-roadmap/trusted-third-party-ai-assurance-roadmap Ensuring responsible AI development - https://www.techuk.org/resource/ensuring-responsible-ai-development-let-s-talk-about-ai-assurance.html Host Philippa Lamb Guests Liz Barclay, Co-founder of Business 111, Special Adviser on Small Business & Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Directors Tess Buckley, Expert and Senior Programme Manager in Digital Ethics & AI at TechUK Tom Pugh, RSM Chief Economist Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 1 April Podcast recorded: 27 March
UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) are bringing sustainability reporting in line with international standards. So who will be mandated to use them and how will they apply in practice? The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is consulting on this at the moment. One of the people behind the international standards joins us and ICAEW’s Sustainability Reporting and Assurance Director to discuss the implications of this. Links UK Sustainability Reporting Standards - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-sustainability-reporting-standards FCA Consultation - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-5-sustainability-disclosures IFRS Sustainability Disclosures navigator - https://www.ifrs.org/issued-standards/ifrs-sustainability-standards-navigator/ ICAEW Government publishes UK SRS - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/feb-2026/government-publishes-uk-sustainability-reporting-standards Host Philippa Lamb Guests Ravi Abeywardana, ICAEW's Director of Sustainability Reporting and Assurance Richard Barker, a member of the International Sustainability Standards Board Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 10 March Podcast recorded: 9 February
There’s just one month to go till Making Tax Digital kicks in for Income Tax; we take a look at how the transition will go. There’s also a lot happening in corporate reporting at the moment – Sally Baker brings us up to speed. Links ICAEW: Making Tax Digital - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/making-tax-digital ICAEW: MTD: How to prepare your clients - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/mtd-how-to-prepare-your-clients ICAEW: FRC issues amendments to FRS 102 and FRS 105 - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/mar-2026/frc-issues-amendments-to-frs-102-and-frs105 ICAEW: Government publishes UK Sustainability Reporting Standards - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/feb-2026/government-publishes-uk-sustainability-reporting-standards Regulation plan update: Modernisation of Corporate Reporting - https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-10-21/hcws973 ICAEW: UK adopts IFRS 18 - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/dec-2025/landmark-moment-for-financial-reporting-as-uk-adopts-ifrs-18 ICAEW: IFRS 18 fact sheet (ICAEW members only) - https://www.icaew.com/restrictedmedia?mediaItemId=03545ebb-a068-48eb-b50c-13eede0e3804 Host Philippa Lamb Guests Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy, ICAEW Rebecca Benneyworth, ICAEW Chartered Accountant Producer Natalie Chisholm Series Lead Mark Rowland Episode first published: 4 March Podcast recorded: 23 and 25 February
This episode looks at routes to the C-suite, and the traits, skills and capabilities you’ll need to get you there. Accountants are highly represented in the C-suite, with one in four CEOs holding the qualification according to research by Robert Half. However, the working world is going through rapid technological and cultural transformation. So how is that changing the competencies that organisations look for in their leaders? And how can you best prepare yourself for taking on those roles in the future? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode here - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-get-to-the-c-suite/transcript Links ICAEW: Soft skills for leaders (CPD) - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jul-2025/free-cpd-soft-skills-for-leaders ICAEW: Traits of modern CFOs - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/jul-2024/what-traits-make-up-the-modern-cfo ICAEW: Eight lessons from my first year as CFO - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/feb-2026/eight-lessons-from-my-first-year-as-a-cfo ICAEW: How to deal with team conflict - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jan-2026/management-skills-how-to-deal-with-team-conflict Host Philippa Lamb Guests Neil Cutting, Transformation Director at Oracle Zana Goic Petricevic, leadership transformation expert Richard Davis, founder and CEO, FNLY Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 10 February 2026 Podcast recorded: 21 January 2026
This episode covers AI and tax work and ISA 600 on group audits, following the release of two pieces of guidance on the topics. With several tax cases in which AI has been used and provided incorrect or misleading information, we outline how to apply the five fundamental ethical principles to AI use. ISA 600 on group audits was revised, effective for audits of financial statements for periods commencing on or after 15 December 2023. These changes are quite wide ranging, particularly when it comes to the treatment of component auditors. We go through the details. Links: ICAEW: Professional conduct in relation to taxation (PCRT) - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/working-in-tax/pcrt ICAEW: Auditing groups of companies - https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/audit/group-audit HMRC v Gunnarsson - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688240632b6fd60b7c16100d/HMRC_v_Gunnarsson_final_decision.pdf ICAEW: PCRT Guidance on ethical use of AI - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/working-in-tax/pcrt/topical-guidance-application-of-pcrt-to-ethical-use-of-artificial-intelligence-tools ICAEW: Use of AI criticised in tax case - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/aug-2025/use-of-ai-criticised-in-tax-case ICAEW: Group auditing: nine key changes for auditors - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/jan-2026/group-auditing-nine-key-changes-for-auditors Host Philippa Lamb Guests Sophie Wales, Director of Regulatory Policy at ICAEW Catherine Hardinge, Partner, Price Bailey Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 3 February 2026 Podcast recorded: 28 January 2026
Celsius network claimed to be a safe place to trade digital currencies and assets. In reality, it was using customers’ money for its own ends. In the first Behind the Numbers of the New Year, we explore the collapse of digital currency platform Celsius network, the scandal that followed, and its lasting impact on crypto asset regulation, particularly custody. Since that scandal, international regulators including the Financial Conduct Authority have been looking at custody rules and wider regulation around digital assets. But are they on the right track? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode here - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-the-celsius-scandal-is-reshaping-crypto-regulation/transcript Links Founder of Celsius sentenced to 12 years for fraud - https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/founder-celsius-sentenced-12-years-fraud-and-market-manipulation Celsius investigation: all the red flags - https://fortune.com/2023/02/07/celsius-network-investigation-red-flags/ FCA Crypto Roadmap - https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/documents/crypto-roadmap.pdf FCA: Stablecoin issuance and Cryptoasset Custody proposals - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp25-14-stablecoin-issuance-cryptoasset-custody ICAEW: The Future of crypto regulation: key considerations - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/nov-2025/the-future-of-crypto-regulation-key-considerations Host Philippa Lamb Guests Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, ICAEW Jessica Caws, Co-Head of Financial Services at Birketts LLP Shermeen Kazmi, Partner, Grant Thornton Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 12 January 2026 Podcast recorded: 16 December 2025
In the first episode of 2026, our usual team of soothsayers David Williamson, Frances Haque and Iain Wright review the events of the past 12 months, and look ahead to what we might expect in the coming year. Will 2026 be more of the same, or will there be some reasons to be cheerful? Could the AI bubble burst, or will it just deflate? And did our panel get anything right last year? Transcript Read the full transcript of this episode - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/a-world-cup-bump-an-ai-slump-2026-predictions/transcript Links ICAEW: The 2025 predictions episode - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/accountancy-insights/trump-tariffs-and-eu-turmoil-2025-predictions ICAEW: UK Business Confidence Monitor - https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/business-confidence-monitor ‘The AI bubble will burst’ - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0m7h23s Host Philippa Lamb Guests Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEW David Williamson, Political Editor, Sunday Express Frances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UK Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 31 December 2025 Podcast recorded: 15 December 2025
With Christmas round the corner, we’ve put together a special best of episode of Behind the Numbers, featuring some of the most memorable conversations from throughout the year. From discussions of Trump and tariffs on our 100th episode to one of our favourite conversations on the history of money, it’s an excellent way to remind yourself of what went on this year – or catch up on what you’ve missed. Links: ICAEW: Rebuilding trust in volatile times - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/rebuilding-trust-in-volatile-times ICAEW: Appraising Starmer’s Labour - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/appraising-starmers-labour ICAEW: How to bounce back from a cyber attack - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-bounce-back-from-a-cyber-attack ICAEW: Dealing with uncertainty and mental health - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/dealing-with-uncertainty-and-mental-health ICAEW: Can history teach us anything about digital money? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/can-history-teach-us-anything-about-digital-money Host Philippa Lamb Clips featuring Iain Wright, Chief Policy & Communications Officer, ICAEW David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, The Express Frances Haque, Santander Chief Economist Neil Hare-Brown, Founder, STORM Guidance Michael Hoare, partner, Kekst CNC Paul Guess, Case Management Officer at CABA Riaz Shah OBE, Professor of Practice, Hult International Business School Tony Moore, Lecturer in Finance, Henley Business School Polly Tsang, Senior Financial Services Regulatory Manager, ICAEW Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 18 December Podcast recorded: 7 November 2025
This episode is all about the Budget. What was in it? What are the implications? Was there anything positive to glean from it? Stepping in for Philippa Lamb on this episode, Guy Ruddle speaks to the usual economic dream team of Santander Chief Economist Frances Haque, David Williamson, who joins us from Portcullis House, and Iain Wright, ICAEW’s Chief Policy and Communications Officer. They share their views on the early publication of the OBR’s projections, the constant leaking ahead of the Budget, the economic implications of the measures included within it, and who it was actually for. Time codes 01’53”: The OBR’s leaked report 05’48”: The content of the Budget and its implications 10’07”: The lack of growth measures Links ICAEW: Budget 25: Do the tax changes meet the tenets? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/budget-25-do-the-tax-changes-meet-the-tenets Host Guy Ruddle Guests Frances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator, The Express Iain Wright, Chief Policy and Communications Officer, ICAEW Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 1 December 2025 Podcast recorded: 27 November 2025
This episode focuses on the integration of AI in audit processes, emphasising the need for practical guidance from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to build industry confidence, especially with smaller firms. The conversation highlighted the importance of human oversight, the role of third-party technology providers, the challenges of explainability and data security, and the need for clear communication with clients. Philippa Lamb is joined by Ramana McConnon, Head of Assurance Technology at the FRC, Jon Morris, Director of Audit and Professional Standards for Grant Thornton, and Martin Brown, Gen AI lead in Deloitte’s Audit technical team. Time codes 04’50”: Discovering the AI use cases and benefits of the new technology for smaller firms 13’49”: Understanding explainability and the need for human oversight with AI solutions 18’25”: Are off-the-shelf solutions enough and will firms need to make big investments? Links ICAEW: FRC publishes landmark guidance on the uses of AI in audit - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jul-2025/frc-publishes-landmark-guidance-on-the-uses-of-ai-for-audit FRC guidance on audit and AI - https://media.frc.org.uk/documents/AI_in_Audit.pdf ICAEW: AI in audit: opportunities and challenges - https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/ai-in-audit Host Philippa Lamb Guests Ramana McConnon, Head of Assurance Technology at the FRC Jon Morris, Director of Audit and Professional Standards for Grant Thornton Martin Brown, Gen AI lead in Deloitte’s Audit technical team Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 11 November 2025 Podcast recorded: 7 November 2025
In this episode, we’re exploring just how useful Large Language Models (LLMs) are when it comes to spreadsheets; what needs to happen by 18 November when it comes to Companies House ID verification; and how the OBR comes to its conclusions. Host Philippa Lamb is joined by Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University, to talk about his research into LLMs' effectiveness when it comes to spotting errors in spreadsheets, with some clear winners and losers from the process. Next, Mike Miller, ICAEW’s Economic Crime Manager, gives an update on Companies House ID verification and what Directors and accounting firms have to do to prepare. Finally, Martin Wheatcroft, Advisor on public finances for ICAEW, explains the role and methodology of the OBR. Time codes: Spreadsheets and AI – 01’06” Companies House ID Verification – 13’28” How the OBR works – 23’14” Transcript You can read a full transcript of the episode here: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/the-best-and-worst-genais-for-spreadsheets Links: ICAEW: The best and worst gen AIs for spreadsheets - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/the-best-and-worst-genais-for-spreadsheets Simon Thorne’s study on LLMs and spreadsheets - https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.17330 ICAEW: Authorised corporate service providers (ACSP) and ID verification - https://www.icaew.com/regulation/aml-supervision/aml-resources/acsp-and-id-verification ICAEW: ID verification is coming – everything directors need to know - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/co-house-id-changes-what-directors-need-to-know ICAEW: ID verification is coming – everything accounting firms need to know - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/co-house-id-changes-what-accountants-need-to-know ICAEW: Companies House: who needs to be an ACSP and when should they register? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/aug-2025/companies-house-who-needs-to-be-an-acsp-and-when-should-they-register UK productivity downgraded - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0rpve82jxvo Rachel Reeves v the OBR: chancellor aims to loosen the watchdog’s grip - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/11/rachel-reeves-v-the-obr-chancellor-aims-to-loosen-the-watchdogs-grip Labour fury at OBR is understandable but misplaced - https://www.ft.com/content/f1b53cb4-ba83-4b0a-a8f3-65ffab93b299 New Economics Foundation – A democratic fiscal framework - https://neweconomics.org/2025/08/a-democratic-fiscal-framework Host Philippa Lamb Guests Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University Mike Miller, Economic Crime Manager, ICAEW Martin Wheatcroft, Advisor on public finances, ICAEW Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 28 October 2025 Podcast recorded: 22nd October 2025 All views expressed on this podcast are those of the contributors and don’t necessarily reflect those of ICAEW or its members.
In this episode, we discuss how prepared organisations really are for cyber attacks, what to do if and when your business is affected, and how to manage the communications challenges. We have a great case study from a company that suffered a cyber attack, with plenty of lessons about how to mitigate the impact on customers and return quickly to business as usual. Philippa Lamb is joined by Peter Davenport, Crisis Communications Specialist, Definition Group; Michael Hoare, Director, Kekst CNC; Neil Hare-Brown, Founder, Storm Guidance; and Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise. Time Codes 11:01: Nadeem Raza from Microlise shares his cyber attack case study 15:07: A deeper dive into how M&S and Jaguar Land Rover are managing the ongoing challenges from cyber attacks 27:25: The speakers share their top tips for cyber attack preparedness Transcript: You can read the full transcript of this episode here: https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/behind-the-numbers/how-to-bounce-back-from-a-cyber-attack/transcript Links ICAEW: Cyber Security awareness - https://www.icaew.com/technical/technology/cyber-security/cybercrime-awareness-month ICAEW: Four cyber security lessons from M&S and other breaches - https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/oct-2025/four-cyber-security-lessons-from-mands-and-other-breaches Host Philippa Lamb Guests Peter Davenport, Crisis Communications Specialist, Definition Group Michael Hoare, Director, Kekst CNC Neil Hare-Brown, Founder, Storm Guidance Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 14 October 2025 Podcast recorded: 7 October 2025
We’re all navigating uncertainty right now. How can accountants manage it professionally and personally? Riaz Shah OBE, former EY Partner and Professor of Practice at Hult International Business School, breaks down the biggest factors affecting the profession at the moment, and how it might shape the role and future of accountants. Then Paul Guess, Case Management Officer for accountants’ support charity CABA, talks about the mental toll that the current environment is taking on professionals, and the kind of support that they can expect to receive. Links: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/icaew-annual-conference http://caba.org.uk/ https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/sep-2025/global-trust-in-chartered-accountants-rises-in-ai-world https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2025/jul-2025/ai-should-it-replace-junior-roles Host Philippa Lamb Guests Riaz Shah OBE, Professor of Practice, Hult International Business School Paul Guess, Case Management Officer, CABA Producer Natalie Chisholm Episode first published: 8 October 2025 Podcast recorded: 25 September 2025