Webinar On Digitizing Transactions And Fintech Ecosystem

From banking to retail operations, financial technologies are bringing in radical transformations in the ways financial transactions are managed and governed. There is greater flexibility yet rising concerns for associated risks in digitalizing operations. Digital Assurance and Accounting Board (DAAB) of ICAP, comprising of leading technology and domain experts from diverse background in association with Pakistan FinTech Association is proposing for a webinar on the theme emerging trends in FinTech. One of the functions of the Board is to create and disseminate necessary technical knowledge that augments changing demand for professionals to be technologically grounded within the emerging financial technologies. Under the guidance of the Board, an awareness webinar on FinTech infrastructure is being proposed for all members.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/ICAP.CA/videos/369112638217809

Webinar On Data Privacy And Cyber Security In A Digital Era

This webinar strives As the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, increase in cyber threats is among the greatest global risks. Companies are under pressure to digitize and automate, however, often this has been built on the backbone of ageing technology; which has led to disruptions and greater exposure to cyberattacks and ransomware. Cyber threats are now growing faster than our ability to prevent and manage them effectively. While other nations have enacted via comprehensive data privacy legislations in response to the pressing need, Pakistan must prioritize the creation of strong data protection and cybercrime laws as part of a larger cyber security policy. The webinar will shed light on the evolution, challenges, current trends and prospects for emerging needs in data privacy and cyber security for corporate sector

Watch the complete webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=364686898417402

Seminar On How To Thrive In An Information Age

To harness challenges of digital era, organizations need right people with the appropriate skills to bring in necessary competitive advantage. As such, finance professionals are now required to develop data literacy to be able to marry business acumen with analytical and predictive skills for agile decision-making.

Some of the other critical challenges of technology are system security and audit. As compared to conventional processes that are human centered, technology has changed the ways businesses are performance. Information Systems, where are providing tools to bridge technological advances and business profitability, also are subject to security threats, malware and data protection issues.

Professionals, in order to bring proactive approaches for business sustainability, must also be vigilant of latest developments, international best practices and risk mitigation strategies in both data analytics as well as information systems.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/ICAP.CA/videos/369112638217809

Mentorship Program On Data Analytics

This webinar strives As the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, increase in cyber threats is among the greatest global risks. Companies are under pressure to digitize and automate, however, often this has been built on the backbone of ageing technology; which has led to disruptions and greater exposure to cyberattacks and ransomware. Cyber threats are now growing faster than our ability to prevent and manage them effectively. While other nations have enacted via comprehensive data privacy legislations in response to the pressing need, Pakistan must prioritize the creation of strong data protection and cybercrime laws as part of a larger cyber security policy. The webinar will shed light on the evolution, challenges, current trends and prospects for emerging needs in data privacy and cyber security for corporate sector.

Sap Learning Hub Free Program

The Digital Assurance and Accounting Board, understanding the usefulness of ERP training for CA students launched the free SAP learning hub. The program was launched on November 7, 2022. The Board piloted the program for 250 students as it required ICA Pakistan’s domain email ID. However, in the month of December all 1450 CAF qualifying students were given access to SAP Learning Hub. Digital Board is of the view that all CA students should be offered this program and plans giving access to the 43,720 active students.

Implementation Of SAP S4 Hana

ICA Pakistan is migrating to SAP, this will enable the institute to streamline and strengthen its administrative process to improve member and student engagements and decision making, below are some key advantages to be gained by this implementation:

• Streamlined processes.
• Enhanced reporting and analytics
• Enhanced Member and Student experience
• Self Service Portal
• Improved Communication
• Automation of requests
• Improved turnaround times
• Improved Budgeting and Forecasting
• Be equipped with future growth.

Webinar On Finance And Audit Automation With Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Board of ICA PAKISTAN, organized a transformative webinar on “Finance and Audit Automation with Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence” on March 3, 2023. The webinar intended to provide participants with practical guidance on how to implement finance and audit automation solutions using data analytics and artificial intelligence. Overall, webinar on "Finance and Audit Automation with Data was not only informative but interactive as well, allowing students and members from Pakistan, the Middle East, Europe, and North America to ask questions via chat.

In today's world, technology plays a critical role in driving businesses forward, and data has become a key driver of success. With the widespread adoption of digitization, companies and professionals can no longer afford to dismiss data, automation and technology as mere buzzwords. As a result, the business landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with a massive amount of data readily available, making it imperative for businesses to analyze this data in an efficient manner to remain competitive.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjbJyHUkmys

Webinar On Countering Frauds, Cybercrimes & Cutting-edge Forensic Techniques

The Digital Board of ICA Pakistan recently hosted a webinar on August 25, 2023, addressing the growing concerns of fraud, especially during the pandemic. Titled “Countering Frauds, Cybercrimes & Cutting-Edge Forensic Techniques,” the goal was to empower professionals worldwide with the knowledge and tools needed to combat these evolving challenges in the digital era.

The webinar covered a wide spectrum, offering insights into fraud prevention, cybercrime mitigation, and advanced forensic investigation techniques. The webinar covered a wide spectrum, offering insights into fraud prevention, cybercrime mitigation, and advanced forensic investigation techniques. This webinar strives to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of fraud prevention, cybercrime mitigation, with the help application of cutting-edge forensic investigation techniques. Through insightful panel discussions and expert guidance, participants will gain valuable insights into the latest trends, preventive measures, and investigative techniques, which will help in ensuring safety, security and authenticity of the digital transactions, consequentially mitigating the risks and losses.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxHoKKmzdb0

Webinar On Skillsets Of The Future: Artificial Intelligence And Robotic Process Automation

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way we live and work. This webinar is your gateway to mastering AI concepts and building valuable insights. This event promises insights and knowledge that will shape your future as an accountant in the era of AI and RPA.

This ground breaking webinar is your guide to understanding the indispensable skills crucial for the forthcoming workforce. In a swiftly shifting environment, mastering of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence has shifted from an option to an absolute necessity for anyone aspiring to keep pace with the demands for evolving job market.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://fb.watch/p6k6RCn4Ij

Digital Technology Awards

Celebrating Excellence In Finance Technology: The 1st Ever Digital Technology Awards

In its ongoing endeavor to recognize, appreciate and encourage the usage of cutting-edge technology in making business decisions and in the field of Accounting, Internal Audit and Data Analytics by chartered accountants, the Digital Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) hosted the inaugural Digital Technology Awards - AccounTech Innovation Congress, on 12th August, 2023 in Karachi, Pakistan.

The overarching goal of the Awards was to provide a platform to display skills and talents in innovative cutting-edge technology, enabling professionals from all sectors including finance and technology sectors.

During this event, both local and international Pakistani companies showcased impressive innovations and state-of-the-art technologies, with a noteworthy presence of ICA Pakistan Chartered Accountants among four team members.

Watch the complete webinar here: https://icap.org.pk/files/per/publications/data/DTA-2023-article.pdf

Huddle Meet Up “Technology Assurance Certificate

The huddle meet-up organized by the Digital Board of the ICA Pakistan on December 15, 2023, brought together participants of the Technology Assurance Certificate Program in an immersive exploration of the dynamic field of Tech Assurance. This event served as a nexus where industry leaders converged to delve into the cutting edge of technological advancements.

The huddle served as a valuable platform for participants to connect with mentors, trainers, and fellow participants. As a gesture of recognition, those who successfully completed the Technology Assurance Certificate Program were honored with certificates, symbolizing their commitment and achievement.

Mr. Farrukh Rehman, a Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, shared insights into the journey of the Technology Assurance Certificate Program. He unveiled the challenges and triumphs faced by the core team in developing the TAC program. Following this, Ms. Khursheed Kotwal, Chairperson of the Digital Assurance and Accounting Board, illuminated the way forward for TAC.

A key highlight of the event was the keynote address by Mr. Syed Khalid Noor, who shared his incredible experiences in a senior management role, particularly in managing technology risk. This provided participants with valuable insights into real-world applications and challenges.

The event commenced with a ceremony to distribute certificates, acknowledging the hard work and successful completion of the program. Guest speaker Heena Sadiq shared her anticipation of how the audit profession is likely to change in the next five years due to technology disruptions, offering participants foresight into the most in-demand skills.

Ziad Chowdhrey, presenting the CFO's perspective, captivated the audience with insights that enriched their understanding. The minds behind the program, Mr. Hassan Husseinali and Ms. Zainab Hameed, facilitated a powerful and interactive session, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights.

The entire program garnered high praise from participants, showcasing the event's success in providing a remarkable platform for learning, networking, and recognizing achievements in the dynamic field of Technology Assurance. The event concluded on a high note with closing remarks from Saira Nasir, encapsulating the collaborative spirit and forward momentum of the Tech Assurance Huddle Meet-up.

The Application of Generative AI in Finance & Accounting Domain: A Hands-on Training Workshop

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of finance and accounting, offering transformative potential for professionals in these fields. Recently, the Digital Assurance and Accounting Board of ICAP organized a workshop focusing on the application of Generative AI in finance and accounting.

It provided a comprehensive understanding of Generative AI and its potential impact on finance and accounting practices. Industry experts elucidated the mechanics of Generative AI, dispelled common misconceptions, and explored its real-world applications within the financial sector. Furthermore, the workshop sought to address key challenges and considerations surrounding the implementation of Generative AI, including privacy concerns and regulatory frameworks.

The event featured insights from industry experts, including Mr. Farrukh Rehman, President of ICAP, Mr. Nabeel Mirza from Kanbina London, Mr. Farzad Sunavala from Microsoft, and Ms. Khursheed Kotwal, Vice President and Chairperson- Digital Assurance and Accounting Board.

Link to Workshop

Industry Engagement and Future Initiatives – A Series of Webinar

Following the Digital Technology Awards, DAAB initiated strategic discussions with industry leaders to explore future collaborations. In response to professional demand, ICAP announced an upcoming webinar series with the award-winning teams to: Showcase award-winning projects.

• Provide a platform for knowledge sharing.
• Inspire further innovation within the community.

The webinar series by Alfalah Bank and Telenor Microfinance bank has received an immense response from the viewers.

Meet up with The Digital Technology Award Winners - 2024

Following the successful Grand Finale of The Digital Technology Awards held on 2nd August 2024, the President ICAP, Mr. Farrukh Rehman, along with Vice President Ms. Khursheed Kotwal, Secretary Mr. Omair Jamal, and the ICAP team, extended their warm congratulations to the winning teams.

During the post-awards gathering, several insightful discussions were held, focusing on areas of mutual interest and potential collaborations with industry leaders. As a result of these engagements, and at the request of professionals in the field, ICAP will be launching an exciting webinar series.

Celebrating Excellence: TAC Huddle Meet-Up 2024

On November 8, 2024, the DAAB hosted the Technology Assurance Huddle Meet-Up, celebrating milestones, shared learning, and the strong community forged through recent cohorts. This vibrant gathering brought together participants, mentors, industry leaders, and tech gurus. Participants were awarded certifications, symbolizing their expertise and commitment to technology assurance.

With over 200 professionals trained in cybersecurity, IT audit, risk management, and information security compliance, the program continues to set benchmarks.

Data Analytics Training Program

The Digital Board has successfully launched five new cohorts of the globally recognized and highly acclaimed Data Analytics Training Program. With over 1,300 participants fully trained, the program continues to gain momentum and establish itself as a benchmark in professional development.

To meet the growing demand and maintain its reputation for excellence, the Board plans to launch new batches every month in the coming year. To support this expansion while ensuring uncompromised quality, a robust pool of trainers has been strengthened through the onboarding of new, carefully vetted vendors. This initiative underscores the Board’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, high-quality training to a global audience.

Technology Assurance and Certificate Program

The Digital Assurance & Accounting Board of ICAP has successfully trained over 200 professionals through its 44-hour online Technology Assurance Certificate Program. This comprehensive program equips participants with essential skills in cybersecurity, IT audit, risk management, and AI-powered automation. To broaden the market of this program the board has taken an initiative to revamp the program as per the demand of market.

Data Analytics Huddle – Power of Progress

In addition to the celebration, the event featured a Power BI activity where participants worked on a structured business case study using raw datasets to develop insightful dashboards and compelling video pitches. This hands-on challenge highlighted their ability to convert complex data into clear, actionable insights.

The Huddle captured the true essence of progress, practical learning, and the growing strength of ICAP’ s data analytics community.

AI series for Business Excellence:

The Voice of CA Pakistan, in collaboration with the Digital Assurance & Accounting Board of ICAP, launched an exclusive series on AI in April 2025. The series brings together AI experts and industry leaders to uncover the future of Artificial Intelligence in business, finance, and the broader economy in diverse regions.

The series aims to provide valuable insights into the future of AI-driven strategies and their impact on organizations. Each episode explores the latest AI developments around the world as we dive into key areas shaping the future of business excellence, including workforce upskilling, AI-powered entrepreneurship, AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and ethical AI governance.

Data Analytics, Tips and Tricks - Ramadan Series

This Ramadan, the Digital Assurance & Accounting Board of ICAP launched a special initiative to enhance data analytics expertise through advanced Excel and Power BI. With insightful sessions uploaded every Wednesday and Friday at 4 PM (PST), professionals explored key techniques to improve data-driven decision-making.

From Conditional Formatting for trend analysis to mastering Excel Tables, INDIRECT, and automating Year-to-Date Sales with OFFSET, the series also covered Power BI interactivity with Bookmarks. Episodes available on website!

Webinar: Recognition event featuring winners of the Digital Technology Awards

On February 18, 2025, the Digital Assurance and Accounting Board of ICAP hosted an exclusive webinar celebrating innovation and excellence in technology. The event honored Easypaisa Bank Limited for securing 1st place in the "Use of Technology in Internal Audit" category at the Digital Technology Awards 2024.

The webinar showcased the ingenuity behind Easypaisa’s award-winning in-house Power BI application, designed to streamline and enhance internal audit processes. This end-to-end solution offers powerful tools, including a credit scoring model for branch performance evaluation, an electronic credit information dashboard for data-driven insights, and an audit quality assurance dashboard to uphold the highest standards.

This webinar marked the second episode in an ongoing series, with future sessions providing winners a platform to share their inspiring stories of innovation and success in the evolving digital finance ecosystem.

Program Launch: Mastering Intelligent Automation with RPA & AI – a structured course introducing practical applications of automation.

The much-anticipated “Mastering Intelligent Automation with RPA & AI” program officially launched on February 1, 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for professionals eager to explore the power of AI-driven automation. With an overwhelming response from participants across Oman, Pakistan, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, the program has brought together a diverse group of learners ready to adapt to the future of finance and technology.

As the program advances, Participants will dive deeper into intelligent automation strategies, financial applications, and cutting-edge AI tools, equipping them with the skills to drive innovation in their respective industries. The enthusiasm and engagement so far have been remarkable, and we’re eager to see the impact this cohort will create!

Tech Talk: Finance Reimagined with Artificial Intelligence & Robotic Process Automation – an expert-led discussion on AI & RPA in financial services.