ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Hong Kong successfully held its Annual Tax Conference 2025 last Saturday. Under the theme ‘From uncertainty to strategy: Tax insights for businesses in Hong Kong’, the conference gathered distinguished leaders in finance and accounting industry. Notable speakers included Benjamin Chan, JP, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and Irina Fan, Director of Research, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The event focused on how businesses in Hong Kong can navigate an ever-changing landscape, seize emerging opportunities, and maintain stability amidst uncertainty.

As one of ACCA Hong Kong’s flagship annual events, the ACCA Tax Conference is a highly anticipated occasion within the local accounting community, serving as a premier platform for industry experts to exchange insights and expertise. This year's conference featured four sessions: a keynote speech, a fireside chat with CIR, and two panel discussions. These sessions explored pressing issues, including global uncertainties and their ripple effects on Hong Kong businesses, the latest tax developments for a better Hong Kong, strategies for mitigating risks in cross-border tax disputes, and tax considerations in supply chain restructuring.

During the fireside chat, Benjamin Chan, JP, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, IRD discussed the latest developments in taxation. ‘The IRD has actively promoted tax digitalisation in recent years, which includes enhancing the e-filing functions for profits tax. In July 2025, three new portals will be launched to provide and enhance e-filing functions and other e-services for individual taxpayers, businesses and tax representatives, making it more convenient for taxpayers to electronically submit their tax returns. This initiative is in line with the phased implementation of mandatory e-filing for profits tax returns. The IRD is also exploring the digitalisation of the Certificate of Resident Status (CoR). Furthermore, the “Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Minimum Tax for Multinational Enterprise Groups) Bill 2024” is currently under review in the Legislative Council. The Government is examining stakeholders' feedback and considering revisions to the Bill in various aspects, including the general anti-avoidance rule, the time limit for raising top-up tax assessment, penalties and more. The final Bill is pending confirmation upon the release of the latest revised version,’ he stated.

Irina Fan, Director of Research, HKTDC, said in her keynote speech: ‘Geopolitics, war, climate risks, and  other factors are reshaping global supply chains towards regionalisation and resulting in trade diversion. In the past few years, Mainland enterprises have been actively expanding to new markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East to mitigate supply chain and geopolitical risks. We anticipate that the recent tariffs imposed by the US on its major trading partners including China's imports will have a minimal impact on Hong Kong and Mainland China. In this new landscape, Hong Kong's position as an international business hub will increasingly play a crucial role in supporting mainland enterprises in going global. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the HKTDC, more than 77% of mainland enterprises are seeking financial and professional services support from Hong Kong, including accounting, taxation, and legal assistance, to help expand their international networks.’

Stanley Ho, Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong, said in his welcome speech, ‘In today’s rapidly evolving environment, particularly with Trump’s administration back in power, global developments are having far-reaching impacts. Businesses must stay well-informed, adapt swiftly, and remain prepared for uncertainty. This year’s theme, “From uncertainty to strategy: Tax insights for businesses in Hong Kong” underscores the importance of foresight and agility in navigating these challenges. We are honoured to bring together industry leaders and professionals to share their expertise and insights. ACCA Hong Kong is committed to leveraging our accounting expertise and social responsibility, fostering opportunities for professionals, driving industry growth, and responding proactively to market changes.’

The conference not only provided attendees with valuable insights and strategic guidance but also served as a crucial forum for Hong Kong businesses to navigate the complexities of the global landscape. As a forward-thinking professional accountancy body with a global reach and vision, ACCA plays a leading role in developing the profession that drives a sustainable future for all. ACCA Hong Kong remains committed to working closely with government bodies and industry stakeholders to equip businesses and finance professionals with the latest tax trends, regulatory developments, and best practices. Through our professional expertise and international perspective, we continue to support businesses in tackling challenges, seizing opportunities, and achieving long-term growth. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the government for its support, to all participants, and to Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC for their sponsorship, all of which contributed to the success of this conference.

The ACCA Tax Conference has gathered experts from diverse backgrounds. Guest speakers and moderators are as follows:

Welcome Speech:

• Stanley Ho, FCCA, Chairman, ACCA Hong Kong

Keynote Speech: Global uncertainties and their ripple effects on Hong Kong businesses

• Irina Fan, Director of Research, Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Fireside chat with CIR: Latest tax development for a better Hong Kong

• Benjamin Chan, JP, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Inland Revenue Department
• Anita Tsang, FCCA, Advisor, Tax Sub-committee, ACCA Hong Kong and Partner, Tax Policy and Knowledge Management, KPMG China (moderator)

Panel Discussion: Mitigating risks in cross-border tax disputes

• Petrina Chang, Transfer Pricing Partner, Deloitte China
• Wilson Cheng, FCCA, Vice Chairman, ACCA Hong Kong and Partner, Tax Leader, Hong Kong and Macau, EY
• Jenny Hau, Assistant Vice President, Pacific Century Group
• Rebecca Wong, FCCA, South China Tax Markets Leader, PwC
• Polly Wan, FCCA, Co-chairman, Tax Sub-committee, ACCA Hong Kong and Partner, Tax & Business Advisory Services, Deloitte China (moderator)

Panel Discussion: Tax considerations and strategies in supply chain restructuring

• Kenneth Leung, Partner, KPMG China
• Kenny Wei, FCCA, Member, Tax Sub-committee, ACCA Hong Kong and Partner, Transfer Pricing Services, EY
• Ce Wu, FCCA, Senior Director – APAC Tax and Global M&A Tax, ams OSRAM Group
• Gloria Chan, FCCA, Co-chairman, Tax Sub-committee, ACCA Hong Kong (speaker cum moderator)

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