By Sungesh Singh – get in touch
I recently returned from the UHY Asia Pacific Conference in Shanghai, my third visit to this remarkable city. Each visit reminds me how quickly our profession is evolving. The greatest value of a conference like this is never really the presentations. It is strengthening trusted relationships with colleagues across Asia-Pacific, the kind of connections that create opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and deliver better outcomes for clients back home.
AI is no longer a future conversation
A recurring theme throughout the conference was that AI is no longer a future concept for our profession. It is reshaping professional services now. Discussions centred on how AI is already improving efficiency, research capability and data analysis within accounting and advisory work, and the pace of that change was a common thread across almost every session.
At the same time, delegates were consistent on one point: technology is no substitute for professional judgement, experience and trusted client relationships. Firms that embrace AI thoughtfully, while keeping sound professional judgement at the centre of what they do, will be the ones best placed to support clients in the years ahead. The tools are changing fast. What clients need from an adviser is not.
Cross-border business and the case for a trusted network
International taxation and the growing complexity of cross-border business activity were a major topic of discussion. As businesses expand beyond their traditional geographic boundaries, access to trusted advisers with local expertise has never mattered more. Being part of a global network means we can draw on specialist knowledge from around the world the moment an international issue arises, rather than starting from scratch or relying on a generic referral. The UHY network spans approximately 100 countries, giving us access to expertise across a wide range of jurisdictions when a client's business takes them beyond New Zealand.
Employee mobility is creating risks businesses do not see coming
Employee mobility attracted significant attention, and it is easy to see why. Advances in technology mean more people are choosing to work remotely from different locations around the world. Whether an employee relocates temporarily, works from overseas for a stretch, or embraces a full digital nomad lifestyle, these arrangements can create unexpected taxation, payroll and compliance obligations for both the individual and the employer. Understanding those risks before they arise, rather than after a compliance issue surfaces, is becoming increasingly important for any business with staff working across borders.
While technology and regulation continue to evolve, relationships remain at the heart of successful business. Strong international networks provide access to knowledge, experience and support that help businesses navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence.
The visibility conversation
Another message that resonated strongly was around visibility. Expertise alone is no longer enough. We also need to share what we know in ways that educate and build trust, rather than assuming clients will discover our knowledge only when they happen to need it. At UHY Haines Norton, we will be encouraging team members with a passion for communication to share insights from their work, regulatory developments and experiences across the profession, through short articles and social media. It is an opportunity to make our knowledge more accessible while strengthening our connection with clients and the wider business community, and you will likely see more of that from us over the coming months.
What this means for you
If your business is expanding across borders, managing staff who work remotely from overseas, or simply trying to keep pace with how quickly AI is changing professional services, these are exactly the conversations we are having with our international colleagues on your behalf. A strong network is only useful if it gets put to work, and that is what conferences like this one are for.
The few days in Shanghai were hosted by our colleagues at Zhonghua Certified Public Accountants LLP, bringing together offices from across the Asia-Pacific region alongside members of the UHY International Board. It created an excellent platform for sharing technical updates, exploring thought leadership and discussing the opportunities ahead for both our firms and our clients. More than anything, it was a strong reminder of the strength of our international network, built on collaboration, shared expertise and lasting relationships.
I returned to New Zealand energised with fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to innovation, quality and collaboration. Technology will continue to transform our profession. Trust, relationships and delivering real value for clients will always remain at the heart of what we do.
Expanding internationally, or managing staff overseas
Get in touch ifyour business is dealing with cross-border tax questions, remote or mobileemployees, or wants a sense of how AI is likely to affect the advice youreceive. We are happy to talk it through.
