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Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CFO Conference 2025: Saif Ullah, FCA President, ICAP
TEXT: On behalf of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, I warmly welcome all participants to the CFO Conference 2025. Scheduled for May 6 and 8, 2025, in Karachi and Lahore respectively, this event marks the continuation of a legacy that ICAP has proudly upheld for over a decade. The CFO Conference has become a hallmark event in the financial and business sectors, symbolizing excellence, innovation, and leadership. Over the years, ICAP has successfully organized 24 editions of the CFO Conference across the country, attracting over 10,000 participants from diverse industries and professions. This remarkable track record is a testament to ICAP's unwavering commitment to providing finance professionals and business leaders with a platform to engage, learn, and collaborate. This year's conference theme, "Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge," highlights the evolving role of CFOs in today's dynamic business landscape—one where disruption is constant, technology is transformative, and expectations are higher than ever. CFOs are no longer just stewards of financial discipline; they are architects of strategy, enablers of innovation, and champions of sustainable growth. As the business environment becomes more complex and fast-paced, agility, foresight, and adaptability are essential traits for leadership. I am confident that this conference will inspire bold thinking, spark actionable insights, and foster impactful connections that will help shape a more resilient and competitive economic future for Pakistan. The conference includes thought-provoking sessions on Leadership Metamorphosis, Exploring the Investment Horizon, and Riding the Economic Wave, along with deep dives into Empowered Growth through the integration of Shariah-compliant offerings and digital banking, and Beyond Compliance focusing on ESG adoption — the conference is designed to equip CFOs with the tools, strategies, and foresight needed to lead with confidence and resilience in the face of constant change. In addition to the conference, I am delighted to announce the 3rd iteration of the Professional Excellence Awards (PEA). Following the success of last year's awards ceremony, the PEA aims to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of ICAP members in business and industry. This initiative highlights ICAP's commitment to honoring excellence and innovation within our community. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman of the Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee ICAP, and the dedicated members of the committee for their amazing efforts in organizing this year's conference and awards ceremony. I look forward to engaging with all of you at the CFO Conference 2025 and witnessing the transformative impact of our collective efforts in shaping the future of finance and business in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CFO Conference 2025: Muhammad Ishaq Dar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan
TEXT: It is a matter of great pleasure for me to extend my warmest greetings to all participants of the CFO Conference 2025, themed 'Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge.' This timely and pertinent theme resonates strongly with the current economic realities of Pakistan, highlighting the critical imperative for financial leadership to respond with agility, think with foresight, and embrace innovation. In an era defined by volatility and rapid technological advancement, adaptability is not merely a strategic advantage—it is an indispensable necessity. Since its inception in 2010, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan's (ICAP)'s CFO Conference has been a cornerstone event, providing a platform for industry leaders and experts to converge, discuss, and strategize on critical issues shaping the field of finance. Through the commendable efforts of the ICAP Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee, the conference has evolved into a sought-after yearly gathering of local and global thought leaders. This year's theme underscores the imperative for businesses to pursue innovation-driven growth, foster organizational agility, and sharpen their competitive edge amidst an increasingly complex and fast-paced economic landscape. With thought-provoking sessions on Leadership Metamorphosis, Exploring the Investment Horizon, and Riding the Economic Wave, along with deep dives into Empowered Growth through the integration of Shariah-compliant offerings and digital banking, and Beyond Compliance focusing on ESG adoption — the conference is designed to equip CFOs with the tools, strategies, and foresight needed to lead with confidence and resilience in the face of constant change. The theme 'Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge' holds immense significance for the Government of Pakistan as it directly impacts the country's economic prosperity. By fostering a business environment that encourages innovation, embraces technological advancement, and prioritizes agility, we empower our institutions and enterprises to respond more effectively to global economic shifts. This theme aligns with the government's vision of creating a resilient and future-ready economy — one that not only adapts to change but leads it. Through strategic reforms, digital transformation, and sustainable practices, we aim to unlock Pakistan's full potential and position the nation as a competitive force in the regional and global landscape. The Professional Excellence Awards (PEA) are a commendable initiative that recognizes the outstanding contributions of ICAP members, inspiring excellence and setting a high standard for the profession. In conclusion, I extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Saif Ullah, President of ICAP, Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman PAIB Committee & Vice President of ICAP, and all those who have contributed to the successful organization of this esteemed conference. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CFO Conference 2025: Muhammad Aurangzaib Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Pakistan
TEXT: I extend my congratulations to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), for hosting the ICAP-CFO Conference. This conference stands as one of Pakistan's foremost financial industry events, providing a platform for distinguished national and international experts, key opinion leaders, and academia to share their invaluable insights. In today's evolving global economy, resilience and adaptability have become cornerstones of sustainable progress. For Pakistan, navigating fiscal pressures while pursuing long-term economic stability demands forward-looking financial leadership. It is encouraging to see ICAP emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also the strategic agility that is essential to navigate such volatility. I am pleased to note that this year's CFO Conference theme, 'Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge', powerfully reflects the evolving role of finance leaders in today's fast-paced and dynamic business environment. The theme highlights the need for CFOs to go beyond traditional financial stewardship — to become strategic enablers who drive innovation, foster agility, and build a sustainable competitive edge for their organizations. I am confident that the insights and dialogue emerging from this forum will deepen our collective understanding of the CFO's critical role and contribute meaningfully to the profession's ongoing evolution. I commend ICAP for hosting the third edition of the Professional Excellence Awards, a remarkable initiative celebrating members' outstanding leadership and global impact. My best wishes for its continued success and recognition of excellence. Finally, I express my gratitude to Mr. Saif Ullah, President ICAP, Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman PAIB Committee & Vice President of ICAP and all individuals involved in organizing this event. My appreciation extends to all those who have dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the success of this conference and the PEA ceremony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Financial management: CFOs are agents of transformation, says ICAP chief
KARACHI: The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) successfully organized the CFO Conference 2025 under the theme 'Quantum Leap: Agility & Competitive Edge' at a local hotel. In his address of welcome, Saifullah, President ICAP, extended his appreciation to the guests, organizing committee, council members, sponsors and participants. He underscored the pivotal role of CFOs as agents of transformation — not only in ensuring sound financial management but also in steering organizations towards digital integration, ethical governance, and sustainable growth. Samiullah Siddiqui, Vice President and Chairman of the PAIB Committee at ICAP, highlighted the relevance of this year's theme as a reflection of the rapid transformation reshaping today's business and financial landscape. He emphasized the critical need for finance leaders to foster agility, adopt emerging technologies, and proactively create strategic value within their organizations. The keynote address, Leadership Metamorphosis: Recalibrating CFOs in Motion, was delivered by Saqib H Shirazi, CEO of Atlas Honda. He underscored the multidimensional evolution of the CFO role—from traditional financial stewardship to strategic business leadership—highlighting the CFO's capacity to drive performance, innovation, and resilience amid today's volatile economic landscape. A prominent feature of the conference was the panel discussion titled Empowered Growth: Leveraging the Digital Ecosystem, moderated by Syed Faraz Anwer, Partner at A.F. Ferguson & Co. The panel brought together distinguished leaders including Humayun Sajjad, CEO of Mashreq Bank; Rizwan Ata, CEO of Bank Islami; and Farrah Rostamzaad, Head of Client Servicing at Marsh. The session offered deep insights into unlocking scalable growth through digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced financial agility. In a thought-provoking presentation titled Ethics in AI: Safeguarding Trust & Transparency in Finance, global technology thought leader Mr. Warren Knight examined the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and ethics. He underscored the necessity of robust governance frameworks to uphold transparency, trust, and accountability in algorithmic decision-making within the financial sector. Mr. Jamil Qureshi, Federal Secretary of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), delivered an insightful address on Investment Opportunities in Pakistan: Evolving Business Climate, shedding light on Pakistan's strategic potential and the growing landscape of opportunities for both local and international investors. Arshad Mahmud, acclaimed music composer and actor, shared his reflections in a captivating session titled Notes, Numbers & Narratives: The Arshad Mahmud Perspective. The session provided a profound exploration of the intersection between creativity, culture, and personal evolution, offering valuable insights into the artistic and human dimensions often overlooked in the world of finance. The human capital dimension was brought into focus through the panel discussion titled The Human Balance Sheet: Future-Proofing Talent & Leadership. The panel featured distinguished speakers including M. Ahmad Khan, Director HR, Dawlance and Sharon Ditchburn, Vice Chairperson, IFAC PAIB Advisory Group, and was expertly moderated by Farhan Mithani, CEO, QICT. The discourse underscored the imperative of cultivating diverse talent pipelines, embedding future-ready competencies, and fostering leadership grounded in empathy and adaptability. In an engaging fireside chat titled Beyond Compliance: ESG for Sustainable Success, Memosh Khawaja, Founder of ILMNET, joined environmentalist Afia Salam to examine the evolving ESG landscape. The dialogue emphasized the need for finance leaders to transcend compliance-driven frameworks and integrate sustainability as a strategic imperative within organizational DNA. Lee White, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), delivered a compelling keynote address titled Finance in the Age of Acceleration: Navigating Complexity with Agility. He urged finance professionals to proactively embrace artificial intelligence, sustainability imperatives, and inclusive leadership models to sustain relevance and competitiveness in an increasingly complex global economy. The concluding panel discussion, Riding the Economic Wave, convened eminent thought leaders in finance and journalism, including Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister of Pakistan; Mr. Amjad Waheed, CEO, NBP Funds; Irfan Siddiqui, CEO, Meezan Bank; and Shabbar Zaidi, Former Chairman, FBR. Moderated by M. Shuja Qureshi, Presenter of Nukta, the session provided critical insights into Pakistan's macroeconomic trajectory, fiscal policy landscape, and evolving business environment. The conference also featured the third edition of the Professional Excellence Awards, celebrating exemplary leadership and transformative impact across diverse sectors. In the Business Enabler – Public Entities category, accolades were presented to Mr. Muhammad Rizwan (K-Electric), Mr. Salman Amin (Competition Commission of Pakistan), and Mr. Mohammed Irfan Amanullah (Attock Cement). The Business Leader – Non-Public Entities award was conferred upon Kamran Nishat (Muller & Phipps), while the Public Entities category recognized Muhammad Ali Zeb (Adamjee Insurance) and Farhan M. Haroon (Haleon Pakistan). The Emerging Leader Award honored Iqra Sajjad (Packages Group), Basat Humayun (Samba Bank), and Saad Un Nabi Khan (P&G Pakistan). In the Finance Leader category, Imtiaz Jaleel (Tapal Tea) was awarded for Non-Public Entities, while Syed Manzar Hassan (PAEL) and Shagufta S. Hassan (Aga Khan University) were recognized under Public Entities. The Overseas Excellence Awards acknowledged global contributions from Dr. Rahim Somani (America), Khurram Nagori (Europe), Humayun Habib (ASEAN/Oceania Region), Asad Zain (KSA), and Abdul Haleem Sheikh (UAE). This year also marked the introduction of the Entrepreneur Leadership Award, bestowed upon Faisal Qamar, Co-Founder & CEO of Decibel BPO Pvt. Ltd. The well-attended conference provided a platform to leading industry experts and business professionals to discuss, debate and seek pragmatic solutions of emerging business and finance issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
