SAICA and US Accounting Bodies Renew Mutual Recognition Agreement to Enhance Global Professional Mobility
This milestone agreement, effective from January 27, 2026, until June 30, 2031, reaffirms the substantial equivalency between the Chartered Accountant South Africa [CA(SA)] designation and the United States Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) credential. The renewal provides a streamlined pathway for qualified professionals in both jurisdictions to obtain reciprocal credentials, fostering greater international mobility for accountants in a globalised economy. Moreover, this U.S. agreement is a key component of SAICA’s global strategy. SAICA’s strength lies in its extensive network of MRAs and diverse Pathways to membership, which affirms the CA(SA) designation as a "global passport”. These agreements dismantle the traditional barriers to international practice, offering South African professionals unparalleled mobility across the world’s largest and most influential economies.
For Patricia Stock, CEO of SAICA, the renewal of the MRA is a powerful validation of South African excellence. "This agreement reflects the high esteem in which the CA(SA) designation is held globally," Stock notes. For her, this isn't just a regulatory update; it’s a strategic move to keep South African accountants at the cutting edge. "By renewing this partnership with NASBA and the AICPA, we are ensuring our members remain at the forefront of the global accounting profession while continuing to maintain the integrity, quality, and brand of the profession in South Africa”.
Across the Atlantic, the sentiment is echoed by leadership in the United States, which illustrates a shared commitment between the two nations.
“Our relationship with SAICA is built on trust and shared expectations for the profession,” said NASBA President and CEO Daniel J. Dustin, CPA. “This renewal strengthens that foundation and reflects the consistency between our countries’ regulatory systems. It also makes it easier for qualified professionals to navigate opportunities between our countries while maintaining the standards each of our organisations expects”.
The result of this collaboration is the removal of the "administrative hurdles" that so often stall brilliant careers. It creates a streamlined path; a professional "fast-track"; allowing U.S. CPAs and South African CAs to bring their expertise to new markets without being buried in red tape.
As Jim Knafo, AICPA’s Director of Global Alliances, puts it, the agreement is a living promise of support for the modern, mobile professional. “This renewal builds on our strong and trusted partnership with SAICA. We’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting cross-border opportunities for accounting professionals in both the U.S. and South Africa.”
In an increasingly interconnected economy, this partnership ensures that whether a US CPA is in Johannesburg or a CA (SA) is in New York, the standard of the profession remains unshakable.
Issued by the SAICA Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Team
About SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is recognised as the world’s leading accounting institute and is home to the leading CA designation in the world. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 60 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants (CAs[SA]), as well as associate general accountants (AGAs[SA]) and accounting technicians (ATs[SA]), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.
SAICA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1,8 million fellow Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop, and promote the role of Chartered Accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers, and advisers.
SAICA media contact
Kgauhelo Dioka, ***@saica.co.za or +27 68 087 1867
Manager: Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
SAICA Strategic Affairs Division
About NASBA
Since 1908, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has served as a forum for the nation’s Boards of Accountancy, which administer the Uniform CPA Examination, license approximately 653,000 certified public accountants and regulate the practice of public accountancy in the United States.