Asia-Pacific Conference 2026

July 2026

Russell Bedford International recently welcomed member firms from across Asia Pacific to Bali for its 2026 regional conference, hosted by local member firm Russell Bedford SBR.

CEO Stephen Hamlet and Chair Daniel Ryba opened the conference, before Stephen presented Unlocking Potential: Your International Network, exploring how the network is supporting firms in today’s rapidly changing environment.

Quality and consistency across the network were also firmly on the agenda. Director of Professional Standards Helen Bimbassis led a session on Empowering Progress, exploring how a strong approach to quality can support firms as they adapt, grow and respond to change.

Syahril Ramadhan of PPATK, Indonesia’s financial intelligence unit, then examined the country’s evolving AML/CFT/CPF landscape. Using regional case studies, he explored its wider relevance across Asia Pacific, including the risk spectrum and common control failures affecting firms.

Day two began with practice and regional update interviews hosted by Stephen Hamlet, giving firms the opportunity to share developments from their respective markets. The discussions covered economic conditions, changes across the profession, firm performance, recruitment and retention, evolving service offerings, the adoption of technology and AI, and successful collaboration across the network.

Business and mindset coach Raimonda Gecaite followed with an engaging session on resilience, exploring how professionals can maintain their wellbeing and achieve peak performance during periods of sustained pressure.

The afternoon turned to technology and collaboration. Justin Woods examined how firms are putting artificial intelligence to work in practice, while Associate Director of Network Engagement, Kathryn Davis explored how member firms can work together more effectively across borders.

The conference concluded with a session on succession planning led by Gavin Foo and Peter Shields, encouraging delegates to think strategically about leadership transition, future growth and the long-term legacy of their firms.

Reflecting on the event, Stephen commented:

“I arrived in Bali at the end of a few weeks travelling across Asia, from Seoul to Colombo and Kuala Lumpur, and I heard the same message everywhere I went. Our profession is not disappearing, it is evolving. AI will continue to automate routine work and analyse data faster than any of us can, but the firms that thrive will be the ones who adopt technology while strengthening the human skills valued most by clients. That is what I saw at our Asia-Pacific Conference, and it is why the relationships we build across our network matter so much.”

Delegates also enjoyed time together away from the sessions, with dinner and drinks on both evenings providing plenty of opportunity to swap ideas, compare notes on their own markets and connect in person with colleagues they usually meet on screen.

We extend our thanks to Russell Bedford SBR for hosting, and to every speaker and delegate whose contributions made the conference such a success.

Conference presentations and additional photographs from the event are available to members via the intranet.