Strengthening Our Ties in Greater China: DFK's Latest Tour
Stephen Bushell, President of the Board, Cheree Woolcock, Vice President of DFK Asia Pacific, Angelu Yu, Partner at CIB Accountants & Advisers, Australia, and Marco Vignoli, Founding Partner at Studio Vignoli, Italy, spent a week meeting with existing DFK member firms, leading law firms, and the China Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA). Their goal was to strengthen relationships, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and discuss how DFK can further assist firms in expanding their capabilities to better serve their clients.
Stephen Bushell shared, “It is always a pleasure to visit our members. This time we had the chance to reconnect and engage with our Greater China members together with some of the top law firms in China and the China Institute of CPA’s. Sharing our plans and goals for DFK and understanding our members’ needs in the region were two important goals for our visit. Building new relationships and getting the chance to engage with potential new partners was also a great experience that will provide DFK with future opportunities. The potential to grow DFK in this important region is immense as we continue to support our members while also seeking new opportunities."
The journey began in Beijing with visits to some of China’s leading law firms and the China Institute of CPAs, followed by a warm welcome from our DFK member firm Peking Certified Public Accountants.
The team then engaged with legal professionals and reconnected with a former Beijing member firm now considering rejoining DFK. As they rebuild their international presence following Covid-19, discussions focused on exploring ways to utilise DFK’s international platform to strengthen cross-border collaboration, expand client services and reconnect with the global DFK community.
The next stop was MarcumAsia’s office in Guangzhou, followed by a visit to their Hong Kong office and AMA CPA Limited, one of DFK’s longest-serving member firms in the region. While in Hong Kong, the team also met with JCK & Associates Consulting, winners of the DFK Asia Pacific Firm of the Year 2024 award, to celebrate their contributions to DFK over the years. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence on the profession and opportunities for professional development.
Cheree Woolcock said, "The recent trip was a successful way of reconnecting with existing members as well as forming the foundation of lasting relationships with new and potential members. Discussions around exploring opportunities to collaborate not only in the Greater China region but globally were very well received. Insightful meetings with accounting professional bodies and leading legal firms has led to a deeper understanding of the region.
The reconnection and growth in this region is part of the broader strategic vision of DFK both at an Asia Pacific and International level. We look forward to working together in the future.”
The tour concluded with a visit to Sino-Bridge China Consulting Ltd, marking the end of an insightful and extremely rewarding journey. As the team reflected on the trip, one key takeaway stood out: meeting in person is invaluable. Strengthening personal relationships and sharing knowledge firsthand reinforces the global unity that defines DFK.
DFK International encourages all members to take the opportunity to visit fellow firms around the world. By doing so, we continue to grow together, expanding our abilities to serve clients across borders. A huge thank you to all the firms who welcomed the team and contributed to such a successful trip!
This is DFK. United Globally.