DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS)- Global accounting profession is entering a new phase as Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting began to converge, reshaping business risk, investor expectations and public trust. Financial experts said this at South Asia Federation of Accountants (SAFA) International Conference here Dhaka today. Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) at a city hotel, the conference was themed “Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting.”  The keynote was delivered by Adeeb Hossain Khan, former President of ICAB and Senior Partner of leading CA firm Rahman Rahman Huq. Khan emphasized that the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed. The conference brought together national leaders of the financial sector and international expertise, serving as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue on critical issues set to reshape regional and global professional collaboration, said a press release. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part in the event, which featured three technical sessions and a valedictory session. Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. AHM Ahsan, Chairperson, Bangladesh Competition Commission and Dr. Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Bangladesh, attended the conference as special guests. Touhid Hossain emphasized that the convergence of technology and sustainability is crucial for shaping a “new Bangladesh.”  Country’s aspirations for sustained economic growth and deeper global integration demand the professionals who are not only technically competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. AHM Ahsan, highlighted that technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges.  He observed that AI-driven systems can boost efficiency, strengthen compliance, and foster innovation. However, without strong ethical frameworks, AI also poses risks such as algorithmic collusion, market dominance abuses, opacity, and exclusionary practices, he noted. He urged that AI should be adopted with caution to ensure that Bangladesh can fully and responsibly harness its benefits. Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), world’s apex body of the accounting profession and Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Adviser to the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) attended the conference as guests of honour. Addressing the conference Bouquot underscored more transparency in financial disclosure while adopting AI could give the professional additional benefits to deliver the services efficiently.  He also emphasized on global relevance of the discussions and their potential to shape the future of the profession, particularly in sustainability reporting, ethical AI, and next-generation professional practices. ICAB President NKA Mobin delivered the welcome address while Muhammed Farhad Hussain, Past President of ICAB and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee also spoke on the occasion. ICAB President said the world needs ethical, competent, and forward-thinking accountants now more than ever. Farhad Hussain said the theme of the conference reflects not only where the world is heading, but also where the profession must lead.  Artificial intelligence and sustainability are no longer emerging concepts- they are already reshaping how organisations operate, how information is produced, and how trust is built, he said. Keynote speaker Adeeb Hossain Khan noted that modern sustainability reporting now affects capital allocation, regulatory compliance and market credibility, as climate and governance issues move into mainstream financial considerations.  He also stressed that the profession’s scope has expanded well beyond traditional accounting into risk modelling, valuation, assurance, investigation, and policy engagement. “AI can enhance transparency and predictive insight, but it does not carry ethical accountability or fiduciary duty,” Khan stated saying “These responsibilities remain inherently human, which is why ethical governance is essential.” He urged the professionals, regulators, and standard setters to work together to ensure that AI-enabled sustainability reporting remains transparent, explainable, and aligned with global standards and investor confidence.