Alliott Global Alliance Celebrates 100-Country Milestone and Unveils Ambitious ‘Strategy 2030’

The future of professional services, shaped by the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and the trend of outside investment in law and accounting firms, took center stage at Alliott Global Alliance’s (AGA) Worldwide Conference in Toronto in November 2025.

The annual conference brought together 155 delegates from prominent mid-sized law and accounting firms across 39 countries. Over four days, attendees engaged in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and focused networking, all dedicated to exploring the key professional, technological, and strategic trends defining the industry’s future. Delegates also had the opportunity to experience the famously vibrant culture and hospitality of Toronto, at a time when the Toronto Blue Jays were playing in the MLB Playoffs.

A Major Milestone: 100 Countries Strong

A pivotal moment of the Toronto conference was AGA’s celebration of reaching a remarkable 100-country milestone. This achievement, nearly five decades in the making, is a testament to the Alliance’s shared values, resilience, professional excellence, and enduring commitment to cross-border collaboration.

Following a warm welcome from Worldwide Chair Giorgio Marcolongo, AGA’s CEO, Giles Brake, launched the business sessions by presenting ‘Strategy 2030’. This five-year framework outlines key objectives: enhancing excellence and client trust, accelerating cross-border business growth, ensuring member firms’ future-readiness, and strengthening the Alliance’s overall resilience.

Excellence Awards

The conference also played host to this year’s Excellence Awards acknowledged member firm best practices in areas including international business development, brand ambassadorship, best referral, innovation, and social responsibility. Alliotts were proud to win and award for the firm, but also a well deserved individual award for Alliotts Partner, Qi He.

• Alliotts LLP – Global Winner – International Business Development: Recognising those who have proactively expanded the geographic business of existing clients or spearheaded business development initiatives with new clients.
• Qi He – Best Newcomer: Recognising those who have made an immediate impact within the AGA community, both personally and professionally. It honours members who have quickly become visible advocates and driven opportunities for others.

Insights and Best Practices

Breakout sessions provided members with valuable insights into practice innovation, technology adoption, and cross-border cooperation.

• Law firm attendees delved into new legal technology that is driving greater efficiency and fundamentally reshaping corporate transactions. The opportunities within the global private credit market were also highlighted by UK lawyer Phil Slater.
• Accounting breakouts featured Jeremy Hyman of JHA, who offered guidance on how independent accounting firms can strategically invest in AI and transformative technology to leverage their unique strengths. Additional sessions focused on fostering greater cross-border collaboration across the key service lines of tax, private wealth, and corporate mobility.

Conference Highlights

The conference program featured a diverse line-up of inspiring speakers and informative discussions:

• Billy Anderson, leadership coach and author, entertained and inspired attendees to embrace courage and step outside their professional comfort zones.
• Sue Warman of AICPA & CIMA provided sharp focus on AI and the future of work, emphasizing that AI serves as a ‘leveller’ for mid-sized firms, provided they maintain a human-centric approach.
• Tom Clark, Canada’s Consul General in New York, facilitated a timely fireside chat on navigating North American business in the context of the new U.S. political landscape.
• Returning speaker Bruno Strunz delivered a memorable and powerful presentation on buyer behaviour and practical strategies for enhancing cross-selling and revenue growth.

One of the most engaging sessions was a panel focused on the established trend of outside investors taking stakes in professional services firms. Led by Guy Longhurst and Paul Forsyth of law firm Ellisons, panellists from various countries compared developments across the accounting and legal sectors, debating the pros and cons of accepting outside investment and stressing the importance of selecting the right platform.

CEO Reflections and Future Vision

Reflecting on the successful event, Giles Brake commented:

“As one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, Toronto provided the perfect backdrop against which to celebrate our 100-country milestone. However, with significant volatility in the business and professional services markets, now is certainly not the time for us to sit back and admire the view. This year’s Worldwide Conference set out the vision for where AGA plans to be by 2030 and the must-win battles that lie ahead.”

“We believe the future remains extremely bright for strong mid-size firms that know what they need do to remain relevant to clients, maximize their resilience, and just as importantly, retain their independence. We firmly believe that AGA provides the optimum framework for such firms to thrive in the years ahead.”

“Finally, a big thank you to local member firms Prasad & Company and Wildeboer Dellelce for their outstanding hospitality. We now look forward to the next Worldwide Conference in Istanbul in October 2026.”

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