The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is the only body authorized by law to register and grant practising certificates to certified public accountants (CPAs) in Hong Kong. The Institute has more than 35,000 members and more than 17,000 registered students. Members of the Institute are entitled to the description "certified public accountant" and to the designation CPA.
The Hong Kong Institute of CPAs evolved from the Hong Kong Society of Accountants, which was established on 1 January 1973.
The Institute operates under the Professional Accountants Ordinance and works in the public interest. The Institute has wide-ranging responsibilities, including assuring the quality of entry into the profession through its postgraduate CPA qualification programme and promulgating financial reporting, auditing and ethical standards in Hong Kong. The Institute has responsibility for regulating and promoting efficient accounting practices in Hong Kong to safeguard its leadership as an international financial centre.