Background
The Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) is the government authority responsible for overseeing professional standards, licensing, and oversight of accountants and auditors in Cambodia. The Cambodia Tax Agent Federation Association (CTAFA) is an association that represents firms and practitioners providing tax agent services within the country.
Cooperation agreements between regulatory agencies and professional associations in the accounting and tax sectors establish formal mechanisms for information sharing, technical coordination, and joint guidance to the private sector. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a documented instrument commonly used to record agreed roles and channels of cooperation between a public regulator and an industry association.
Key Developments
On 14 October 2026 ACAR officials participated in an online meeting with representatives of CTAFA to review the contents of a draft Memorandum of Understanding. Participants from ACAR included H.E. Bou Tharin (Director General), Mr. Toem Satya (Director of the General Affairs Department), Mr. Nob Sambath (Director of the Department of Professional Accounting and Auditing Management) and technical staff; CTAFA was represented by H.E. Dr. Tep Sidthanna (Vice President and Chair of the Advisory and Solutions Committee) with technical officials.
Institutional Role
The draft MoU under review is intended to document cooperation between ACAR and CTAFA on professional and technical matters relating to accounting, auditing and tax agent services. Establishing a formal record of cooperation provides a reference point for coordination between regulatory oversight (ACAR) and private-sector tax agent services (CTAFA).
Implications for Businesses and Practitioners
A finalized agreement would create a documented basis for regulator–association coordination that businesses and practitioners can reference when seeking information on professional standards or joint initiatives. The review process itself signals active engagement between the public regulator and a major industry association in the finance and tax services sector.
Source: ACAR Facebook post, 14 October 2026 — https://www.facebook.com/acarcambodia/posts/pfbid024fcSznXP4wMPnnSfX24PjDUvVq3qNLVQCSms9MZ2sE6Vcni6yESXJzpRa231cqBVl
