In 1997, the WTO Council for Trade in Services adopted Guidelines for Mutual Recognition
Agreements or Arrangements in Accountancy. Later, the Intergovernmental Working Group of
Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) under the United Nations
Committee on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) adopted guidelines for professional accountants
in 1999.
A number of mutual recognition agreements have been established between professional or industry
associations including the accountancy profession. The arrangements often entails international
standards, which are non-binding and considered “good practice” for education and professional
skills, guidelines for assessing professional capabilities and competence guidelines for members.
The accountancy profession around the world has established MRAs on bilateral and plurilateral
basis. For example, The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) initiates, coordinates, and
guides “good practice” to achieve international technical, ethical, and educational guidelines for
accountancy. IFAC has developed international standards for education and professional skills, as
well as guidelines for assessing professional capabilities and competence.