Dear Esteemed Members of the Bengaluru Branch,

I trust this message finds you well and thriving. As we move forward into the month, it's a time to reflect on our achievements, embrace ongoing endeavours, and anticipate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This past month, we were honoured to host the CA Women's Conference, a landmark event that underscored the invaluable contributions and growing influence of women in the field of Chartered Accountancy. With an impressive line-up of Speakers and sessions tailored to inspire and empower, the conference drew participation from a wide spectrum of our membership. I am immensely proud of the dialogue and connections fostered during this event, showcasing the strength and diversity of our profession. My heartfelt congratulations and thanks to everyone who played a part in orchestrating this monumental success.

With the bank audit season upon us, it's crucial to gear up and approach this period with diligence and preparedness. Bank audits are distinctive in their complexity and the depth of understanding required to navigate them effectively. Below are essential strategies and considerations to ensure a successful audit season:

Stay informed about the latest from the RBI, our own institute, and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and excellence in your audits.

Focus on the bank's risk management strategies and the accurate identification and classification of NPAs.

Leverage advanced auditing tools and techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your audits.

Assess the bank's cybersecurity measures and IT infrastructure critically to ensure robust protections are in place.

The most important part “Professional Skepticism” Maintain an inquisitive and questioning approach throughout your audit processes to uncover and address potential discrepancies.

Engage with peers, attend workshops, and participate in discussions to share knowledge and experiences that enrich our professional community.

The bank audit season challenges us to apply our skills and knowledge rigorously, upholding the high standards of our profession.

As we progress through the year, our commitment to fostering innovation and professional excellence continues to guide our endeavors. In the coming pages, you will find detailed insights into a variety of initiatives and events that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has in store. Among these, one particularly exciting event stands out, promising to be a cornerstone of innovation and networking for India's rapidly growing startup ecosystem.

We are thrilled to announce the ICAI Startup Sphere 2024, an extraordinary event that underscores our dedication to nurturing the creative and entrepreneurial spirit within India's startup community. This initiative is a collaboration between the Development of International Trade, Services & WTO Directorate and the Committee on MSME & Start-up, ICAI. It is our pleasure to host this event at the Bengaluru Branch (SIRC), taking place from 27th to 29th June 2024 at the iconic Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO), Bengaluru, India, from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM.

ICAI Startup Sphere 2024 is designed to be a transformative experience for attendees, featuring a dynamic blend of investor presentations, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and insightful discussions. The event will showcase carefully curated pavilions, each focusing on diverse themes critical to startup success, including technology, scaling & growth strategies, Startup Master Class sessions, investor pitches, exhibitions, Startup Tank, and much more.

This gathering is anticipated to attract a wide range of participants, including startups, investors, industry experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs. It aims to delve into essential topics such as policy frameworks, technological advancements, market access, and investment prospects. Our goal is to foster India's growth as a global hub for startups, facilitating connections between local and international stakeholders.

We invite you to join us on this enriching journey, where you can engage in meaningful conversations, seek guidance, and explore funding opportunities. This premier event promises not only to connect you with key players in the startup ecosystem but also to inspire and propel your ventures to new heights. Further details about this event are available on our website.

 Special Announcement for Bengaluru Branch Members

The Bengaluru Branch (SIRC) is pleased to announce the Annual Membership for our Regular Offline Study Circle Meetings, conducted on Wednesdays for Structured 2/3 hrs. CPE Meetings. This initiative aims to facilitate CPE learning activities and foster the exchange of professional knowledge among the members of the Branch. Members can avail of this annual membership for the period April 2024 to 31st December 2024. Adhering to the CPE Guidelines, a Two/ three-hour CPE Credit will be awarded exclusively to members who have signed and attended the program on the specified dates/events. For more information on how to avail of this membership, please visit our website, the last date to avail of this annual membership is 30th April 2024.

I encourage every one of you to actively participate in these upcoming opportunities. Your involvement is invaluable to the vibrancy and success of our branch. Let us leverage these platforms for learning, growth, and professional development.

I am incredibly thankful for your continued dedication and enthusiasm. Your contributions not only enhance our profession but also positively impact our community. As we move forward, let us maintain our commitment to excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

May this month bring you professional growth, meaningful connections, and opportunities to excel. Together, we will navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, strengthening our profession and our community.

Warmest regards,

CA. Pramod R Hegde

Chairman

Bengaluru Branch