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Despite recorded growth, the credit crisis has started affecting accounting services in Australia. PricewaterhouseCooper Australia is the highest earning firm with A$5.7 billion in combined fee income. But demand from clients in certain sectors is seen to decline.

The demand for the accountancy profession in the Middle East has shown tremendous growth during the past year. This has been attributed to the surge in oil prices along with a growing real estate market.

The Swedish economy has contributed to considerable growth and opportunity for accounting firms. The performance of some of these firms is presented though concerns are raised about the proposed changes in audit legislation.

Accounting companies in the UK are concerned that the insistence of the UK Audit Inspection Unit (AIU) on implementing stringent documentation might represent a move away from principles and towards rules. The AIU completed a report on the accounting procedures and individual audits conducted by accounting firms in the April 2007-March 2008 period.

The Forum of Firms (FoF) has a total of 21 full members with the latest addition of accountancy networks IEC and JHI International. Mark Tenzer, chairman of JHI International executive committee, says that the network is hoping to attract more clients with the help of the FoF membership. The membership procedure and requirements in the FoF are given.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has opened the company's first office in Algeria, expanding its presence further in north Africa. The firm's senior partner Yacin Mahieddine reveals that the move is part of an effort to serve vital industries such as infrastructure, telecommunications, oil and gas, and financial services. PwC's plans for the office in Algeria are presented.

Jean Stephens, the first female executive at RSM International, says she is uncertain about her next career move but reveals that she is interested in continuing work at RSM. Stephens thinks that there remains a gender gap in the accounting profession. Stephens' plans for RSM International are presented.

Tan Theng Hooi, new leader at Deloitte Malaysia, plans to establish the company as a leader in Islamic banking in the country. Hooi believes that the country is becoming the forefront of the booming sector. Other plans for Deloitte Malaysia are presented.

Turkish mid-tier audit firm Kapital Karden has opened an office in Baku, Azerbaijan, which is seeing increased audit demand and investments. Kapital Karden sees the new market as a European gateway and plans to serve clients with the introduction of Azeri's statutory requirements in 2009. Other details on the new office are discussed.

Alvarez and Marsal has started operations in Spain and appointed leaders to create operations across Europe. Ramon Tisaire and Stefaan Vansteenkiste will head the new office. The company's performance improvement plan is focused on private equity firms.

Mike Bishop on becoming European Chairman of Nexia International speaks about the role he has to play in collaborating with all the strategic member firms. He highlights the challenges that Nexia has to prepare for and how it must expand its presence across Europe.

Rodl & Partner, the global professional services firm is continuing its foray into South East Asia with the opening of a new office in Hanoi, Vietnam, the earlier one being in Ho Chi Minh City. The Hanoi office will specialize in consultancy on human resources, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, etc.

All in the industry is welcoming the revised CPA law in Taiwan, which is responsible for regulation reforms in the accounting sector. The new legislation has brought domestic accounting on par with international standards, providing greater freedom in organizing structure for accounting firms and will strengthen the accounting environment.

The differences of opinion have arisen in Sweden following the decision of the government to decide the size the company that would need audit.