Singapore Advances Integrated Professional Services Model Through ISCA–LawSoc Partnership

Singapore is strengthening its position as a regional hub for integrated professional services following a new collaboration between the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc).

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to align the capabilities of legal and accounting professionals, reflecting growing demand for coordinated, cross-disciplinary advisory services across Asia.

The partnership responds to a shift in client expectations, as businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions spanning legal, financial, and governance domains—particularly in cross-border transactions and expansion strategies.

Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA, said:
«This is a significant partnership for both organisations. Together, we are establishing a Professional Services Centre that connects businesses with the legal and accounting expertise they need, helping them close deals with confidence and manage the risks that come with operating across borders. It is about building real capability, strengthening Singapore’s professional services ecosystem, and giving our professional services firms and businesses, including SMEs, the support they need to pursue opportunities together with confidence.»

Focus on Talent and Digital Learning

As part of the collaboration, ISCA and LawSoc will co-develop a digital learning platform designed to support continuous professional development (CPD). The platform will provide on-demand, cross-disciplinary training modules, enabling lawyers and accountants to broaden their expertise beyond traditional boundaries.

The initiative will be supported by NTUC LearningHub, which will offer funding mechanisms such as SkillsFuture Credit and the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP). CPD courses are expected to launch later this year via NTUC LearningHub’s Learning eXperience Platform.

Joe Loy, Assistant Chief Executive and Managing Director of Digital Business at NTUC LearningHub, said:
«CPD is essential in ensuring lawyers keep their skills current as practice areas, regulations and client expectations continue to evolve. At NTUC LearningHub, our focus is on making CPD training practical, accessible and affordable, enabling lawyers to fulfil their professional requirements while building relevant capabilities. By working with industry partners such as ISCA and LawSoc, we aim to lower barriers to training and help more lawyers stay competent, compliant and ready for the demands of their profession.»

Exploring a Professional Services Centre

The partnership also includes plans to explore the establishment of a Professional Services Centre in Singapore. The proposed centre would serve as a one-stop platform connecting businesses with integrated legal and accounting services, supporting both inbound investments and outbound expansion.

The initiative builds on earlier efforts in regional cities including Nanjing, Hongqiao, and Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring Singapore’s ambition to anchor a network of professional services across Asia.

Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC, President of the Law Society of Singapore, said:
«Clients increasingly face issues that sit across law, finance and governance. Good advice depends on closer teamwork between lawyers and accountants. This partnership supports our members by strengthening training, expanding cross learning, and advancing initiatives such as a Professional Services Centre in Singapore to help firms compete and grow in the region.»

Reinforcing Singapore’s Position as a Trusted Hub

The collaboration comes amid a complex global economic environment, with Singapore continuing to position itself as a stable and trusted business hub for international companies.

Junie Fo, Vice President & Head, Professional Services at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said:
«Singapore is a trusted business hub where professional services firms support global and local businesses in navigating complex global dynamics. The partnership between ISCA and LawSoc strengthens Singapore’s professional services offerings through deeper cross sector sharing, while helping our accounting and legal talent develop emerging skillsets and enhance capabilities to support businesses in capturing new opportunities across the growing region. EDB looks forward to working with both organisations as we continue to grow Singapore’s Professional Services sector.