ICAN Launches Global Accounting Initiative in Nepal (GAIN) Project

Kathmandu - The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) has formally launched the Global Accounting Initiative in Nepal (GAIN) Project, a national-level initiative aimed at positioning Nepal as a competitive global hub for accounting and finance outsourcing services.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at Everest Hotel, Kathmandu, where ICAN also unveiled the official promotional video of the GAIN Project and launched a dedicated web portal for accounting and finance outsourcing in Nepal.

The GAIN Project is a strategic response to the rapid global expansion of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), particularly in high-value services such as accounting, auditing, taxation, payroll, and financial reporting. With developed economies facing a growing shortage of accounting professionals and increasing acceptance of remote service delivery, ICAN believes Nepal is well positioned to tap into this expanding global market.

Speaking at the event, ICAN President said the GAIN Project aligns with ICAN’s statutory mandate and long-term strategic vision.

“GAIN is not merely a professional initiative; it is an economic transformation agenda,” he said. “Nepal already possesses qualified talent, cost competitiveness, and strong English proficiency. Through GAIN, we aim to institutionalize these strengths and present Nepal as a trusted, high-quality global accounting outsourcing destination.”

According to ICAN estimates, nearly 1,000 Nepali accounting professionals are already engaged in international outsourcing services, generating approximately USD 45 million annually in foreign currency earnings, even without structured government facilitation. The GAIN Project aims to significantly scale this impact through coordinated policy advocacy, skill development, infrastructure support, and global branding.

As part of the initiative, ICAN launched a dedicated accounting outsourcing web portal, which will serve as an official platform connecting Nepali accounting and finance outsourcing professionals with international clients. The portal will feature verified service providers and comprehensive information on Nepal’s outsourcing ecosystem to enhance global market access.

Under the GAIN framework, ICAN will lead efforts in country branding, strategic marketing, skill development, international collaboration, research and policy advisory, and ecosystem development. The initiative will also advocate for regulatory and policy reforms, the establishment of dedicated BPO/KPO hubs, and improvements in digital infrastructure.

ICAN projects that the GAIN Project could generate employment for more than 150,000 individuals annually and earn over USD 6 billion per year within the next decade.