PANEL DISCUSSION

Balancing Innovation and Risk:
‍How Investment, AI, Cybersecurity & Talent Challenges Are Re-shaping the Accountancy Marketplace

Esther Mallowah

Head of Tech Policy, ICAEW

Esther is responsible for thought leadership and influencing technology policy to enable businesses, accountants, and society to benefit from technology while limiting its harm. Her areas of focus are AI (Regulation, Assurance and Skills development) and Cyber Security. She has experience in technology audit, risk management and consulting having worked in the Big 4 and in various financial services organisations. She is a member of the British Standards Institution’s AI Committee (ART/1) which represents the UK in International AI Standards Development. She studied Software Engineering and is also an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.

Richard Hattersley

Managing Editor, AccountingWeb

Richard Hattersley is the Managing Editor of AccountingWEB, the UK’s leading publication for the accounting profession, where he oversees content that keeps accountants and finance leaders ahead of the curve. A business journalist for over a decade, he reports on tax, technology, firm growth, and the latest industry trends, helping to keep the profession informed, engaged, and moving forward with innovation. He also plays a key role in shaping two of the profession’s flagship events, the Finance, Accounting & Bookkeeping Show (FAB) at the Birmingham NEC and the Accounting Excellence Awards, the UK’s premier awards programme celebrating the best in the profession.

Kyle Wilkinson

Strategic Industry Advisor, Workday
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Kyle Wilkinson is the Strategic Industry Advisor for the Professional & Business Services industry at Workday covering EMEA. Kyle has spent his entire career supporting customers in the Professional & Business Services industry as they go through technology transformations. He started his career as a technology consultant helping large organizations through global Project & Portfolio Management (PPM) rollouts, then moving into presales helping professional services organizations as they evaluate Professional Services Automation (PSA) solutions. Kyle joined Workday over 5 years ago to help grow the PBS industry vertical. Having worked with hundreds of PBS organizations of different sizes across many subindustries, Kyle is passionate about the Services industry and helping customers achieve success.

Matthew Canning-Wall

Matthew is an experienced host and facilitator, renowned for bringing energy, humour, and insight to events around the world. Whether guiding panel discussions, moderating debates, or leading workshops, he creates an atmosphere that is both engaging and inclusive. His skill lies in drawing out meaningful conversations, keeping audiences connected, and ensuring every participant feels involved. Confident on stage and adaptable across cultures and formats, Matthew is trusted globally to make events flow seamlessly and memorably.