TFS Gulf 
- Chartered Accountants in India have traditionally been restricted from advertising under the ICAI’s Code of Ethics (Chartered Accountants Act, 1949).
- But now, in 2025, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is rethinking this decades-old rule.
- Why?
How ICAI historically regulated CA Firms
For decades, ICAI enforced a highly regulated, conservative framework.
Here’s what that meant:
| Regulation Area | ICAI Rule (Until Now) |
|---|---|
| Advertising | Prohibited—CA firms couldn’t promote their services publicly |
| Success Fees | Not allowed—even for advisory work like M&A or litigation support |
| Firm Branding | Firm names limited to partner surnames—no commercial branding allowed |
| Mergers & Networks | Allowed only under strict conditions |
| Foreign Ownership | Prohibited—to ensure Indian control and independence |
| Website Content | Permitted, but tightly regulated—no promotional content allowed |
Indian CA Firms may be allowed to advertise? No!
For decades, Indian CAs built their reputation through quality work and word-of-mouth alone.
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