Regulation, risk and what’s next: Keeping pace with crypto — and the profession

THE world of crypto-assets is evolving at breakneck speed. What began as a niche, “wild west” corner of finance is now a global market worth more than US$3 trillion. 

For CPAs, this rapid evolution brings both opportunity and responsibility.

CPA Canada’s CPA Canada Connects series last month explored what CPAs need to know about the next phase of crypto. Ryan Leopold, banking and capital markets assurance and financial risk management leader at PwC, joined CPA Canada’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, Michele Wood-Tweel, to break down how the crypto-ecosystem is maturing and what it means for organizations, auditors and advisors.

From the rise of stablecoins and tokenization to emerging regulatory frameworks in Canada and abroad, Leopold noted the clear shift from early “get rich quick” speculation toward growing institutional adoption, long-term business use cases and the demand for stronger market infrastructure.

"One of the great things about the digital assets market is it doesn’t stand still," Leopold said. "As new products are created, technologies change and regulation evolves, the opportunities for CPAs to be involved will continue to expand."

A national bridge to timely insights

From crypto risks and opportunities to AI governance and timely tax updates, CPA Canada Connects offer verifiable CPD hours and timely, practical information from trusted experts on the issues shaping business. CPA Canada members enjoy monthly sessions included in their dues, featuring thought leaders from across Canada and around the world who translate complex developments into clear, actionable takeaways.

Live or on-demand, the sessions offer flexible, high-impact professional development that ties national and global insights to everyday work. Topics have ranged from evolving tax policy and AI-enabled tax tools to business integrity, financial crime and shifting regulatory expectations—helping CPAs anticipate, rather than react to change.

Complementing this monthly programming are Quarterly Economic Updates hosted by CPA Canada’s Chief Economist. These deep-dive briefings empower CPAs to interpret economic signals and data — such as inflation, labour market dynamics and population growth — through a CPA lens.

Both programs give CPAs the opportunity to engage with national experts in real time. In its first year alone, the series generated more than 100,000 views across just 16 sessions — a clear indicator that CPAs value concise, relevant learning they can immediately apply.

A membership model built for real-world careers

As CPA careers evolve across borders, industries and technologies, CPA Canada launched a new national membership model on April 1, designed to reflect the realities of today’s profession.

The idea is simple: no two CPA careers look the same, so membership shouldn’t either.

Under the new model, every Canadian CPA can stay connected to the national body while choosing the level of support that best fits their professional needs:

Advantage – The most comprehensive support, including up to 20+ hours of on-demand learning, $1,295 in CPAStore credits and exclusive access to Tax 360 Advantage, a premium toolkit featuring core integration with Wolters Kluwer CCH AnswerConnect®, Canada’s leading tax research library.

Member – Focused on professional growth. Members receive up to 16+ hours of professional development annually through programs like CPA Canada Connects and Quarterly Economic Updates, plus $200 in annual CPA Canada credits for courses, conferences and learning resources.

Affiliate – Complimentary connection for CPAs who want to stay informed through select resources and news, while contributing to the profession’s collective voice in national advocacy.

As CPA careers evolve across borders, industries and technologies, CPA Canada launched a new national membership model on April 1, designed to reflect the realities of today’s profession. Experience the strength of CPA Canada’s national network of trusted experts and see how the new membership model can help you stay ready for what’s next. CLICK ON IMAGE FOR MORE.

Choose the equation that works for you

At its core, the new model is about empowerment — giving CPAs the flexibility to invest in the learning, tools and insights most relevant to their careers and ambitions. 

From timely discussions on crypto-assets to deeper technical training, CPA Canada helps you find the right answers quickly, so you can make confident decisions and focus on the work you do best.

Experience the strength of CPA Canada’s national network of trusted experts and see how the new membership model can help you stay ready for what’s next.

Title image courtesy Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. This sponsored content was produced by CPA Canada.