Forvis Mazars at the IFA Congress 2026

Held from 18–22 October 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the congress provided a forum for international tax debate and professional exchange. Through an exhibitor booth at the congress, panel participation, professional network support and hosted events, Forvis Mazars connected its Australian and international tax teams with clients, colleagues and other tax professionals to share perspectives on cross-border tax challenges.

For corporate tax and finance leaders, the technical programme addressed issues relevant to cross-border operations and investment: the taxation of royalties and intellectual property, and tax and the energy transition. Sessions also explored transfer pricing of intangibles and the challenges of determining tax residence in an increasingly mobile world.

Asma Charki, Forvis Mazars Partner in Morocco, presented on the IFA technical panel for “Taxation of royalties for the use of, and gains from the sale of intellectual property/intangibles”. The session examined how taxing rights are allocated between source and residence jurisdictions and how intellectual property transactions are characterised under domestic law and tax treaties, connecting practical case studies with the future of royalty taxation.

Alongside the technical programme, as part of the sponsorship, Forvis Mazars supported the Women of IFA Network (WIN) and sponsored the Young IFA Network (YIN) Lounge.

The support for WIN championed women’s representation in tax, while the YIN Lounge gave delegates aged 40 and under a dedicated space to exchange ideas and build professional networks. These activities reflect the firm’s emphasis on a collaborative, globally connected tax community.

“The congress in Melbourne gave us a valuable opportunity to bring our Australian clients and colleagues together with our international network. Beyond the technical programme, it was about building relationships and sharing perspectives to help clients navigate cross-border tax challenges and prepare for what’s next. Through our Australia–Latin America tax roundtable, cocktail reception and support for WIN and YIN, we put that collaboration into practice. These connections also play an important role in attracting and developing talented people, strengthening our Australian practice and the expertise we bring to clients.”
- Richard DeBono, Managing Partner – Melbourne.

Against the backdrop of Melbourne’s Yarra River at sunset, the firm hosted a cocktail reception that brought colleagues, clients, academics and members of its professional network together beyond the formal programme. With drinks, canapés and entertainment, the reception offered a relaxed, welcoming setting to continue the week’s conversations, strengthen relationships and make new connections.

For CFOs, finance leaders and organisations operating or investing across Australia and Latin America, the firm hosted a tax roundtable in its Melbourne office, in partnership with the Australian Latin American Business Council (ALABC). Bringing together clients, academics and professional networks, the discussion focused on cross-border tax and investment considerations, including transfer pricing and audit trends, tax reform and compliance, differences between tax regimes, public country-by-country reporting, Pillar Two and sustainability-related tax developments in Latin America. Liliana Harris, Partner at Forvis Mazars in Australia, hosted the interactive session featuring insights from fellow Australian Partner Lauren Hill and Sofía Orbegozo, Partner at Forvis Mazars in Chile. The discussion included an open Q&A and was followed by a networking lunch.

Turning connections into opportunities

Beyond visibility and brand presence, the Global IFA Congress delivered clear business development value for Forvis Mazars. Delegates identified multiple new opportunities across transfer pricing, consulting and cross-border tax, alongside potential referral relationships with independent law firms and tax advisers looking for international support. The experience reinforced the value of combining our presence at major international events with targeted side events and strong representation from across our international network, turning connections into commercial opportunities and longer-term relationships.

Following the congress, Forvis Mazars reinforced its investment in its Australian Tax practice with the appointment of Marcus Leonard as Partner and National Head of Tax. Bringing more than 25 years of corporate, M&A and private client tax experience, Marcus will lead the continued growth of a nationally integrated practice connected to the firm’s regional and global network. The appointment and the firm’s support for IFA reflect a shared focus on attracting talent, developing specialist expertise and strengthening collaboration to help clients navigate complex tax matters.

Browse the gallery for more highlights and impressions from our IFA Cocktail Event

IFA Cocktail event

Contact us

For information about Forvis Mazars events during IFA week or our sponsorship of the 2026 IFA Congress in Melbourne, contact Australia@forvismazars.com.