02 November 2026
One Vision, One Direction
SW International held its International Partners Conference 2026 in Madrid, Spain, from 28 to 30 October 2026. Hosted by SW Spain under the theme “One Vision, One Direction”, the three-day event brought together more than 160 partners and senior leaders from across the network to align strategic priorities, explore international business opportunities and shape the network's future development.
Álvaro Pericas, Partner and Loreta Calero, CEO of SW Spain, welcomed delegates to Madrid and officially opened the conference. Loreta said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome our SW partners to Madrid. Spain is a country rich in culture, history and opportunity, and we are delighted to share what makes it special. I hope this conference will strengthen the connections between our member firms and inspire us to move forward together as one global network.”
Zhang Ke, Chairman of SW International, highlighted in his opening address the network's continued development: “SW International continues to strengthen its global presence, supported by growth in both revenue and headcount. Cross-border cooperation remains central to our development, with business partnerships established in approximately 90 countries and regions, particularly across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Looking ahead, we must harness technological innovation and strengthen our collective capabilities to deliver greater value to clients worldwide.”
The conference also welcomed Yao Jing, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Spain, alongside senior government officials and business leaders from Madrid, including Concepción Cornejo, Head of External Relations, General Directorate of International Relations, Hilario Alfaro, President of Madrid Business Forum, and Francisco de Borja Fanjul, President of the Madrid City Council Plenary. Their addresses highlighted Spain's investment potential and opportunities for international business.
Exploring International Investment and Growth Opportunities
Three panel discussions brought together business leaders, industry experts and SW International partners to explore opportunities for cross-border investment and expansion. Key topics included supporting Chinese enterprises entering overseas markets, investment opportunities in Spain's energy, mobility and natural resources sectors, and financing strategies for international growth, from private capital and public markets to emerging digital financing solutions.
Shaping the Future of SW International
A key highlight was the interactive session “One Network, One Strategy, One Direction”, where partners explored six strategic workstreams: Future of the Profession; AI, Data and Economics; Member Firms and Teams of 2030; Growth with Focus; Global Client Experience; and One Network. The session focused on shaping the network's future capabilities, business models and strategic priorities.
The programme also featured updates from SW International's Quality Management and Brand & Marketing Committees, covering initiatives to strengthen professional standards, reinforce a consistent global brand identity and enhance the network's international visibility.
Embracing Change and Innovation
The second day opened with a traditional Spanish dance performance, setting a vibrant tone for discussions on key developments shaping the professional services industry, including private equity investment, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Presentations from ICAEW and SW member firms offered perspectives on the growing role of private equity and practical applications of AI and digital technologies in auditing and service delivery.
Dedicated breakout sessions in audit, advisory, and tax and legal services enabled professionals from across the network to exchange technical knowledge, discuss market developments and identify opportunities for joint client engagements.
Moving Forward Together
As the conference drew to a close, Frankfurt was announced as the destination for the next SW International Partners Conference.
The Madrid conference marked an important step in translating the network's shared ambitions into practical priorities. Building on this momentum, the network will continue to combine local expertise with international reach to create greater value for clients and member firms worldwide.
One Vision. One Direction. One SW.