Allinial Global started life as Associated Regional Accounting Firms (ARAF), which was linked to Polaris International. Both joined PKF International in 2002 to increase their presence, and thus PKF North America was born.  Its member firms have net fees totaling approximately $1.5bn (£1bn).

Now under the new name of Allinial Global, PKF North America has reached an agreement with PKF International to go their separate ways from the end of this month. 

Terry Snyder, president of Allinial Global, said: ‘I am very excited about the recent changes that have resulted in a new name and identity for our association. Though our name is changing, Allinial Global is still the association that’s “all in” when it comes to putting the collective experience of over 100 independent firms to work for the benefit of clients.’

Allinial Global is a member-based association of independent accounting and consulting firms. Founded in 1969, the organisation is based in North America but offers international support by connecting its member firms to providers and global networks of accounting firms worldwide.

In its statement about the ending of formal ties with PKF International from 30 November, Allinial Global said: ‘The organisations will enter into a new working relationship to better serve their respective member firms while continuing to offer global reach for clients with international accounting needs.’

 For its part, PKF International has put out a statement saying it is business as usual in its North American region.

The statement says that when PKF joined forces with ARAF in 2002, both organisations were associations. Some years later PKF changed its status to that of a network.

The statement goes on to say: ‘As time progressed it became clear that the strategies of an association and network will differ and in May of this year the PKF International Board gave ARAF notice of its intention to terminate the cooperation arrangements effective at the latest May 31, 2016.’

PKF International CEO John Sim said that while the formal relationship with ARAF is ending it is expected that there would continue to be ongoing activity between the individual member firms of each organisation.

Sajjad Akhtar, PKF International chairman, said: ‘The separation from ARAF has been planned for and is in line with PKF’s global strategy to build a branded network of member firms in North America just like in other regions around the world.

‘Over the next several months, working with those firms that wish to continue as members of PKF, we aim to have member firms in place in all key economic locations.’

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