A Global Conversation in Delhi
The International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi brought together valuation leaders from across the globe, continuing its tradition of attracting participants from over 40 countries. This year’s event focused on strengthening independence, trust, and transparency in a rapidly evolving valuation landscape.
As an API representative, I had the privilege of moderating the Valuation Leaders’ Panel: The Future of Valuation, joined by global CEO’s and respected leaders including Nicholas Talbot (IVSC, UK), PJ Patel (VRC, USA), Kuldip Gill (ACRA, Singapore), and Christine Sawchuk (CBV Institute, Canada). Each brought unique perspectives on independence, trust, transparency, and the role of technology in shaping the next chapter for valuation worldwide.
Key Themes from the IVSC AGM
- ESG Integration Becomes Non-Negotiable. IVS 2025 introduced mandatory consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors in all valuations. This evolution goes beyond regulatory compliance - it signals a shift toward comprehensive ESG reporting, ensuring sustainability and ethical responsibility are embedded across valuation frameworks and communicated transparently in reports. As organisations navigate this shift, the need for accessible and practical sustainability guidance has never been greater. Acumentis ESG Advisory has been established to support clients through this transition, helping them understand ESG risks and opportunities, develop tailored pathways, and align their property and business decisions with emerging global standards.
- Technology and AI as Catalysts. Digital tools and AI are no longer optional. They are reshaping valuation methodologies, improving risk management, and enabling real-time insights. The challenge? Ensuring technology enhances, not replaces, the valuer’s professional judgment and scepticism.
- Independence and Transparency. The push by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions for objective and transparent valuation processes reinforces the need for impartiality and global consistency. Trust remains the cornerstone of our profession.
- Future Skills Agenda. Training the next generation of valuers to embrace tech-enabled practices and ESG principles is critical. The AGM made it clear: adaptability is the new currency.
Why This Matters for Australia
Global standards don’t exist in isolation, they shape local practice. For Australian valuers, this means:
- Greater Emphasis on Sustainability and ESG: ESG is increasingly part of a broader framework for transparency and accountability in valuations. Rather than influencing the valuation outcome directly, sustainability and ESG considerations form one component of comprehensive reporting that supports informed decision-making for stakeholders. Tools and expertise from Acumentis ESG Advisory help clients interpret and embed these requirements.
- Adoption of Digital Tools: Technology is essential for improving efficiency and accuracy in a market that demands speed and transparency.
- Objectivity and Transparency in Valuation: IOSCO’s 2025 statement reinforces the need for valuations that are objective, well-documented, and supported by clear disclosures. Strong governance and professional judgment are critical to maintaining trust and confidence across markets.
Acumentis: Leading the Charge
Australian valuation firms have a critical role in translating global standards into local practice. Acumentis is committed to this evolution by focusing on principles that matter most to clients and stakeholders:
- Sustainability and Responsibility: Recognising the growing importance of ESG factors in valuation, Acumentis supports frameworks that promote ethical and sustainable decision-making and through Acumentis ESG Advisory, we support clients along their sustainability journeys.
- Innovation and Adaptability: The profession is changing rapidly, and Acumentis embraces technology and process improvements that enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency - always with the valuer’s professional judgment at the core.
- Consistency and Independence: In a market where trust is paramount, Acumentis upholds impartiality and aligns with international standards - delivering valuations and advice that clients can rely on for integrity, transparency, and informed decision-making.
- National Reach, Local Expertise: With over 40 offices and 300+ professionals, Acumentis combines scale with deep regional knowledge - critical for applying global standards in diverse markets.
This approach reflects a broader commitment to future-ready valuation practices without compromising the integrity or independence that underpin our profession.
Looking Ahead
The IVSC AGM wasn’t just a conference - it was a call to action. For valuers, lenders, investors and regulators, the message is clear:
- Embrace ESG.
- Harness technology.
- Uphold independence, trust and transparency.
As global standards evolve, Australian firms have an opportunity to lead, not follow. At Acumentis, we’re shaping valuation practices that uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and set the standard for the future.
About the Author
Joe Stansfield is Director - Commercial Valuations, Systems & Sustainability at Acumentis and attended the IVSC AGM in New Delhi as an API representative. Joe is passionate about advancing valuation standards and integrating ESG and technology into professional practice.