ICSI Signs MoU With IAGES: Professional Opportunities For CS

In a significant move aimed at expanding professional opportunities for Company Secretaries in Practice (PCS), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) on January 15, 2026.

The strategic collaboration seeks to position PCS firms as key facilitators in the implementation of IAGES accreditation standards across the gold industry. The partnership is expected to unlock new growth avenues for practicing company secretaries while strengthening governance and compliance mechanisms within the evolving gold ecosystem.

Strengthening Governance in the Gold Sector

IAGES, a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) established by the Indian gold industry and supported by leading industry associations and the World Gold Council, functions as an independent body promoting transparency, trust, and sustainability in the sector. Modeled on the principles of leading sectoral associations in India, IAGES has developed an accreditation framework that outlines how member entities assess their organisational conformance with the prescribed Code of Conduct.

Through this MoU, PCS firms will play a pivotal role in conducting assessments and facilitating compliance among gold industry stakeholders.

Key Benefits of the MoU

The collaboration offers multiple professional and market-oriented advantages to practicing company secretaries.

Firstly, ICSI members will receive free empanelment to assess gold industry partners across India.

Secondly, PCS firms will be positioned as authorised external assessment agencies for nationwide industry compliance and annual assessments.

Thirdly, firms can expand services across the gold value chain, including refiners, bullion traders, manufacturers, hallmarking and assaying agencies, retailers, and digital gold platforms.

Lastly, the initiative is expected to foster institutional compliance, strengthen trust, and boost professional credibility within the gold ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria for PCS Firms

To qualify under the empanelment framework, PCS firms must have a minimum average annual financial turnover of ₹1 crore during the last three consecutive financial years; Have at least two partners; and Be in existence for a minimum period of five years.