From April 12–15, 2026, Beijing hosted the First Russian-Chinese Forum on Best Practices in Internal Audit, organized by the National Association of Internal Auditors and Controllers (NOVAK) with support from the Council for Professional Qualifications in the Financial Market (CPQFM) and Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, in collaboration with the Chinese Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA) and Nanjing Audit University (NAU).
The forum focused on key issues in the development of internal audit, internal control, and corporate governance. A cornerstone of effective international business cooperation is the adoption of unified standards and harmonized qualification requirements for professionals—these priorities shaped the forum's agenda and formed the foundation for professional dialogue between Russia and China. The Russian delegation was led by Anastasia Rusakova, General Director of NOVAK. Financial University was represented by Vadim Zasko, Dean of the Faculty of Taxation, Auditing, and Business Analysis.
Welcome opening remarks were delivered by:
-
Anastasia Rusakova, General Director of NOVAK
-
Shen Liqiang, Vice President and Secretary-General of CIIA
-
Li Qianwen, Member of the Party Standing Committee and Vice President of Nanjing Audit University
In her speech, Anastasia Rusakova outlined NOVAK's mission and key activities, as well as the current state and future prospects of internal audit and control in Russia. She highlighted major achievements in professional standardization, including:
-
Development of national standards aligned with international best practices
-
A paradigm shift from independent controller to strategic business partner
-
Digital transformation with emphasis on cybersecurity and ESG risk management
Shi Xian, Vice President of CIIA and Professor at Nanjing University, provided a comprehensive overview of the Chinese Institute of Internal Auditors—the country's leading professional organization uniting internal audit specialists across economic sectors. She emphasized that CIIA operates in accordance with international internal audit standards and, in partnership with Nanjing Audit University, delivers certification and professional development programs.
Alexander Kabanov, Deputy Chief Controller and Director of Strategic Audit at Rosatom State Corporation, shared unique insights into building and evolving internal audit and control systems within one of Russia's largest state corporations. Rosatom's internal audit framework has developed alongside its management system since 2008, employing diverse forms of independent control, including:
-
Inspection and revision activities
-
Internal, project, and strategic audits
Key milestones:
-
2016–2019: Development of guidelines for internal financial control and launch of an IT system for supplier reputation rating
-
Since 2020: Transition to preventive and remote control mechanisms, plus digitalization of control functions
Diana Mashtakeeva, General Director of Russia's Council for Professional Qualifications in the Financial Market, delivered a keynote on advancing the national qualifications system in internal audit, control, and risk management. She noted that since January 1, 2017, Federal Law No. 238-FZ "On Independent Assessment of Qualifications" has governed the procedure for verifying that candidates' qualifications meet professional standards. Independent assessments are conducted by Qualification Assessment Centers (QACs) to enhance workforce mobility, evaluate educational quality, and support lifelong learning.
Vadim Zasko, Dean of the Faculty of Taxation, Auditing, and Business Analysis, introduced the Faculty as one of Russia's leading centers for training specialists in taxation, auditing, and business analysis. He highlighted:
-
Financial University's century-long history and over one million graduates
-
Current enrollment of 2,000+ international students from 92 countries
-
10th place ranking among Russian universities in RAEX-100
The Faculty comprises three departments: Taxes and Tax Administration; Audit and Corporate Reporting; and Business Analysis.
Of particular interest to the Chinese audience was the "International Business: Taxes and Analytics" track, whose curriculum includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics applied to international business. In closing, Vadim Zasko expressed strong interest in expanding academic exchanges with Chinese universities—including Nanjing Audit University—and confirmed the Faculty's readiness to launch joint educational programs. His presentation effectively showcased Financial University's high training standards and opened new avenues for Russian-Chinese collaboration in audit, taxation, and business analytics.
On April 14, as part of the forum's business program, the Russian delegation visited BAIC (Beijing Automotive Group), one of China's largest state-owned automotive corporations, actively developing both conventional and electric vehicle production. During the plant tour, Russian specialists observed production workflows and the enterprise's internal control systems.
The organizers extend sincere gratitude to the Chinese Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA), Nanjing Audit University (NAU), Deep Synergy(德炻咨询), and all participants for their fruitful collaboration and valuable contribution to strengthening professional ties between Russia and China.
