ICSI’s Strategic Partnership with IAGES to Revolutionize the Gold Industry

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 20.02.2026

M/s SJ EXIM Services is proud to announce its association with M/s SBR & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries, Mumbai for all Company Laws, SEBI, RBI compliances and advisory. Connect for more. Look out for this space going forward……

ICSI’s Strategic Partnership with IAGES to Revolutionize the Gold Industry

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has always been at the forefront of promoting good corporate governance and developing high-caliber professionals. In a groundbreaking move, ICSI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) on January 15, 2026. This strategic partnership is set to open up new avenues for Practicing Company Secretaries (PCS) firms, enabling them to diversify their professional portfolios and contribute to the evolving gold industry.

About IAGES: Revolutionizing the Gold Industry 

The Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) is a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) established by the Indian gold industry. Supported by prominent gold sector associations and the World Gold Council, IAGES is an independent body committed to transforming the gold industry in India. It operates on principles of transparency, trust, and sustainability, ensuring the highest standards in the sector.

IAGES has developed a pioneering accreditation framework that guides its members in assessing their organization’s compliance with a robust Code of Conduct. This framework is designed to foster trust and institutional compliance, making the gold industry more transparent and reliable.

Benefits of the MoU: A Game-Changer for PCS Firms 

The collaboration between ICSI and IAGES is a significant milestone, offering numerous benefits to PCS firms:

Assessment Mandates: PCS firms will be positioned as authorized external assessment agencies for conducting nationwide industry compliance annual assessments. This role will allow PCS firms to play a pivotal part in ensuring adherence to IAGES accreditation standards.
Enhanced Market Credibility: By engaging with the gold industry, PCS firms will foster trust, institutional compliance, and professional capability growth within the gold ecosystem. This partnership will elevate the reputation of PCS firms as key facilitators in the gold sector.
Industry Diversification: PCS firms can expand their services across the gold value chain, including refiners, bullion traders, manufacturers, hallmarking assaying agencies, retailers, and digital gold platforms. This diversification offers immense growth opportunities in a dynamic and lucrative industry.

Complimentary Empanelment for ICSI Members 

As part of this collaboration, IAGES provides free empanelment for ICSI members to assess gold industry partners across India. This initiative is a unique opportunity for PCS firms to establish themselves as trusted advisors and compliance experts in the gold industry.

Eligibility Criteria for PCS Firms 

To be eligible for empanelment under this initiative, PCS firms must meet the following criteria:

Minimum Partners: The firm must have at least two partners.
Financial Turnover: The firm should have a minimum average annual financial turnover of ₹1 crore during the last three consecutive financial years.
Years of Existence: The firm must have been in existence for a minimum period of five years.

How to Register

Interested PCS firms that meet the eligibility criteria can register for empanelment through the following link: https://membership.iages.in/register .

Conclusion

The partnership between ICSI and IAGES marks a new chapter for Practicing Company Secretaries, offering them a unique opportunity to contribute to the gold industry’s transformation while expanding their professional horizons. By becoming authorized assessment agencies, PCS firms can play a vital role in ensuring compliance, transparency, and sustainability in the gold sector. This collaboration is a testament to ICSI’s commitment to empowering its members and promoting excellence in corporate governance.

Listen to this on our #YouTube Channel

In case you face any issues related to Company Laws, SEBI Regulations, FEMA, Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with M/s SBR & Co. LLP, Mumbai.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Company Laws, SEBI Regulations, RBI Compliances, Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: ICSI

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

ICSI Press ReleaseDownload

Connect with-

@ SBRC LLP, Mumbai

CP: Sumant Bhargava, Company Secretary

Tel: +91-9873222067

EMAIL: sumant.bhargava@sbcoindia.com

Web: www.sjexim.services I https://www.sbrcllp.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fcs-sumant-kumar-bhargava-50000a17/