Tony Sacre: Globally Connected – Locally Strong

Tony Sacre, CEO of Allinial Global, talks about the importance of global networks and associations, the trends shaping the accounting and advisory industry, and why Gewerbe-Treuhand plays a key role in representing Switzerland within Allinial Global.

Tony Sacre, who are you?
I am the CEO of Allinial Global – this is my third CEO role. Before that, I served as CEO of Bentleys in Australia for seven years, a member of Allinial Global. I began my career in financial markets and investment banking, I am a CPA with an MBA, and I am passionate about our profession.

As CEO of a global association, you travel a lot. Do you always know where you wake up?
Not always! Sometimes I have to think for a second where I am. Luckily, here in Lucerne it was obvious – a truly unique place.

What is Allinial Global?
Allinial Global is the largest association of independent accounting and consulting firms and the eighth-largest network worldwide. With more than 250 member firms in 114 countries and over USD 7 billion in combined revenues, we help clients wherever they do business – with the same quality they expect from their local advisors.

Why do firms join Allinial Global?
Many firms want to stay independent. Joining an association like Allinial Global gives them global reach and peer support without the liability and obligations of a formal network. They can maintain their culture and still serve their clients internationally.

What is the benefit for clients?
Access to global expertise. Our members share best practices and insights on international tax, accounting standards, transfer pricing, and more. This knowledge helps them advise clients better – whether they operate in Switzerland, the USA, Asia, or South America.

How do you rate Switzerland as a business location?
Switzerland is one of the world’s strongest economies, with a high standard of living and major importance for financial markets and corporate flows. For Allinial Global, having a strong Swiss member is crucial – and Gewerbe-Treuhand plays exactly this role.

What role does Gewerbe-Treuhand play?
A very important one. Switzerland is a key market, and Gewerbe-Treuhand actively contributes to boards, committees, and collaborative projects. Their professionalism, solution-oriented approach, and pragmatism are highly valued across Allinial Global.

Which trends do you see in the industry?
Private equity remains a strong driver, even if liquidity has slightly decreased. Technology is the second major trend: AI will make compliance faster and easier, while also opening up new opportunities for advisory services. Cybersecurity is a key risk every firm needs to address. Benchmarking and real-time data tools will become increasingly relevant for strategic deci-sions.

Where is Allinial Global headed?
Our focus is on quality growth. We aim to strengthen existing member firms, find high-quality firms in markets where we are not yet present but see strong potential, and continuously improve the value we provide so that members say: It keeps getting better every year.

What impressions would you like to take away from Lucerne?
Besides the stunning scenery, I want to deepen my understanding of the Swiss economy and learn more about Gewerbe-Treuhand’s client needs. That helps me see how we can create even more value for financial services communities worldwide.

Your advice to our readers?
Do your homework. Whether you are a student, a partner, or a CEO – preparation is key. I wanted to become a CEO, so I invested in an MBA and corporate governance training to prove I was ready. Lifelong learning always pays off.

Contact:
LinkedIn: Tony Sacre
allinialglobal.com


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