The IIA Grows International Footprint with Two New National Institutes
Press Release | National Institutes | February 23, 2026
Global federation now spans 121 Institutes
LAKE MARY, Fla. (February 23, 2026) — The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) today announced that Pakistan and Uzbekistan have joined its global federation as the newest National Institutes, marking a significant step in strengthening international collaboration and advancing the internal audit profession worldwide.
As an approved National Institute, IIA-Uzbekistan and IIA-Pakistan now have the legal framework to support internal auditors across the region to advocate for the profession and deliver training and professional development programs for public and private sector auditors, including pathways to globally recognized certifications such as the Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®).
“On behalf of The IIA, I welcome Uzbekistan and Pakistan to our global federation of National Institutes,” said Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP, President and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors. “As the internal audit profession continues to experience rapid evolution, this growing federation provides members with access to valuable resources, support, and tools to confidently address today’s complex challenges. The addition of these two Institutes further enhances our ability to assist practitioners across both countries and advances our global mission.”
Uzbekistan and Pakistan join The IIA as the internal audit profession continues to adopt the updated Global Internal Audit StandardsTM, which took effect in 2025 and are becoming widely embedded in practice. The Standards provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to strengthen internal audit performance across all sectors. This milestone also coincides with The IIA’s broader organizational transformation, including the release of its first three Topical Requirements – Cybersecurity, Third-Party, and Organizational Behavior – key elements of the International Professional Practices Framework® (IPPF®). These requirements establish a consistent global baseline for assessing specific risk areas, with additional topics scheduled for release later this year.
To achieve National Institute status, Institutes must establish a strong organizational foundation and undergo an extensive preparation process, including demonstrating sustainable strategic plans, a commitment to ethical practices, and strong governance and compliance initiatives.
With the addition of these new Institutes, The IIA’s global federation now includes 121 National Institutes supporting over 265,000 members.
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 200,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.
Media contact
Sarah DuBois
952-688-2588
sarah.dubois@theiia.org