Dezan Shira & Associates and BritCham Shanghai Host Seminar on Navigating China’s Digital Compliance Landscape

On May 15, 2025, Dezan Shira & Associates, in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (BritCham Shanghai), hosted an in-person seminar titled “Navigating China’s Compliance Framework in the Digital Age – Solutions for Forward-Thinking Enterprises.” Held at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse near West Nanjing Road in the heart of Shanghai’s business district, the event brought together 35 professionals from a range of industries.

With China’s rapid digital transformation reshaping how businesses operate, regulatory compliance has become more complex—and more critical—than ever. This seminar addressed two pressing areas of concern for international companies: ensuring compliance in digitalized accounting and tax processes, and managing compliance risks related to digital tools and applications that collect and store data.

Adam Livermore, partner at Dezan Shira & Associates, opened the session by outlining the broader regulatory environment and introducing the firm’s approach to digitizing accounting processes in line with Chinese requirements. He explained how businesses can streamline operations while maintaining full compliance with government standards, particularly through recognized platforms that support electronic archiving. “China’s regulatory push toward digitalization is reshaping how businesses operate,” Adam noted. “Companies that understand and adapt to these changes early will be better positioned for long-term success.”

Lee Ding, manager of Corporate Accounting Services, shared practical insights into selecting and implementing digital accounting systems. He highlighted how these systems not only improve internal processes and reporting accuracy, but also meet strict regulatory requirements for digital storage, enabling companies to phase out traditional paper-based books.

Nathaniel Rushforth, senior consultant for Data Security and Compliance, provided an overview of the increasing compliance challenges companies face when using digital tools and apps—especially those hosted outside of China. He explained the latest developments in China’s cross-border data transfer regulations, which came into effect this May, and discussed the requirements of the Multi-Level Protection Scheme (MLPS) for systems hosted within China. These frameworks require companies to implement robust cybersecurity and compliance practices or face significant penalties. The accounting system introduced earlier in the session falls under this domestic MLPS framework.

Attendees responded with strong interest, actively engaging with the speakers and raising thoughtful questions throughout the session. The high level of participation and positive feedback demonstrated how timely and relevant this topic is for international businesses navigating China’s evolving regulatory landscape.

At Dezan Shira & Associates, we remain committed to helping our clients stay compliant, modernize their accounting practices, and safeguard their data as they grow in China. We continue to support foreign-invested enterprises with local expertise and practical solutions designed for long-term success.

If you would like to explore any of these topics further or need tailored support for your business, we encourage you to reach out to us.

Further resources on digitizing accounting processes in China in 2025:

• Understanding Accounting Software and ERP Landscape in China
• Digitalization Implementation
• Digitalization of Your Business

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