Aprio Just Launched a Global Platform. Here's Why Middle-Market Firms Should Care.

The 24th largest accounting firm in the U.S. just launched a new global platform — and it's not what you'd expect from a mid-sized firm.

Aprio announced Monday it's launching Aprio Global, a structured international community designed to help middle-market firms serve clients operating across borders. Tony Szczepaniak, a 30-year veteran of Fortune 500 tax and global accounting associations, will lead the platform as Global Services Leader.

What Aprio Global Actually Is

This isn't a traditional international association where firms slap logos on letterhead and call it global reach.

Aprio Global builds on ATLAST, an existing collective Aprio co-founded with UK firm Cooper Parry. But this new platform formalizes collaboration — structured workflows, consistent client experience across countries, and accountability for results.

"Middle-market companies are expanding globally at an unprecedented pace, and they expect their advisors to meet them wherever they operate," said Richard Kopelman, Aprio's CEO.

Translation: Your middle-market clients don't want referrals to random firms in Germany or Singapore. They want seamless service that feels like one team.

Why This Matters for CPAs

If you're advising clients with international operations — or clients who should be thinking internationally — this changes the referral game.

Aprio Global isn't the first international network. But it's positioning as a curated community with governance and shared standards, not just a directory of member firms.

Cooper Parry CEO Ade Cheatham called it "a brilliant opportunity to further accelerate our global ambitions alongside other high-calibre firms."

The platform complements the Aprio Alliance, which supports nearly 90 independent firms across the U.S. and Canada with advisory resources and peer collaboration. Together, they create an ecosystem for firms at different growth stages.

Who's Leading It

Tony Szczepaniak brings experience building and governing international accounting associations — not just joining them. His job: curate a global community of accounting, advisory, and law firms committed to structured collaboration.

"Aprio Global is an opportunity to build something truly special alongside some of the most respected firms in the profession," Szczepaniak said.

Yelena Epova, Aprio's international practice leader, will continue driving client delivery: "Clients with international operations need advisors they can trust to deliver consistently across countries and service lines."

The Bigger Picture

While private equity-backed firms are consolidating through acquisitions (Baker Tilly just became #6 after buying Moss Adams), Aprio is scaling globally through collaboration, not ownership.

It's a different growth strategy — and one that lets independent firms maintain autonomy while tapping global resources.

If your clients operate internationally, watch this space. Aprio Global just formalized what middle-market firms have been asking for: cross-border accounting that actually works like one team.