Top 10 College Accounting Programs, PwC Israel Fined, Trump Names Crypto Reserve Coins

What happens when the US government considers creating a cryptocurrency reserve? In this episode, Blake and David dive into Trump's surprising announcement about establishing a crypto strategic reserve and the immediate market reaction. They explore this proposal's potential consequences and skepticism, from security vulnerabilities to valuation challenges.

You'll also hear about PwC Israel's $2.8 million fine for exam cheating, Connecticut's push to create alternative CPA licensure pathways, and how accounting firms are expanding into legal services. They also dissect the outcry over federal employees being asked to submit weekly accomplishment reports and break down Citigroup's jaw-dropping $81 trillion transfer error caused by poor software design.

Whether you're tracking regulatory changes, interested in the evolution of professional services firms, or simply fascinated by the intersection of finance and technology, this episode delivers insights into the forces reshaping the accounting profession today.

Sponsors
Bluevine - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluevine (Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.) 
RightWorks- http://accountingpodcast.promo/rightnow2025 (use code TAP15 for 15% OFF)
CPA.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cpa

(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
(00:29) - Crypto's Legitimacy and Trump's Announcement
(01:44) - Crypto Market Reactions and Speculations
(04:07) - Personal Updates and Hiking Adventure
(05:36) - Crypto Reserve Concerns and Security Issues
(08:00) - PWC Fined for Cheating Scandal
(11:42) - Top Collegiate Accounting Programs
(16:52) - FinCEN and Beneficial Ownership Reporting
(17:59) - Fyre Festival 2 Announcement
(20:46) - CPA Licensure Pathways and Reforms
(25:33) - Accounting Firms Expanding into Legal Services
(31:53) - Consulting Firms and Government Contracts
(37:38) - Government Spending and Nonprofits
(38:57) - Consulting Costs and Middlemen
(41:26) - The Penny Debate
(43:01) - Federal Employee Accountability
(59:54) - Elon Musk's OpenAI Offer
(01:04:58) - Citigroup's $81 Trillion Error
(01:08:44) - Self-Driving Cars and AI
(01:11:19) - Conclusion and CPE Message

Show Notes

Trump names cryptocurrencies in strategic reserve, sending prices up

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-cryptocurrency-strategic-reserve-includes-xrp-sol-ada-2025-03-02/

Crypto's biggest hacks and heists after $1.5 billion theft from Bybit

https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/cryptos-biggest-hacks-heists-after-15-billion-theft-bybit-2025-02-24/

PCAOB Sanctions PwC Israel for Quality Control Violations Related to Widespread Improper Answer Sharing

https://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-pwc-israel-for-quality-control-violations-related-to-widespread-improper-answer-sharing

CPA Success Index: Ranking the top collegiate accounting programs

https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-ranks-top-collegiate-accounting-programs

FinCEN Not Issuing Fines or Penalties in Connection with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlines

https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-not-issuing-fines-or-penalties-connection-beneficial-ownership

Fyre Festival 2 tickets are on sale for up to $1.1 million after founder served prison time for defrauding investors of the first event

https://fortune.com/2025/02/26/fyre-festival-2-tickets-billy-mcfarland-prometheus-pass-music-lineup/

Progress: Tracking the conversation in all licensing jurisdictions

https://www.mncpa.org/involvement/legislative/broadening-pathways-to-cpa/national/

Aprio Aims to Enter Legal Industry by Combining with Law Firm in Arizona

https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/02/13/aprio-aims-to-enter-legal-industry-by-combining-with-law-firm-in-arizona/156043/

McKinsey Estimates Advisor Shortage of 100,000 by 2034

https://www.wealthmanagement.com/wealth-management-industry-trends/mckinsey-estimates-advisor-shortage-of-100-000-by-2034

Saudi Wealth Fund Blocks PwC from Advisory Work for One Year

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-28/saudi-wealth-fund-blocks-pwc-from-advisory-work-for-one-year

A message from SecVA Doug Collins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Z_RkqSAzo

Everyone Hates Pennies, Except This Guy

https://www.wsj.com/business/mark-weller-penny-defender-trump-d543a9de?mod=business_lead_pos1

Federal workers get a new email demanding their accomplishments

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/g-s1-51490/federal-workers-new-email-accomplishments

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Proceeds with Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico

https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-proceeds-with-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-and-mexico/

Sam Altman Rejects Elon Musk’s Offer To Buy OpenAI Control—And Mocks X

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/10/sam-altman-rejects-elon-musks-offer-to-buy-openai-control-and-mocks-x/

Former U.S. Senator Robert M...