AICPA Working to Create .CPA Internet Domain Name

The American Institute of CPAs is working to secure a new .cpa domain extension on the Internet, which would provide a globally recognized calling card for CPAs in the digital world.

The AICPA has a pending bid to administer the .cpa domain before the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that coordinates the Internet’s naming system. ICANN has been reviewing scores of applications for new domain extensions – known formally as generic Top-Level Domains, or gTLDs – that businesses, governments and community groups can operate.

“We live in a digital age and .cpa offers a way to instantly convey a CPA’s professional standing in online communications,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA. “As global opportunities expand and more business is conducted virtually, that’s a tremendous benefit.”

As part of its efforts in this area, the AICPA recently reached an agreement with CPA Australia to distribute .cpa domain names to their community members, should the U.S. organization’s bid be successful. The two groups agreed to work together because of their common goal of promoting trust in CPAs worldwide.

As CPAs gather for this week’s World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) in Rome, the AICPA and its technology subsidiary, CPA.com, have organized meetings at the event to discuss similar partnerships with other qualified CPA organizations to expand the reach of a .cpa domain globally. This open collaboration with other national bodies means CPAs around the globe will have a better chance of creating an established digital identity using the extension .cpa in email addresses and websites, rather than .com, .org, or other standard domain addresses.

Alex Malley, chief executive of CPA Australia, said the partnership with the AICPA is in keeping with the two organizations’ commitment to maximize opportunities for CPAs.

“This agreement recognizes the value of a digital brand identity in today’s rapidly changing business environment,” Malley said. “By obtaining the .cpa domain through this unprecedented partnership, we would put CPAs firmly in the vanguard of digital innovation.”

“We look forward to connecting with other national CPA bodies at WCOA,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “Pooling resources allows us to expand the international recognition of the CPA designation and enhance the strong and effective local representation CPAs expect and value from their national bodies. Through the .cpa extension, CPA organizations will be able build trust in CPAs in the digital marketplace.”