World's first accounting body

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) is the world's first professional body of accountants, receiving its Royal Charter in 1854. The institute originated from:

1. The Edinburgh Society of Accountants, formed in 1854;
2. The Glasgow Institute of Accountants and Actuaries, formed in 1854
3. The Aberdeen Society of Accountants, formed in 1867

These three bodies merged to form the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland in 1951.It was the first to adopt the designation "Chartered Accountant" and the designatory letters "CA" are still an exclusive privilege in the UK for members of the Scottish Institute