Insights with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP

Insights with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP

• The influence of her family, particularly her father’s successful CA practice.
• Her early academic interests and the role of an aptitude test in shaping her career direction.

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In this engaging episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Isha Sekhri, Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP. With extensive experience in transfer pricing, FEMA, and international taxation, Isha Sekhri shares practical insights for business owners, startups, and professionals navigating complex regulatory environments in India and across the globe.

The conversation explores the fundamentals of transfer pricing and FEMA, the growing importance of international tax compliance, the impact of globalization and technology, and the need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to governance and compliance.

Isha also shares valuable lessons on building a culture of ownership, developing young professionals, retaining talent, and evolving from a technical expert into an effective business leader.

00:46 | Choosing Chartered Accountancy & Finding Her Calling

• The influence of her family, particularly her father’s successful CA practice.
• Her early academic interests and the role of an aptitude test in shaping her career direction.
• Her gradual realization that helping founders navigate cross-border challenges was her true professional calling.

02:15 | From Traditional CA Practice to Cross-Border Advisory

• The differences between traditional CA practice and Big Four advisory.
• Her interest in cross-border advisory and M&A transactions.
• Building expertise through working with startups and gaining hands-on experience.

04:54 | Making Transfer Pricing Easy to Understand

• A simple explanation of transfer pricing: treating related-party transactions as you would transactions with independent third parties.
• The importance of understanding business margins and complying with applicable regulations.
• Why transfer pricing should not be viewed as a concern only for large companies, but as something relevant to businesses of all sizes.

05:30 | Why Transfer Pricing Matters in a Global Economy

• The rapid growth of cross-border transactions in an increasingly globalized economy.
• Why countries need mechanisms to ensure that profits are taxed fairly.
• Addressing the misconception that transfer pricing applies only to large multinational corporations—it can be relevant to businesses involved in related-party transactions of varying sizes.

07:07 | Demystifying FEMA for Business Owners

• Why FEMA is fundamentally about understanding intention and principles rather than simply navigating complex legal provisions.
• Key FEMA principles:
  • Current account transactions are generally permitted unless specifically prohibited.
  • Capital account transactions are generally permitted only when specifically authorized.
• Common compliance issues, including:
  • Failure to report overseas direct investments (ODI) and foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • Unreported loan transactions involving non-residents.

10:28 | Avoiding Costly Compliance Issues

• The importance of prioritizing governance and compliance from the very beginning.
• Seeking advice from professionals with genuine expertise in FEMA and international taxation.
• Why the cost of compliance is always lower than the cost of non-compliance—and how proactive compliance can save businesses time, money, and stress.

11:52 | Key FEMA Considerations When Raising Overseas Capital

• Understanding the difference between capital inflows, such as FDI, and loan inflows.
• Identifying applicable sector restrictions and following the correct legal procedures.
• The importance of timely compliance and proper documentation when structuring overseas funding arrangements.

13:59 | Globalization & the Changing Face of International Taxation

• The OECD-driven movement toward greater consistency in global tax principles.
• The growing use of automatic exchange of information between countries.
• Increasing tax transparency and how undeclared foreign assets can be identified through international information-sharing mechanisms.

16:21 | Why Documentation & Disclosure Matter

• The importance of maintaining proper documentation and making accurate disclosures.
• Keeping comprehensive records to address potential errors, questions, or tax notices.
• How seemingly minor oversights, such as issues related to signatory status on a bank account, can have significant consequences.

18:18 | Technology & AI in Tax Compliance

• How tax authorities are increasingly adopting technology and automation.
• The role of AI and automation in streamlining compliance, reporting, and information exchange.
• Why AI-generated tax or legal advice should always be verified with qualified professionals.

19:26 | Encouraging Proactive Compliance

• Adapting compliance strategies to clients with different levels of risk tolerance.
• Emphasizing the financial and operational costs of non-compliance.
• Helping clients understand the value of peace of mind through proactive compliance.
• Tailoring professional advice to each client’s individual needs and motivations.

21:36 | Building Ownership Through Empathetic Leadership

• Lessons in ownership and leadership learned from her mentors.
• Building confidence through delegation, independent thinking, and honest feedback.
• Balancing empathy with clear expectations and accountability.
• Leading with empathy while encouraging professional growth and supporting team members through personal and professional challenges.

RESOURCES

Learn more about Isha Sekhri: LinkedIn

ENJOYED THIS PODCAST?

How can founders avoid expensive legal and compliance issues?

Start with strong governance before you wire money or sign deals—not after a notice arrives.

And here’s an important takeaway from Isha Sekhri:

“The cost of compliance is always lower than the cost of non-compliance.”

What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments and help spread these valuable insights across your network.

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Thanks for listening!

• Isha Sekhri is the Founder of Isha Sekhri & Associates LLP, with extensive expertise in transfer pricing, FEMA, and international taxation.
• She advises business owners, startups, and professionals on navigating complex regulatory and international tax environments.
• Her approach emphasizes proactive governance, compliance, and adaptability in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven business world.