NACVA Explained: How Global Valuation Standards Impact Australian Finance

When it comes to valuing a business, whether for sale, merger, or succession planning, having a credible, transparent valuation is crucial. Enter the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA)—a US-based professional body whose standards and certifications are increasingly being referenced by Australian finance professionals. As cross-border investment and regulatory alignment ramp up in 2025, understanding what NACVA is and why it matters can give both business owners and advisors a decisive edge.

What is NACVA? The Global Benchmark for Business Valuation

Founded in the United States, NACVA is a leading professional association for business valuation, financial forensics, and related consulting disciplines. Members typically hold the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credential, which is internationally recognised for its rigor in business appraisal and litigation support.

• Certification: NACVA offers the CVA, one of the world’s most respected business valuation credentials.

• Standards: Their methodologies set a high bar for ethics, transparency, and technical skill.

• Global Reach: While NACVA originated in the US, its framework is now referenced by practitioners across the UK, Asia-Pacific, and increasingly Australia.

In 2025, with ASIC and APESB tightening standards around business valuation reporting, many Australian firms are adopting NACVA best practices to demonstrate compliance and global credibility.

Why Australian Finance Professionals Are Paying Attention

Australia’s business landscape is seeing a surge in cross-border M&A, tech start-up exits, and generational succession. The demand for transparent, defensible business valuations has never been higher. Here’s why NACVA’s influence is growing locally:

• Regulatory Alignment: ASIC’s 2025 updates to RG 111 and APES 225 encourage referencing international valuation standards—NACVA included—to ensure quality and comparability.

• Litigation & Dispute Support: Courts and mediators now expect higher technical rigor. NACVA-trained valuers are often preferred in commercial disputes and family law settlements.

• Investor Confidence: Private equity and venture capital funds increasingly request NACVA-style reports before committing capital, especially in larger deals.

For example, a Sydney-based fintech recently secured Series C funding after commissioning a NACVA-certified valuer, giving its international investors confidence in the numbers. Likewise, accounting firms seeking to future-proof their advisory services are enrolling staff in NACVA programs to stay competitive.

How to Leverage NACVA Standards in Australian Business Valuation

Whether you’re a business owner, CFO, or advisor, integrating NACVA-aligned practices can raise the bar for your valuations:

• Engage a NACVA-Certified Valuer: Look for professionals with the CVA or similar credentials. Their reports often stand up better to scrutiny from banks, regulators, and courts.

• Adopt Best Practice Methodologies: NACVA promotes techniques like discounted cash flow (DCF), market comps, and asset-based approaches, all of which are now considered gold standard in Australia.

• Stay Ahead of Policy Changes: With the Australian Treasury’s 2025 review of SME succession planning, expect further encouragement for global alignment in valuation reporting.

• Training & Upskilling: Firms can invest in NACVA training to improve internal capabilities and diversify their service offering.

It’s also worth noting that local bodies such as CA ANZ and CPA Australia are increasingly collaborating with international groups like NACVA to harmonise education and standards. This means more opportunities for Australian professionals to earn globally-recognised credentials without leaving home.

The Bottom Line: Global Standards for Local Success

As business valuation becomes more critical—and more regulated—across Australia, the influence of international standards like those set by NACVA will only grow. Whether you’re navigating a business sale, court dispute, or capital raise, working with NACVA-aligned professionals can provide the credibility and confidence you need to get deals over the line. In 2025, standing out means thinking globally, acting locally, and staying ahead of the regulatory curve.