The UK government has announced that 119 countries will be included in its automatic financial information exchange program starting in 2026. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and combat tax evasion by allowing real-time sharing of financial data between participating nations.
Australia has released the full occupational index for its Core Skills visa, listing 456 roles that qualify for employer-sponsored migration. The list includes positions in healthcare, engineering, and technology, among others. The update comes as part of Australia’s broader efforts to manage immigration and address labor market needs.
The UK’s move follows similar agreements with several European countries and reflects a growing international effort to streamline financial reporting and reduce illicit financial flows. The new list includes both developed and emerging economies, signaling a broadening of the program’s scope. The UK has been a leader in international tax cooperation, having previously signed agreements with over 100 countries.
The automatic exchange of financial information is a key component of global efforts to improve tax compliance and reduce the risk of financial crime. The UK’s expansion of the program is expected to increase the accuracy of tax reporting and support cross-border cooperation in financial regulation. The new list will be finalized in early 2026, with implementation beginning shortly after.
