In a proud and defining moment for the Global Association of Forensic Accountants (GAFA), its President, Kanwaljit Kaur Soni, has been recognized as one of the ET Inspiring Women Leaders 2026 by The Times of India.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and contribution to the field of forensic accounting and financial investigation in India.
A Leader Driving Change in Forensic Accounting
Forensic accounting is emerging as one of the most critical domains in today’s financial ecosystem, especially with the increasing need for transparency, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance.
Kanwaljit Kaur Soni has been at the forefront of this transformation. Under her leadership, GAFA has made remarkable strides in:
- Promoting awareness about forensic accounting and fraud detection
- Encouraging adoption of Anti Money Laundering (AML) practices
- Building a strong community of professionals and experts
- Providing education, certifications, and industry insights
Her work has not only strengthened the profession but also helped organizations better understand financial risks and compliance requirements.
Recognition by ET Inspiring Women Leaders 2026
The ET Inspiring Women Leaders initiative by The Times of India recognizes women who have made a significant impact across industries through innovation, leadership, and influence.
Being featured in this prestigious list highlights:
- Her visionary leadership in a niche yet crucial domain
- Her commitment to ethical financial systems
- Her efforts in empowering professionals, especially in emerging sectors like forensic accounting
This award is not just an individual achievement but also a reflection of the growing importance of forensic accounting in India’s financial landscape.
Strengthening GAFA’s Mission and Vision
As the President of GAFA, Kanwaljit Kaur Soni continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction.
GAFA aims to:
- Create a robust ecosystem for forensic accounting professionals
- Offer practical training and certification programs
- Promote research and knowledge sharing
- Bridge the gap between industry requirements and professional expertise
Her recognition further strengthens GAFA’s credibility and reinforces its mission to become a leading authority in forensic accounting both in India and globally.
Impact on the Industry and Future Outlook
The recognition comes at a time when financial fraud, cybercrime, and compliance challenges are increasing globally. The need for skilled forensic accountants has never been greater.
With leaders like Kanwaljit Kaur Soni:
- The profession is gaining greater visibility and importance
- More young professionals are being inspired to enter this field
- Organizations are becoming more proactive in risk management and compliance
Her vision is clear to make forensic accounting a mainstream and essential function in every organization.
Conclusion
The recognition of Kanwaljit Kaur Soni as an ET Inspiring Women Leader 2026 marks a significant milestone not only for her but also for GAFA and the entire forensic accounting community.
It reflects a journey of dedication, leadership, and impact one that continues to inspire professionals across the country.
As GAFA moves forward, this achievement serves as a strong foundation to further its mission of building a transparent, accountable, and fraud resilient financial ecosystem.

