In 2026, the firm will celebrate its centenary. This special milestone takes us back to 15 October 1925, when one of Belgium’s earliest fiduciary firms was established in Brussels, then known as ‘Sécurité Fiscale et Comptable’ and today as HLB Sefico. Founder Fernand Mélin, who came from the Finance Administration, realised early on that businesses would increasingly need specialist guidance in the areas of taxation and accounting. What began as a forward-thinking initiative grew into a firm with a clear mission: to offer clients certainty and guidance in an increasingly complex environment.
The early years were characterised by pioneering work, but also by rapid growth. The firm was initially based in the centre of Brussels and moved to larger premises as early as 1935. However, the war years made that growth particularly turbulent. In both 1940 and 1945, the firm was forced to relocate again at very short notice. Nevertheless, operations continued uninterrupted. This episode illustrates how resilience, perseverance and a commitment to service have been essential characteristics of the firm since its inception.
A defining moment came at the end of 1939, with the death of Fernand Mélin. Management then passed to his daughter, Mrs O. Van Horenbeeck, who had deliberately prepared herself to continue her father’s work by studying law. Together with loyal staff members such as Joseph Chanet, she continued to expand the firm. In 1941, the firm adopted a new legal structure and, in the years that followed, the organisation was further streamlined, with separate tax, accounting and legal departments. It was also remarkable for the time that the firm was led by a woman, which was still exceptional in the sector in the early 1970s.
After several relocations, the firm finally found a permanent home in its own building in Brussels in 1967. By around 1971, the organisation was active throughout the country, with a regional presence in Flanders and Wallonia and branches in Kortrijk, Liège and Charleroi, amongst others. Antwerp was added at a later stage. The early focus on computerisation indicates that the firm was able to combine tradition and innovation from an early stage.
Following the liberalisation of the audit market in Belgium, the group founded the firm of auditors Hermant, Dodémont & C°, now HLB Dodémont-Van Impe & C°, in 1985, and it was entered in the public register of the Institute of Auditors on 7 February 1986 with membership number B00013.
In 2013, the Antwerp-based firm Fiducia – founded in 1923 – was acquired, leading in 2022 to the merger of two pioneering firms in the sector.
In order to be fully prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, HLB Belgium joined the PIA Group BeLux in 2025.
A hundred years after its foundation, this history speaks above all of continuity. What began as a family-run initiative with strong tax and accounting expertise has grown into a firmly established firm, underpinned by professional expertise, trust, a personal touch and adaptability. The centenary celebrations in 2026 are therefore not just an anniversary, but above all a tribute to a century of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and professional dedication.
