Introducing Regex in Excel

Event information

In 2024, Microsoft introduced three new functions for Excel, using ‘Regular expressions’ (commonly known as regex): REGEXTEST, REGEXEXTRACT and REGEXREPLACE. But what even is regex and why is it useful?

As a well-established tool for pattern matching, regex has been known to data specialists for years and can be seen in many programming languages and analytics applications. With these new Excel functions, regex becomes widely accessible, but it can be daunting with its array of patterns and operators.

In this webinar, which open to all, we’ll explore regex in detail, starting with a basic overview of regex patterns and the core syntax, before moving onto some example use cases for regex, and how to apply it using the new Excel functions, including looking at how regex functions can be used in combination with other popular functions like IF, FILTER and XLOOKUP. We’ll also touch on where you might come across regex beyond the world of Excel, and how regex overlaps with AI capabilities such as Microsoft Copilot.

Key benefits

• Learn what Regular expressions (regex) are and their basic syntax.
• Explore use cases for regex, utilising three new functions in Excel.
• Understand how AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can compliment the use of regex. 

This webinar is ideal for those comfortable working with common Excel functions and carrying out data transformation tasks.

About the speaker

Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics and Tech, ICAEW Prior to joining ICAEW in March 2022, Ian worked for over 10 years at PwC in Data Analytics, specialising in External Audit and Data Acquisition and developing robust and automated ETL processes to support the firm’s award-winning Halo suite of applications. Ian also played an active role in the development and delivery of training courses, with digital upskilling being an area he is particularly passionate about. He has previously trained as a secondary school teacher and a musician.

CPD hours

ICAEW's revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations bring in new CPD requirements. This includes a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this webinar could contribute up to 1hr of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the webinar booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. You will need to save the email as a JPEG or PDF before uploading it to your record. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

Costs

This event is organised by the Data Analytics and Excel Communities.