Global Advisory Experts Annual Awards 2019 by Utopia Ventures Limited

GLOBA L A DV ISO RY EX PERTS A N N UA L AWA RD S 2 0 1 9

GLOBAL ADVISORY EXPERTS ANNUAL AWARDS

G l obal Ad vis or y Exp erts

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GLOBAL ADVISORY EXPERTS ANNUAL AWARDS

Welcome to the inaugural Global Advisory Experts (GAE) Annual Awards 2019 publication. GAE is one of the world’s leading online resources for locating specialist consultants and advisers for the services required by businesses, investors and individuals around the world, with more than 70,000 users visiting the GAE and GLE (Global Law Experts) websites each month. Since 2010, the GLE Annual Awards has celebrated excellence, innovation and performance across the legal communities from around the world – and now the GAE Awards has been launched to shine an additional spotlight on the firms providing the most prestigious advisory and consulting services in today’s challenging business climate. Just like GLE, GAE prides itself on the validity of its awards. They are allocated solely on merit, and recognise leaders in their respective fields. Award winners are determined through a rigorous process, which begins with the opening of the ballot boxes and requests for external nominations from our extensive user base.

We have broken down the winners by region, country and practice area. Many of the firms selected offer a multitude of services and have provided a firm summary to this effect; while some have chosen to profile their expertise regarding their winning category – providing details of their casework and some up-to-date industry commentary. Further, our Listings section contains the details of additional award winners from around the world. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

Editor:

Contents: Europe Winners

The votes received are combined with supporting evidence from the in-house research team to arrive at the final winners list. The shortlisted candidates are judged on client testimonials, key cases, advisory rankings, overall reputation, publication contributions, speaking engagements and the performance and standing of teams and individual consultants in fields such as accountancy.

John Martin

johnmartin@globaladvisoryexperts.com www.globaladvisoryexperts.com

The Americas Winners

Asia & Oceania Winners

Africa & the Middle East Winners

Listings

Disclaimer:

A-Z Index

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors and claims made by third parties.

Reprints & Permissions:

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E U R O P E

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Growth in the euro area was forecast to ease from a 10-year high of 2.4% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2018 before moderating further to 1.9% in 2019 and 1.7% in 2020, according to the European Commission. The same pattern is expected for the EU, with growth at 2.2% in 2018, followed by a forecast 2.0% for 2019 and 1.9% for 2020.

Despite a more uncertain environment, all Member States are forecast to continue growing, although at a slower pace, thanks to the strength of domestic consumption and investment. Barring major shocks, Europe should be able to sustain above-potential economic growth, robust job creation and falling unemployment. However, this baseline scenario is subject to a growing number of interconnected downside risks. Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, commented: “All EU economies are set to grow […] which will bring more jobs. However, uncertainty and risks, both external and internal, are on the rise and start to take a toll on the pace of economic activity. We need to stay vigilant and work harder to reinforce the resilience of our economies. At EU level, it means taking concrete decisions on further strengthening our Economic and Monetary Union. At national level, there is even a stronger case for building up fiscal buffers and reducing debt while making sure that the benefits of growth are also felt by the most vulnerable members of society.”

Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, noted: “The European economy is holding up well, with growth easing gradually. We project this pattern will continue […] as unemployment continues to fall to levels not seen since before the crisis. Public debt in the euro area is set to continue declining, with the deficit remaining well below 1% of GDP. In an increasingly uncertain international environment, policy-makers both in Brussels and in national capitals must work to ensure that the euro area is strong enough to deal with whatever the future might hold.”

Domestic Demand to Drive Growth Rising global uncertainty, international trade tensions and higher oil prices will have a dampening effect on growth in Europe. Following years of robust employment growth, the prospect of a slowdown in labour market improvements and of increasing supply-side constraints in some Member States could also add to this dampening effect.

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The drivers of growth are set to become increasingly domestic: private consumption should benefit from stronger wage growth and fiscal measures in some Member States. Financing conditions and high rates of capacity utilisation are also expected to remain supportive of investment. For the first time since 2007, investment is expected to increase in all Member States in 2019’s final data. Taking all of these factors into account, gross domestic product (GDP) in all Member States should continue to grow, but the pace is set to slow and appears somewhat weaker than expected in the summer.

Unemployment Continues to Fall Job creation is set to continue to benefit from continued growth and structural reform implementation in some Member States. Unemployment should continue to fall but at a slower pace than in the past, as employment growth is eventually dampened by increasing labour shortages and slower economic growth. Unemployment in the euro area is expected to fall to 7.9% in 2019 and 7.5% in 2020. In the EU, unemployment is forecast at 7% in 2019 and 6.6% in 2020. This would represent the lowest unemployment rate recorded since the start of the monthly unemployment series in January 2000.

The euro area’s general government deficit is projected to come to a halt during 2019, as the fiscal stance turns slightly expansionary, before turning broadly neutral in 2020.

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Inflation Driven by Oil Prices Headline inflation is forecast to remain moderate over the forecast period. In the euro area, inflation is set to reach 1.8% in 2019 and to slow to 1.6% in 2020. The rise in oil prices has pushed up inflation, and strong positive base effects are expected. While core inflation, which excludes energy and unprocessed food prices, has been relatively muted, it is expected to reassert itself as the main driver of headline inflation in 2020, as wages rise amid tightening labour markets. The euro area’s general government deficit is projected to come to a halt during 2019 for the first time since 2009, as the fiscal stance turns slightly expansionary this year, before turning broadly neutral in 2020. The euro area’s general government deficit is expected to increase from 0.6% of GDP in 2018 to 0.8% in 2019 and to decline to 0.7% in 2020. For the EU, the general government deficit is expected to increase from 0.6% of GDP in 2018 to 0.8% in 2019 and to decline to 0.6% in 2020. Overall, the trend remains one of sizeable improvements. Debt-to-GDP ratios are projected to continue to fall in the euro area and in almost all Member States, supported by debt-decreasing primary surpluses and continued growth. The euro area debt-to-GDP ratio is set to fall from 86.9% in 2018 to 84.9% in 2019 and to 82.8% in 2020, down from a peak of 94.2% in 2014. In the EU, the general government debt ratio is set to fall from 80.6% of GDP in 2018 to 78.6% in 2019 and 76.7% in 2020.

Dr. Pendl & Dr. Piswanger InterSearch Austria / International Executive Search Consultant of the Year in Austria...........................................8. PIDA C&ES t/a ANTAL / Digital Workplace Transformation Consultant of the Year in Belgium..............................................................................................................................8. FORTIUS INTER PARTES d.o.o. / Insurance Broker of the Year in Croatia.............................9.

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KPMG Croatia / M&A Transactions Adviser of the Year in Croatia..........................................9.

McMillan Woods Cyprus / Audit Services Advisory Firm of the Year in Cyprus.................... 10.

Deloitte Limited (Cyprus) / Banking & Finance Sector Strategy Consultant of the Year in Cyprus.............................................................................................................................. 10. BDO UK / Arbitration Expert Witness Advisory Firm of the Year in England.........................11. BDO UK / Forensic Accounting Advisory Firm of the Year in England...................................11.

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Arcadis / Construction Sector Economic Disputes Consulting Firm of the Year in England............................................................................................................................ 12. BCR Associates Ltd / Cost Management Consulting Firm of the Year in England............... 12. CS Global Partners / International Citizenship Consulting Firm of the Year in England........ 13. Cornerstone Tax / Property Tax Experts of the Year in England............................................ 13. EE&MC / Competition Economics Consulting Firm of the Year in Germany....................... 14. MOORE Rhein-Ruhr GmbH / Foreign Business Inbound Investment Advisory Firm of the Year in Germany......................................................................................................... 14. Korn Ferry / Cultural Transformation Consultant of the Year in Germany.............................. 15. Bridgewater / Business Restructuring Advisory Firm of the Year in Ireland......................... 16. EY Ireland / VAT Advisory Firm of the Year in Ireland........................................................... 16. Dalla VeritĂ & Partners / International Business Advisory Firm of the Year in Italy................17. Natixis Wealth Management / Custodian Firm of the Year in Luxembourg...........................17. GAE AWARDS 7

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN AUSTRIA In 1980, Pendl & Piswanger (P&P) Human Resources Consultancy was established in Vienna. Since then, the company has grown significantly with special focus on international expert and executive search into a full HR service provider. Since 1990, P&P has 14 offices in Austria and throughout CEE. As shareholder of InterSearch with more than 90 offices in over 50 countries P&P/InterSearch ranks as one of the top international search organisations in the world. According to P&P’s mission they identify, provide and develop human excellence for business excellence. Their clients confirm that they are their preferred and trusted advisor by combining heart and mind with latest technologies. Global reach – local impact: Through their partner firms and their wide knowledge and expertise, P&P provides clients access to exceptional candidates almost anywhere across the globe. P&P/InterSearch partners have an average of 20 years of experience. They have worked with a variety of multi-national,regional, government and local companies and are well positioned with the maturity to take on the most challenging assignments. For expert search they use latest technologies, follow traces on www and identify candidates with extremely specific and challenging profiles – very successfully, as clients confirm. Partners and consultants love what they do and go the extra mile. They think and act entrepreneurial, are committed to add value and take responsibility for the results they deliver. They tailor their approach to their clients’ needs,

aligning it with the P&P quality standards. Based upon the defined profile, and taking into account the objectives of the client organisation, P&P develops an ideal mix of the most effective strategies in order to satisfy even the most challenging staffing requirements. By means of a structured assessment/appraisal following each and every project closure, additional transparency and control is guaranteed. P&P consultants understand leadership as guidance and support to inspire their clients and themselves in proceeding to excellence – therefore they offer management and expert training as well as Investors in People consulting for business and organisational development. Further, BOARD SEARCH, part of Pendl & Piswanger Consulting group, is the Austrian pioneer in search for professional board members. With more than 30 years’ experience in almost all industries, and a pool of highly qualified personalities – national and international, Board Search delivers benefit: A professional board which increases – from the first meeting – the client company’s value. A professional board guarantees effective supervision and helps to avoid expensive mistakes. As counsellor, a professional board ensures consistency of business by bringing in an external point of view. The focus on mid- and long-term issues guarantees future success. Target groups span listed companies, limited companies and start-ups, family-owned business, registered associations, foundations, organisations and public bodies – in short, every part of society: economy, politics, culture, sports, social, non-profit.

Dr. Pendl & Dr. Piswanger InterSearch Austria Peter Pendl Managing Partner and CEO P&P Group Tel: +43.1.4027608 p.pendl@pendlpiswanger.at www.pendlpiswanger.at

For further information, please visit www.pendlpiswanger.at

DIGITAL WORKPLACE TRANSFORMATION CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN BELGIUM Pierre Dagneau, the founder and owner of PIDA C&ES (the ANTAL Belgium office), brings more than 35 years’ experience in IT. Due to his recent experience, Mr Dagneau has developed expertise around audits, assessments and strategic roadmaps in Digital Workplace Transformation, Cloud, Enduser Experience Management (EUEM) and VDI for various public and private organisations. From 2013 until 2015, Mr Dagneau has been engaged as Digital Workplace Transition & Transformation Program Management for a major European utility group. From the beginning of 2018, he has acted as a recruiter and headhunter, specialising in IT and digital transformation for top talents. Mr Dagneau commented: “At ANTAL, we are experts in the global search and selection industry, working with professional and managerial talent worldwide. Every day, we help businesses all around the world to find the talent that they need in order to drive their growth, profits and long-term success.” Utilising an extensive international network to carry out cross-border work allows the firm to bring a truly unique approach to the recruitment sector. It achieves this via its 1000 experts from more than 120 offices, spanning more 30 countries globally. Over the past 25 years, ANTAL International has worked with over 60,000 clients, making over 100,000 placements. ANTAL has continually developed its internal processes, training and methodologies in order to reflect the business needs of its diverse client GAE AWARDS 8

base, and market changes in general. The firm’s extensive market expertise can assist organisations seeking a knowledgeable and professional business partner – providing both scale and a truly international scope. Currently, the firm particularly specialises in finding and placing Information Technology and DIGITAL talents for all sectors. ANTAL Belgium has the expertise to support and advise them to realise the next step in their career, on a global platform. To this end, the firm’s core strengths include: focus on IT and digital areas, the ANTAL international network and methodology, as well as Mr Dagneau’s own network of IT and digital experts. Mr Dagneau noted: “A major issue for many companies is to find the IT and digital talents they need, to drive and support their transformation regarding the digital workplace, IoT, Big Data, AI, etc. Two sources of the problem include: scarcity of talents having experience in IT and digital transformation, as well as difficulty for the enterprises to define which talents they need and in which roles. PIDA C&ES (ANTAL Belgium) can assist its clients with identifying the profiles they need, and defining the relevant job descriptions – as well as sourcing the IT/digital talents they require. “Among our major successes of the past 12 months was the placement of a very senior digital transformation expert for a major international IT services company. They had been looking for such talent for more than a year.”

PIDA C&ES t/a ANTAL Pierre Dagneau Owner and Managing Partner Tel: +32 477 216520 pdagneau@antal.com www.antal.com/office/ louvain-la-neuve-belgium/259

INSURANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR IN CROATIA FORTIUS INTER PARTES Insurance and Reinsurance brokerage company was founded in 2003. We operate in accordance with the provisions of the Insurance Act and are registered to perform insurance and reinsurance distribution activities in all types of life and non-life insurance and reinsurance, i.e. the activity of initiating, proposing or performing the activities of preparation for concluding insurance or reinsurance contracts, to assist in the exercise of rights under the insurance contract, and in particular when resolving claims against insurance or reinsurance companies.

range of services such as consulting, risk management, contracting insurance and claims handling, IT support and tailor-made solutions and reporting.

Our professionalism and quality are recognized internationally, and we work with the world’s largest insurance brokers to provide our clients with global insurance solutions while respecting all the specifics of local business. We have been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2008 and Slovenia since 2018.

With our strong regional presence, knowledge and years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance business, we are able to respond to any request from the market and provide our partners with reliable and high-quality service.

We have focused on the regions Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia and developed the network of local partners in the countries that we are not directly present. We provide insurance and reinsurance distribution services that include the whole

We provide out-of-the-box solutions since we drive to produce the best possible insurance solution to our clients, as we strongly believe that only a satisfied client is our long-term partner. Our focus for the following period will be to strengthen our business in Croatia as well as in the surrounding region. We will continue developing strong client and insurance provider relationships, offer fast, efficient service to clients, retain and obtain professional talents and keep being flexible, innovative and proactive.

Our professionalism and quality are recognized internationally, and we work with the world’s largest insurance brokers to provide our clients with global insurance solutions.

FORTIUS INTER PARTES d.o.o. Vesna Klaić Chief Operating Officer Tel: +385 1 4825 820 vesna.klaic@fip.hr www.fip.hr

M&A TRANSACTIONS ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN CROATIA KPMG Advisory professionals leverage the knowledge and skills across its global network of firms to develop practical recommendations designed to help clients work smarter, grow faster and compete stronger. Businesses are demanding a broad mix of advisory services as they seek to address the myriad of challenges and opportunities presented by a persistently volatile and complex economic environment. KPMG’s advisory experts work across the corporate health spectrum covering areas as diverse as profitability, transformation, technology, risk, growth, structure and operations. No matter where clients are in the business cycle, whether it’s advice on improving the performance of their business, undertaking a transaction or restructuring their company or advice on how to handle risk and regulation – KPMG can assist. KPMG Croatia is a member firm of KPMG International, providing full-scope advisory and audit services to local and international clients. As the Croatian market’s attractiveness for private equity investors grows, so does demand for professional advisory services. In response, KPMG has created an interdisciplinary group of advisory, audit, tax and legal specialists. Broad experience and a deep understanding of the private equity sector allow KPMG to deliver services of the highest quality. In today’s competitive market, identifying value creation opportunities and understanding risk, pre-acquisition, is crucial to driving value on completion and under ownership. KPMG’s professionals in Croatia can help clients exploit opportunities and assist them in improving returns and generating real value for their investors.

Daniel Radic, partner, noted: “We strongly believe that our M&A practice is a top M&A practice in the country, with an eight-person team consisting of experienced professionals who have been with the firm for more than 15 years on average. Moreover, being part of an international network provides a major advantage both in terms of finding investors and winning work.” Mr Radic has been advising clients on M&A transactions, equity and debt raising and financial restructuring for more than two decades in industries ranging from tourism and real estate to banking and insurance, for clients ranging from Institutional investors to private equity houses to private investors. He believes that KPMG Croatia’s strength lies in its multi-disciplinary, multi-industry, multiservice approach, whereby its advisers’ deep knowledge of the banking, private equity and various industries helps them structure and raise financing and close deals. Referring to the firm’s successes of the past 12 months, he added: “On the M&A sell side, last year I ran and successfully closed deals with equity values in excess of EUR 350 million. Also notable are transactions involving rescheduling and/or refinancing companies via both debt and equity funds, raised both locally and internationally.

KPMG Croatia Daniel Radic Partner Tel: +385 91 4666 461 dradic@kpmg.com www.kpmg.hr

“Looking to the future, given the low-interest rate and abundant capital environment, my focus is now, in addition to sell side M&A, on assisting my clients – who are primarily comprised of privately-owned, rapidly growing companies – with raising funds, both debt and equity, to facilitate their expansion.” GAE AWARDS 9

AUDIT SERVICES ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CYPRUS McMillan Woods Cyprus is a member firm of McMillan Woods Global, a global network of independent local and regional firms of recognized qualified accountants and professional advisors. McMillan Woods Cyprus has over 26 years of professional experience and was created to provide a creative and reliable solution that gives our clients a competitive edge in their business. Services rendered include but are not limited to technical assistance in traditional accounting, audit assurance, tax consulting, company formation, management services, bank account opening, and applications for Citizenship from Investment program, overall providing a one-stop shop for our clients. Our staff includes qualified accountants and trainees of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) with many years of experience in auditing, accounting, taxation, business and finance. McMillan Woods Global network enables us to meet the technical requirements of our client’s database that are seeking incorporation and administration of local and overseas companies, fiduciary and banking services. Our company ensures top quality services with a quick response to its clients’

requirements in order to build strong and long-lasting professional relationships. Why Choose Us: • Established in 1992 – assisting businesses for over 26 years • We offer a very comprehensive range of services tailored for Small–Medium Business and High-Net-Worth Individuals • History of solid relationships with our clients. We will always put your needs ahead of the transaction and act in your best interest • Give you full access to our team of accountants • Easy access to partner-level advice • A small team of professionals including directors working on your files • Experienced and Professional Administration team assisting clients with all requests and enquiries • Flexible meeting options including in office, at clients’ premises, or via Skype for those not located in Cyprus. After-hours appointments can also be arranged

McMillan Woods Cyprus Angelo Aristodimou FCCA Managing Director Tel: +357 22276000 Fax: +357 22270807 angelo@mcmillanwoods.com.cy; info@mcmillanwoods.com.cy www.mcmillanwoods.com.cy

Address: 36 Pireos street, 3rd floor, Nicosia, Cyprus

BANKING & FINANCE SECTOR STRATEGY CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN CYPRUS Clea Evagorou is a banking specialist, with 11 years’ experience in the UK financial services across a variety of roles. Prior to joining Deloitte, Ms Evagorou worked at Barclays Bank PLC, in areas such as structured finance, corporate restructurings and treasury. Ms Evagorou currently leads Deloitte’s strategic risk advisory services, focusing on the banking and financial services industry, including regulatory strategy, recovery and resolution planning, advising on capital and funding strategies, corporate restructurings to manage regulatory requirements, corporate governance matters and mergers and acquisitions. She said: “Having spent over a decade working in some of the largest financial centres in the world and the majority of my professional career at a global banking institution, I find that industry experience equips me with practical examples of how to solve clients’ problems. My industry experience allows me to easily relate with my clients and tackle issues by getting to the heart of the matter.” She also noted that, as with most financial institutions around the globe, Deloitte’s clients are faced with the reality of low returns, increased competition – which, on some occasions, comes in the form of new technologies – as well as increased regulatory cost. Deloitte’s advisers assist their diverse client base in achieving efficiency by optimising

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their organisation and finding the correct balance between regulation and commercial reality. Her main clients are comprised of large financial institutions and international investment funds, as well as smaller, entrepreneurial individuals and organisations looking into technology projects and new ventures. These include setting up electronic money institutions / payment services. Deloitte is now the largest professional services firm in the world in terms of revenue and number of professionals, providing audit, tax, consulting, risk advisory and financial advisory services, with more than 286,000 professionals globally. Ms Evagorou commented: “At Deloitte we believe that delivering distinct value to our clients, and continuously striving to perform at the highest levels, are the foundation of long-term, sustainable success for our firm and our people. Our focus on quality is integral to this. Our strong international network gives clients confidence in our ability to not only serve them in Cyprus, but also assist them in any future developments worldwide. “This same network enables us to choose the resources with appropriate industry and technical expertise within each of our teams.”

Ms Evagorou currently leads Deloitte’s strategic risk advisory services.

Deloitte Limited (Cyprus) Clea Evagorou Director, Risk Advisory Tel: +357 22 360 300 clevagorou@deloitte.com www.deloitte.com/cy/en/ profiles/cevagorou

ARBITRATION EXPERT WITNESS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND BDO has one of the most successful, experienced and innovative forensic and dispute advisory practices in the UK. Our forensic and dispute advisory team includes lead practitioners in dispute resolution, professional negligence, fraud, financial crime and anti-corruption, forensic technology and valuations. Our clients range from international companies and professional firms to regulators, governments and not-for-profit organisations, in the UK and overseas. As a leading global professional services firm, we offer a full range of forensic accounting expertise, including: • Dispute Advisory: expert witness (litigation and arbitration), professional negligence, business interruption, competition and anti-trust • Valuations: expert witness services, options valuations, intangible asset valuations, corporate and share valuations, financial services valuations • Investigations: fraud investigations, financial investigations, asset tracing, forensic due diligence, forensic audit • Forensic technology: cutting-edge forensic labs with capabilities including eDisclosure, data analytics, data recovery, device imaging and data security. With all of our engagements we build a detailed understanding of our clients’ objectives and structure our work, communications and opinions to ensure that these are met. We have a reputation for delivering exceptional client service and value for money, and helping our clients achieve their goals.

The experience of our team Our team of specialists has been instructed on some of the most high-profile regulatory and fraud investigations, professional negligence claims and commercial disputes in recent years. Our UK practice includes 11 partners and over 100 staff. We have experience in a wide range of sectors such as: oil & gas, mining & metals, renewable energies, utilities, manufacturing, financial services, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, transport & logistics, infrastructure, chemicals, shipbuilding & chartering. The value of our experience is evident in the questions we ask, the analysis we provide, and the credibility we bring in support of complex matters in jurisdictions around the world. Our geographical reach We have an extensive global network covering over 162 countries with whom we work regularly. We have 1,600 offices covering virtually all markets and business locations. This allows us to provide a deep understanding of local regulatory bodies, evolving legislation, and cultural norms. Our global reach allows us to share significant experience and knowledge, and provide a rapid deployment of forensic resources globally. Awards and distinctions • BDO is a top 20 ranked firm in the GAR 100 2019 Expert Witness Firm’s Power Index

BDO UK Kaley Crossthwaite Partner Tel: +44 (0)20 7893 3548 kaley.crossthwaite@bdo.co.uk www.bdo.co.uk

• BDO ranked as 2nd for investor-state arbitration matters in the GAR 100 2019 • BDO ranked as a top 5 firm for energy and oil and gas related hearings in the GAR 100 2019 • BDO is a top 20 ranked firm, based on reputational clout in the GAR 100 2019

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CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ECONOMIC DISPUTES CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Through its UK-based Contract Solutions team based in the UK, Arcadis provides dispute avoidance, contract advice and dispute resolution services to the residential/commercial and industrial building, infrastructure, oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Gary Kitt, partner at the firm, commented: “Disputes can arise on even the most appropriately procured and managed projects. When they occur, our practical initiatives to lessen their effect can maintain project performance, avoid delays and minimise business interruptions. Our international capability, coupled with local support, local resources and local knowledge, brings the right combination of skills to produce a positive outcome. We deliver tangible, measurable economic benefits. Our ability to deploy large, skilled teams in global locations without delay can stop a dispute escalating into a longrunning conflict.” Arcadis also embraces the latest developments, and is committed to the use of efficient IT systems, data management and modelling techniques. “The majority of the Contract Solutions UK team’s work is carried out direct to our existing repeat clients, including barristers, lawyers, employers, contractors and sub-contractors,” said Mr Kitt. “Although we are based in the UK, the Contract Solutions UK team operates globally. We have experienced a marked increase in our international dispute work over the last five years, particularly in the provision of expert witness services on high-value mega projects in the Middle East and Africa, where there has been recent investment in oil, gas

and petrochemical and infrastructure projects respectively.” Mr Kitt’s team includes accredited and chartered, project managers, builders, quantity surveyors, expert witnesses and arbitrators, with fellows, members and associate members of each of the main governing body organisations for the construction industry, which include: Members and Fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; Association of Project Managers; Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; and Chartered Institute of Building. “While we can be involved as a claim develops to allow the best chance of settlement for the client, there are times where a third party is engaged to decide the dispute,” he added. “Our Contract Solutions team offers dispute resolution services across the whole life of a dispute, whether it be as soon as an issue arises providing claim or defence support to our clients, with the target being to settle the dispute; to providing expert advice or opinion once a formal dispute has crystallised and proceedings have commenced; and all the way to acting as a dispute resolver.” The Contract Solutions team further distinguishes itself from the competition through its enviable experience across sectors. Its clients and their legal advisers benefit from their strong commercial backgrounds and associated sector and industry insight. The core of the team has worked together for more than 10 years, and is able to form multidisciplinary teams that eliminate duplication inherent with independent delay and quantum teams, adjusting the skills mix and team size to meet the challenges of dispute proceedings and ensure client value at all times.

Arcadis Gary Kitt Partner Tel: +44 7826 535 499 gary.kitt@arcadis.com www.arcadis.com

COST MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND BCR Associates is a cost management consultancy working with SMEs and larger corporate companies throughout the lifetime of their businesses, in order to increase efficiency, manage risk, ensure compliance and rationalise essential procurement costs. In a shifting economy, wherein financial uncertainty is rife, businesses face are confronted with various complexities and pressures to reduce essential spend, streamline internal processes and ensure compliance with the latest legislation. Safeguarding businesses from risk and retaining control of business overheads is crucial to maximising growth and longterm profitability. BCR Associates was formed in 2005, and since then our supply chain has grown from strength to strength. We now have a panel of more than 40 suppliers, furnishing us with the ability to help clients streamline essential spend across eight key service areas: energy, telecoms, business supplies, insurance, finance, water, HR and H&S and vehicles. Rather than focusing on just one of these service areas, our holistic approach means that we analyse our client’s purchase ledger to identify where savings and efficiencies can be made across all our service areas. We offer our expertise and procurement strategies to businesses nationwide. BCR Associates provide a fully managed service and work with businesses across a wide range of industry sectors, but with particular expertise GAE AWARDS 12

in manufacturing, professional services, care, retail, education and hospitality. We realise that every business is different and are sympathetic to the unique complexities inherent in each sector. Our team of experienced consultants and panel of suppliers allow us to offer bespoke client solutions, fine-tune operations and set the foundations for future growth and stability. Managing director Richard Dormer noted: “As a business owner, I understand the importance of effective cost management. Our objective is to help organisations to become more profitable through assisting with procurement strategies, freeing up precious resource and time so that owners/ managers can concentrate on front-line duties. We look forward to helping more businesses in the future.” We are proud of the long-standing relationships that we have built with our clients over the years, and BCR Associates are the profit improvement consultants of choice for thousands of businesses around the UK. Our unique business model offers a no-obligation review of a business’s cost base, and returns 100% of savings identified to the client. Our aim is to become a key part of our client’s outsourced management team. Going forward, we will continue to build trusted business relationships with our clients, helping to improve profitability, reduce overheads – and ensure watertight procurement strategies across our network.

BCR Associates Ltd Richard Dormer Managing Director Tel: +44 (0)3330 433 233 info@bcrassociates.co.uk www.bcrassociates.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL CITIZENSHIP CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND CS Global Partners is an international, award-winning and industry-leading consultancy, focused on citizenship and residence solutions and their related legal matters. Based primarily in London, with ten offices around the world, CS Global Partners provides bespoke strategic advice to its diverse client base. CS Global Partners transcends the traditional investment immigration industry framework, supporting the governments of Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis to promote their CBI programmes – driving economic prosperity and transforming lives in the process. The firm leads by example, providing investors and governments alike with unrivalled citizenship strategies. As we see increased global uncertainty, there comes a greater onus on diversifying one’s residency and citizenship – to guarantee physical safety, financial security, as well as lifestyle and accessibility, especially when it comes to the future of one’s family. Seeking out business opportunities on an international scale, rather than a regional one, is no longer just desirable, it is crucial. Demand is now driven by an increasingly globalised business market, and economic or political instability means that a typical client is looking for safety and security, both from a personal and professional perspective. The investor migration industry has followed suit, with nations all around the world foreseeing this as a strong

method to drive future investment. The Caribbean is an apt example of how nations can benefit from enabling economic citizenship. CS Global Partners’ team has extensive experience in fields including immigration, citizenship and residence. We are composed of professionals from all around the world, with many of us having lived in multiple countries and jurisdictions. In this regard, we have first-hand knowledge of how important, worrying, and at times emotionally taxing a second citizenship or residence decision may be for an individual and his or her family. Therefore, our goal is to make this decision easy and to provide a smooth process and guiding hand to our clients during their second citizenship or residence application. Led by a dual-qualified attorney with years of practice in citizenship and residence by investment, the CS Global Partners team is extremely global, multicultural and multilingual. Moreover, we are fluent in over 11 languages, including the Romance languages – French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish – and German, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi and Afrikaans. At CS Global Partners, we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, meaning that we will advise applicants on which programmes are best suited for their bespoke needs. We are very proud of the standards we uphold, and our 99% approval rate for applications should speak for itself.

CS Global Partners Micha-Rose Emmett CEO Tel: +44 (0) 207 318 4343 info@csglobalpartners.com www.csglobalpartners.com

Please visit www.csglobalpartners.com for more information.

PROPERTY TAX EXPERTS OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Cornerstone has been at the cutting edge of property tax advice for over a decade, helping clients to steer their way through the minefield that is the current Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) legislation. From advising clients on the correct amount of SDLT to be paid on a purchase, to identifying relevant reliefs and even assisting clients in obtaining refunds on historical overpayments of tax, Cornerstone is the market leader in offering the right advice first time, every time. CEO David Hannah, an Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with several decades’ experience, also provides CPD training to Law Firms on the various aspects of SDLT, highlighting the areas in which they may be missing exemptions and reliefs. David heads up an ever-growing team of experts always looking at the very latest developments and ensuring that clients and their legal advisers are ahead of them. Cornerstone’s clients include property developers, accountants, solicitors and private individuals, and the satisfaction rate of their client base is almost unparalleled in the tax sector. Cornerstone’s recent SDLT refunds venture has seen the spotlight firmly shone on the hidden issue of SDLT overpayments, resulting in national media coverage in

David heads up an ever-growing team of experts always looking at the very latest developments. this previously un-highlighted issue and prompting HMRC to admit that its own SDLT Calculator – relied on by legal advisers nationwide – is merely ‘a guide’ and does not provide a guaranteed accurate assessment. With one recent Cornerstone client receiving a refund of £275,000.00 in overpaid SDLT, one might be forgiven for commenting on HMRC’s powers of understatement. The success of SDLT refunds, and the admission by HMRC have prompted the next stage in the evolution of the firm’s services – now working on their own bespoke toolset for financial advisers and solicitors to ensure that accurate SDLT calculations are obtained early in the process, and that solicitors will be able to provide the audit trail on their SDLT calculation now required by the Law Society. Even as these new tools sit ready to be unleashed into the marketplace after live Beta Testing, Cornerstone are looking to the next challenge on the horizon. The secret to the firm’s success is that they never remain still, always looking to new areas to perfect their service. The company’s mission statement is simple: Property Tax, Properly Done. If that’s what you need, Better Call Cornerstone.

Cornerstone Tax David Hannah CEO Tel: +44 (0)1858 439033 dhannah@ctatax.uk.com www.ctatax.uk.com

GAE AWARDS 13

COMPETITION ECONOMICS CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY EE&MC is an economic consulting firm specializing in competition law cases. It provides expert economic assessments of agreements and mergers, abuse and state aid cases as well as regulatory issues. In support of its clients in challenging cases, EE&MC utilizes sophisticated, cuttingedge econometric tools. Moreover, EE&MC has a strong record on cartel damages calculations. EE&MC economists apply the “more economics-based” approach in EU competition law, which was co-founded by Professor Doris Hildebrand in the 1990s. Professor Hildebrand leads the EE&MC-teams in Bonn, Brussels and Vienna. The aforementioned “more economics-based” approach is also known as the European School. In contrast to Chicago School thinking, EE&MC applies the European School concept. This modern economic concept reflects the social fairness and equality objectives as defined in the Lisbon Treaty. The economic framework for the creation and distribution of wealth is at the center of the European School. Economics in this European School tradition is the firm’s specialist area: the economic analysis are fully embedded within the legal framework. The use of economics in this European tradition increases the likelihood that the European Commission, competition authorities or courts assess the results of EE&MC analysis more favorably. This difference counts. Accordingly, EE&MC benefits from academic research on this

subject at the University of Brussels (VUB). Professor Hildebrand also publishes and lectures on this European approach. Due to this specific expertise, the firms’ economists are extremely successful in all areas of competition law enforcement. Moreover, clients and authorities value EE&MC for its pragmatic and goal-oriented style. Having been active for over 20 years, the firm offers comprehensive expertise in many sectors and markets, especially those pertaining to retail, media and industrial products. The firm’s reports are known to be clear and concise, intended for non-economists too, which in turn increases the value of EE&MC’s working partnerships. In addition, EE&MC advises in all EU Member States and normally provides its services to the board or senior management level. EE&MC’s clients clearly know what blend of services they are looking for; they engage the best economists with the highest reputations and strongest empirical skills to solve their competition problems. In particular, the clients appreciate the firm’s interdisciplinary approach, its strong network, as well as the academic affiliations of the EE&MC economists. Recently, EE&MC’s critical successes have been in a number of high-profile damage cartel cases in Germany. The company has also enlarged its team with a special focus on hiring high academic potentials. EE&MC continues to focus its efforts on enhanced services, as the business itself continues to expand.

EE&MC Prof. Dr. Dr. Doris Hildebrand Managing Partner EE&MC and Professor of Economics, University of Brussels (VUB) Tel: +49 228 926776 0 dhildebrand@ee-mc.com www.ee-mc.com

FOREIGN BUSINESS INBOUND INVESTMENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY

A leader in the field of inbound investment

MOORE Rhein-Ruhr GmbH was founded in 1987. With its team of auditors, lawyers and tax consultants, it covers the entire spectrum of financial, tax and business consulting and offers the client a full suite service approach in a standardized process, enabling the client to concentrate on its operations. Our firm is known for understanding clients‘ goals and needs when investing into Germany, supporting the process in a way that makes it run smoothly, and thus creates strategic business value. We can assist with: • Finding the suitable legal structure and legal form • Tax structuring • Drafting relevant contracts like partnership agreements, articles of incorporation etc. • Setting up other contracts, such as employment contracts, rules of procedure • Registration of companies (commercial register, city, fiscal authorities) • Reporting to foreign shareholders / stakeholders • Setting up transfer pricing documentation • Fulfillment of local requirements, such as bookkeeping, salaries, annual financial statements • Domiciling services Contact: c.hasselmans@moore-rhein-ruhr.de Bio: www.moore-rhein-ruhr.de/wp-content/ uploads/2018/02/CV_Hasselmans_EN.pdf www.moore-rhein-ruhr.de

GAE AWARDS 14

CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm with more than 7000 employees. We help clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance. Organizations partner with Korn Ferry to design their structures, roles, and responsibilities. Furthermore, we help our clients to hire the right people who bring their strategy to life, and we advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their people. Having 106 offices in 50 countries, we are a true international player. We partner with our clients wherever they need us. Our consultants deliver services in more than 26 languages. The importance of culture for a successful organization Organizational culture is the single most powerful driver of a company’s ability to execute strategy – it’s what determines what people do when no one is telling them what to do. The right culture can be our clients’ greatest competitive advantage, driving

revenue growth, market share, wallet share, margin and ultimately share price. But transforming workforce culture is difficult. It means undoing unspoken ‘rules’ and challenging unconscious behaviors. Culture change starts in the executive suite. Top leaders need to define the culture, communicate it to all organizational levels, and act and behave in ways that reflect and reinforce desired outcomes. It is not only the leadership culture that has a huge impact on the company culture; levers, required to drive culture transformations, can be identified on both sides of an organization, the organizational side (hard factors) & the people side (soft factors). Multiple levers to drive culture change Based on our experience, we could identify four key levers that are essential when shaping cultural transformations. The following four key levers, together with their underling topics, enable sustainable change, if they are applied in the correct sequence. Furthermore, the right interaction between the levers is essential to guarantee a successful transformation.

Organizational design

Management systems

Leadership team Leadership styles

Operating model

Performance management

Organizational structure

Talent management

Decision processes

Reward policy

Delegation authority

Communication and knowledge management

Competencies Top team effectiveness Succession management

Workforce/ Employees Skills & qualification Learning landscape & philosophy Strategic resource management Work environment

Korn Ferry Dr. Bibi Hahn Managing Director Advisory Business Germany Tel: +49 69 50 50 55 129 bibi.hahn@kornferry.com www.kornferry.com/ consultants/bibihahn

The Korn Ferry five-step roadmap for a holistic transformation

The Korn Ferry advantages in culture transformation For over 50 years, we have been experts at changing behavior at an individual, team and organization level, dramatically transforming the cultures of the world’s most admired companies to build dynamic organizations and achieve spectacular results. Our proven approach to culture transformation is unique due to the following differentiators: • We focus on the business strategy. Our intention is the alignment between the culture and the business strategy. All transformation efforts have the ultimate goal to create a culture that will drive the company’s business strategy. • We start with a deep dive into the current culture. Our actions are driven by quantitative (Culture Survey, Organizational Analytics) and qualitative measures (interviews, observation of team meetings, focus groups). • We use state-of-the art diagnostics. Our approach is based on thorough analyses for each client. All these analyses are done with state-of-the-art and well-proven diagnostic tools. • We identify the future organizational culture. Using our Strategy Decode method and external benchmarking, we define the culture that will deliver on the organization’s strategy. • We measure the unmeasurable. We go beyond the obvious to quantify and measure unconscious drivers of behavior. • We encourage positive thinking. We develop a shared story to eliminate workplace culture fears and barriers and build the desire to change.

• We make change happen. We align leadership around a shared cultural vision and change plan, we align the organization to the vision (including new operating models and structures) and we embed the desired culture across all HR strategy and frameworks. • We create sustainable change. Our clients confirm that our cultural transformation approach has measurable and sustainable impact on their organization. • We work holistically. When shaping cultural transformation, we leverage numerous areas from both the organizational side as well as from the people side to enable the holistic change that is needed for future success. Korn Ferry Success Stories A successfully shifting culture builds a sweeping momentum of its own, and the results can be stunning: • One tech firm saw increased share price within one year. • A global food business credited cultural transformation for $400 million in top line revenue growth. • A retail banking client saw a 26% sales increase after working with branch leaders on culture change. • One telecom client reported increased employee engagement and a two-point increase in EBITDA after working with us. • One mining client revamped their leadership culture and saw a 70% drop in grievances. • A life sciences client retained 94% of top talent, and 98% of managers and directors despite restructuring.

GAE AWARDS 15

BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN IRELAND Bridgewater was formed in 1999 – to meet the needs of companies experiencing strategic challenges and undergoing significant business transformations. Since then, the company has built a client base of successful SMEs, multinational and blue chip clients. It has been instrumental in adding significant value to these organisations and has a track record of success, many of these in the SME sector. Bridgewater is at the forefront in helping fledgling businesses reach their potential. Managing partner Alan Carey commented: “Our team of experienced and dedicated strategy professionals are chosen for their broad range of skills and are expected to have practical, hands-on entrepreneurial experience, allied with sound academic knowledge. “Our consultants have more than 50 years of experience in delivering business strategies, transformation and organisational change programmes. “We focus on the achievement of business value along with very strong analytical and communication skills, which enable us to manage change initiatives to solution delivery.

“We are experts in business plan development, market research, finance consulting for growth or restructuring and business training/coaching.” In addition, Bridgewater was appointed as consulting partner to www.businesschallenger. com, an innovative cloud-based solution to provide consistent and expert reviews of business plans. This solution is in use among several Enterprise Support agencies and bodies across Ireland and the UK. Mr Carey added: “At Bridgewater, we understand strategic business requirements and processes, and turn them into practical workable solutions through strategic guidance, business analysis, design, planning and solution delivery. “It is our passion for helping small businesses grow that makes Bridgewater the best there is.” Bridgewater provides services including: • Strategy / business model development; • Financial / accounting services; • Business restructuring (operational, organisational and strategic);

Bridgewater Alan Carey Managing Partner Tel: +353 1 6604300 (Dublin) +353 61 325600 (Limerick) alan.carey@bridgewatermcg.com www.bridgewatermcg.com

• Business planning and feasibility studies; • Training as well as business mentoring.

VAT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN IRELAND

GAE AWARDS 16

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ITALY Dalla Verità & Partners is a team of experienced professionals providing services to international groups and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI). The team combines a wellestablished expertise with a detailed knowledge of corporate law and international taxation. The continual analysis of global economics complements the legal competences of this young and innovative firm, whose team regularly attends international events, forums and studies. An extensive, worldwide network of fellow professionals and organisations ensures a committed, bespoke approach. This not only makes Dalla Verità & Partners the ideal investment advisor, but also an invaluable partner for the optimisation and restructuring of existing entities from legal, tax and financial perspectives. Gianluca Maria Dalla Verità, a chartered public accountant, auditor, TEP and published writer, is the founding member of Dalla Verità & Partners, which has its main branches in Bologna and London, among other locations. Alongside his associates, who continuously train, he is specialised in advisory, M&A – advisor and originator – and cross-border taxation. He is experienced in financial instruments, securitisation vehicles and NPLs schemes in compliance with EU legislation, and has a longstanding and successful track record in the Far East and in African countries.

Moreover, he is a member of various international bodies in the field of international tax law, takes an active part to think tanks in Macroeconomics, and is a member of STEP, London branch, the world Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Gianluca Maria Dalla Verità works with HNWI in areas such as tax structures for managers and sportsmen, real estate tax planning and regulations, and the arts. His wide-ranging experience in trusts, foundations and probate proceedings ensures that he is the appropriate counsel for wealth management and family businesses. With over 150 publications on taxation and corporate, trusts and business law, he often collaborates with major publishers such as WOLTERS KLUWER. In addition, he regularly lectures on these subjects for private entities and associations. For decades, Gianluca Maria Dalla Verità has studied worldwide trends and habits. The core of his analyses is an insatiable curiosity regarding the individual motivations and behaviours that underlie macroeconomic phenomena. He is equally at ease exchanging ideas with ordinary people, scholars or leading entrepreneurs. His desire to understand the “stories behind the story” underpins astute strategic analyses of future events – insights that he enjoys sharing with both clients and friends in open conversations.

Dalla Verità & Partners Gianluca M. Dalla Verità Founder Tel: +39 051 269900 UK Tel: +44 207 535 10 70 gianluca.maria@dallaverita.it gianluca.maria@dallaverita.co.uk www.dallaverita.it

CUSTODIAN FIRM OF THE YEAR IN LUXEMBOURG A Private Bank dedicated to the management and optimization of your assets. With presence across France, Luxembourg and Brussels, Natixis Wealth Management is a leading financial establishment able to provide its vast private clients, entrepreneurs and their families with optimum solutions for international wealth and asset management. For almost 30 years, Natixis Wealth Management’s teams conceived and implemented innovative and tailor-made financial solutions for private investors wishing to structure and grow their assets. We provide management support for all asset classes (forex management, specialized investment funds, structured products, life-insurance contracts, etc.). Our offer incorporates not only financial management but also credit and insurance; both key elements in the handling of clients’ assets. It is designed around one simple concept: identifying the most efficient solutions whether developed by our teams or our external partners that are well-known for their dedication and quality of service. That is the core principle behind our open architecture approach. The depositary bank services have been added to our service offerings more than ten years ago in Luxembourg and we have developed significantly this activity since 2010 to fulfill the demand of our individual clients who were interested in launching regulated and unregulated investment vehicles. As depositary, our main role is the safekeeping of the assets of our clients in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. We mainly focus on alternative investment funds, which hold illiquid assets as Private Debt, Private Equity and Real Estate while less than 20% of our depositary assets are listed securities. Our team of experts have a large experience in private deals in multiple countries across EMEA.

We have sound and relevant procedures in place to verify the ownership of the assets owned by the funds for the protection of the investors. Our core banking system used for safe-keeping and recordkeeping purposes allows us to produce reports on a regular basis to our clients. Our strength is our capacity to support our clients on different areas either for their private or professional needs and our ability to provide them with some bundled services with our strategic partners. As Private Banking is a fundamental part of our DNA, our clients have a single point of contact, a dedicated banker managing the day-to-day activity as well as the business development. Our strategy for the next years is to keep developing the depositary bank services while taking into account the needs of our clients and our structure. About Natixis: Natixis is a French multinational financial services firm specialized in asset & wealth management, corporate & investment banking, insurance and payments. A subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France through its two retail banking networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, Natixis counts nearly 16,000 employees across 38 countries. Its clients include corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and supranational organizations, as well as the customers of Groupe BPCE’s networks. Listed on the Paris stock exchange, Natixis has a solid financial base with a CET1 capital under Basel 3(1) of €11.1 billion, a Basel 3 CET1 Ratio(1) of 11.5% and quality long-term ratings (Standard & Poor’s: A+ / Moody’s: A1/ Fitch Ratings: A+).

Natixis Wealth Management Robin Moura Seabra Head of Depositary Bank Services Tel: +352 46 38 16 220 robin.moura-seabra@lu.natixis.com www.wealthmanagement.natixis.com

(1) Based on CRR-CRD4 rules as reported on June 26, 2013, including the Danish compromise – without phase-in. See note on methodology in the 2Q19 earnings’ material. Figures as at 30 June 2019

GAE AWARDS 17

T H E A M E R I C A S

W I N N E R S GAE AWARDS 18

The near-term outlook for the US economy is one of strong growth and job creation, according to the IMF. Unemployment is near levels not seen in 50 years, and growth is set to accelerate, aided by a fiscal stimulus, a recovery of private investment, and supportive financial conditions. These positive outturns have supported, and been reinforced by, a favourable external environment. The balance of evidence suggests that the US economy is beyond full employment.

A slow but steady rise in wage and price inflation is expected as labour and product markets tighten. Core PCE inflation is expected to rise modestly. Wages have been growing broadly in line with (relatively weak) labour productivity growth, leaving unit labour costs virtually unchanged. Wages and unit labour costs are anticipated to increase at a modest pace.

economy, trigger retaliatory responses and undermine the open, fair, rules-based multilateral trading system. Directors urged the authorities to work constructively together with their trading partners to reduce trade barriers and resolve trade and investment disagreements without resorting to harmful unilateral actions.

Despite good near-term prospects, a number of vulnerabilities are being built up. The planned expansion in the federal deficit at this stage of the cycle could trigger a faster-than-expected rise in inflation. That would be accompanied by a more rapid rise in interest rates that could increase market volatility both in the US and abroad. There is a risk of a marked reversal of capital flows, particularly from emerging markets with weaker macroeconomic fundamentals. The net effect of US budget and tax policy choices will exacerbate an already unsustainable upward dynamic in the public debt and leave few budget resources available to invest in a range of urgently needed supply-side reforms, including infrastructure spending. It will also contribute to a rise in global imbalances. These risks are increased by actions by the US to impose tariffs on imports.

The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean should see growth, thanks to a rebound in domestic demand, private consumption especially, and a slight increase in investment.

IMF directors welcomed the strong performance of the US economy, with accelerating growth, low unemployment and muted inflation. They also welcomed the favourable near-term outlook and the prospect of marking the longest economic expansion in its recorded history. At the same time, directors observed heightened policy uncertainty and medium-term vulnerabilities, including rising public debt, trade tensions, and income inequality. They stressed that developments and policy actions in the US have significant implications for the rest of the world. Directors recognised the objectives of the fiscal strategy and tax reform, with its many positive features, in supporting growth and promoting structural changes to unleash the economic potential. They observed that, at the current stage of the business cycle, the expansionary fiscal policy stance, while boosting US and global output in the near term, could increase risks and uncertainties in the medium term. Specifically, directors cautioned that the procyclicality of the budget and tax policy plans would adversely affect the fiscal deficit, debt sustainability and global imbalances. They encouraged the authorities to rebalance fiscal policy, increase the revenue-to-GDP ratio through a greater reliance on indirect taxes, and prioritise infrastructure spending. Directors commended the Federal Reserve for pursuing monetary policy normalisation in a gradual, data-dependent and well-communicated manner. They stressed the importance of continued adherence to these principles, while being mindful of potential global spillovers as monetary policy tightens. Directors raised significant concerns over recent trade policy proposals that could have damaging effects beyond the US

Latin America and the Caribbean Holds to a Path of Moderate Growth In an international context marked by uncertainty and volatility, the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean should see growth, thanks to a rebound in domestic demand, private consumption especially, and a slight increase in investment – as forecast by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). According to its Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, overall average growth in the region maintains a positive trend. There is great heterogeneity among the various countries and sub-regions, including South America, Central America and the Caribbean. With regard to countries, the Dominican Republic and Panama will lead the region’s growth, with increases in Gross Domestic Product, followed by Paraguay, Bolivia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Chile and Honduras. The Economic Survey adds that this regional growth is occurring in a complex global scenario, characterised by trade disputes between the US, China and other nations; growing geopolitical risks; a decline in capital flows toward emerging markets and a rise in sovereign risk levels; depreciations of local currencies against the dollar; and a global economic expansion that is tending to lose momentum. In the fiscal arena, measures aimed at fiscal consolidation in Latin America have brought about an expected reduction in the primary deficit. ECLAC’s report dedicates the majority of its chapters to a profound analysis of the evolution of investment in Latin America and the Caribbean. It indicates that the region has increased its investment levels in the last two decades, closing the existing gap with other regions of the world. The study adds that the construction sector had the greatest participation in investment in the time frame analysed, with 67.5% of total investment. “This is positive for the region, since it allows for incorporating greater technological content and laying the foundations for improving productivity and sustaining growth,” the report states. GAE AWARDS 19

C O

Deloitte (Argentina) / Agribusiness Sector Accounting Firm of the Year in Argentina.......... 21.

First Corporate Finance Advisors S.A. / Private Equity Advisory Firm of the Year in Argentina......................................................................................................................... 21.

N T E N

CCP Financial Consultants Limited / Company Management Services Advisory Firm of the Year in the BVI................................22.

Puente Sur / Tax & Accounting Advisory Firm of the Year in Chile.......................................22.

Gallagher Colombia / Insurance & Reinsurance Broker of the Year in Colombia..................23.

T S

Finn Partners / Legal Sector Brand Management Consulting Firm of the Year in the US....24.

IBG Fox Fin / M&A Adviser of the Year in in Arizona, US.....................................................24.

McLarens, Inc. / Commercial Property Claims Management Service Provider of the Year in Florida, US......................................................................................................25.

Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph, PLLC / Boutique IP Advisory Firm of the Year in Texas, US.............................................................25.

GAE AWARDS 20

AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ARGENTINA Deloitte is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms, based internationally, work together to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax and related services to select clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (DTTL). Each and every DTTL member firm provides services in particular geographic areas, and is subject to the laws and professional regulations of the particular country or countries in which it operates. Moreover, every DTTL member firm is structured in accordance with national laws, regulations, customary practice and other factors, and can ensure the provision of professional services in its territory through subsidiaries, affiliates and other related entities. Not all DTTL member firm provide complete and comprehensive services, and so certain specialist services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. DTTL and each DTTL member firm are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate each other. DTTL and each DTTL member firm are liable only for their own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL (also referred to as Deloitte Global) does not provide services to clients. At Deloitte, we believe we’re only as good as the good we do. All the facts and figures that talk to our size and diversity and years of history, as notable and important as they may be, are secondary to the truest measure of Deloitte: the impact we make in the world.

When people ask, “What’s different about Deloitte?” the answer resides in the many specific examples of where we have helped Deloitte member firm clients, our people and sections of society to achieve remarkable goals, solve complex problems and make meaningful progress. “It’s in the beliefs, behaviours and fundamental sense of purpose that characterise all that we do.” Deloitte is the first international consultancy to be installed in Argentina, initiating its activities on November 30, 1908. It has offices in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and Rosario, with 2000 professionals in the disciplines of auditing, taxes, consultancy and corporate finance. In addition to our robust activity within Argentina, we are also present in 150 countries. Our global presence requires a strong contact with professionals from a diverse spread of specialisations and cultures. Deloitte offers access to state-of-the-art technologies, methodologies and knowledge bases, which generate interesting learning opportunities and growth on a personal and professional level. We maintain a leadership position, advising the main local and multinational companies in such diverse sectors as mass consumption, energy, oil and gas, automotive, agriculture, financial services, health and science, and manufacturing.

Deloitte (Argentina) Juanjo Lopez Head of Department Tel: +54 (11) 4320-2700 jlopezforastier@deloitte.com www.deloitte.com

Audit partner Juanjo Lopez is a leader of the Agribusiness industry. Having acted as a public accountant with over 20 years’ experience in the industry, and having been a partner in charge of key players of the sector, both locally and globally, has given him an impressive regional vision of the industry.

PRIVATE EQUITY ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ARGENTINA First Corporate Finance Advisors (FIRST) is a leading financial services group with more than 30 years of highlevel experience in the Argentinean and Latin American markets. The firm has participated in over 60 M&A transactions. It has completed more than 500 valuations across the region in the past decade. It has taken over 95 companies to the local capital markets. It has structured over 1,400 series of trust securities, valued at more than US$30 billion, with an 80% market share. Further, it has advised on corporate restructuring deals worth over US$3 billion. Chairman and CEO Miguel Arrigoni commented: “In the past decade, Argentina has not been an attractive destination for private equity investments, and M&A activity was not significant compared with the rest of the LATAM countries. However, this scenario has changed, and the recent change in government is bringing Argentina back to the international financial markets following the implementation of recent key economic reforms, which are bringing new opportunities for foreign investors. The new business environment is turning the country into an attractive destination for foreign investment, as well as promoting M&A activity. At FIRST, we provide perspective and understanding of Argentina’s current political and economic environment, and provide input on why Argentina is becoming attractive again to PE investors.” FIRST has advised on numerous high-profile deals in Argentina and Latin America. The firm’s key M&A clients include Unilever, BASF,

Baumgarten, Mead Johnson, ICBC, Diageo, Alicorp, Dupont, Seguridad Argentina, and Shell. In addition, FIRST has worked closely alongside the premier private equity firms and hedge funds, both domestic and international, looking to invest in Argentina. The firm has also specialised in a broad range of industries in Argentina, and has retained close contact with key local players. Mr Arrigoni said: “It is worth noting that FIRST has worked with more than 70% of Argentina’s top 100 domestic companies. Local companies are usually family-run, face professionalisation challenges and require capital to grow in a local market that is becoming more dynamic. We help foreign investors understand and adapt to the local business context. Valuations are another key item. Company valuations in Argentina have continued to be significantly below regional peers. As the economy gradually opens and the M&A flow increases, valuations are expected to increase.” FIRST is also developing several private equity investments in diverse sectors and industries in Argentina. “[The firm] has considerable experience working on engagements all across the ATAM region, and maintains a direct presence in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia and London,” added Mr Arrigoni. “Our international advantage is derived from our ability to provide local market expertise in all the regions we work – while also understanding the needs and requirements of international investors.”

First Corporate Finance Advisors S.A. Miguel Arrigoni Chairman / CEO Tel: +54 (11) 4311 6014 miguel.arrigoni@firstcfa.com www.firstcfa.com

GAE AWARDS 21

COMPANY MANAGEMENT SERVICES ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE BVI CCP Financial Consultants Limited is a part of the CCP Group of Companies, a multi-disciplinary financial services group based in the British Virgin Islands. The firm’s well-trained staff and its international affiliations enable it to provide prompt and efficient services to local, regional and international clients. CCP Financial Consultants Limited is fully licensed and authorised by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission to provide Company Management Services. This license was obtained in 1991, and since then the firm has provided, to its clients located in the BVI and abroad, its signature brand of complete, confidential and professional services: • BVI Business Company Formation and Management • Registered Office / Agent Services • Ship Registration • Registration of Trademarks • Company Secretarial Services Company Incorporation – BVIBC The British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004, which came into force on January 1, 2005 – as amended – governs the incorporation and management of companies in the BVI. The companies often referred to by the acronym BVIBC replaced the popular International Business Companies IBC and are renowned worldwide for providing a corporate vehicle that is cost-effective and which provides safety and security to investors. It is a fact that the British Virgin Islands are the world’s leading offshore corporate domicile, and as such, BVIBCs are the premier vehicle used for thousands of simple as well as complex international corporate structures and transactions on an annual basis.

Registration of Trade Marks Upon application made by or on behalf of any person or company claiming to be the proprietor of a trade mark, the Registrar of Trade Marks of the British Virgin Islands may register a trade mark. In order for a trade mark to be considered eligible for registration in the BVI, it must contain or meet one or more of the following criteria: • A name of an individual or firm printed, impressed or woven in some particular and distinctive manner; or • A written signature, or copy of a written signature, of the individual or firm applying for registration thereof as a trade mark; or • A distinctive devise, mark, brand, heading, label or ticket; or • An invented word or invented words; or • A word or words having no reference to the character or quality of the goods, and not being a geographical name. Ship Registration The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry is classified as a Category 1 registry under the UK Red Ensign Group of registries; however, its status is limited to General Cargo Ships. The types of vessels that can be registered include: • General cargo ships of unlimited tonnage; and • Yachts of up to 3000 gross tons. In addition, vessels previously covered under the previous Category 2 status, which includes recreational craft and yachts of up to 400 gross tons (about 45m in length), cargo and commercial craft of up to 150 gross tons (roughly 24m in length), and domestic passenger ships on domestic voyages are still covered.

CCP Financial Consultants Limited Joseph Roberts Director Tel: +(284) 494-6777 Fax: +(284) 494-6787 jroberts@ccpbvi.com www.ccpbvi.com

TAX & ACCOUNTING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CHILE With more than 20 years focused on providing back-office management (BPO) and tax advisory services to foreign companies with operations in Chile, Puente Sur has both the enthusiasm and expertise to guide our clients through a broad range of administrative and tax compliance issues. We are convinced that success lies in clear communication combined with understanding and managing the details of every transaction. We are managers, accountants, tax experts, payroll specialists, treasury, logistics, client services support and specialized services staff, and we are all dedicated to exceeding our clients´ expectations. With more than 80 professionals on staff, bilingual capabilities and more than 20 years in the industry, Puente Sur is uniquely positioned to understand and address the back-office and tax compliance needs of multinationals with operations in Chile. Born in the UK and educated in the US, partner Nicholas Walker founded the company in Santiago, Chile, in 1995, which has evolved into the group that today includes Puente Sur. Mr Walker has developed hands-on expertise in assisting multinationals with initiating and managing their operations in Chile, and has extensive know-how in a range of start-up and on-going compliance issues. He is either the legal representative for, or on the Board of Directors of, more than 30 companies in Chile, and has presented at numerous seminars on Doing Business in Chile in North and South America. Prior to forming The Southbridge GAE AWARDS 22

Group, Mr Walker held positions at Citicorp Chile in Santiago and at Morningstar (financial publishing company) in Chicago. Our Tax Advisory unit is the result of more than 20 years’ expertise gathered from working along with foreign and local clients on their strategic and day-to-day tax issues, and is strongly committed to the objective of making a “onestop-shop” available to our clients. This highly specialized and practical know-how translates into the ability to rapidly become acquainted with our clients’ operations, allowing us to tackle their tax compliance and advisory needs from a legal, accounting and audit standpoint in the role of a strategic local partner. Our service offering encapsulates almost every aspect of the professional services related to tax, including: representation of our clients before the Chilean tax authority, Chilean tax tribunals, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court; tax planning and day-today tax assistance; tax due diligence as part of M&A or as a preemptive diagnostic of an ongoing business; tax compliance including but not limited to monthly and annual tax filings, tax assessment and calculations; and transfer pricing compliance, planning and litigation. Starting your business in Chile on the best terms, or transitioning smoothly to a new back-office service provider, will pay dividends for years to come. We have the tax and accounting expertise, administrative street-smarts, and understanding of foreign clients’ needs in Chile to ensure that the start-up or transition process is as smooth and transparent as possible.

Puente Sur Nicholas Walker Partner Tel: +56 (2) 2496-1007 / 1044 / 1137 clientservices@pso.cl www.pso.cl

INSURANCE & REINSURANCE BROKER OF THE YEAR IN COLOMBIA Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is an international service provider that plans, designs and administers a full array of customised, cost-effective property/casualty/life insurance and risk management programmes. The company also furnishes a broad range of risk management services, including claims and information management, as well as risk control consulting to help corporations and institutions reduce their cost of risk. In addition, the company assists clients in all areas of their employee health/welfare and retirement plans, including plan design, funding and administration. Gallagher has operations in 35 countries and, through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants, the company offers clientservice capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world. Its offices are fully staffed with sales, marketing, claims, loss control and other specialists; some function as servicing offices for the various divisions. Large enterprises and multinationals face diverse, complex and ever-changing risks, often requiring sophisticated, carefully tailored business insurance, risk management and risk transfer solutions. Whether you’re a business, broker or private client, Gallagher specialises in creating custom risk management solutions as well as offering standard and specialist business insurance solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises, drawing upon the wide reach of Gallagher’s global network whenever necessary. Moreover, Gallagher is the only global broker with a dedicated dispute resolution team, offering bespoke dispute resolution insurance solutions to help reduce risk, inspire confidence and increase positive outcomes. Every case is different, and Gallagher’s insurance solutions can play a vital role in the case strategy you may deploy. Working closely with legal teams to help maximise the chances of a successful outcome, with expertise in securing cover from £500,000 upwards, the team at Gallagher has a great deal of cross-border experience, enabling its experts to place cover across many jurisdictions. Further, Gallagher has been recognised by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2019 ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies®’. Underscoring a solid commitment to leading ethical business standards and practices, Gallagher has been recognised annually since 2012 and is the only insurance broker to have received this honour. “Gallagher has been committed to maintaining the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior since our founding

in 1927, and we are truly honoured to again be recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019,” said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. “This distinction is a testament to our global team, united by the single purpose of helping people, businesses and communities navigate risk so they can face their future with confidence.” Carlos A. Rodríguez Angulo (a lawyer whose postgraduate studies were in international negotiation, marketing and global management) joined Gallagher in June 2014, taking on the challenge of acquiring a local reinsurance business as the first stone in building Gallagher in Colombia. With more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Mr. Rodríguez managed to defy the local market, opening both Retail and Reinsurance operations in less than two years – record time – due to outstanding growth rates and bottom-line results, currently positioning Gallagher Re within the top three brokers in the country. He soon expects to include Gallagher Retail within the top five; but above all, he strives to position Gallagher as the number one broker in Colombia in terms of customer service. Previously, Mr. Rodríguez served as Commercial Vice President, for JLT Re Colombia in 2007 up to 2014, and going back further, he joined Delima Marsh for more than 10 years and advanced through a series of insurance management positions, before being named National Market Vice President.

Gallagher Colombia Carlos A. Rodríguez Angulo Country Manager / CEO Reinsurance Tel: +57 (1) 655-5829 carlos_rodriguez@ajg.com www.ajginternational.com

He noted: “Established in Colombia as of 2015, we are nowadays present throughout the country’s major cities: Barranquilla, Cartagena, Medellin and Cali, aside from our main office in Bogotá. We have been recognized as having built the best team of the local market due, not only to our members’ seniority and background, but also for our relationship with insurance carriers and reinsurance companies. Our main strength lies in our team: not only do we have the best of the best, but we at Gallagher take care of our employees for them to take care of our clients. We build long-term relationships and aim not to be the number one broker in sales, but the number one broker in service.” For the third year in a row, Gallagher Colombia has delivered growth rates far above its main competitors and the overall market – 52% and 39% in the past two years. In less than four years of operation, it has positioned itself as the third largest reinsurance broker and the tenth retail broker in the country – aside from being the most innovative not only for its One Gallagher model, but also for its products for segments such as Oil & Gas, tech platforms, health and benefits, and infrastructure projects, among others. Definitely a player worth keeping in sight.

GAE AWARDS 23

LEGAL SECTOR BRAND MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE US For nearly 40 years, Greenfield/Belser has designed brands and marketing programs for over 400 law firms including large international firms such as Jones Day, Clifford Chance and Morgan Lewis and small firms such as Burns Levinson in Boston. We have also created brands and programs for the Big Four accounting firms plus fast-growing regional accounting firms, like LBMC, Dixon Hughes Goodman and BKD. We created significant programs for The American Lawyer and the National Law Journal. We routinely create brands and goto-market materials for some of the most important vendors to the legal market like Epiq, U.S. Legal Support, Advanced Discovery and many others. Three years ago, Greenfield/Belser was acquired by Finn Partners, a rapidly growing integrated marketing communications and PR firm. We now work seamlessly with their clients in 19 offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. During the past 12 months, we have completed over a dozen brand projects. They include the soon-to-be-launched website design Jones Day, a 2,300-lawyer firm and the rebranding of the American Bar Association. Finn Partners has also taken over the U.S. public relations efforts for Dentons.

Landmark Work In 2004, Greenfield/Belser published a history of legal marketing called 25 Years of Legal Branding. As a result, Burkey Belser, the founder and creative director of the firm, was given the Legal Marketing Association’s (LMA) only Lifetime Achievement Award that later became the model for the Hall of Fame, into which he was also inducted. The firm has received more than 500 awards for its work. We have received more than 60 Your Honor Awards from the LMA, lapping the field of competitors by several times. These awards honored such groundbreaking work as the: • advertising campaign for Howrey & Simon, “In Court Every Day,” the first legal advertising campaign. Greenfield/Belser also designed the logo for the firm, recognized as one of the earliest in the category. • advertising campaign for Womble Carlyle, featuring Winston the bulldog, a mascot that wiggled into the hearts of their clients and boosted the firm’s name recognition to unheard-of heights. • Orrick “O” brand that touched every corner of the firm’s marketing communications. We have created over 200 law firm logos, such as Proskauer’s that marks the building near Times Square.

Finn Partners Burkey Belser Managing Partner, Washington, DC Tel: +1-202-420-7540 burkey.belser@finnpartners.com www.finnpartners.com

M&A ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN ARIZONA, US When selling a business, the stakes are high, meaning it is crucial to plan sufficiently. However, only 25% of businesses marketed actually sell. IBG Fox Fin closes more than 80% of its deals by proactively manage a structured, methodical, six-step process, designed to build confidence and commitment among parties, reduce obstacles, and produce closings. 1. Assessing the Market. Only a professional with extensive technical knowledge and deep practical experience can thoroughly identify all of the options involved for exiting. We gather market intelligence, research comparable transactions, and survey the availability/cost of capital, ultimately producing a range of values we believe a sale could produce. Once engaged, with “buyer’s eyes” we will assess a company’s strengths, opportunities, and risks. 2. Packaging the Business. Buyers are drawn towards deals that present a compelling statement of value underpinned by accurate, thorough, and consistent information. We recast financials to reflect true earnings; we also construct a narrative to effectively illustrate the unique value drivers, and to bridge potential risks. We secure credibility with professionally produced materials that effectively tell the company’s story. 3. Marketing the Company. We will identify possible buyers, assessing size, financial strength, product strength, competitive position, and management capability. Ultimate deal values can vary significantly. An industry buyer may pay a premium to meet a specific need – in services, products, customers, or distribution – surpassing an offer from a financial buyer seeking sector presence. Completing the optimal “best fit” buyer pool, we devise and implement strategies to successfully reach decision-makers. 4. Maximizing the Offer. Top values emerge when several interested buyers compete to win a deal. By understanding the buyers’ motivations, operational fit, financial capacity and cultural compatibility, we’ll eliminate lower-ranking buyers before an owner wastes time. Once a non-disclosure agreement is signed, we release more complete data. As Letters of Intent (LOIs) arrive, we negotiate adjustments and advise on selection. 5. Providing Transition Support. We’re there to help resolve disputes, introduce new owners, alleviate concerns of customers/suppliers, and recommend professionals to assist in the transition. 6. Approaching the Close. With an executed LOI, we orchestrate buyer due diligence, vigilantly navigating issues and complexities. Experience tells us that “harmless” questions can be red flags, while “outrageous” inquiries may actually pose little threat. We ensure communication stays open, requests are met quickly, and advisers stay on schedule. Attribution of price and related tax consequences – which can dictate the ultimate deal value – are settled. We creatively attend to any arising issues and, ultimately, facilitate the closing. GAE AWARDS 24

IBG Fox Fin Jim Afinowich – CBI, M&AMI Managing Partner Tel: +1 480 327 6610 jim@ibgfoxfin.com www.ibgfoxfin.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN FLORIDA, US The McLarens brands’ goal is to provide the best in loss adjusting claims, globally. Quality is at the heart of McLarens. The experts based at McLarens live by a set of shared values that guide their actions and behaviors: EXCELLENCE – aiming for nothing less than the highest of standards TEAMWORK – working best when in collaboration with clients, colleagues and suppliers alike RESPECT – trusted to keep promises, acting with integrity at all times and treating people well KNOWLEDGE – deep understanding of the market, while always developing the brand’s processes THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – using inspired thinking and pioneering solutions to stay ahead in an ever-changing market Anthony Allogia, Vice President / Senior Executive General Adjuster, and the McLarens Miami claims operation continue to maintain focus on providing superior service in the Commercial Property Claims sector of the P&C Insurance Industry. Services encompass adjusting complex commercial property claims, third-party administration (TPA), business interruption, extra expense and hurricane catastrophe response. Mr. Allogia oversees the daily operations of the McLarens Miami Florida office, as well as handling regional, national and global accounts, and has a successful track record and professional experience in the insurance industry with an emphasis on commercial property claims. He offers experience in handling multi-million dollar complex commercial property claims with both domestic and international Underwriters.

Furthermore, Mr. Allogia has comprehensive expertise in business interruption, extra expense losses, inland marine, hurricane catastrophe response, as well as managing self-insured retentions, bordereaux and third-party administration. While handling sophisticated commercial property claims, he has developed successful working relationships with domestic and international Underwriters, Brokers, Risk managers and Assureds alike. When asked how the firm is distinguished from its competitors, Mr. Allogia noted that the people of the various McLarens offices separate the firm from its local, domestic and international competition. This begins from the initial hire training regiment, to the servicing of claims on a daily basis, and to the post-claim follow-up with clients. Mr. Allogia described McLarens’ client base as intelligent, educated leaders in the insurance industry. He said: “A common trend following the recent hurricanes is the demand for quality adjusters to handle Insurance claims. We continue to aggressively scale the Miami office to adapt to our clients’ portfolios. “Most of our senior adjusters within the office have 20-plus years’ experience, which allows us to leverage the experience and knowledge down to the day-to-day claims servicing across various portfolios. The past two years have been very active in the Insurance claims industry. We have successfully managed and processed an extensive amount of Insurance claims after the five recent hurricanes. This has helped us to execute our office’s core values under extreme pressure. In the coming years, we will continue to scale the operation to further adapt to our clients’ ever-changing requirements.”

McLarens, Inc. Anthony Allogia Vice President, Senior Executive General Adjuster Tel: +1 305-670-8591 anthony.allogia@mclarens.com www.mclarens.com

BOUTIQUE IP ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN TEXAS, US Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph, PLLC is an IP firm that was founded to serve two distinct, but related, disciplines in law: the establishment and protection of IP rights and the enforcement of those rights through litigation. Furthering those core disciplines, the firm provides highly specialised services focused on: prosecuting domestic and international patents and trademarks; patentability, invalidity and infringement opinions; and IP licensing and commercialisation through its IP Prosecution section, while its Litigation section focuses on complex litigation related to IP rights and business torts. The firm litigates a variety of complex civil litigation matters, including cases involving patent, trademark and copyright infringement, as well as commercial disputes and business torts. In 1972, Mr Matthews formed The Matthews Firm, focusing on the prosecution and litigation of IP matters for its clients. Today, the firm, known as Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph, still focuses on providing those same services for its clients. Mr Matthews is a member of the State Bar of Texas, with admission to practise before the USPTO, the United States Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit and Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Southern and Eastern District Courts of Texas, and is a member of numerous legal and professional organisations. Mr Matthews noted: “Our firm hires and trains IP attorneys and support staff, which has allowed

us to sustain our reputation as one of the best IP boutique law firms for prosecution and litigation services. In doing so, we continue to enjoy longstanding relationships with many of our clients.” Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph has dealt with several key legal issues associated with the current practice of patent prosecution and litigation, including the determination of patentable subject matter related to computer functionality, Inter Partes Review (IPR) of patents, and change in venue regarding litigation cases. In addition, the firm has established, re-established, and/or changed laws relating to, for example, constitutional and prudential standing in patent infringement cases, damages in breaching contractual relationships, establishing contractual relationships by way of email communications, grounds for disqualifying patent counsel, and several areas of practice before the Patent Trial and Appeals Board at the USPTO – the effort of which continues today by tackling these issues as they arise in the course of the firm’s practice. Mr Matthews added: “Clients include small to large corporations and businesses, as well as many individual inventors, all specialising in the oil and gas, energy and medical industries. This year, the firm has received several favourable settlements, in addition to several favourable IPR outcomes, which have strengthened our reputation. As a result of these outcomes, we are receiving additional work from our existing clients, as well as work from new clients, who are calling our office to discuss their new or ongoing cases.”

Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph, PLLC Guy E Matthews Owner Tel: +1 713-355-4200 gmatthews@matthewsfirm.com www.matthewsfirm.com

GAE AWARDS 25

A S I A & O C E A N I A

W I N N E R S GAE AWARDS 26

GDP growth in Emerging Asia, the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and India, is expected to come in at 6.1% in 2019-23, fuelled by domestic demand. Southeast Asia’s growth should also remain strong at 5.2% over the same period, according to the OECD Development Centre’s 2019 edition of the Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India.

The outlook notes that foreign direct investment in the region has stayed strong, with positive impacts on job market prospects. Inflation trends vary partly due to variations in price support measures. Several central banks in the region have raised interest rates in response to the monetary normalisation of advanced economies, as well as price and exchange rate pressures. Looking ahead, maximising opportunities related to technology in financial services, strengthening export performance amid rising protectionism and mitigating natural disaster risks are the main challenges to the region’s economic performance. A special chapter of the outlook analyses traffic congestion in Emerging Asia’s cities, on the back of rapid population growth, increasing ownership and use of private motor vehicles, and the lack of sufficient alternative travel modes such as public transportation. Congestion makes cities less efficient, imposing significant economic, social and environmental costs. “By strengthening policies for smart transportation, Emerging Asian countries could substantially improve living conditions in major urban areas and open new economic opportunities”, said Mario Pezzini, Director of the OECD Development Centre and Special Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General on Development. Smart transportation systems are a priority in Emerging Asia. They aim to provide innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic management and enable users to become better informed and make safer, more coordinated and smarter use of transport networks. Progress has been achieved in recent years thanks to regional initiatives; however, for many cities in the region, there still remains room for improvement. The report argues that a combination of policies focusing on travellers’ transportation decisions is instrumental. Expanding and upgrading public transportation systems would help handle the growing transportation demand without large increases in the use of private motor vehicles. The rising demand for private transportation could be contained by developing price-based and non-price-based policies further. Increased use of technologies and innovations can make traffic management more efficient. Fostering flexible work arrangements would help reduce usage of urban transportation systems. Finally, rethinking urban planning with greater consideration of its effects on transportation demand can reduce congestion over the longer term.

Growth in developing EAP, excluding China, is expected to remain stable at 5.3% from 2019 to 2020, driven primarily by domestic demand. In Thailand and Vietnam, growth is expected to slow in 2019 and 2020.

East Asia and Pacific Growth Remains Resilient Despite Heightened Global Uncertainty Despite a less favourable external environment, the growth outlook for developing East Asia and Pacific (EAP) remains positive, according to a World Bank economic report on the region. However, the report explores that a combination of trade tensions, higher US interest rates, a stronger US dollar and financial market volatility in many emerging economies has increased the uncertainty around the region’s growth outlook. At the same time, inflation has begun to rise across the region, particularly in Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. “Robust growth has been and will continue to be the key to reducing poverty and vulnerability in the region,” said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific. “Protectionism and turbulence in financial markets can hurt the prospects for medium-term growth, with the most adverse consequences for the poorest and most vulnerable. This is a time for policy-makers across the region to remain vigilant and proactively enhance their countries’ preparedness and resilience.” Growth in developing EAP, excluding China, is expected to remain stable at 5.3% from 2019 to 2020, driven primarily by domestic demand. In Thailand and Vietnam, growth is expected to slow in 2019 and 2020 as stronger domestic demand only partially offsets the moderation in net export growth. Indonesia’s growth should be stable, owing to improved prospects for investment and private consumption. The expected expansion of public investment in the Philippines will boost growth over the medium term. In EAP’s smaller economies, growth prospects remain robust, averaging over 6% annually in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Mongolia and Myanmar in 2019 and 2020. In Papua New Guinea, growth is expected to rebound in 2019’s final data, following economic turbulence in the region during 2018 as a result of the large earthquake in the region. Growth in the Pacific Island countries is expected to remain relatively stable, although highly vulnerable to natural disaster shocks. “The regional and global integration of most economies in the region intensifies their vulnerability to external shocks. The main risks to continued robust growth include an escalation in protectionism, heightened financial market turbulence, and their interaction with domestic fiscal and financial vulnerabilities,” said Sudhir Shetty, World Bank Chief Economist for the East Asia and Pacific region. “In this context of rising risks, developing EAP economies need to utilise the full range of available macroeconomic, prudential, and structural policies to smooth external shocks and raise potential growth rates.” GAE AWARDS 27

C O N T E N T S

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FTI Consulting / Technology Sector Consulting Firm of the Year in Australia.......................29.

Deloitte China / Automotive Sector Strategy Consultant of the Year in China.....................30.

Conpak / Tax Consultancy Firm of the Year in Hong Kong.................................................... 31.

ValuePlus+ / Business Advisory Firm of the Year in Hong Kong..........................................32.

Nexia TS / Corporate Finance Accountancy Firm of the Year in Singapore...........................32.

BayCurrent Consulting / Strategy Planning Consulting Firm of the Year in Japan................33.

TECHNOLOGY SECTOR CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIA FTI Technology attends to data-related business matters, using our expertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide-ranging expertise to solve legal and regulatory problems. As data grows in size and complexity, we help organisations better govern, secure, find, analyse and rapidly make sense of information. Innovative technology, expert services and tenacious problem-solving provide our global clients with defensible solutions. Organisations rely on us to unearth fraud, maintain regulatory compliance, reduce legal and IT costs, protect sensitive materials, quickly find facts and harness organisational data to add to business value. Our comprehensive base of advisers cover a broad range of areas that help organisations tackle all aspects of complex data challenges. This spans technical, legal, regulatory, and investigative expertise, as well as more nuanced skillsets such as change management. We work to leverage this expertise and experience on diverse, complicated legal and regulatory challenges into practical and proven solutions for our clientele. As a truly international business advisory firm, our teams and data centres have global coverage, ensuring that our client solutions comply with local data privacy laws and cultural customs. FTI Technology is part of FTI Consulting, an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. FTI Consulting professionals, located in all major business centres around the globe, work closely with clients to anticipate and illuminate complicated opportunities in day-to-day business.

We combine our expert consultants, proven workflows and innovative technology to solve clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; data-related business challenges in the following ways: Information Governance And Compliance Services We provide practical information governance solutions to reduce corporate risk, cut storage costs, secure data, improve the e-discovery process and ensure quicker and deeper insight into data. Managed Review FTI Technology drives quality and efficiency at each step of the legal review process, providing a unique combination of advanced software and innovative workflows executed in collaboration with outside counsel. E-Discovery Software & Services From e-discovery as a managed service to internationally ranging data collections, our advisers offer cost-effective e-discovery solutions with defensible results. Find Facts Fast Research Service Our dedicated researchers, combined with the latest analytics technology, can unearth key facts and data in an expedited time frame to ensure speedy strategic decisions and resolutions for investigations and litigations. Forensic Investigations With speed and discretion, and the ability to give expert witness testimony, our team provides a strategic, systematic and economic approach to investigating a myriad of data sources such as network, mobile device and cloud-based social media data.

FTI Consulting Cameron Payne Senior Director Tel: +61 3 9448 2841 cameron.payne@ fticonsulting.com www.fticonsulting.com

GAE AWARDS 29

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR STRATEGY CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN CHINA Deloitte provides audit & assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and other related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte serves more than 80% of the world’s largest companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories, bringing world-class capabilities, insight, and high-quality service to address clients’ most complex business challenges.

privacy, logistics, as well as M&A, Tax, Finance and IPO advisory.

In China, Deloitte is one of the leading professional services providers with 22 offices and approximately 16,000 people. The firm opened an office in Shanghai as early as 1917, and celebrated Deloitte’s centenary in China last year. Today they serve 88% of the Fortune Global 500® MNCs, and rank No 1 in market share of audit services for HKEX-listed (as of Dec 2018) and SSE50 companies (as of Jan 2019).

• financial leasing and go to market strategy for an automotive captive finance company;

According to Deloitte China Auto Sector Leader Dr Marco Hecker, Deloitte has developed a full spectrum of advisory services to address the needs along with the China mobility ecosystem, including traditional carmaker, auto suppliers, new energy/connected vehicles, dealership, captive finance, mobility tech companies and mobility service providers. “The extended global automotive industry was undergoing an unprecedented transformation into a new mobility ecosystem,” he said. “Incumbents and disruptors need to move at top speed to get on board to succeed in future mobility ecosystems. In this regard, Future of Mobility has become one of our firm’s priority initiatives, aiming to support businesses to succeed in the digital era. As rapid urbanisation and the increasing complexity of the mobility landscape meet China’s unique demography, Deloitte helps clients embrace emerging challenges and opportunities.” Deloitte provides tailor-made solutions for each client’s industry, taking into account their unique situation and prevailing issues. This comprehensive, industry-focused approach ensures the individuals supporting your business are sector experts who understand the trends, technologies and competitive issues that clients face. As the world’s largest consulting firm, Deloitte has the capabilities and deep industry insight to solve even the most complex business challenges. Dr Hecker commented: “We appreciate that every business transformation is unique in its situation and goals, and we always take the necessary steps to understand the intricacies of our clients’ business in order to provide customised plans for how to achieve impact and sustainable results. We have nearly 60,000 consulting practitioners in our global network with professional experience and expertise spanning 17 different sectors.” Deloitte has a dedicated automotive industry services group, with more than 400 managergrade – or above – professionals in China (including 40+ partners and directors), as well as a Dealership Excellence Service Team, providing services to both domestic (SOEs and private enterprises) and multinational automotive corporations. Led by Dr Hecker, these experts cover a wide range of topics relevant to the automotive industry. These include future of mobility, auto consumer insights, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles, manufacturing, new retail and dealership management, digital strategy and analytics, connected vehicle cybersecurity and data

GAE AWARDS 30

The firm’s advisers provide the following services, to serve the diverse needs of its clients and create significant values: • corporate EV and mobility strategy design and pilot implementation (including alternative business model design along the vehicle value chain); • smart city design and partnership strategy development;

• global EV business model development, including customer experience and direct sales model design; • 360 customer ecosystem strategy development and implementation; • customer interaction strategy and AI-based customer interaction centre implementation. Dr Hecker added: “Deloitte member firms serve 97% (or 36 companies) of the 37 Fortune Global 500 Automotive companies. Deloitte is a trustworthy business partner for automotive industry players. In China, Deloitte serves all of the Top 10 China automobile groups and 5 out of the Top 10 China auto dealer groups. Moreover, Deloitte audits 10 major automotive corporations listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Strategic Partnerships Deloitte is committed to work closely with key industry players to make an impact that matters to the industry. In the past 12 months, the firm has established strategic partnerships with Alibaba, AWS, Salesforce, and SAP in various areas, such as cloud, digital customer, connected service, new retail and innovation. Events In China, Deloitte auto experts are regular speakers at major conferences and industry events to share their professional insights and opinion on the business environment and development trends of the auto industry in China and globally. Major events include SAP Auto Summit (Andy Zhou, Deloitte China Auto Consulting Partner), JPMorgan Auto Forum (Michael Yu, Deloitte Auto Financial Advisory Partner), 2019 CES Asia (Marco Hecker, Andy Zhou), Auto Finance Summit Asia (Kelly Zhou, Deloitte China Auto Finance Partner) and 2019 International Mainstream Automobile Forum (Andy Zhou). Lab Programmes Deloitte has organised Future of Mobility Labs in Shanghai, where its industry experts engaged in in-depth discussion with around 40 senior executives and experts from business and public sectors in various aspects of the mobility ecosystem to define the vision for the future of mobility in China, identify the challenges that need to be solved, and further explore solutions on how to collaborate to address those challenges. As a result, Deloitte has been positioned as an integral part of the mobility ecosystem. Media Coverage Deloitte auto sector experts are regularly quoted/featured in China and international media, such as CGTN, CBN, ICS, China Daily, Xinhua News, Automotive World, Tencent, Sina, Hexun, Jiemian, Sohu, China News, Shanghai Observer, Securities Times, Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po, etc.

Deloitte China Dr Marco Hecker Deloitte China Auto Sector Leader Tel: +(852) 2852 6588 mhecker@deloitte.com.hk www2.deloitte.com/cn/en/ pages/consumer-industrialproducts/topics/automotive. html

TAX CONSULTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN HONG KONG Since our establishment in 1998, Conpak CPA Limited, a Hong Kong-practising certified public accountants firm, has been providing investors the world over with onestop professional services, including audit and assurance, accounting, tax and financial advisory, company incorporation, intellectual property protection, corporate finance, and IPO in Hong Kong. With its commitment to the community, Conpak is devoted to act as a responsible corporate citizen and makes contributions to social benefits through various ways. The focuses of Conpak’s corporate social responsibilities are charities, environmental protection, volunteer services and caring for the employees. In accordance with the existing law, enterprises shall appoint certified public accountants to conduct audits on the company accounts. In Hong Kong, if a limited company is operating, the auditor’s report, prepared by the certified public accountants, is the most important element of its tax return submission. Besides filing tax returns, auditor’s reports shall also be used for financing analysis and increasing the management level of the enterprise – in order to safeguard the interests of shareholders. With accumulated knowledge and experience in various industries, Conpak is dedicated to assisting corporate clients in satisfying the statutory requirements related to the auditor’s report. Our auditor’s reports not only evaluate the financial information but also consider potential risks of the enterprise in operation. Furthermore, we provide specific operation results evaluations based on the financial statements and accounting records of our corporate clients. Accounting is a kind of economic management activity using currency as the major calculating unit; it checks, calculates and monitors the enterprise’s economic activities in a specialised way. Through procedures such as bookkeeping, calculating and reporting, accounting can comprehensively reflect the financial status and operational results of your enterprises. Professional agency bookkeeping service not only saves costs but also ensures compliance with accounting standards. In addition, such service also helps improve business management and profitability through professional analysis and suggestions made based on relevant information. The accounting professionals of Conpak have commendable occupational integrity and prudent account-processing skills. We can design and implement the best service plan that meets the accounting standards through our thorough understanding of client’s business, in order to enable clients to focus

on their core business development as well as save operational costs. Conpak’s tax professionals come from different countries who fully understand the taxation laws of Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas countries, and are experienced in tax practices and tax advisory. With sound knowledge of clients’ businesses and industries, we can assist clients in solving tax issues from Mainland China, Hong Kong and foreign countries, and identify operating risks and opportunities for clients. We help clients enhance their compliance, improve cash flow and seek more tax preferences. Our consultants are committed to planning innovative and complete tax schemes with professionalism and care for the different situations of every client. We also provide professional advice with respect to multinational group taxation, indirect tax and personal tax and other issues, and tax-saving opportunities. We can seek further to assist in integrated taxation arrangements between Hong Kong, Mainland China and international taxations, aiming at reduction of tax charges for our clients.

Conpak Rooms 05-15, 13A/F, South Tower, World Finance Centre, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: +852 2666 2888 info@conpak.com www.conpak.com

“Low tax rate and encouragement of business operation” is a policy persistently followed by the Hong Kong Government. Among the many advantages that Hong Kong has with respect to taxation is that Hong Kong provides enterprises the most satisfactory business environment to help investors expand their businesses. As a Hong Kong-based professional consulting company, Conpak is experienced in taxation, accounting, auditing, risk management and other areas; formulating feasible tax service plans according to the characteristics and actual needs of certain industries which the enterprises belong to. Considering that Hong Kong adopts “Territorial Source Principle”, the tax payers who make their income outside of Hong Kong may not pay tax in Hong Kong, but need to apply for tax exemption or advance ruling from the HKIRD. Double taxation may occur when two or more regions collect tax on the same income or profit made by the same tax payer. Hong Kong government has signed avoidance of double taxation agreements with many countries and regions around the world and explicitly determined the taxing rights in order to reduce double taxation on Hong Kong residents or corporations, or residents or corporations from the other side of the agreements.

The accounting professionals of Conpak have commendable occupational integrity and prudent account-processing skills.

GAE AWARDS 31

BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN HONG KONG ValuePlus+ is an accounting and tax firm providing a wide range of services to meet its clients’ bespoke needs, promoting professional growth and a passion for the firm’s core values at all times. ValuePlus+ helps businesses to achieve their financial objectives through skilled and mindful accounting and tax planning. The firm’s dedication to providing integrated professional public accounting, tax and business knowledge to privately owned organisations, their owners, key management and investors has remained the cornerstone of its practice. ValuePlus+ has also expanded its practice to include tailor-made service teams to better serve each client, while retaining the personal service, responsiveness and timeliness that are its characteristics. Whether its client is a family-owned business, a start-up, a charitable organisation or a multinational consumer products company, ValuePlus+ has a professional that knows the challenges they face, their economic and regulatory landscape, and that is equipped to provide them and their business with the knowledge and business solutions that will help them realise their goals. Moreover, ValuePlus+ can assist clients in developing a powerful business plan, and then bring that plan to life with the appropriate actions. The firm’s financial experts will outline options to help clients determine how much debt their company can handle, the pros and cons of a loan vs a line of credit, and how to seek financing from investors. ValuePlus+ is a relationship business, a people business. Even though they can’t be found on

the firm’s balance sheet, the most important assets it has are its staff and its clients. ValuePlus+ believes that the firm’s professionals, from its seniors down to its juniors, represent the finest and most dedicated staff found in the accounting industry today. Assembled from diverse backgrounds with a wide array of talents, its staff offers a depth and breadth of experience in multiple industries across different size companies, from entrepreneurs to mid-size family-owned businesses. The firm’s focus remains on its clients because it is its privilege to assist them. The insight offered by ValuePlus+ allows clients to visualise their own businesses with uncommon clarity as it collaborates to help them identify new opportunities and integrate critical thinking and innovative strategies. Today, the key to sustainable growth is a virtuous growth cycle in which companies identify where to play, how to win there, and how to future-proof their business model. With experiences of helping businesses grow, ValuePlus+ does not bring a pre-packaged answer. Rather, the firm will work with clients to design the best solution for their organisation. In order to capitalise on opportunities and address the complexities that exist in managing their business well into the future, often clients will require additional mindshare, deeper expertise, and in-depth experience to offer ideas and solutions. ValuePlus+ can assist with all matters of corporate strategy, marketing and customer strategy, digital strategy, as well as pricing and profitability strategy.

ValuePlus+ Andrew K H To Partner Tel: +852 2511 1286 cs@valuepluscpa.com www.valuepluscpa.com

CORPORATE FINANCE ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN SINGAPORE Henry Tan, Group CEO / Chief Innovation Officer at Nexia TS, serves as an adviser to clients in Singapore and the wider regional markets. In his role as Group CEO, he manages the firm and has grown its footprint to become a major player in Asia. He advises companies, especially entrepreneurs, to expand their business endeavours throughout the continent via IPOs, M&A, Accounting and other advisory. Mr Tan is a distinguished Fellow Chartered Accountant in various local and global accounting boards and institutions, and sits on the board of a number of listed companies. As a member firm of Nexia International, Nexia TS offers a full suite of professional services, ranging from Assurance, Tax Advisory, Corporate Governance, Internal Audit, Valuation Advisory, M&A Advisory to Corporate Recovery, Forensic Investigation, Data Analytics and Technology & Cybersecurity. Led by a young and dynamic team of directors and more than 250 professional staff in Singapore, Shanghai, Iskandar and Yangon, the firm provides seamless solutions pertaining to their crossjurisdictional business operations. Mr Tan commented: “As a trusted business adviser to our clients, we listen to clients’ needs, think on their behalf and grow their business alongside them as articulated by our GAE AWARDS 32

mission – Listening, Thinking, Growing Asia. Apart from our international connection, Nexia TS has established direct presence in various countries across Asia. Nexia Shanghai is a one-stop centre providing advisory services for foreign-invested enterprises in China. NTS Malaysia and NTS Myanmar provide a full suite of corporate advisory services for clients with operations and new foreign investments in their respective countries.” Mr Tan also noted that some of the firm’s clients in Singapore are looking at expansion into the region, and appointing a reliable accounting firm may not be an easy task. Although Nexia TS is a mid-tier firm, it is well connected internationally, which means that the firm’s clients in Singapore know that the Malaysia office’s advisory services may not be sufficient to complete their business intent. In this instance, their query will be referred to another Nexia firm in Malaysia, offering a wider range of services. Mr Tan added: “It is this competitive advantage that clients get to enjoy the same culture and service quality without losing the bigger, local knowledge whenever we tap into the international network.” Moreover, the firm has grown significantly over 25 years to be recognised as the top ten largest accounting firms in Singapore. The firm has completed more than 35 IPO listings while acting in the capacity of Reporting Auditors and consultancy roles.

Nexia TS Henry Tan Group CEO / Chief Innovation Officer Tel: (+65) 6536 5466 henrytan@nexiats.com.sg www.linkedin.com/ in/henry-tan-63ab641a

STRATEGY PLANNING CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN JAPAN BayCurrent Consulting is a comprehensive consulting firm based in Japan. The firm solves problems and produce results for governments and companies across multiple industries. Its mission is to contribute to its clients’ ability to sustainably innovate and create value. Since its establishment, the firm has provided comprehensive support in everything from strategy planning to implementation and execution. It prides itself on working side-by-side as a true partner, not merely reciting best practices but also fully sharing in the values – and participating in the corporate climate and cultures – of its clients. From the boardroom to the front line, BayCurrent Consulting is there. According to Yoshiyuki Abe, CEO, issues surrounding the Japanese economy are expected to become more serious in the future. “By 2030, almost one-third of the population will be age 65 and over, and GDP rank is expected to fall to 4th as Japan is projected to be overtaken by India,” he said. “Furthermore, in 2050, the population is forecast to drop below the level of 100 million, and GDP rank will fall further to 8th. However, there is also a fact that rapid development of digital technologies, such as AI and IoT, has been creating a number of innovations.” Amid these trends, Mr Abe noted that Japanese companies are tackling the problems through actions such as establishing new cross-industry business models, social innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, expanding business through M&A, digital transformation, etc. in order to realise sustainable growth. “Alongside these actions, much effort has been required to transform the working style and environment to counter the declining employee productivity,” he added. “Looking forward, as the business environment becomes more complicated and advanced, we will continue to build our talents in order to be capable of responding flexibly to any changes and evolutions. We strive to be the best partner to our clients and work alongside them to bring their companies into the future.” BayCurrent offers comprehensive consulting services in a wide variety of industries, from company-wide business strategy and operations to IT implementation. Combining its experience, expertise and insight with the large business network and capabilities it has built as a Japanese firm, BayCurrent provides every client with synergistic support. Strategy The business environment is changing more than ever in a global economy dealing with uncertain market conditions and the constant development of new technologies. BayCurrent believes that for a corporation to succeed despite tough competition, it is necessary to anticipate these changes by setting corporate

direction, correctly allocating resources and quickly executing initiatives. The firm is engaged in designing and implementing global growth strategies. Its goal is not only to achieve a sustainable impact on corporate performance, but also to enhance organisational capabilities for its clients. Digital Advances in digital technology are driving disruptive evolution of the customer experience (CX) for all companies across all industries. However, according to BayCurrent, the reality is that only relatively few companies have thus far managed to profitably adapt and exploit digital technologies. The firm believes that the key to mastering the digital realm consists of three parts: an eye to identify both the potential and the limitations of a technology, the ability to implement and master that potential – to make it truly one’s own, and the ability to evolve, that is, to conduct “revolution by evolution”. BayCurrent’s Digital Innovation Lab is at the core of its efforts to enhance these key capabilities in its clients. The DI Lab leverages its broad and deep expertise to support clients’ digital transformation (DX) and disruptive CX evolution. The firm’s aim is to grant its clients the ability to not only survive but thrive in the digital age.

BayCurrent Consulting Yoshiyuki Abe CEO Tel: +81-3-5501-0151 info@baycurrent.co.jp www.baycurrent.co.jp

Operations Corporations are aggressive in diversification, globalisation and M&A, leading to more complicated organisational and operational processes. BayCurrent believes that transforming these processes and aligning them with the corporate strategy and reality of the frontline will bring a strong competitive edge. BayCurrent supports corporate transformation in various areas. Based on comprehensive analyses, it achieves optimisation in research and development, production, supply and procurement, logistics, sales, and overhead functions. The firm supports corporate transformation by institutionalising the process for sustainable impact in the organisation. Technology BayCurrent is aware that IT is becoming increasingly critical for business expansion, contributing to businesses not only by reducing costs, but also by generating additional revenue. IT can also be a source of competitiveness by adopting new business trends such as mobile devices, social media, the cloud, big data, and the Internet of Things. BayCurrent helps its clients improve their IT operation for higher ROI. It achieves that goal by addressing various issues, such as strategy execution, IT design to support operational innovation, roles and responsibility between the in-house IT function and vendors, collaboration with other internal functions, and IT cost optimisation.

BayCurrent helps its clients improve their IT operation for higher ROI.

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A F R I C A & T H E M I D D L E E A S T GAE AWARDS 34

W I N N E R S

Economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is forecast to improve modestly according to The World Bank’s MENA Economic Monitor, reaching an average of 2.6% in 2019-2020. Oil exporters will significantly benefit from higher oil prices and external oil demand that will likely remain high, as well as domestic reforms. Oil importers are expected to benefit from reforms, rising trade with the Europe and China, and financial inflows from MENA oil exporters.

While overall growth appears robust, the pace of the economic recovery in the region is still sluggish. Challenges – including the slow pace of reforms, a temptation to return to pro-cyclical fiscal policies in the wake of higher oil prices, rising debt levels, and high unemployment rates among youth and women – still exist and, if not addressed, could deter economic recovery and hamper long-term growth prospects in the region. To accelerate growth and create jobs for millions of unemployed youth, MENA countries will have to develop a digital economy that takes advantage of its young and educated workforces. This will require the adoption of new technologies and even the provision of “digital public goods” such as fast and reliable broadband Internet and digital payment solutions. Countries in MENA possess all the ingredients they need to move into the digital future. Their well-educated youth have already adopted new digital and mobile technologies, but, this is still in its infancy, and young people in MENA face obstacles in putting technology to productive use. Seizing the opportunities that the digital economy offers the MENA region will require a significant push. Policymakers will need to work on multiple fronts, while making the best use of all available tools. The “New Economy”: An Agenda for Youth and Women Economic Empowerment – Countries in the Middle East and North Africa have large, well-educated youth populations that have already adopted new digital and mobile technologies on a wide scale. They have a highly educated female population. That combination has immense potential to drive future growth and job creation. The question is whether the region can adapt to a new economic reality. The Middle East “Middle Income Trap” – For developing countries, achieving middle-income status is both a blessing and a curse. While extreme poverty and deprivation have been overcome, what typically follows is a growth slowdown that, historically, has made further progress toward high-income levels exceedingly rare. That has certainly been the case for the largely middle-income countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The pervasiveness of the middle-income trap among MENA countries points to common structural impediments to growth. In particular, all suffer from a lack of private-sector dynamism, owing to their lack of will or ability to adopt the latest technologies. This has precluded sustained productivity growth, without which it is impossible to sustain an increase in overall living standards.

Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is Slower than Expected Sub-Saharan African economies are still recovering from the slowdown in 2015-16, but growth is slower than expected, according to Africa’s Pulse, the bi-annual analysis of the state of African economies by the World Bank. “The region’s economic recovery is in progress but at a slower pace than expected,” said Albert Zeufack, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa. “To accelerate and sustain an inclusive growth momentum, policy-makers must continue to focus on investments that foster human capital, reduce resource misallocation and boost productivity. Policy-makers in the region must equip themselves to manage new risks arising from changes in the composition of capital flows and debt.” Slow growth is partially a reflection of a less favourable external environment for the region. Global trade and industrial activity lost momentum, as metals and agricultural prices fell due to concerns about trade tariffs and weakening demand prospects. While oil prices are likely to be on an upward trend in 2019, metals prices may remain subdued amid muted demand, particularly in China. Financial market pressures intensified in some emerging markets, and concern about their dollardenominated debt has risen amid a stronger US dollar. The slower pace of the recovery in Sub-Saharan Africa is explained by the sluggish expansion in the region’s three largest economies, Nigeria, Angola and South Africa. Lower oil production in Angola and Nigeria offset higher oil prices, and in South Africa, weak household consumption growth was compounded by a contraction in agriculture. Growth in the region – excluding Angola, Nigeria and South Africa – was steady. Several oil exporters in Central Africa were helped by higher oil prices and an increase in oil production. Economic activity remained solid in the fast-growing nonresource-rich countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Rwanda, supported by agricultural production and services on the production side, and household consumption and public investment on the demand side. Public debt remained high, and continues to rise in some countries. Vulnerability to weaker currencies and rising interest rates associated with the changing composition of debt may put the region’s public debt sustainability further at risk. Other domestic risks include fiscal slippage, conflicts, and weather shocks. Consequently, policies and reforms are needed that can strengthen resilience to risks and raise medium-term potential growth.

Seizing the opportunities that the digital economy offers the MENA region will require a significant push. GAE AWARDS 35

C O N T E N T S

GAE AWARDS 36

Deloitte (Democratic Republic of Congo) / Mining & Banking Sectors Audits Accountant of the Year in the Democratic Republic of Congo..............................................37.

TRM Daniel Erasmus Tax Court Practitioners / International Tax Experts of the Year in South Africa.............................................................37.

StratLink / Emerging Markets Advisory Firm of the Year in Kenya.......................................38.

ABC Global / Financial Services Firm of the Year in Mauritius.............................................39.

Pedabo / Audit and Management Consulting Firm of the Year in Nigeria.............................40.

MINING & BANKING SECTORS AUDITS ACCOUNTANT OF THE YEAR IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO Deloitte is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax and related services to select clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (DTTL). All of the DTTL member firms provide services in specific regions, and are subject to the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they operate. DTTL member firms are, necessarily, structured in accordance with national laws, regulations and customary practice (among other factors), and may secure the provision of professional services in their territory through subsidiaries, affiliates and other related entities. Not every DTTL member firm provides all services, and certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. DTTL and each DTTL member firm are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate each other. DTTL and each DTTL member firm are liable only for their own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL, also referred to as Deloitte Global, does not provide services to clients. At Deloitte, we believe that we’re only as good as the good we do. All the facts and figures that talk to our size and diversity and years of history, as notable and important as they may be, are secondary to the truest measure of Deloitte: the impact we make in the world. So, when people ask, “What’s different about Deloitte?” the answer resides in many key

examples where we have helped Deloitte member firm clients, our people, and sections of society to achieve remarkable goals, solve complex problems or make meaningful progress. Deeper still, “It’s in the beliefs, behaviours and fundamental sense of purpose that characterise all that we do.” With more than 150 years’ hard work and commitment to making a real difference, our organisation has grown in scale and diversity. Today there are approximately 286,000 people in 150 countries and territories providing audit, tax, legal, financial advisory, risk advisory and consulting services; yet, our shared culture remains the same. For us, good isn’t good enough. We aim to be the best at all that we do: to help clients realise their ambitions; to make a positive difference in society; and to maximise the success of our people. This drive fuels the commitment and humanity that run deep through our every action. That’s what makes us truly different at Deloitte. Not how big we are, where we are, nor what services we offer. What really defines us is our drive to make an impact that matters in the world. After 11 years of experience in auditing and public accounting professions, Bob David Nzoimbengen joined Deloitte DRC to participate in the growth of the business audit of the office in Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a member of the accountants’ and auditors’ institute of the DRC, and is accredited by the Central Bank. Mr Nzoimbengen also has an excellent knowledge of the mining and banking sector.

Deloitte (Democratic Republic of Congo) Bob David Nzoimbengene Head of Department Tel: +243 85 999 80 06 bnzoimbengene@deloitte.fr www.deloitte.fr

INTERNATIONAL TAX EXPERTS OF THE YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA TRM™ is an international specialist tax consulting firm, advising taxpayers, be they private individuals or corporate entities (with their accountants, EAs and CPAs) how to overcome various tax controversies. Its services are in the field of Tax Risk Management, dispute resolution, litigious court work, transfer pricing, general tax services and specialised corporate services. Dr Daniel N Erasmus is active in domestic and International tax compliance, planning and controversy work for MNEs, transfer pricingrelated disputes, drafting/reviewing transfer pricing documentation for a broad spectrum of industries in Africa, as well as handling and guiding a significant number of audit enquiries for taxpayer clients. He has acted as team leader in tax issues including listed transactions, equivalent economic substance-affected transactions, tax authority audits, administrative and constitutional legal issues applicable to tax, general Tax Risk Management with SOX 404 and FIN 48 principles, general tax opinion work, advance tax rulings, private tax rulings, and domestic and international tax structuring. He has been a leading pioneer in the development and advancement of a system of Tax Risk Management aimed at circumventing the adversarial nature of tax controversies with tax authorities. He continues to stay at the forefront of defending MNEs in tax court cases as lead counsel in various African countries. Dr Erasmus noted: “Our global reach exposes us directly and indirectly to tax issues arising

in more than 20 countries worldwide. Despite country-specific legislation and language barriers, TRM has successfully implemented its Tax Risk Management methodology with clients in three major continents. The principles TRM implements have a universal application, and our teams are well skilled in working across jurisdictions with the area-specific technicians who are already assisting clients. In an environment that requires both sensitivity and urgency, our clients demand work of the highest quality that is both consistent and accurate. TRM has a proven track record in meeting these demands and more.” He explained that the firm’s Tax Risk Management methodology is tried and tested from the years of experience his team has in handling controversy work and bringing tax disputes to successful resolution. His team pride themselves in finding innovative ways to minimise and/or manage exposure of any kind, be it prior to or following such disputes. “Tax Risk Management is a proactive, systematic way of managing corporate tax exposure, and has grown to become the cornerstone offering of our business,” he added. “Through our involvement in post-graduate education, we have analysed more than 20 countries’ international tax and transfer pricing legislation, for planning and tax representation purposes. We have taught Revenue Authorities and corporations from more than 15 countries on domestic and international tax issues, as well as transfer pricing. The result is that we have significant insight into the tax systems of the many countries we have consulted with – within which corporations conduct business.”

TRM Daniel Erasmus Tax Court Practitioners Dr Daniel N Erasmus Independent Tax Counsel Tel: +27 (0)11 698 0329 daniel@taxriskmanagement.com www.taxriskmanagement.com

GAE AWARDS 37

EMERGING MARKETS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN KENYA StratLink is an Africa-focused advisory firm providing actionable research, operational support and capital advisory services that result in profitable outcomes for its clients. The team has extensive experience across a diverse range of industries and a proven ability to raise strategic debt and equity capital. The firm leverages its deep knowledge of emerging markets and world-class expertise to connect growing companies with leading global investment banks, impact funds, private equity firms and family offices. Advisory StratLink Advisory connects investors to rapidly growing companies in emerging markets. The firm identifies investment opportunities with strong growth prospects, experienced management teams and significant barriers to entry. It provides businesses with strategic and operational support through targeted analysis and recommendations, develops detailed growth plans and provides an executable road map for implementation.

The first engagement led to the successful investment by FSDA of circa $20 million into the African Local Currency Bond Fund. This was paired alongside additional funds of $650,000 to be deployed to the fund’s Technical Assistance Facility (aiming to promote financial propensity throughout the East Africa region).

Its services include: origination; expansion capital; mergers, acquisitions & divestment; growth & market entry strategy; strategic and operational planning; and due diligence.

The second engagement was of a similar nature, but entailed a detailed DD process on a technology-based micro-lender in Kenya. This included an in-depth market analysis alongside a detailed financial investigation into the firm. StratLink provided a detailed report to FSD to be used in the support of IC evaluations.

Case Study – Euroflex

Research

Euroflex is the leading manufacturer, exporter and supplier of polyurethane foam mattresses and pocket spring mattresses in Uganda and has a growing market presence in Malawi. StratLink was engaged to assist Euroflex to raise expansion capital to improve the company’s operational efficiency and generate additional capacity.

StratLink Research provides independent analysis on countries, industries and financial markets. With a key focus on Africa, the firm covers macroeconomics, political risk and capital markets. It uses global trends to produce a continual, reflexive analysis of local content with a comprehensive analysis of the factors that impact market entry, government policy and investment decisions.

StratLink provided financial advisory services and collected relevant data to construct a financial model, teaser and IM prior to approaching potential investors. As a result, the shareholders of the company sold a majority stake of the company to a private equity firm. StratLink is currently assisting the company to facilitate due diligence as the transaction approaches close. Growth StratLink Growth connects SMEs, funded startups and high performing social enterprises to its extensive network of funds, investors, donors and foundations. The firm’s team of experts has more than a decade of expertise in the startup and impact ecosystem and a track record of transactions – exits, placements and due diligence. The firm’s services include: origination; expansion capital; growth & market entry strategy; and strategic and operational planning. Case Study – FSD FSD is a financial sector development programme supporting the development of inclusive financial markets in Kenya. Their work ranges from direct investment in market innovations to research and policy analysis. StratLink has been engaged by FSD twice to provide a detailed analysis and independent investment opinion in support of socially orientated, commercial investments.

GAE AWARDS 38

StratLink undertook an in-depth financial due diligence investigation of the fund’s finances and its ability to deploy capital while generating impact throughout Africa. This also included a detailed analysis of key sectors (micro-lending, agriculture, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and mortgage lending) of 13 different developing and FCAS (Fragile, Conflict Affected States) countries across Africa to determine the potential for investment by the fund. StratLink also prepared a detailed report that was shared with FSD’s investment committee, which helped lead to the eventual investment into the fund.

The firm’s services include market research and business intelligence. Case Study – LA-Z-Boy LA-Z-Boy is a multinational furniture manufacturer based in Monroe, Michigan, US, which makes home furniture. StratLink was engaged to assess the viability of market entry, develop a route to market and explore the possible avenues through which LA-ZBoy could solidify its footprint in Kenya. The firm assessed the underlying macroeconomic and demographic trends, including the growth in the number of households and urbanisation rate. This included data sourcing and trend analysis of appetite for various segments of furniture, segmentation of Kenya’s furniture market between formal and informal, and the stratification of the formal market. StratLink assessed the competitiveness of the client’s signature product from a price and availability perspective, and explored possible partnership avenues with local retail chains and bespoke furniture stores. It assessed the supply chain and the client’s product’s route to market, and tailored a marketing strategy for the client based on the reach of various media outlets. As a result, LA-Z-Boy increased its presence in Kenya and is currently considering other markets in East Africa.

StratLink Konstantin Makarov Managing Partner Tel: +254202572792 konstantin.makarov@ stratlinkglobal.com www.stratlinkglobal.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR IN MAURITIUS ABC Global has a proven track record of achievements in corporate services. The firm has, since its incorporation in 2003, provided its services to customers from five continents, operating in a wide variety of sectors, including construction, mining and engineering. ABC Global has no-compromise standards of services, and makes certain that the regulatory obligations imposed by the relevant jurisdictions are always met – and that due diligence and compliance are carried out to the highest standards. Moreover, the firm appreciates that its staff is its greatest asset in providing quality service, and is committed to being a people-focused organisation, where professionalism (coupled with excellence) and a dedicated team spirit, are promoted as its culture. To date, ABC Global has assisted individuals, families and corporations across the five continents to realise their ambitions. The firm’s experienced staff consist of accountants, trust administrators and business management specialists, who provide solutions to its customers according to their bespoke needs. The firm appreciates that we now live in a global village, and its multilingual staff can communicate in English, French, Chinese and Cantonese. It is perfectly positioned to assist its customers take advantage of business opportunities in the region. ABC Global has a specialised range of services for its clients’ businesses and individual needs, whether in Mauritius or via its fully owned subsidiary in the Seychelles – ABC International Services (Seychelles) Limited. However, it does not stop there: the firm can assist its clients in various jurisdictions worldwide through its network of business partners. Partners - 3E Accounting International Network 3E Accounting is an international accounting network for experienced professionals to offer high-quality, one-stop solutions, professional and compliance services, on both local and international fronts. The members of 3E global accounting network undertake and are committed to providing effective and efficient services to support clients to bring their businesses to the next level of success internationally. Services - Company Formation • Advice, formation and management of companies in Mauritius, Seychelles and other jurisdictions • Formation of Mauritius Global Business Companies, Protected Cell Companies, Domestic Companies and Freeport Licence • Provision of readily available (“Shelf”) companies • Establishment of Trusts, Foundations and Global Funds • Establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles

ABC Global has a specialised range of services for its clients’ businesses and individual needs.

- Secretarial Services • Corporate secretarial services including provision of registered office; registered agent; company secretary; local or nonresident directors; nominee shareholders; maintenance of statutory records and filing of returns • General administration including opening and operating bank accounts; handling transactions involving letters of credit; invoicing; handling trade documentation; income collection including royalty administration and general representation • Accounting services involving bookkeeping; preparation of monthly accounts; preparation of yearly financial statements; liaising with auditors for year end audit; treasury services and tax computation • Payroll and outsourcing services • Customised office packages - Advisory Services The firm’s experienced team of professionals advises on the use of Mauritius for effective corporate structuring and tax planning so as to optimise profitability and reduce taxation. - Professional Trusteeship Services • Establishment of trusts and providing trusteeship services • Administration of trusts including discretionary trusts, unit trusts, charitable trusts, purpose trusts • Nominee facilities for private investments including custodian and escrow services - Fund Services • Development of the fund structure and set up of fund vehicles • Coordination of all advice • Obtaining regulatory approval / Registrar and Transfer Agent Services • Maintaining the register of investors • Dealing with subscriptions and redemptions • Cash calls • Anti-money-laundering checks • Investor communication and reporting • Fund administration • Cash management • Fund accounting • Net asset value calculations • Calculation of performance and incentive fees • Financial and management reporting • Audit support • Trustee, Corporate and Secretarial Services for Fund Vehicles and SPVs - Bank Account Opening • Bank account signatory services for client bank accounts to facilitate payments, transfers and other transactions • Remittance monitoring • Maintenance of bank account records • Liaison with banks when required - Other Services ABC Global is committed to providing personal and first-class services. As such, the firm aims to provide an extensive range of business facilitation services to meet its clients’ business objectives.

ABC Global Jean Claude Tsang General Manager Tel: +230 464 2668 jc.tsang@abcglobal.mu www.abcmanagementservices.com

GAE AWARDS 39

AUDIT AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN NIGERIA Pedabo is an independent member firm of Morison KSi, providing Audit Assurance, Tax Consulting and Advisory to all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Pedabo offers various professional services aimed at meeting the client’s expectation. Our vision is to be the leading professional firm providing exceptional services with the assurance of timely solutions delivered to our clients’ Tax, Audit and Financial needs by warm, professional and dependable staff. Our primary objective is to proffer timely professional services at all times that enable clients to achieve a competitive advantage within their respective industries and improve their overall business performance. Morison KSi is a global association of leading professional service firms, established to meet the cross-border accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting needs of clients. Morison KSi has 160 member firms in 86 countries, with 375 offices representing more than 12,250 professional staff and more than US$1.03 billion in revenue. Member firms offer a wide range of business services such as audit, accounting, tax and legal with complementary specialisms in consulting and corporate finance. Ajibade Fashina – FCA, FCTI is the Managing Partner of Pedabo; a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation, with more than 20 years’ professional experience in Audit and Management Consulting. He is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School. He has worked in the finance sector as head of finance and admin. He was also a senior auditor in one of the top professional practice firms. He commenced his advisory career with Ernst & Young, Lagos, where he gained extensive experience with responsibilities for clients in Oil and Gas, Construction, Manufacturing and Service industries. He co-founded Pedabo in 1998 and has managed various consulting projects. These include due diligence and preparation of business plan, facilitating raising of capital for specialized projects and venture capital finance. He has also been involved in establishing profit improvement strategies for trading companies; diagnostic review and restructuring of companies as well as facilitating the transformation of mediumsized enterprises. Today, Pedabo’s financial services industry experts offers specialized and comprehensive solutions to investment and microfinance banks, insurance companies and investment managers. Pedabo helps you navigate today’s highly competitive financial industry. Our professionals deliver audit, tax and consulting services to a wide range of financial institutions, asset managers, investment managers and insurance companies. All companies in compliance with the provision of Sec. 357 of Companies and Allied Matters Act of Nigeria require that every company shall at each general meeting

GAE AWARDS 40

appoint an auditor or auditors to audit the financial statements of the company. Pedabo Audit Services (Formerly Fashina Folorunsho & Co) is an indigenous firm of Chartered Accountants, with partners registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We specialize in providing independent and specialist support in Statutory Audit and Financial Advisory services to both public and private organizations. Pedabo Audit has value creative services which combine with strong financial accounting skills and years of experience in the provision of statutory audit, systems audits, evaluation and development of accounting system and critical assessment of systems and processes. The firm provides a comprehensive service to all its clients by focusing on financial management and organisational performance improvement, and thus adds value to the systems of our clients. We have developed our own in-house methodology in our approach to our assignment, the outcome of which makes our reports compliant to any standard in the world. Accounting Services The firm is available to provide accounting support services for companies that operate without an in-house accountant. Pedabo’s accounting services include: keeping the records of cash/cheque receipts and payment; posting the income and expenditure ledgers; maintaining a record of the assets and liabilities of the company; writing up the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers; preparing a monthly trial balance and management account thereon; reconciling the cashbook/bank account balances with the bank statements; maintaining suitable systems for filing all invoices and other documents relating to the accounting system; and offering other accounting-related advisory services. Internal Audit Internal audit is designed to review what a company is doing in order to identify potential threats to the organization’s health and profitability, and to make suggestions for mitigating the risk associated with those threats in order to minimize costs. IFRS Conversion The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria has mandated all companies in Nigeria to convert from Nigeria Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (NGAAP) to International Financial Reporting System (IFRS). Pedabo also provides financial management advice on operational and financing structures based on its thorough understanding of costing and management accounting systems. This includes identifying appropriate operational and financing structures, determining funding requirements, providing documented financial analysis and business plans, and facilitating financing for projects. In addition to the above, we provide advisory services for business valuation and performance forecasting for mergers/acquisitions, divestitures, financial models and model audits.

Pedabo Ajibade Fashina – FCA, FCTI Managing Partner Tel: +234 (0)808 820 8747 info@pedabo.com www.pedabo.com

L I S T I N G S

Our Listings section contains the details of additional winners from around the world.

Europe

The Americas

Asia & Oceania

Africa & the Middle East

E U RO P E RETAIL SECTOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN AUSTRIA TheXecutives Mladen Kasagic Managing Partner Tel: +43 664 1404766 mladen.kasagic@thexecutives.com www.thexecutives.com

INVESTMENTS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CYPRUS Marcuard Heritage (Europe) Ltd Alexis Xenophontos Chief Executive Officer Tel: +357 2581 4870 alexis.xenophontos@ marcuardheritage.com www.marcuardheritage.com

DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Moore Stephens s.r.o. Miroslav JandeÄ?ka Managing Partner Tel: +420 379 733 511 miroslav.jandecka@moorestephens.cz www.moorestephens.cz

GAE AWARDS 41

INSOLVENCY ADMINISTRATION SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Administrace insolvencí CITY TOWER, v.o.s. Oldřich Řeháček JUDr. Tel: +420222755661 info@administraceinsolvenci.cz www.administraceinsolvenci.cz

FOREIGN COMPANY BUSINESS ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN DENMARK ECOVIS Danmark tax advisors, accountants, auditors, lawyers Kurt Bülow, State-Authorised Public Accountant Partner Tel: +45 5761 4540 Direct: +45 5766 2462 Mob: +45 4051 4540 kurt.bulow@ecovis.dk www.ecovis.dk

LIFE & PENSIONS CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN DENMARK Söderberg & Partners Denmark Torben Spuur Jensen CEO Tel: +45 40700568 torben.jensen@ soderbergpartners.dk www.soderbergpartners.dk

MID-MARKET M&A ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN DENMARK BDO Denmark Jakob Sand Partner, Head of BDO Corporate Finance in Denmark Tel: +45 41 89 02 02 jks@bdo.dk www.bdo.dk

AVIATION SECTOR CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Gates Aviation Limited Sean Gates CEO Tel: +44 (0)776 893 0441 sgates@gatesaviation.com www.gatesaviation.com

GAE AWARDS 42

BUSINESS ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Lamont Pridmore Chartered Accountants, Tax & Business Advisers Graham Lamont Chief Executive Tel: +44 800 2346978 graham@lamontpridmore.co.uk www.lamontpridmore.co.uk

CORPORATE FINANCE ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Kingston Smith Corporate Finance Marc Fecher Managing Director Tel: +44 (0)20 7566 4000 mfecher@kingstonsmith.co.uk www.ks.co.uk/corporate-finance

CORPORATE RECOVERY ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Moorfields Advisory Ltd Phil Smith Partner Tel: +44 (0)207 186 1144 psmith@moorfieldscr.com www.moorfieldscr.com

FRANCHISING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND d&t chartered accountants and business advisors Dave Galvin Managing Director Tel: +44 (0)1793 741 600 dave.galvin@team-dt.com www.team-dt.com

FULL-SERVICE FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Close Brothers Asset Management Andy Cumming Head of Advice Tel: +44 (0)800 588 4064 www.closebrothersam.com

GAE AWARDS 43

GROWTH FOCUSED ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Pros Assist Alom Rouf AFA ATA MIPA BA (Hons) Director and Senior Accountant Tel: +44 (0)20 3697 0878 info@prosassist.com www.prosassist.com

INTERNATIONAL ASSET TRACING SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Mintz Group Ian Casewell Partner Tel: +44 (0)20 3137 7004 icasewell@mintzgroup.com www.mintzgroup.com

INTERNATIONAL CITIZENSHIP CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND CS Global Partners Micha Emmett CEO Tel: +44 (0) 207 318 4343 www.csglobalpartners.com

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Arram Berlyn Gardner Gary Jackson Partner Tel: +44 207 330 0000 gjackson@abggroup.co.uk www.abggroup.co.uk

MEDIA SECTOR ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Alliotts Ian Gibbon Media Partner Tel: +44(0) 207 240 9971 Ian.gibbon@alliotts.com www.alliottsmedia.co.uk

GAE AWARDS 44

NON-PROFIT SECTOR ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND Price Bailey Helena Wilkinson Partner, Charities and Not for Profit Tel: +44 (0)207 0652660 helena.wilkinson@pricebailey.co.uk www.pricebailey.co.uk

ORTHOPAEDIC THERAPY EXPERT WITNESS OF THE YEAR IN ENGLAND RSW Medico-Legal Ltd

RSW Medico-Legal Ltd

Mr R Scott-Watson BSc MB BS LLB CUEW DDAM FRCS(Ed) Expert / Company Director Tel: +44 1 3844 41126 carolcouzens@ymail.com (secretary)

FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN FINLAND Alder & Sound Oy Toni Turunen Partner, Head of Financial Advisory Services Tel: +358 40 5029422 toni.turunen@aldersound.fi www.aldersound.fi

IT SECTOR M&A ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN FRANCE PAX Corporate Finance Adrien Tourres Managing Partner Tel: +331 40 20 20 60 atourres@pax.fr www.pax.fr

PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN FRANCE Home Conseil Relocation Jeremy Berthoux Managing Director Tel: +33 4 37 90 55 11 jeremy.berthoux@home-conseil.com www.home-conseil.com

GAE AWARDS 45

FMCG SECTOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY Antal International Olaf Grewe Managing Partner Antal International Networks Tel: +49 40 644 15 435 ogrewe@antal.com www.antal.com

GERMANY-CHINA INVESTMENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY BDO AG WirtschaftsprÃ¼fungsgesellschaft Yijiang Zhang Director Tel: +49 89 76906 363 yijiang.zhang@bdo.de www.bdo.de

PATENT VALUATION SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY InTraCoM GmbH Dr Dierk-Oliver Kiehne CEO / Founder Tel: +49 711 7973280 kiehne@intracomgroup.de www.intracomgroup.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN GERMANY F & H Communications Helmut von Fircks Founder and CEO Tel: +498912175103 h.vonfircks@fundh.de www.fundh.de

TRUST & ESTATE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN GIBRALTAR CAPITAL TRUSTEES LIMITED David Frier Director Tel: +350 200 62252 david@capitaltrustees.gi www.capitaltrustees.gi

GAE AWARDS 46

PUBLIC COMPANY INTERNAL CONTROLS ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN GREECE MAZARS Michalis Papazoglou Partner Tel: +30 210 6993749 michalis.papazoglou@mazars.gr www.mazars.gr / www.mazars.com

CREDIT UNIONS SECTOR INVESTMENT ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN IRELAND Goodbody Michelle O’Keefe Head of Advisory Services Tel: +353 1 641 9234 michelle.m.okeefe@goodbody.ie www.goodbody.ie

HEALTHCARE SECTOR RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN IRELAND Aon Ray Kenny Director, Global, Healthcare and Lifescience Practice Tel: +353 (0)1 266 6000 ray.kenny@aon.ie www.aon.ie

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS SECTOR INSURANCE CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN IRELAND First Ireland Risk Management Laura Hill – CIP Associate Director Tel: +353 (0)1 410 4909 Mob: +353 (0)8741 07613 lhill@firstireland.ie www.firstireland.ie

HOTEL SECTOR CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN ITALY PKF hotelexperts GmbH Giorgio Bianchi Country Head Tel: +39 02 55012262 giorgio.bianchi@pkfhotels.com www.pkfhotels.com

GAE AWARDS 47

TRUST EXPERTS OF THE YEAR IN LIECHTENSTEIN Wanger Group Dr. Wanger Partner Tel: +423 237 5252 office@wanger.net www.wanger.net

CROSS-BORDER FUND DISTRIBUTION FIRM OF THE YEAR IN LUXEMBOURG ACOLIN Mr. Viktor Fischer Deputy CEO Tel: +41 44 396 96 44 viktor.fischer@acolin.com www.acolin.com

FUND SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR IN LUXEMBOURG

Experta Corporate and Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg www.experta.lu

Stanislas Bunetel Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tel: (+352) 269 255 2209 stanislas.bunetel@experta.lu

Luis Rebelo Head of Investment Fund Services Tel: (+352) 269 255 3055 luis.rebelodasilva@experta.lu

TAX ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN POLAND ECOVIS Milczarek & Partners Law Firm Marcin Milczarek Partner Tel: +48 22 400 19 02 marcin.milczarek@ecovis.pl www.ecovis.pl

IP FIRM OF THE YEAR IN PORTUGAL RCF JoÃ£o Jorge Member of the Board Tel: +351 213 907 373 joao.jorge@rcf.pt www.rcf.pt

GAE AWARDS 48

T H E

A M E R I C A S

OUTSOURCED CIO SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN THE BAHAMAS Diomedea Capital Advisors Co. Ltd. Kevin Burrows, CFA CAIA Founder & CIO Tel: +(242) 357 3230 kevin@diomedeacapital.com www.diomedeacapital.com

CYBER RISK SOLUTIONS SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN BRAZIL Deloitte (Brazil) Julio Laurino Cyber Risk Solutions Leader Tel: +55 11 5186 6021 jlaurino@deloitte.com www.deloitte.com.br

FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CHILE InQuest - Executive Search & Executive Compensation Consulting Firm Pia Puebla Managing Partner Tel: +56 9 98265506 / +56 2 2236 0063 piapuebla@inquest-consultores.com www.inquest-consultores.com

AUDIT & ASSURANCE SERVICES ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN MEXICO Salles Sainz Grant Thornton S.C. Esteban Uriรณstegui National Head of Audit Practice Tel: +52 5424-6500 esteban.uriostegui@mx.gt.com www.grantthornton.mx

GAE AWARDS 49

TRANSFER PRICING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN MEXICO Salles Sainz Grant Thornton S.C. Ricardo Suárez National Head of Transfer Pricing Practice Tel: +52 5424-6500 ricardo.suarez@mx.gt.com www.grantthornton.mx

AUDIT & ASSURANCE SERVICES ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN PERU AQUIJE CHUNG & ASOCIADOS CPA Juan Aquije Managing Partner Tel: (+51) – 1 – 3725437 Cell: (+51) – 1 – 950155288 jgaquije@achung.com.pe www.achung.com.pe

NON-PROFIT SECTOR FINANCIAL PLANNING ADVISOR OF THE YEAR IN ALABAMA, US Warren Averett Asset Management Melanie L Nichols, CFA, CFP Member / Senior Client Consultant Tel: +1 205 769 3308 melanie.nichols@waasset.com www.waasset.com

BUSINESS IMMIGRATION SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, US Pearl Law Group Michael Goldberg Partner Tel: +1 415 808 8800 michael.goldberg@trackercorp.com www.trackercorp.com

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS CPA FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, US Sonnenberg & Company, CPAs Leonard Sonnenberg, CPA Sole Practitioner Tel: +1 (858) 457 5252 lens@sonnenbergcpas.com www.sonnenbergcpas.com

GAE AWARDS 50

PENSIONS AUDIT CPA FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, US BPM LLP Jenise Gaskin Partner / Pension Plan Audit Leader Tel: +1 (925) 296 1016 jgaskin@bpmcpa.com www.bpmcpa.com/ebp

TAX CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, US BPM LLP Doug Wright Managing Partner – International Tax Services Tel: +1 (925) 296 1044 dwright@bpmcpa.com www.bpmcpa.com/its

WINE INDUSTRY CPA FIRM OF THE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA, US BPM LLP Carol Spindler O’Hara Managing Partner – North Bay Wine Industry Group Leader Tel: +1 (707) 524 6512 cohara@bpmcpa.com www.bpmcpa.com/wine

BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN COLORADO, US Woodruff Sawyer Gordon Zellers Partner, Mountain Region Practice Leader Tel: +1 720-593-5405 gzellers@woodruffsawyer.com www.woodruffsawyer.com

SCHOOL SECTOR AUDIT CPA FIRM OF THE YEAR IN FLORIDA, US Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo Octavio A Verdeja Managing Partner Tel: +1 (305) 446 3177 oaverdeja@vdtcpa.com www.vdtcpa.com

GAE AWARDS 51

SELF-STORAGE SECTOR FINANCING CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN ILLINOIS, US The BSC Group Shawn R Hill and Devin Huber Principals Tel: +1 312 207 8237 shill@thebscgroup.com www.thebscgroup.com

LATIN AMERICA MARKET ENTRY ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE MIDWEST, US Baker Tilly Jeff Jorge Principal, Firm Leader â&#x20AC;&#x201C; International Services Tel: +1 (248) 368 8798 jeff.jorge@bakertilly.com www.bakertilly.com

BUSINESS VALUATIONS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN NEW JERSEY, US MR Valuation Consulting, LLC Mark Rodriguez, ASA, MRICS Managing Partner Tel: +1 732 780 6000 mrv@mrvaluation.com www.mrvaluation.com

DISCOVERY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN NEW YORK, US Karta Legal LLC Lourdes M. Slater, Esq. President and CEO Tel: +1 212 897 9500 lslater@kartalegal.com www.kartalegal.com

BOUTIQUE PATENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN TEXAS, US ASQ Consulting Thomas W. Britven President Tel: +1 713-299-6756 thomas.britven@asqconsulting.com www.asqconsulting.com

GAE AWARDS 52

A S I A

O C E A N I A

CAPITAL MARKETS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIA BlueMount Capital Barry Palte Director Tel: +61 416 102611 barry.palte@bluemountcapital.com www.bluemountcapital.com

SMALL BUSINESS TAX PLANNING CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIA Anderson Tax & Consulting Debra Anderson Senior Partner Tel: +61 1300 716 462 debra@andersontax.com.au www.andersontax.com.au

OIL & GAS SECTOR TAX ADVISER OF THE YEAR IN CHINA Deloitte Chris Roberge Global Oil, Gas & Chemicals Tax & Legal Leader, Partner Tel: +852 2852 5627 chrisroberge@deloitte.com www.deloitte.com

CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN HONG KONG Asian Capital Limited Patrick K. C. Yeung Chief Executive Officer Tel: +852 2869 8861 enquiries@asiancapital.com.hk www.asiancapital.com.hk

GAE AWARDS 53

LEGAL RECRUITMENT CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR IN INDIA Yellow Wire Consulting Sarabjeet Kaur Founder Tel: +91-9971183859 sarabjeet@yellowwireconsulting.com www.yellowwireconsulting.com

INTERNATIONAL PATENT ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN JAPAN Shin-Ei Patent Firm, P.C. Mitsuru Nakano Manager Tel: +81 3 6203 9580 general@shin-ei-patent.gr.jp www.shin-ei-patent.gr.jp/english

AUDIT ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN MALAYSIA KC Chia & Noor, Chartered Accountants KC Chia CA(M), CPA(M), FCCA, MBA, FTII Managing Partner Tel: +603-21420201 admin@kcn.my www.kcn.my

AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR IN SINGAPORE KLP LLP Mr Yeong Seng Lim Managing Partner Tel: +65 6227 4180 ext. 101 or 102 ysl@klp.com.sg www.klp.com.sg

GAE AWARDS 54

A F R I C A

T H E

M I D D L E

E A S T

TAX ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN KUWAIT Ernst & Young, Al Aiban, Al Osaimi & Partners Alok Chugh Partner, MENA Government and Public Sector Tax Leader, Tax Market Segment Leader Tel: +965-97223004, +965-97882201 alok.chugh@kw.ey.com www.ey.com

AUDIT & ASSURANCE SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR IN LEBANON

Eddy Sakr Managing Partner Tel: +961 3 677 707 eddy.sakr@sarkissakr.com www.sarkissakr.com

Joe Sakr Managing Partner Tel: +961 3 677 707 joe.sakr@sarkissakr.com www.sarkissakr.com

IP ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN NIGERIA IPI Watch Services Bolanle Olowu Partner/Director Tel: +234 8023022 933 bolanle@ipiwatchservice.com www.ipiwatchservice.com

AUDIT & ASSURANCE SERVICES FIRM OF THE YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA HLB CMA South Africa Inc. Marius Maritz Chairman Tel: +27 11 3150215 mariusjm@mbainc.co.za www.hlbglobalsouthafrica.co.za

GAE AWARDS 55

ENGINEERING SERVICES CONSULTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA Chaithoo (Pty) Ltd Dinesh Chaithoo Managing Director Tel: +27 84 848 2487 dinesh@chaithoo.com www.chaithoo.com

MARINE SURVEYORS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR IN SOUTH AFRICA Patterson & Associates (Pty) Ltd

Patterson & Associates (Pty) Ltd

Mike Patterson Managing Director Tel: +27 31 765 5757 (office) / +27 82 5525130 (mobile) mike@pattersonandassociates.co.za / marine@pattersonandassociates.co.za www.pattersonandassociates.co.za

BOUTIQUE IP FIRM OF THE YEAR IN TURKEY PARAGON CONSULTANCY & TRADE INCORPORATED Mrs. Hulya Cayli Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder Tel: +90 312 442 22 91 hulya.cayli@paragon.com.tr www.paragon.com.tr/about-us

GAE AWARDS 56

ABC Global.............................................................................................................................................................. 39. ACOLIN................................................................................................................................................................... 48. Administrace insolvencí CITY TOWER, v.o.s............................................................................................................ 42. Alder & Sound Oy.................................................................................................................................................... 45. Alliotts...................................................................................................................................................................... 44. Anderson Tax & Consulting...................................................................................................................................... 53.

I N D E X

Antal International.................................................................................................................................................... 46. Aon........................................................................................................................................................................... 47. AQUIJE CHUNG & ASOCIADOS............................................................................................................................. 50. Arcadis..................................................................................................................................................................... 12. Arram Berlyn Gardner.............................................................................................................................................. 44. Asian Capital Limited............................................................................................................................................... 53. ASQ Consulting....................................................................................................................................................... 52.

Baker Tilly................................................................................................................................................................. 52. BayCurrent Consulting............................................................................................................................................. 33. BCR Associates Ltd................................................................................................................................................. 12. BDO AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft............................................................................................................... 46. BDO Denmark......................................................................................................................................................... 42. BDO UK.................................................................................................................................................................... 11. BlueMount Capital................................................................................................................................................... 53. BPM LLP..................................................................................................................................................................51. Bridgewater............................................................................................................................................................. 16. BSC Group, The....................................................................................................................................................... 52.

CAPITAL TRUSTEES LIMITED................................................................................................................................. 46.

GAE AWARDS 57

I N D E X

CCP Financial Consultants Limited.......................................................................................................................... 22. Chaithoo (Pty) Ltd.................................................................................................................................................... 56. Close Brothers Asset Management........................................................................................................................ 43. Conpak......................................................................................................................................................................31. Cornerstone Tax....................................................................................................................................................... 13. CS Global Partners............................................................................................................................................ 13., 44.

d&t chartered accountants and business advisors.................................................................................................. 43. Dalla VeritĂ & Partners.............................................................................................................................................. 17. Deloitte (Argentina)...................................................................................................................................................21. Deloitte (Brazil)........................................................................................................................................................ 49. Deloitte (China) (Automotive).................................................................................................................................. 30. Deloitte (China) (Oil & Gas)...................................................................................................................................... 53. Deloitte (Democratic Republic of Congo)................................................................................................................. 37. Deloitte Limited (Cyprus)......................................................................................................................................... 10. Diomedea Capital Advisors Co. Ltd......................................................................................................................... 49. Dr. Pendl & Dr. Piswanger InterSearch Austria.......................................................................................................... 8.

ECOVIS Danmark tax advisors, accountants, auditors, lawyers.............................................................................. 42. ECOVIS Milczarek & Partners Law Firm.................................................................................................................. 48. EE&MC.................................................................................................................................................................... 14. Ernst & Young, Al Aiban, Al Osaimi & Partners........................................................................................................ 55. Experta Corporate and Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg........................................................................................ 48. EY Ireland................................................................................................................................................................ 16.

F & H Communications........................................................................................................................................... 46. Finn Partners........................................................................................................................................................... 24. GAE AWARDS 58

First Corporate Finance Advisors S.A.......................................................................................................................21. First Ireland Risk Management................................................................................................................................. 47. FORTIUS INTER PARTES d.o.o................................................................................................................................. 9. FTI Consulting.......................................................................................................................................................... 29.

Gallagher Colombia.................................................................................................................................................. 23. Gates Aviation Limited............................................................................................................................................. 42.

I N D E X

Goodbody................................................................................................................................................................. 47.

HLB CMA South Africa Inc..................................................................................................................................... 55. Home Conseil Relocation........................................................................................................................................ 45.

IBG Fox Fin.............................................................................................................................................................. 24. InQuest - Executive Search & Executive Compensation Consulting Firm................................................................ 49. InTraCoM GmbH...................................................................................................................................................... 46. IPI Watch Services................................................................................................................................................... 55.

Karta Legal LLC....................................................................................................................................................... 52. KC Chia & Noor, Chartered Accountants................................................................................................................. 54. Kingston Smith Corporate Finance.......................................................................................................................... 43. KLP LLP................................................................................................................................................................... 54. Korn Ferry................................................................................................................................................................ 15. KPMG Croatia............................................................................................................................................................ 9.

Lamont Pridmore Chartered Accountants, Tax & Business Advisers....................................................................... 43. GAE AWARDS 59

I N D E X

Marcuard Heritage (Europe) Ltd...............................................................................................................................41. Matthews, Lawson, McCutcheon & Joseph, PLLC................................................................................................ 25. MAZARS................................................................................................................................................................... 47. McLarens, Inc.......................................................................................................................................................... 25. McMillan Woods Cyprus.......................................................................................................................................... 10. Mintz Group............................................................................................................................................................. 44. MOORE Rhein-Ruhr GmbH..................................................................................................................................... 14. Moore Stephens s.r.o...............................................................................................................................................41. Moorfields Advisory Ltd........................................................................................................................................... 43. MR Valuation Consulting, LLC................................................................................................................................. 52.

Natixis Wealth Management.................................................................................................................................... 17. Nexia TS................................................................................................................................................................... 32.

PARAGON CONSULTANCY & TRADE INCORPORATED......................................................................................... 56. Patterson & Associates (Pty) Ltd............................................................................................................................. 56. PAX Corporate Finance............................................................................................................................................ 45. Pearl Law Group...................................................................................................................................................... 50. Pedabo..................................................................................................................................................................... 40. PIDA C&ES t/a ANTAL............................................................................................................................................... 8. PKF hotelexperts GmbH........................................................................................................................................... 47. Price Bailey.............................................................................................................................................................. 45. Pros Assist............................................................................................................................................................... 44. Puente Sur............................................................................................................................................................... 22.

GAE AWARDS 60

RCF.......................................................................................................................................................................... 48. RSW Medico-Legal Ltd............................................................................................................................................ 45.

Salles Sainz Grant Thornton S.C........................................................................................................................ 49., 50. Sarkis Sakr & Partners - Member of GGI.................................................................................................................. 55.

I N D E X

Shin-Ei Patent Firm, P.C........................................................................................................................................... 54. Sรถderberg & Partners Denmark.............................................................................................................................. 42. Sonnenberg & Company, CPAs............................................................................................................................... 50. StratLink.................................................................................................................................................................. 38.

The BSC Group........................................................................................................................................................ 52. TheXecutives............................................................................................................................................................41. TRM Daniel Erasmus Tax Court Practitioners........................................................................................................... 37.

ValuePlus+............................................................................................................................................................... 32. Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo......................................................................................................................................51.

Wanger Group......................................................................................................................................................... 48. Warren Averett Asset Management........................................................................................................................ 50. Woodruff Sawyer......................................................................................................................................................51.

Yellow Wire Consulting............................................................................................................................................ 54.

GAE AWARDS 61

GAE AWARDS 62

GAE AWARDS 63

GAE Annual Awards 2019 Global Advisory Experts www.globaladvisoryexperts.com