Stephen brings more than 20 years’ experience in forensic accounting, financial investigations and disputes. Stephen’s methodical approach to solving complex financial problems through unravelling all of the relevant issues in a clear and straightforward manner enables clients to seek the most effective resolutions and ultimate recovery of funds. Working internationally throughout his career, including being based in the Middle East for more than a decade, Stephen has worked in a vast range of industries such as manufacturing, petrochemicals, logistics and government.

Stephen has been involved in many fraud and corruption investigations and has assisted both corporate entities and governments, as well as their counsel. He has led investigations and reviews related to money laundering, terrorist financing, asset recovery, internal controls and whistleblowing. While operating in the Middle East, he worked on complex cross-border matters including investigating suspected FCPA violations in the region, an internal investigation for a major supplier to the US and NATO forces, reviewing banking transactions across the region by a law firm’s client that had been included in US sanctions lists, and reviewing regional banks’ anti-money laundering and count-terrorism processes to meet standards required by US correspondent banks.

Stephen also has significant experience providing expert reports and testimony, including preparing expert witness statements, preparing valuations and assisting instructing solicitors in understanding technical financial matters. He recently provided an expert report to trace the funds received following the sale of a company to assist the client in its claim against the seller and to identify the ultimate destination of the sales proceeds received by the vendor.

Before joining FRA’s Dubai office, Stephen developed his specialization in forensic and investigative expertise in the Middle East through various leadership roles. He has previously successfully expanded more than one London-based consultancy by building their forensic and disputes practices in Dubai, growing his deep knowledge of challenges specific to the region as well as external pressures.

Stephen is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He received his BA International Accounting and Finance from the University of Brighton.