What's Happening?
Alvarez & Marsal, a global consulting firm, has appointed David Hicks as the Global Co-Leader of its Disputes & Investigations practice. Hicks, who brings over 30 years of experience in financial crime and forensic domains, previously held senior leadership
roles at KPMG, including Global Head of Forensic. His career has been marked by strategic transformation initiatives and complex investigations, particularly within the financial services industry. Hicks specializes in areas such as anti-money laundering, sanctions, fraud risk management, and bribery and corruption. He has advised a G20 central bank on fraud risk supervision and led financial crime remediation engagements across various banking sectors.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of David Hicks is significant for Alvarez & Marsal as it strengthens their capabilities in handling complex financial crime and forensic investigations. Hicks' expertise in financial crime advisory and contentious regulatory matters is expected to enhance the firm's ability to serve global banks and regulators. This move could position Alvarez & Marsal as a leading consultancy in forensic and financial services, potentially attracting more high-profile clients seeking expertise in financial crime governance and risk management frameworks. The firm's expansion in these areas may also influence industry standards and practices.
What's Next?
David Hicks will initially be based in the UAE, specifically in the Dubai office, until February 2026, after which he will relocate to London. His presence in the Middle East and subsequent move to London suggests a strategic focus on expanding Alvarez & Marsal's influence in these regions. The firm may leverage Hicks' experience to further develop its services and client base in both the UK and Middle East, potentially leading to new partnerships and engagements with major financial institutions and regulators.
Beyond the Headlines
Hicks' appointment may have broader implications for the consulting industry, particularly in the realm of financial crime and forensic services. As financial crimes become increasingly sophisticated, the demand for expert advisory services is likely to grow. Alvarez & Marsal's investment in experienced leadership could set a precedent for other firms to enhance their capabilities in this area, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in financial crime prevention and investigation.
