BRG Announces Senior Hire as Part of Forensic Accounting Expansion in the Middle East

BRG has announced the appointment of Phil Allister as a director in its Dubai office. He will provide forensic accounting expertise on litigation, arbitration, and investigative matters for clients in the Middle East and around the world.

Mr. Allister’s hire is part of BRG’s expansion of its Disputes and Investigations practice in the Middle East, building upon a well-established presence in construction and international arbitration in Dubai and throughout the region, as well as its strength in forensic accounting and disputes and investigations in the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the US.

Mr. Allister brings more than fifteen years’ international forensic services experience in areas including asset tracing, third-party due diligence, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reviews. His areas of focus also include sanctions investigations, business intelligence services and investigations into fraud, terrorist financing, and anti-bribery and corruption allegations. His previous work has supported international legal proceedings and assisted international agencies, including the World Bank.

Mr. Allister’s international career has spanned the UK, US, Lebanon, and the UAE, with his previous positions including roles at Citi Private Bank and, most recently, as managing director at a global consulting firm where he led a team across the Middle East and North Africa.

BRG’s Dubai office is an integral part of the firm’s global network, and its professionals collaborate closely with colleagues in London, Asia-Pacific, and the US. Notably, Managing Directors Ben Johnson and Phil Crooks are forensic accountants based in London who specialise in fraud, white-collar crime, audit negligence, and the forensic accounting aspects of litigation. Their practices are highly complementary with Mr. Allister’s focus and will foster collaborative efforts across offices and regions.

Commenting on the appointment, Mike Kenyon, a managing director and head of BRG’s Dubai office, said: “We have ambitious plans to diversify and expand our Middle East operation and extend our footprint across the region. Phil’s arrival marks an important step in realising these goals, enhancing our disputes and investigations capabilities and building on the excellent reputation the firm has built in construction disputes and advisory services locally and globally.”

Daniel Ryan, a managing director and head of BRG’s London office, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to BRG. He will play a key part in our plans to further grow our forensic accounting-related practice in the Middle East and globally.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Allister said: “I am excited to be joining the impressive international team at BRG, having been aware of the practice’s strong reputation in the market for several years. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to build on the firm’s success to date.”

BRG anticipates further announcements of new hires in the coming months as the firm continues to expand its presence in key locations around the world.