Deloitte creates biggest Asia-Pacific forensic team

Deloitte has doubled its forensic team after purchasing computer forensic and electronic discovery specialist Forensic Data for an undisclosed sum, strengthening its position as the biggest provider of independent forensic services to Australian companies.

Giam Swiegers, Deloitte Australia chief executive officer, said the merger would create ‘the biggest and most experienced forensic technology team of its kind in Asia Pacific’ in recognition of the ever increasing demand for a forensic approach to the collection and processing of electronic information required for legal or regulatory proceedings.

The purchase was in response to the increased demand for forensic services, sparked by a new wave of regulation, including Sarbanes Oxley and has added 12 staff, based in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, to its team of 125 people and 17 partners.

‘We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for technology forensic and electronic discovery support services as regulators and legal firms increasingly rely on the completeness and accuracy of electronic information, such as email, business documents and transaction records related to business activity,’ Tim Phillipps, Sydney-based Deloitte forensic Asia Pacific practice leader, said.

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