Global law firm Ashurst has appointed forensic and financial crime expert Rachel Sexton to its Risk Advisory business in the UK. The practice was launched to respond to client demand and builds on the success of the firm's Australian-based risk advisory offering. Rachel, who joins as UK Head of the Ashurst Risk practice, brings a wealth of leadership expertise and excellent credentials as a business builder having previously established two large consulting practices at major advisory firms.
With over twenty five years' experience in working with clients to combat financial fraud and crime, Rachel will have a particular focus on financial crime and ESG advisory, as well as managing risks associated with crypto and virtual currencies, conduct and compliance. She has extensive experience in conducting large, complex fraud, anti-money laundering, bribery and corruption, cross-border tax, economic sanctions and other financial crime investigations and regulatory enquiries.
Jamie Ng, Global Head of Ashurst Risk Advisory, said: "Against the backdrop of fast-changing regulations and increasing risks of cybercrimes and data breaches, businesses must continue to take a proactive approach to risk management. Rachel's impressive track record of building significant and growing practices, and vast experience advising on risk matters across evolving market conditions, means she is well-equipped to lead the UK risk advisory business and boost our response to this client demand."
"Rachel's arrival signals the next stage in our growth trajectory and sharp focus on advancing the firm's high quality consulting offering. As evidenced by our recent research-based report, money laundering, cybercrime, and fraud are top areas of concern for business leaders today. Rachel's deep expertise will allow us to further support clients to improve business readiness for such incidents as we continue to grow our legal-led risk consulting offering in the UK", he added.
Rachel added: "I am excited to be joining Ashurst Risk Advisory in the UK and am confident that we can set the standard for what an innovative, expertise-led, collaborative and client-focused advisory practice should be. By joining up the legal and operational and risk advisory skill sets, we can work with our clients on a broad range of matters."
Rachel joins from EY, where she successfully built and led its Financial Services Forensic practice. Prior to this, Rachel was at Deloitte, where she was responsible for the design and roll-out of its Forensic & Dispute Services practice in Switzerland.
