FTI Consulting launches Tax Advisory practice in the Middle East

20 January 2023 Consultancy-me.com

FTI Consulting has launched its Tax Advisory practice in the Middle East, with the new team led out of Dubai by Nilesh Ashar and fellow senior hire Sameep Uchil.

Operating globally, FTI Consulting’s Tax Advisory practice advises listed groups, corporations and private equity firms on the taxation aspects of topics such as compliance, international structuring, transactions, restructuring, employment taxes, transfer pricing, VAT, research & development expenditure, and tax technology.

Vikas Papriwal, Head of the Corporate Finance & Restructuring division in the Middle East, said that the launch of the unit could not have come at a better time for the firm and its clients. “A new era of tax is dawning in the Middle East.”

Nilesh Ashar and Sameep Uchil - FTI Consulting

“Tax regulations are becoming increasingly complex and new legislations are being issued in the region,” added Ashar, who has been brought in as a Senior Managing Director to lead and build out the wing. “We look forward helping clients navigate the complexities of the tax landscape in the region.”

Ashar brings more than 25 years of tax experience in the Big Four to FTI Consulting, having served KPMG, EY and Arthur Andersen during this period. Based in Dubai since 2012 following stints in India and the United Kingdom, Ashar most recently was a partner in the International Tax practice of KPMG in the UAE.

His experience spans corporate and international tax matters, cross-border tax structuring, M&A tax, economic substance, tax governance, transfer pricing and VAT. He also has extensive experience helping organisations and regulatory authorities identify and manage tax risks and improve their tax processes.

Euan Sutherland, Head of the EMEA Tax Advisory practice at FTI Consulting, said that the new local hub will boost the geographic coverage of the tax arm, a feat particularly important for international clients, and those seeking cross-border support. “Together with our tax teams in the United Kingdom, United States and other key financial markets, the arrival of our local Tax Advisory practice adds further firepower to our cross-border capabilities.”

Appointed a Managing Director, Uchil meanwhile brings more than 12 years of experience to his new role, having worked in multiple locations including India, New York and the UAE. His career has followed a similar path as to Ashar – Uchil kicked off his career at EY, and most recently served KPMG prior to his switch to FTI Consulting.

Uchil specialises in acquisition structuring, tax due diligence, and tax work related to inbound investments and transactions, predominantly in the private equity, consumer, food and retail, technology, media and financial services industries.

The Tax Advisory practice is part of the Corporate Finance & Restructuring division. Other practices within the division include: Business Transformation & Strategy, Corporate Finance, Restructuring, and Transactions.

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