News Category: News

StoneTurn Partners with MML Capital

Global Advisory Firm Continues Commitment to Expansion as Market Demand Increases

Boston, MA (October 31, 2019) – StoneTurn, a global advisory firm, today announced that it has entered into a partnership with MML Capital Partners, a market-leading transatlantic provider of growth capital, to fuel its expansion amid increasing market demand for advisory services. MML’s investment represents a minority stake, with the remaining majority held by StoneTurn’s equity Partners. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Over the past 15 years, StoneTurn has steadily evolved to best serve the changing and often complex needs of its clients. The firm, which began as a forensic accounting boutique, is now a trusted adviser to corporations, their counsel and government agencies around the world. StoneTurn’s founders had a clear vision for creating a highly collaborative, people-focused firm, and seized the opportunity to advise clients without the conflicts often found at large public accounting firms. Today, clients and industry professionals continue to be drawn to StoneTurn’s unique culture in which people come first, the quality of work is paramount, and building and maintaining long-term relationships is key.

The partnership with MML is designed to allow StoneTurn to achieve significant milestones such as expansion into new geographies and practice areas, as well as to continue to attract top-tier talent and provide best-in-class service to its valued clients.

Christopher Martinez, StoneTurn’s Managing Partner, said, “Our goal was to identify a partner who believes in our business philosophy and is equally enthusiastic about StoneTurn’s continued expansion for the purpose of providing exceptional service to our clients. MML is committed to maintaining and enhancing our culture, which we believe is critical to our success. The flexibility MML offers is ideal, allowing us to focus on managing our day-to-day business operations and continuing to act as an independent adviser, both of which are paramount to continuing to provide high-quality services to our clients.”

Ian Wallis, CEO at MML Capital said, “MML focuses on supporting successful management teams with ambitious growth plans. As the demand for advisory services increases, StoneTurn’s leadership is taking steps to ensure the firm is poised to grow with the market. We are delighted to be a part of the firm’s next chapter.”

About StoneTurn

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm, assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations and business disputes. We serve our clients from offices across the U.S., U.K. and in Germany, Brazil and South Africa, assisted by a network of senior advisers around the world.

About MML

MML Capital Partners is a leading pan-European and transatlantic independent investment firm.  MML partners with management teams, supporting their growth strategy by providing capital for expansion, acquisitions and recapitalizations. The firm has offices in the U.K., U.S. and France, and frequently uses its international presence to support cross-border strategies. To learn more, visit MMLCapital.com.

Sarah Keeling Recognized by Inaugural Tackling Economic Crime Awards

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that Sarah Keeling has been selected as a finalist in the Outstanding Female Professional category by the Tackling Economic Crime Awards (TECAs).

A former senior British government officer with more than 20 years of experience, Sarah leverages her understanding of the criminal mindset to help corporate clients pre-empt, detect and counter fraud and other economic crime threats. On a more grass-roots level, Sarah is a vocal advocate for professional women at all stages of their careers. She volunteers as a leadership coach and mentor to rising female executives in both the private and public sector and is a regular speaker on the topic of leadership. Most recently, Sarah supported leadership programs for women in Saudi Arabia and Belarus, running workshops and one-to-one coaching.

Now in its inaugural year, the TECAs recognize the valuable contributions of individuals and teams in tackling all areas of economic crime. TECA judges are nominated by the associations and agree to mark to a rigorous ethics policy, making winning highly valued. TECA winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony in London in early December. For more information, visit: https://thetecas.com/2019/10/02/finalist-announced-for-the-inaugural-tackling-economic-crime-awards-tecas/

StoneTurn Named Convercent’s Advisory Services Partner

The collaboration aligns ethics and compliance technology with global risk and compliance advisory services.

Convercent, a leading ethics and compliance solution provider, announced today that it has selected StoneTurn to serve as its advisory services partner. The relationship is designed to deliver heightened value to organizations by combining cutting-edge technology with advisory expertise to solve some of today’s toughest corporate ethics and compliance challenges.

Convercent’s Ethics Cloud Platform gives organizations the ability to effectively engage employees; identify, characterize and mitigate E&C risk; and protect corporate reputation. StoneTurn helps clients navigate their most critical business risks and challenges, assisting companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes worldwide.

“Helping our customers drive ethical conduct across their organizations is the cornerstone Convercent was founded upon,” said Patrick Quinlan, Chief Executive Officer at Convercent. “Partnering with a firm of StoneTurn’s caliber and breadth of advisory expertise enables us to further that mission and increase the value we can deliver to our customers,” said Quinlan.

Convercent selected StoneTurn as its advisory services partner based on the firm’s long-standing reputation with companies, their counsel and regulators, as well as for the depth and breadth of its holistic advisory services capabilities. StoneTurn works across the compliance lifecycle, including: pre-incident: developing, evaluating and enhancing ethics and compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and implementing third-party diligence programs; crisis: conducting internal investigations, assisting with government inquiries and identifying current and future vulnerabilities; and post-incident: remediating fraud and misconduct, serving as a government-appointed or self-appointed monitor, establishing controls to prevent recurrence of wrongdoing and serving as experts in resulting litigation.

StoneTurn Continues to Expand Global Investigations Practice

Sarah Keeling Joins the Firm as a Senior Adviser Based in London

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes, today announced the expansion of its London-based Investigations team with the addition of Sarah Keeling as a Senior Adviser.

A former senior British government official with more than 20 years of experience in national security and geopolitical risk issues in the U.K. and overseas, Sarah advises the Boards of corporates, family offices, private equity firms and their counsel on strategies for managing operational, reputational and investment risk, and security matters worldwide. She brings significant expertise conducting complex, multi-jurisdictional anti-bribery and corruption investigations, asset tracing and recovery, and provides litigation support for international arbitration and disputes revolving around political, regulatory or integrity issues.

“Companies operating around the world today increasingly require strategic intelligence to help inform sound business decision-making,” said Christopher Martinez, StoneTurn’s Managing Partner and Co-Founder. “Sarah leverages her significant global network, as well as unique expertise gained across a range of geographies and industries, to help clients mitigate and avoid the impact of fraud and misconduct. Sarah’s ability to drive high-performing teams, and deploy the latest data analytics, business intelligence and forensic accounting techniques, make her a valuable addition to StoneTurn’s multidisciplinary team.”

Prior to joining StoneTurn, Sarah led the global security, investigations and strategic intelligence practices of several professional services firms. Building upon her long and successful career in U.K. government service, Sarah worked extensively on international matters and gained particular expertise in MENA, Iran and East European matters. She previously served as Chairman, now Council member, of the Risk and Security Management Forum (RSMF) in the U.K.

Shari Schindler Joins StoneTurn as a Partner Based in Chicago

Recognized Authority on Corruption, Forensic Accounting and Money Laundering Bolsters Global Advisory Firm’s Growing Team of Experts

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes, today announced that veteran Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent Shari Schindler has joined as a Partner. Based in Chicago, Shari joins StoneTurn after more than 30 years of investigating, managing and testifying in a range of high-profile financial fraud investigations, including the convictions of former Illinois governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich.

A financial expert in corruption and white-collar criminal cases, as well as multi-jurisdictional business disputes, Shari provides clients with strategic forensic accounting expertise and pragmatic insights into launching and maintaining effective anti-corruption programs worldwide. Her capabilities will span across several of StoneTurn’s practice areas, including: Litigation Advisory, Expert Testimony, Investigations, Anti-Corruption, Anti-Money Laundering, Financial Fraud, and Compliance & Monitoring.

“Shari is a well-known expert on forensic accounting, money laundering and all things anti-corruption, locally in Chicago, nationally and internationally,” said Christopher Martinez, StoneTurn’s co-founder and Managing Partner. “Undoubtedly, her expertise will serve as a tremendous asset to our team and growing portfolio of clients across the U.S. and globally.”

Most recently, Shari served as a Supervisory Revenue Agent for the IRS. During her decades-long career, she partnered with various federal and local law enforcement agencies to conduct grand jury investigations and complex fraud audits. Shari has been designated as an expert in Federal court and has extensive experience in uncovering bank, mail and tax fraud; money laundering; whistleblower claims; and RICO conspiracy matters. A recognized international authority on forensic accounting and money laundering, she has delivered anti-corruption training for government organizations in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Latvia and Romania.

Shari has overseen and personally performed hundreds of detailed financial examinations of individuals, corporations and partnerships, including sophisticated flow of funds analyses. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered in Illinois.

StoneTurn Named A ‘Best Consulting Firm To Work For’ By Vault

Steadily Expanding Global Advisory Firm’s First Inclusion on Ranking Based on Culture, International Opportunities and Work-Life Balance

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes, has been named a ‘Best Consulting Firm to Work For’ by Vault, a leading authority known for its influential rankings, ratings, and reviews on thousands of top employers. Highlighted for its workplace culture, StoneTurn ranked seventh out of more than 100 firms in the “Work/Life Balance” category; ninth for “International Opportunities; in the top 20 for colleague satisfaction and benefits; and 39 overall on the annual ranking of the top 50 consulting firms to work for in North America.

StoneTurn was founded in 2004 by several former Big Four senior professionals who were seeking to offer clients a more collaborative advisory experience, without the conflicts found at large public accounting firms. The firm’s successful business model and unique culture has resulted in StoneTurn’s steady global growth, which today includes 14 locations – and counting – worldwide.

“This strong first-time ranking is a testament to our founding mission and unwavering focus on maintaining a people-first firm culture, while employing the best and brightest practitioners across complex service capabilities,” said Christopher Martinez, StoneTurn’s Managing Partner and Co-Founder. “There is no better measurement of our success and reputation as an employer than by our own professionals and industry peers.”

Vault surveyed hundreds of firms and more than 17,000 consulting industry employees to determine rankings based on feedback across a range of categories, including firm prestige, culture, employee satisfaction, compensation, work-life balance, ability to challenge, overall business outlook and promotion policies. Detailed information on Vault’s survey methodology is available at www.vault.com.

David Stern Recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Quantum of Damages 2019

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that David Stern has again been recognized as a leading damages expert by Who’s Who Legal Consulting Experts: Financial Advisory and Valuation – Quantum of Damages 2019.

Who’s Who Legal describes David as: “a widely recognised figure in the European arbitration market, commended for his first-rate valuation analyses;” where “both his written reports and oral evidence are robust and accurate;” being “great to work with, effective and insightful;” and as “an accomplished expert on an impressive range of valuation issues.” The publication also cites David’s “diligence, attention to detail and unflappable nature as an expert witness.” 

Since 1996, Who’s Who Legal has identified the foremost practitioners in multiple areas of business disputes. The publication prides itself on the integrity and authority of its findings. It is impossible to buy entry into the Who’s Who Legal publication.

David was also recognized in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration – Expert Witnesses (2019, 2018, 2017), and in Who’s Who Legal: Experts – Economic Consulting – Quantum of Damages (2017).

Learn more.

StoneTurn Adds Johannesburg-based Partners and Expands Global Footprint to South Africa

Global Advisory Firm Continues to Bolster Capabilities Worldwide

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes, today announced the opening of a Johannesburg office and the addition of Partners Louise Jordaan and Mike Roos in South Africa. As part of its overall global growth strategy, the firm is establishing a formal foothold in the region amid the increasing risks recent corruption scandals are posing on the local government and corporate environment.

The South Africa-based team will assist companies and their counsel with conducting investigations, evaluating corruption-based risks and providing financial consulting services, including expert testimony, throughout Africa.  Louise and Mike, each with over 20 years of experience, will continue to work with their clients in the region, collaborating with the firm’s experienced forensic accounting, international arbitration, expert testimony and investigations professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Brazil.

“As cross-border regulatory inquiries and business disputes have become more common, we are confident that counsel and their clients will continually seek resident experts who can assist them in simplifying these complex matters,” said Christopher Martinez, Managing Partner at StoneTurn. “StoneTurn’s presence in South Africa, combined with our significant litigation, arbitration, and compliance, investigations, monitoring experience worldwide, position our firm to effectively respond to client needs on continent and beyond.”

Louise Jordaan, a Partner in Johannesburg, brings more than 22 years of forensic investigation, forensic accounting, expert witness and business dispute resolution experience. She also advises clients on the implementation of whistleblowing services and fraud management controls in support of their compliance and risk management functions. Louise has predominantly worked with clients in the financial services, manufacturing, natural resources and mining industries. She has also worked with clients in the public sector, including municipalities, the South African Revenue Service, the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority.

Louise is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Institute of Regulatory Board for Auditors, the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners, and an Associate Member of the ACFE International. She is also an Admitted Advocate to the High Court of South Africa.

Mike Roos, a Partner also based in Johannesburg, has more than 20 years of experience in forensic accounting, compliance and monitoring and in investigations. Throughout his career, Mike has focused on expert witness work including the quantification of damages, commercial disputes and business partner due diligence. He has also reviewed and advised on compliance programs. Mike has global experience and has worked extensively throughout the U.S., U.K., and Africa. He is an expert in the investigation of fraud and misconduct and has given testimony in disciplinary and civil matters and has prepared various forensic reports for criminal purposes.

Mike is a Chartered Accountant and has been a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants since 2000. He has been involved in numerous fraud investigations on behalf of private and public sector clients and has assisted law enforcement agencies and regulators to perform complex investigations.

Alan Ratliff Again Recognized as a Leading Expert Witness by IAM Patent 1000

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that Partner Alan Ratliff, a frequent expert witness in patent damages and licensing disputes, has again been recognized as a leading expert witness by IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2019.

Since 2014, Alan has been named to IAM Patent 1000‘s Highly Recommended echelon every year that ranking has been made. IAM’s unique Patent 1000 guide shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this pivotal area of practice. The practitioners selected are identified and vetted as part of an extensive five-month research process that involves over 1,800 interviews with numerous attorneys at law, patent attorneys and in-house counsel to gather market intelligence on the leading players in the field.

Alan has given expert evidence by way of testimony or declaration in nearly 100 patent damages and licensing disputes seated in more than 20 states and several dozen federal districts, as well as in matters in Asia, Europe and South America.

StoneTurn Continues to Expand Global Investigations Practice

Piers de Wilde Joins the Firm as a Managing Director Based in London

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, monitorships and business disputes, today announced the expansion of its London-based Investigations team with the addition of Piers de Wilde as a Managing Director.

Piers, who previously served in the investigations practices of two global consulting firms, brings more than a decade of experience in strategic intelligence and cross-border investigations, with special expertise in Western Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. He focuses on pre-transactional due diligence, litigation support, business intelligence and specialist investigations.

“As more organizations engage in cross-border business transactions, clients are increasingly turning to us for highly specialized, multi-jurisdictional insights,” said Allen Applbaum, Partner. “Piers applies hands-on expertise gained across a range of geographies and industries to support complex, global matters with his unique and holistic perspective. Piers is a valuable addition to StoneTurn’s multidisciplinary team and I am thrilled to be working with him again.”

Prior to joining StoneTurn, Piers advised clients across various industries such as financial services and private equity, consumer goods, energy, extractives, government, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. He has led activist investor defenses, anti-counterfeit investigations, asset traces and litigation support matters, major fraud and corruption investigations including U.K. Bribery Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters, new market-entry support and political risk analysis, and supported clients’ strategic communications in complex disputes. Piers began his career at a leading security and private risk management company.