News Category: News

Neil Ashton and David Stern Again Named Among Who’s Who Legal’s Leading Arbitration 2021 Expert Witnesses

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that two of its London-based Partners, Neil Ashton and David Stern, have again been named as top expert witnesses by Who’s Who Legal (WWL) Arbitration 2021. According to WWL, Neil and David are among “the foremost arbitration expert witnesses around the world who stand out for their excellence providing testimony in complex proceedings.”

Since 1996, Who’s Who Legal has identified the industry’s foremost practitioners based upon comprehensive, independent, global survey work. The 2021 research process was WWL’s most extensive ever and reflects tens of thousands of recommendations from clients and peers around the world with 95 countries listed.

“David is very experienced and knows what is required of an expert. His work is balanced and considered.” Similarly, Who’s Who Legal respondents found Neil to be “highly user friendly, very thorough and diligent” and remarked that “In commercial court he withstood rigorous cross examination by opposing leading counsel.”

Click here to view the full WWL Arbitration 2021 rankings.

Luke Tenery Joins StoneTurn as a Partner

Global Advisory Firm Continues to Expand Risk Mitigation, Investigations and Technology Capabilities with Addition of Renowned Cybersecurity Expert

StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations, and business disputes, today announced that Luke Tenery, a leading cybersecurity adviser to multinational organizations, has joined the firm as a Partner in Chicago. A consulting industry veteran, Luke specializes in mitigating complex cybersecurity, data privacy and data protection risks.

“As the global pandemic exposes vulnerabilities in internal controls worldwide, we are pleased to expand StoneTurn’s already strong capabilities in risk mitigation, forensic technology and investigations with highly specialized cybersecurity expertise,” noted Christopher Martinez, StoneTurn’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “Luke’s proven experience assisting clients across the threat and risk continuum make him a valuable addition to the StoneTurn team. We look forward to leveraging his insights in both proactive and reactive client matters and having him lead a dedicated cybersecurity practice for our growing firm.”

Prior to joining StoneTurn, Luke founded the global cyber practice and led the cyber response, investigations, and intelligence practice of an international consulting firm, handling a range of active and emergent cybersecurity threats. Earlier in his career, Luke rose to Deputy Cyber Practice Leader over a 15-year tenure with a global risk management and investigations firm. He is a certified chief information security officer (C/CISO) and applies nearly 20 years of experience helping companies combat and remedy hacker intrusions.

“I am humbled to join StoneTurn’s deep and sophisticated team of professionals,” said Tenery.  “Facing cyber risk in a strategic way is a constant challenge in today’s marketplace, as the constant evolution of technology and threats continues to have a significant impact on how business gets done.  StoneTurn is well positioned to continue to assist organizations with their most critical risk and high impact issues, while maximizing the opportunities where cyber risk intersects with the business.”

As a StoneTurn Partner, Luke will work closely with organizations and their counsel to address the underlying security, threat and control issues that often lead to cyber incidents. He will assist clients in aligning robust information security risk management with high-impact initiatives, including remediation, M&A due diligence and integration, cyber cost analyses, digital transformation, and Secure Operations Center (SOC) and threat intelligence program management.

Annie Cooper Recognized With AICPA Standing Ovation

StoneTurn Senior Consultant Annie Cooper Acknowledged by The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) with Forensic and Valuation Services Standing Ovation

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has recognized Annie Cooper for her work to enhance the stature of the accounting profession as part of its 2020 Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) Conference. Each year, the Standing Ovation Recognition Program honors CPAs for significant contributions in their areas of accounting specialty and in their communities.

In just four years as a CPA/ABV, Annie has accumulated an impressive array of experience from consulting in business valuation, litigation support, and both federal and state tax matters to advise a variety of clients, including high net worth individuals, estates and trusts, commercial and real estate, public- and privately-owned businesses.

Annie is also a volunteer at the non-profit organization The Beacon, which provides essential and next-step services to restore hope and help end homelessness in Houston.

Read the full press release.

TRACE and StoneTurn Announce Strategic Alliance

TRACE, a globally recognized business association dedicated to anti-bribery, compliance and good governance and leading provider of shared-cost third-party risk management solutions, and StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists companies, their counsel and government agencies on regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations and business disputes, today announced a strategic alliance to expand their services through mutual cooperation.

In collaboration with StoneTurn, TRACE will offer its members and clients advisory and investigative services that complement its membership and due diligence solutions to provide companies with a broader range of strategic compliance advisory services.

StoneTurn clients will have immediate and seamless access to the background screening due diligence services, risk management tools and cost-effective compliance training offered by TRACE.

“Through this new partnership, TRACE is pleased to supplement its widely respected due diligence and training offerings to members and clients with access to a trusted adviser for complex internal investigations, monitorships and other holistic compliance-related consulting services not offered by TRACE,” said TRACE President Alexandra Wrage.

Through this strategic alliance, TRACE and StoneTurn are able to provide companies with comprehensive investigative and compliance solutions and advisory services focused on reducing operational risk in a cost-effective manner.

To learn more about this alliance, please contact vdipalma@traceinternational.org or lcamerlengo@stoneturn.com.

Neil Ashton, David Stern Named Among Who’s Who Legal 2020 Quantum of Damages Experts

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that two of its London-based Partners, Neil Ashton and David Stern, have been named by Who’s Who Legal (WWL) as quantum of damages consulting experts. This latest recognition follows recent WWL accolades for Neil and David in the Arbitration Expert Witnesses category.

Since 1996, Who’s Who Legal has identified the industry’s foremost practitioners based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who meet independent international research criteria are listed.

Marking his seventh acknowledgment from Who’s Who Legal, David was cited in Consulting Experts 2020 as part of the Financial Advisory and Valuation – Quantum of Damages category as an “impressive expert” who draws praise for his wealth of experience in forensic accounting investigations and quantifying loss in disputes.

Neil, in his third ranking by Who’s Who Legal, was cited for his “great understanding of forensic accounting issues” and his “very thorough” approach to damages quantification.

Click here to view the full WWL Consulting Experts 2020 rankings.

Former U.S. Deputy AG Larry D. Thompson and Team Complete Monitorship in Volkswagen AG Emissions Proceedings

A Team of Leading Corporate Fraud, Environmental, and Compliance Experts Oversaw Compliance Reforms and Successful Implementation of the Terms of the Plea Agreement

The Independent Corporate Compliance Monitor and Auditor for Volkswagen AG, Larry D. Thompson, announced today that Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries and affiliates met the commitments established under the terms of its 2017 plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). (Note that Porsche AG and Porsche Cars NA were excluded entirely from the monitorship.) Since his appointment in 2017, Thompson and his team have worked to assess whether Volkswagen’s compliance and ethics programs were reasonably designed and implemented to prevent and detect violations of anti-fraud and environmental law.

The U.S. government appointed Thompson, a former U.S. Deputy Attorney General and currently counsel at Atlanta-based Finch McCranie, LLP, as the Independent Corporate Compliance Monitor and Auditor for Volkswagen.  His appointment was part of Volkswagen’s criminal plea agreement stemming from the company’s scheme to sell diesel vehicles containing software designed to cheat on U.S. emissions tests. Thompson and his team oversaw Volkswagen’s compliance reforms and successful implementation of the terms of the plea agreement.

“In three years, Volkswagen AG has become a different and better company,” said Thompson. “Volkswagen can be proud of the progress it has made. It will require continued vigilance, but the structures and processes in place and the commitments at all levels of the company, along with the oversight of the Supervisory Board, can make Volkswagen a long-term and sustainable ethics, integrity, and compliance success.”

During his tenure as Deputy Attorney General from 2001 to 2003, Thompson led the DOJ’s National Security Coordination Council, as well as the government-wide Corporate Fraud Task Force. Previously, Thompson was a partner with Atlanta-based King & Spalding, LLP.  Earlier in his career, he served as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and as Independent Counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development Investigation.  Thompson also served as Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and General Counsel for PepsiCo.

To assist him in monitoring Volkswagen’s corporate compliance, Thompson assembled a team of leading corporate fraud, environmental, and compliance experts.  Leaders of the team included:

Thompson was also assisted by an accomplished group of subject matter experts from pertinent areas including emissions, compliance, ethics and integrity, fraud, risk management, legal and audit.  “I am honored to have led such a knowledgeable, experienced and absolutely dedicated team,” said Thompson. “I cannot say enough about their hard work, diligence, efficiency, and professionalism. Obviously, this project was critically important on numerous levels, but this was the right team for the challenge. All team members should be proud of their outstanding collective accomplishment.”

Read the official press release here.

StoneTurn U.K. Ranked by Chambers Litigation Support 2020

StoneTurn is pleased to be ranked by Chambers and Partners for our litigation advisory and forensic accounting expertise in the U.K.

Cited by Chambers as: “…a global advisory firm that provides focused expertise in the forensic accounting space. The firm is well regarded for working on matters of quantum in commercial litigation and international arbitration especially with regard to financial services, among a range of other industries. The team is also extremely experienced in acting as expert witnesses, for which they are especially noted.”

This is the first time StoneTurn’s UK Team has been ranked by Chambers for its work to help companies and their legal advisers simplify the complex. Widely recognized as an invaluable resource for lawyers, GCs and private clients tackling complex disputes, Chambers Litigation Support researchers conducted hundreds of in-depth interviews with senior market figures – both practitioners and purchasers of litigation support services worldwide – in order to arrive at the 2020 rankings.

For more information on StoneTurn in Chambers, visit: https://chambers.com/department/stoneturn-forensic-accountants-litigation-support-58:2913:11805:1:354611

To learn more about the rankings and research process, watch Chambers and Partners’ latest video.

Alan Ratliff and Ambreen Salters Again Recognized as Top Expert Witnesses by IAM Patent 1000

StoneTurn is pleased to announce that Partners Alan Ratliff and Ambreen Salters have again been recognized for their outstanding work across the intellectual property (IP) quantum of damages by IAM Patent 1000 United States Expert Witnesses 2020.

Every year for nearly a decade, the IAM Patent 1000 guide identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. 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.

According to IAM Patent 1000, Alan Ratliff is: “…a rare breed of financial consultant, having also served as a law clerk and as an attorney; litigators find him easy to work with, because he knows where they’re coming from. In court, he’s unflappable and presents his theories in a clear, consistent and relatable manner.” 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.

Ambreen Salters has been recognized by IAM Patent 1000 as: “…an economics and finance whiz, who not only provides incisive and comprehensive damages analyses, but also presents them persuasively, resonating with judges and juries alike.” Ambreen has testified for both plaintiffs and defendants engaged in intellectual property litigation, and has been designated as an economic expert in Federal Court (Central and Southern Districts of California, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas, New Jersey, Southern District of New York, Western District of Washington, Colorado) and State Court, as well as in arbitration proceedings.

Read IAM Patent 1000‘s full 2020 rankings.

Skillsoft and StoneTurn Partner to Help Organizations Better Identify and Mitigate Risk

The relationship provides end-to-end visibility and streamlines access to compliance advisory services.

Skillsoft Compliance and StoneTurn, a global advisory firm that assists organizations with regulatory, risk and compliance issues, investigations and business disputes, have formalized a partnership designed to streamline the management of risk across an organization.

During this time of unprecedented business disruption, risks associated with fraud, bribery, and corruption are on the rise. By conducting risk assessments, enhancing due diligence efforts, and refreshing training, businesses can help mitigate misconduct and protect their organizations. With the help of StoneTurn, Skillsoft customers can now holistically assess their compliance program framework―stretching far beyond compliance training programs to business processes and system controls―in order to better mitigate risk.

By engaging StoneTurn’s compliance and legal experts, Skillsoft customers can evaluate their compliance programs, identify gaps and potential vulnerabilities, and gain recommendations on how to enhance and improve compliance efforts. StoneTurn’s team of multidisciplinary experts in accounting, audit, compliance, monitoring, data analytics, forensic investigations, fraud detection, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption/FCPA and other key compliance-related risks and controls help organizations navigate pre- and post-incident compliance matters and investigations.

Through this partnership, Skillsoft Compliance customers can access StoneTurn’s advisory services, including:

  • Risk Assessment: Identify and assess key risk areas, evaluate existing risk mitigation measures, and recommend risk and compliance program enhancements to minimize critical risks.
  • Compliance Program Review, Benchmarking, and Enhancement: Identify and assess potential risks and compliance gaps and assist with the design, implementation, and/or enhancement of an effective compliance program.
  • Code of Conduct – Benchmarking and Enhancement Review: Assess an organization’s code of conduct and provide recommendations on how to incorporate industry and other best practices and mitigate exposure to risks.
  • Third-Party Compliance Program Evaluation, Development, and Enhancement: Evaluate, develop, and/or enhance an organization’s third-party compliance program to minimize risks posed by illegal, unethical, or unmonitored third-party conduct.
  • Global Compliance Adviser: StoneTurn can assist organizations as a Global Compliance Adviser to provide day-to-day advisory support on a retainer basis. Quickly deploy a proven compliance team with in-house chief compliance officer experience to help companies handle compliance program support needs and to assist with Board, management, and investor/stakeholder confidence in the compliance program.

“As organizations proactively seek to understand and mitigate potential risks, our partnership with StoneTurn provides customers with essential compliance-related advisory services resources to navigate the ever-changing regulatory environment successfully,” said John Arendes, Vice President and GM Global Compliance Solutions at Skillsoft. “Combining StoneTurn’s proven advisory services with Skillsoft’s award-winning compliance training content enables organizations to further enhance their compliance program while better positioning the prevention and detection of misconduct.”

To learn more about Skillsoft Compliance’s partnership with StoneTurn, visit https://www.skillsoft.com/stoneturn

Jonny Frank Again Named to Law360’s Compliance Advisory Editorial Board

StoneTurn is pleased to share that Jonny Frank has again been named to Law360’s Compliance Editorial Advisory Board. Following his 2019 appointment, Jonny will serve alongside other top experts in compliance to provide feedback on Law360’s 2020 coverage and also, how best to shape future coverage.

Jonny currently serves as Department of Justice (DOJ)-appointed Monitor to one of the world’s largest investment banks, DOJ independent auditor to a Top 5 automotive manufacturer, remediation consultant to a northern European bank, and E&C adviser to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission-appointed independent consultant of a large public accounting firm.

He previously served as the NYS DFS-appointed Independent Compliance Monitor to the nation’s largest non-bank mortgage servicer, a Big Four partner, and assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Learn more: https://www.law360.com/articles/1137687/law360-s-compliance-editorial-advisory-board