Ashurst Launches Middle East Risk Advisory Business Amid Global Expansion

Ashurst Launches Middle East Risk Advisory Business Amid Global Expansion

Ashurst, the global law firm, has announced the expansion of its consultancy services with the launch of Ashurst Risk Advisory in the Middle East, becoming the first international law firm in the region to offer dedicated Risk Advisory services. This division unites legal and consulting professionals, focusing on risk management, corporate governance, and complex infrastructure projects across various sectors.

Led by Nisha Sanghani, who brings over 19 years of experience, the new consultancy is headquartered in the UAE, spanning Ashurst’s offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This addition complements Ashurst’s core legal services, with a goal to address the evolving needs of clients in the region.

Jamie Ng, Ashurst's Global Clients & Markets Partner and Global Co-Head of Ashurst Advance & Consulting, said, “Our clients' evolving needs are at the heart of our expansion of Risk Advisory into the Middle East. We understand that the landscape of risk is ever- changing, and this expansion reflects our commitment to anticipate these shifts, offering comprehensive support and mirroring the successes of our well-established consulting business in the UK and Australia. We are passionate about bringing global talent to the Middle East to support the region with the diverse perspectives and experiences from world- class professionals. By extending the reach of our integrated legal and consulting solutions and pushing the boundaries of traditional legal services, we are supporting our clients in managing risk, driving change, and building a sustainable future."

David Charlier, Middle East Managing Partner, emphasized the firm’s regional impact: "Our clients in the Middle East have ambitious plans and require trusted advisors to help them to achieve their goals. Where traditional law firms focus on providing legal services, we also bring a breadth and depth of commercial and operational expertise to advise clients on the best way to implement and operationalise the advice. Our Middle East expansion will help our clients outpace change."

Sanghani, Head of Risk Advisory Middle East, added, "As the Middle East enters an exciting new era characterised by boundless ambitions and a prosperous future, we are thrilled to be expanding our risk advisory business into the Middle East. In the context of a pioneering vision to deliver economic, social and cultural transformation, the Middle East is at an exciting crossroads where the best of tradition and modernity will bolster the region as a global leader. Rich in resources and bustling in potential, there are exciting opportunities in new industries, technological advancements and expansion of capital markets. As the first international firm located in the Middle East with dedicated teams of legal and consulting professionals working side by side, Ashurst brings together a 200-year international reputation with the technical expertise and critical thinking designed to support and empower our clients as they each play a vital role in the diversification and future growth of the economy."

Ashurst Risk Advisory, originally launched in 2020, has since grown rapidly, reflecting strong client demand. Now comprising over 100 consultants globally, it is one of the firm’s fastest-growing sectors, providing strategic insights across key business challenges.