A Ukrainian finance group found itself being de-risked by Western financial institutions as a result of allegations made in the public domain accusing it of being complicit in financial wrongdoing notably on behalf of Ukrainian PEPs, including former presidents. The client disputed these allegations and sought an independent review to clarify the position.
The audit gathered all of the allegations in the public domain relating to the client and which would be visible to potential counterparties. The client was then interviewed to understand their response to the allegations and why they considered them to be inaccurate. A forensic investigation of the allegations followed based on unfettered access to client records, access to current and former client employees, open source research, and human source intelligence gathering. The local context – including political and business influences – was examined and an independent review into each of the allegation was prepared and submitted to the client’s legal advisers.
The report documenting the findings of the review was shared with the compliance functions of counterparties which allowed for a more nuanced assessment of the risk position relating to the client.
Secretariat Secures No. 1 Spot on Lexology Index’s Arbitration 2025 Report
We are proud to announce that Secretariat has earned the position of No. 1, top-ranked Consulting Expert Firm in the Lexology Index Arbitration 2025 report. The report features firms and experts who have distinguished themselves as industry leaders based on their independence, sharp testifying skills, clear communications, and meticulous analytical insights.
Eric Poer, CPA, a globally recognized securities, accounting, valuation, and regulatory enforcement expert, was retained by Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe LLP to provide expert and summary witness testimony in defense of Apple Inc., CEO Timothy Cook, and CFO Luca Maestri in a high-stakes securities class action dispute.
Neil Gaudion provided an expert report and testimony on behalf of Five Star Resort Owner, LLC, in construction dispute litigation surrounding a $2 billion Ritz-Carlton Hotel development. The jury awarded $2 million, plus interest, an amount determined from Mr. Gaudion’s testimony.