Financial Services

Leading the way in financial services dispute resolution and regulatory expertise.

Secretariat has been involved in many of the largest and most prominent financial disputes over the last decade. Our clients, who include retail, commercial and wholesale banks, insurers, payments companies, fintech companies, and wealth and asset managers and their counsel, rely on us for high-quality research and analysis, expert testimony, and comprehensive support in litigation and regulatory proceedings. Our experts have backgrounds in finance and accounting and work closely with leading academics from top-tier research institutions, including former members of the SEC, CFTC, DOJ, and European Commission.

Our experience in consumer finance extends to all areas of consumer credit analytics, with particular expertise in fair lending/non-discrimination/unfair practices regulatory and litigation matters.

Featured Person

Andy Ackel

Director – Atlanta

Mr. Ackel is a forensic accountant and economic damages expert. For more than 16 years, he has provided financial analyses, economic advisory, forensic accounting, and other litigation support services to clients and their counsel.

Representative Engagements

Accounting Procedure and Valuation Assessment Related to the Lehman Brother Bankruptcy

Background Assessing accounting procedures and providing valuation assessments in connection with the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. Our Role Secretariat professionals were appointed to provide financial advice to the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy examiner, Anton Valukas. Outcome We investigated breaches of fiduciary duty with regard to firm risk management and reporting, as well as investment in residential mortgages, […]

De-Risking Reputational Audit for Ukrainian Finance Group

Background 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. Our […]

Bank Recovers Millions and Traces Stolen Funds Worldwide in Trader Fraud Case

Background A bank was defrauded of US$150 million as a result of fraudulent transactions entered by an internal team of traders. Our Role Having confirmed the trades through which the funds were misappropriated, the proceeds of the fraud were forensically traced using a combination of disclosure mechanisms (including Norwich Pharmacal orders, Section 1782 orders, and […]