BDO Expands Risk Advisory Services, Hires Top Talent in Perth

Professional services company BDO has recently taken steps to bolster its risk advisory services in Western Australia. The firm has launched a new team in Perth, focusing on emerging technologies like AI and addressing cyber threats. The expansion includes the hiring of Angela Pak, former national lead on operational technology cyber security at KPMG, and Andrew Hillbeck, a former risk advisory partner at Deloitte. This new team will work to help organizations in the region establish strong internal governance frameworks as they integrate AI, manage data, and address cyber risks. BDO's decision to establish this specialized team in Perth was driven by the increasing demand for such services over the past two years. The firm's partner in charge of advisory in Perth, Sherif Andrawes, noted that there was a clear gap in their offering that needed to be addressed. The new team, which is expected to grow quickly, aims to provide valuable advisory services to Western Australian organizations as they navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Pak highlighted the challenge of technology outpacing regulatory compliance, emphasizing the importance of managing risks and ensuring proper guardrails are in place. This strategic move by BDO is part of the firm's broader national strategy to expand beyond traditional audit and tax services into advisory work, especially in the wake of the PwC tax scandal that affected the reputation of professional services firms in Australia.