Consulting Magazine - November 2017

Duff & Phelps is a premier independent advisor with expertise in the areas of valuation, corporate finance, disputes and investigations, compliance and regulatory matters, and other governance-related issues. “Our clients include publicly traded and privately held companies, law firms, government entities and investment organizations such as private equity firms and hedge funds,” says Jake Silverman, President of Duff & Phelps. “We also advise the world’s leading standard setting bodies on valuation issues and best practices. The success of our firm depends on the integrity of our work and the professionalism and skill of our employees across the world. By staying true to these priorities, we’re confident that our best days are ahead of us.” Silverman sat down with Consulting to discuss the firm’s performance.

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm’s growth?

Silverman: Our valuation-oriented services and independence are key differentiators for us, especially in this era of ever-increasing complexity in the capital markets. With this has come a corresponding need for our breadth of services and technical expertise, particularly with compliance and regulatory consulting in the financial services community.

Compliance consulting, coupled
with our litigation and investigation
expertise, have been major contribu-
tors to our growth.

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm? Silverman: We have expanded the firm with strategic hires—more than 20 new managing directors have joined this year. And we have grown with geographic and service line expansion—particularly outside of the U.S. in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The core trends driving our business remain robust, including continued calls for enhanced transparency in the capital markets, regulatory reform/uncertainty, and cyber and related incidents.

Consulting: Where do you see the most opportunities? Silverman: As the leading providing of valuation for complex, illiquid assets we have a foundation from which we can pursue complementary opportunities in compliance and regulatory consulting, disputes and investigations and corporate finance. We further anticipate ongoing international growth opportunities—both organic and acquisitive.

Consulting: What would you say are your firm’s biggest challenges in 2018?

Silverman: As with every financial
services firm, we always keep our
eye on the global economy. While
the recovery has allowed for growth
globally, we need to make sure we're
well positioned if that changes. That
means continuing to integrate our
investments in new talent and bolt-
on acquisitions. We are also invest-
ing in new technology aimed at en-
suring a more efficient, focused and
dynamic enterprise across the globe.

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting’s Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients? Silverman: Our dedicated employees come to work every day and focus tirelessly and with great passion on client engagements and the firm’s operations. External recognition for these efforts has a powerful, validating effect, and we are thrilled that our employees are getting the recognition they deserve.