The Dubai office of law firm Addleshaw Goddard recently advised Effecta Compliance on the sale of its UAE and UK businesses to ACA Group, a prominent governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) firm headquartered in New York. Effecta Compliance, known for its regulatory consulting services for the financial industry, provides support in authorization, advisory, and regulatory project management for firms such as asset managers, brokers, exchanges, and fintech companies.
This strategic sale to ACA Group enables the latter to enhance its reach and capabilities in the Middle East, meeting growing demand from international clients expanding in or operating within the UAE. The acquisition also strengthens ACA’s ability to assist UK-based clients, enriching its GRC portfolio to support firms navigating complex compliance requirements.
The transaction reflects the UAE’s status as a promising market for financial services firms seeking international growth, aligned with the UAE’s goal to be a global leader in progressive GRC frameworks that balance innovation and regulation, particularly within fintech.
The sale was managed by Addleshaw Goddard’s Dubai team, led by Lowri Llwyd, Partner and Head of Corporate UAE, with support from Managing Associate Rachael Norris and team members Charlene de Souza, Lorna Dean, Rania Sallam, Heather Gibson, and Saarla Reddy from the Corporate and Tax divisions.
“We are pleased to have supported the founders of Effecta Compliance on this sale,” said Lowri Llwyd. “Our team’s expertise in both local and international markets ensured a smooth transition for our client.”
Clare Curtis, CEO of Effecta Compliance, expressed appreciation for Addleshaw Goddard’s assistance, noting that the team was “responsive, pragmatic, and adept at handling the unique complexities of the UAE and UK markets.”
With the acquisition complete, Effecta Compliance clients will now benefit from ACA’s broader suite of services, including advanced advisory support, managed services, and cutting-edge technology solutions, promising a robust foundation for regulatory compliance in a growing global landscape.
