AAB grows its governance, risk & compliance offering with the acquisition of Validera

Leading professional services firm, AAB, strengthens its risk assurance expertise across the public and private sectors with its latest deal.

AAB has acquired Validera, a specialist provider of internal audit, governance, risk, and assurance services. Since securing investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB has experienced significant growth across the UK and Ireland.

The acquisition reinforces AAB’s commitment to growing its governance, risk and compliance capabilities, while expanding its provision of independent, flexible internal audit services delivered in line with The Global Internal Audit Standards. This acquisition strengthens the firm’s public sector expertise, particularly within the education sector and follows on from the appointment of Jason Davies as Governance, Risk & Compliance Partner earlier this year.

Validera helps private and not-for-profit organisations strengthen governance, enhance controls, manage risk and optimise operations through a pragmatic, supportive approach. Through the acquisition, Validera will further enhance its independent and flexible internal audit offering, while providing clients with access to AAB’s broader multidisciplinary expertise, including ESG, Audit, Tax and people advisory services. Through the deal, 28 experts will join AAB, supporting the firm’s continued growth and specialist service offering.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, said: “This acquisition represents another important step in the growth of our Governance, Risk & Compliance offering. Validera has built a strong reputation as a trusted and independent partner, with an approach that closely aligns with our own values.

Together, we’ll continue to deliver the qualities that clients value most: objective assurance, deep sector expertise and the flexibility to focus on the issues that matter most to their organisation. Validera’s client-centric approach makes them a natural fit to join our team.”

Lee Glover, Director, at Validera, said: “What makes Validera different is our commitment to delivering independent, credible assurance alongside a flexible, client-focused approach. By joining AAB, we can build on those strengths, giving clients access to a wider range of specialist services while continuing to provide the high-quality internal audit, governance, risk and compliance support they value. We’re excited about the opportunities this creates for both our clients and our people.”

The acquisition strengthens the support available to Validera’s clients, who will continue to benefit from the team’s established expertise while gaining access to AAB’s wider capabilities.

AAB continues to build on its growth ambitions through strategic investment in specialist capabilities, regional expertise and exceptional talent. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the firm now employs 2,000 people across the UK and Ireland.

AAB strengthens Office of the CFO offering with acquisition of AI-enabled Abacai

AAB has announced the acquisition of Abacai, an innovative AI native finance delivery firm providing outsourced finance and accounting support to fast-growing consumer brands across e-commerce, retail and wholesale sectors. Abacai will join the Office of the CFO team at AAB, providing targeted support across operational finance, technical accounting, deal activity, and finance transformation.

Through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, AAB has expanded significantly since securing investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, broadening its geographical footprint, deepening its specialist expertise and enhancing the range of services available to clients.

Abacai has established a strong reputation for supporting entrepreneurial businesses, providing outsourced finance teams, accounting services and financial reporting that enable management teams to make better-informed decisions and focus on growth. The business has developed efficient AI-first processes that improve the speed, accuracy and accessibility of financial information, allowing clients to gain greater confidence in their numbers and operations.

The combination expands AAB’s ability to support owner-managed and high-growth businesses, whilst creating opportunities to share expertise, technology and best practice across the business.

Lauren McCluskey, Head of Office of the CFO, at AAB, said: “Abacai has built an impressive reputation for helping growing businesses gain greater clarity, control and confidence in their finances. The team has developed a genuinely advanced approach to outsourced finance, combining talented people, strong processes and smart use of AI and technology to deliver an exceptional client experience.”

“Their entrepreneurial mindset, commitment to innovation and focus on helping ambitious businesses succeed make them an excellent fit for AAB. We’re delighted to welcome the team and look forward to working together to expand our offering and create even greater value for our clients.”

The deal also brings Abacai into the same group as RORA, creating opportunities to further enhance the support available to growing businesses and build on the strong relationships and shared outlook that already exist between the teams. RORA joined AAB in February 2026 and rebranded to AAB earlier this week.

A key factor in Abacai’s decision to join AAB was the group’s ambition for growth, commitment to innovation and its recognition of the value created through modern finance delivery models.

Bepi Jones, Co-Founder of Abacai, said: “We undertook a thorough process and spoke with a number of potential partners. AAB stood out because of its vision for the future of the profession, its approach to innovation and its understanding of what we’ve built at Abacai.”

“Joining AAB gives us the opportunity to bring the benefits we deliver today to a much larger client base, supported by the scale, investment and expertise of a growing professional services firm.

“Being part of the same group as other scaling businesses was an important factor. We’ve followed each other’s growth journeys and share a similar outlook on how finance and accounting services should evolve. Combined with AAB’s wider service offering and international reach, we’re excited about the opportunities this creates for both our team and our clients.”

Abacai’s clients will continue to receive support from the existing team while also gaining access to AAB’s broader range of services, including audit, tax, advisory, wealth management and international support as their businesses grow and evolve.

The acquisition forms part of AAB’s continued growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to investing in specialist capabilities that enhance client outcomes and support ambitious businesses at every stage of their journey. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs 2,000 people across the UK and Ireland.

AAB named Tax Team of the Year at Belfast Telegraph Accountancy Awards

Leading professional services firm AAB has been named Tax Team of the Year at the inaugural Belfast Telegraph Accountancy Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate excellence across Northern Ireland’s accountancy profession, recognising the achievements of firms, individuals and teams working across the private, public and voluntary sectors. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Friday 23^rd October.

AAB’s win recognises the strength of its tax team and the expertise, commitment and client focus it brings to supporting businesses and individuals. The team provides specialist expertise across areas including corporate and personal tax, innovation tax, VAT and indirect taxes, employment taxes and tax investigations, alongside supporting businesses navigating increasingly complex cross-border tax matters.

Teresa Campbell, Head of Northern Ireland & Border Regions at AAB, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be named Tax Team of the Year at the first Belfast Telegraph Accountancy Awards. It is fantastic recognition for our team and the expertise, commitment and client focus they bring to their work every day. Our clients are navigating an increasingly complex tax and business environment, particularly those operating across borders. Having strong local knowledge alongside the breadth of expertise available across AAB means we can help clients navigate that complexity and provide joined-up support as their needs evolve. It is particularly special to receive this recognition here in Northern Ireland and alongside so many talented people and teams from across the profession. A huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

The latest recognition builds on a strong year for AAB. The firm was named Accountancy Firm of the Year at the International Accountancy Awards 2026, and earlier this month, won both Large Firm of the Year and International Firm of the Year at the 2026 Accounting Excellence Awards. AAB was also named Tax Team of the Year at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards and at the 2025 Irish Accountancy Awards.

AAB supports businesses and individuals with a broad range of professional and business advisory services, combining specialist expertise with a collaborative approach to help clients achieve their ambitions. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB employs more than 1,900 people and generates over £200 million in revenue.

Bringing together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services, AAB continues to invest in its capabilities and client experience, supporting ambitious businesses and private clients through every stage of their journey.

AAB continues North West expansion with appointment of Karen Musgrave

Award-winning professional services firm AAB has appointed Karen Musgrave as Audit Partner as the firm continues to expand its presence across the North West.

With 30 years’ experience supporting businesses throughout the audit process, Karen has worked with a range of businesses throughout her career, spanning SMEs through to large corporates.

While Karen takes a sector-agnostic approach, she has built considerable expertise across owner-managed and private equity-backed businesses across the North West. She also has considerable expertise working with not-for-profits, becoming recognised as a key expert in education across the region, alongside supporting the charity sector.

Karen joins from RSM, where she joined in 1996 as a trainee at a predecessor firm. She was promoted to Partner in 2018, eventually becoming the Office Managing Partner for Preston in 2022.

As an Audit Partner at AAB, Karen will be focused on bolstering the firm’s existing offering, supporting existing clients, while also growing the firm’s audit practice by continuing to attract new businesses across the North West as they expand and require audit support.

Karen Musgrave, Audit Partner at AAB, said: “Having built my career in the North West, stepping into this new role at AAB will allow me to continue supporting businesses both here in the North West, as well as further afield. I’ve worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes, and it’s the opportunity to work with the people behind these businesses that I really enjoy. Audits can be seen as a hassle, but by supporting businesses through the process, you can build trusted relationships and help them as they scale.

“As a rapidly growing firm, it’s particularly exciting to be joining AAB as it looks to significantly expand its presence.”

Karen’s appointment comes at a time of continued expansion for AAB in the North West, having launched its new Manchester office in July 2026. Complemented by its existing office in Bolton, AAB is looking to grow the regional headcount to over 200 people in the coming years, underpinned by a commitment to the region’s owner-managed businesses, from smaller enterprises to mid-market organisations.

Chris Harland, Head of the North West, said: “Karen’s expertise and reputation across the North West market is a great addition to the AAB team, ensuring we’re continually expanding our sector expertise and providing clients with the support they need throughout their business journey.”

“This is all part of our strategy to grow our presence in the North West. Our new Manchester office has given us a base in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, providing solid foundations that we can build from over the coming years to both best support regional businesses, along with welcoming the next generation of talent.”

Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs more than 1,900 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires.

Recent accolades include “Firm of the Year” at both the 2026 Accounting Excellence and 2026 International Accountancy Awards, and “International Firm of the Year” at the Accounting Excellence Awards.

AAB acquires leading capital allowances specialist to enhance tax advisory platform

Latest deal significantly expands AAB’s reach across the investment, real estate and private capital markets.

AAB has acquired Veritas Advisory, one of the UK’s most respected specialist capital allowances advisory firms, marking another step in the group’s growth strategy and creating one of the market’s most compelling tax advisory propositions.

The firm advises some of the most active investors, funds, corporates, private equity firms, real estate advisors delivering highly specialised tax advice across complex real estate transactions, development projects and investment portfolios.

The acquisition represents a significant step forward in AAB’s ambition to become the UK’s leading adviser to ambitious businesses, investors and entrepreneurial organisations.

Together, the combined business will advise on property assets from £50,000 to those in excess of £5 billion, supporting clients across multiple jurisdictions, bringing decades of specialist expertise to a market where technical excellence and commercial insight have never been more valuable.

At a time when investors and businesses face increasing complexity, rising scrutiny and greater pressure to maximise returns, AAB is investing aggressively in the specialist capabilities clients value most.

The addition of Veritas Advisory firmly positions AAB among the leading providers of capital allowances and property tax advisory services. The firm’s reputation has been built on delivering technical focused advice to sophisticated clients operating at the highest levels of the property, investment and private capital markets. Its expertise spans acquisitions, disposals, property funds, investments, development projects, international investment structures and complex due diligence assignments.

Combined with AAB’s wider tax and professional services capabilities, the acquisition creates a powerful platform capable of supporting clients throughout the entire investment lifecycle.

Mark Lappin, Head of Tax at AAB, said: “This is a strategically important acquisition for AAB and another clear demonstration of our ambition.

We are building a business with genuine scale, deep specialist expertise and the ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients operating in increasingly complex markets.

The team at Veritas Advisory is widely recognised as one of the leading capital allowances specialists. Their track record, reputation and technical expertise speak for themselves. Bringing them into AAB immediately enhances our position within the real estate, investment and private capital sectors and gives our clients access to even greater depth of expertise.

We have grown rapidly because we continue to invest in high-quality businesses, exceptional people and specialist capabilities that clients genuinely value. This acquisition is another powerful statement of intent about where AAB is heading and the type of business we are becoming.”

Clive Curd, Founder and Director of Veritas Advisory, said:

“We have built our business by becoming trusted advisers to some of the most active investors, corporates and professional firms in the market. Joining AAB provides the platform, scale and investment to accelerate our growth while preserving the specialist expertise and client focus that underpin our success and the opportunity to further develop our AI technology to better serve our clients and the broader real estate market.

The ambition within AAB is clear. The business is building something genuinely different in the professional services market, and we’re excited to be part of that journey.”

The transaction enhances AAB’s presence in London, one of the world’s most important financial and investment centres, while deepening relationships across the legal, property and private capital communities.

Following completion of the acquisition, AAB will employ more than 1,900 people, operating from 25 locations across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB continues to pursue an ambitious growth strategy focused on attracting exceptional talent, investing in specialist expertise and building a professional services firm capable of challenging traditional market leaders.

Mark Lappin added:

“The professional services market is changing. Clients increasingly expect access to broader expertise, deeper technical capability and advisers who understand the commercial realities they face.

Our job is to stay ahead of that demand. This acquisition strengthens our ability to do exactly that and reinforces our position as one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing professional services groups in the UK and Ireland.”

AAB group invests in future talent as almost 90 students begin their careers

Leading professional services firm, AAB, welcomed more than 60 graduates, apprentices and placement students to Dalmahoy in Edinburgh for its annual Student Induction, as part of the firm’s continued investment in the next generation of talent.

The two-day programme brought together new starters from 13 regions across the UK and Ireland, Aberdeen, Bolton, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Belfast, Mallusk, Newry, Dungannon, Leeds and London, giving them the opportunity to learn more about AAB, hear from colleagues across the business, and start building connections with peers beginning their careers alongside them. The induction plays an important part in helping AAB’s newest colleagues understand the firm’s culture, values and ambitions, while giving them the chance to build relationships that will support them throughout their journey with the firm.

The induction was also an opportunity for students to hear directly from those who began their own careers at AAB in the same way. Derek Mair, now head of AAB’s North of Scotland region, joined the firm as a trainee in 1996 and has since progressed through Audit Partner and head of Aberdeen to his current role. Stuart Rose, who also joined as a trainee in Aberdeen, is now Audit Partner and head of AAB’s Edinburgh office. Both attended the event, offering a first-hand example of the career progression available to students starting out with the firm today.

Clare Dyer, Chief People Officer at AAB, commented: ” Supporting and developing the next generation isn’t just something we do, it’s one of our core foundational values. Investing in young people gives them the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build careers they love. It’s also a commitment shared across the wider AAB Group as we continue to create opportunities for future talent in every region where we operate.”

That commitment to developing future talent extends across the wider AAB Group. Following Kreston Reeves joining the group in July 2026, both firms have welcomed their latest intake of early-career professionals this autumn, reinforcing a shared focus on attracting, developing and retaining talented people.

Kreston Reeves recently welcomed 28 graduates and school leavers at an induction event in Kent as they begin professional training through an apprenticeship programme. The one-day event brought together new starters from across Kent, Sussex and London, helping them build connections with colleagues, learn more about the firm and start their professional careers.

Jennifer Williamson, Partner at Kreston Reeves, who spoke about her journey from graduate to Management Board during the induction, commented: “Developing the next generation of accountants and tax specialists is incredibly important to the future growth and success of our business. We are committed to creating opportunities for talented graduates and school leavers to build rewarding careers with us.”

Together, the two inductions have seen almost 90 students begin their careers across AAB Group businesses this year, reflecting the group’s continued investment in attracting, developing and retaining talented people while building a strong pipeline of future advisers and specialists.

Building on this year’s intake, both AAB and Kreston Reeves have launched their latest early careers recruitment campaigns, creating further opportunities for graduates, apprentices and school leavers to begin rewarding professional careers across the group.

Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB now employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires. AAB brings together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services and continues to invest in the people, skills and opportunities that will shape the future of the firm.

AAB celebrates double success at Accounting Excellence Awards

Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has been recognised at the 2026 Accounting Excellence Awards, winning both Large Firm of the Year and International Firm of the Year.

The national awards celebrate the firms and teams demonstrating excellence across the accounting profession, recognising achievements in areas including quality, client impact, innovation and growth. This year’s ceremony was held at The Roundhouse in London on 29 September.

AAB’s double win recognises the firm’s continued growth as an international professional services firm, its investment in people and capabilities, and its ability to support clients across markets and international borders.

Large Firm of the Year recognises the firm’s commitment to growth, investment in its people and capabilities, and delivering an exceptional experience for clients. International Firm of the Year reflects AAB’s growing international capabilities and its ability to support clients with increasingly complex cross-border needs.

The latest recognition follows AAB’s success at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards, where the firm was named Large Firm of the Year and Tax Team of the Year, while also securing third place in the audit category.

AAB has continued to invest in its people, specialist expertise and international capabilities, bringing together teams across the business to provide clients with joined-up advice as their needs evolve.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said: “Winning Large Firm of the Year and International Firm of the Year is a fantastic endorsement of AAB’s continued growth and the strength of the business we are building.

As our clients’ needs become increasingly complex and international, we are continuing to invest in the people, expertise and relationships that allow us to support their ambitions across markets.

These awards are a reflection of the contribution made by colleagues across AAB, and I am incredibly proud of the way our teams continue to collaborate and deliver for our clients.”

AAB supports businesses and individuals with a broad range of professional and business advisory services, combining specialist expertise with a collaborative approach to help clients achieve their ambitions. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, AAB employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue.

AABIE celebrates 10 years of supporting communities as charity ball raises £80,000

AAB’s annual Charity Ball has raised more than £80,000 for AABIE, the firm’s dedicated charity, as colleagues, clients and supporters gathered at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 18 September to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Founded in 2016, AABIE was established to create meaningful and lasting impact within the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Over the past decade, the charity has awarded hundreds of grants, enabled thousands of volunteer hours and supported a diverse range of charitable and community projects. Hosted by AAB’s Central Scotland team, the event welcomed guests for an evening of fundraising, entertainment and celebration in support of AABIE’s ongoing work in local communities.

The Glasgow event marks the fourth AABIE Charity Ball and follows successful events in Aberdeen, Newry and Leeds, which together raised more than £280,000 to support charities and community organisations across the UK and Ireland.

Over the last 12 months alone, AABIE has donated more than £158,000 to 93 charities through a combination of grant funding and volunteering support.

Several organisations supported through the latest grant round are based in Central Scotland, reflecting AABIE’s commitment to supporting the communities where AAB’s people live and work. Beneficiaries from across the region included:

Held In Our Hearts (Argyll & Bute) received funding to provide dedicated bereavement support for families following the loss of a child, including ongoing home visits and emotional support.
theGKexperience SCIO (Glasgow) secured funding to deliver youth work programmes and one-to-one support for young people living in some of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged communities.
Team Jak Foundation (Edinburgh and Glasgow) received support to deliver monthly Big Breakfast sessions for children and young people affected by cancer and their families, helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and build confidence.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer at AAB, said:

“This year’s Charity Ball was particularly special as we celebrated 10 years of AABIE and reflected on the incredible impact the charity has made over the last decade.

AABIE is a fundamental part of who we are as a business. It reflects the commitment of our people to supporting the communities in which we live and work, and demonstrates what can be achieved when colleagues, clients and partners come together behind a shared purpose.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is especially rewarding to see the impact being made in the communities our teams are based thanks to the dedication of our people and the generosity of our supporters.

The generosity shown at this year’s Charity Ball was truly remarkable, and every pound raised will help AABIE continue supporting worthwhile causes for years to come.”

Angus McCuaig, Head of Glasgow & Stirling at AAB, went on to say:

“It was a privilege for our Central Scotland team to host this year’s AABIE Charity Ball in Glasgow during such an important milestone year for the charity.

Through AABIE, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that funding, volunteering and community support can have on organisations across Central Scotland. From supporting families facing incredibly difficult circumstances to helping young people, community groups and local charities thrive, the work being carried out is making a real difference.

Our team is passionate about giving back to the communities where we live and work, whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering or supporting local initiatives. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues, clients and supporters come together to help continue that work.”

Sheena Anderson, Chair of AABIE, added:

“As we celebrate AABIE’s 10th anniversary, it is fantastic to look back on everything the charity has achieved and, more importantly, the difference it has made to so many people and communities.

Demand for support continues to grow, and fundraising events like the AABIE Charity Ball play a vital role in ensuring we can continue supporting the charities and community organisations that need our help.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s event and helped make it such a success.”

All funds raised from the event will support future AABIE grant rounds and community initiatives. Applications for the next AABIE grant round close on 30 September 2026. More information on how to apply for funding or volunteer time is available at aab.uk/about/aabie.

AAB appoints Simon Bachelor as Head of Hotel Accounting

Leading professional services firm AAB has appointed Simon Bachelor as Head of Hotel Accounting as the firm continues to invest in specialist sector expertise and regional growth across the UK and Ireland.

Simon brings more than two decades of experience across hotel finance, hotel operations and hospitality management. Having spent much of his career working directly within the hotel sector, including almost eight years in operational roles, he brings a unique understanding of both the financial and operational challenges facing hotel owners, operators and management teams.

As Head of Hotel Accounting, Simon will lead AAB’s specialist team supporting hotels, hotel groups, management companies, family-owned businesses, owner-managed businesses and hospitality investors. His focus will be on growing the offering, developing the team and helping clients improve business performance through a combination of industry expertise, commercial insight and technology-enabled solutions.

AAB’s Hotel Accounting team works with hospitality businesses across the UK and Ireland, providing specialist support including management accounting, financial reporting, business analytics, benchmarking, budgeting and forecasting. By combining financial and operational data, the team helps hotel owners and operators make more informed decisions and drive improved commercial outcomes.

Simon succeeds Ian Bremner, who has retired following a successful career leading AAB’s Hotel Accounting business and helping to establish its strong reputation within the hospitality sector.

John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, commented:

“At AAB, our strategy is built around combining strong local relationships with deep specialist expertise. Simon’s appointment further strengthens our hospitality offering and ensures clients across our growing network of regional offices have access to market-leading hotel accounting support from a team that truly understands the sector.”

“As we continue to grow, we’re focused on investing in exceptional people who can help clients navigate complexity, improve performance and realise their ambitions. Simon brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for the hospitality industry, making him the ideal person to lead the next chapter of our Hotel Accounting team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Bachelor said:

“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Hotel Accounting at AAB. Hospitality has been at the heart of my career, both from a finance and operational perspective, and that experience gives me a deep appreciation of the challenges and opportunities our clients face every day.”

“My focus is on continuing to build a service that helps hotel businesses operate more effectively, improve profitability and make informed decisions. We are trusted advisers who understand the realities of running a hospitality business and work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals.”

Simon’s appointment comes as AAB continues to expand its footprint across the UK and Ireland, bringing together strong local relationships, sector expertise and specialist advisory services to support ambitious businesses through growth, change and increasingly complex operating environments.

AAB strengthens central Scotland leadership team

Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has strengthened its Central Scotland leadership team with the appointment of Malcolm Crawford as Business Development Partner and the promotion of Corporate Finance Partner Iain Walker to Head of Central Scotland.

Malcolm joins the company with a strong track record in driving business growth, built over an extensive career in corporate and relationship banking. In his role at AAB, Malcolm will draw on the Group’s breadth of expertise to help clients tackle complex challenges, seize growth opportunities and create long-term value. He will work closely with businesses across Central Scotland, connecting them to specialist advice and senior-led teams that deliver joined-up support across AAB’s full range of services.

Malcolm spent several years as Corporate Development Director for Barclays Corporate Banking in Scotland, having also held senior roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Anglo Irish Bank. Skilled in deal origination, relationship management and supporting ambitious businesses through funding and growth, Malcolm has a deep network across Scotland’s corporate, property and private equity markets. His appointment reinforces AAB’s commitment to accelerating growth across the region, supporting clients and colleagues across its Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling offices.

Further strengthening AAB’s leadership presence in the region, Iain Walker has been appointed Head of Central Scotland. Alongside his role as a Corporate Finance Partner, Iain will help drive AAB’s growth ambitions across the region, strengthening relationships with businesses, professional networks and communities. His appointment will support the continued development of AAB’s services in Central Scotland, ensuring clients benefit from greater collaboration, deeper sector expertise and access to the full breadth of AAB’s capabilities across the UK and Ireland.

John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, commented:

“As AAB continues to grow, it is important that we combine the scale, capability and expertise of a national firm with the strong local relationships and market understanding that clients value. Malcolm brings significant experience and connections from across Scotland’s business community, while Iain’s appointment builds on the strong relationships and market knowledge he has developed during his time at AAB. Together, they further strengthen our ability to support ambitious businesses across Central Scotland as they navigate growth, change and opportunity.”

Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB, said:

“Joining AAB at such an exciting time for the Central Scotland team is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve long admired the firm’s reputation for combining technical expertise with a genuinely personal approach, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their ambitions.”

Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland at AAB, added:

“I’m delighted to take on this new regional role alongside my Corporate Finance work with clients. It’s a great opportunity to help shape AAB’s growth across Central Scotland while continuing to do what I enjoy most – supporting clients through some of the most significant moments in their business journey. My focus will be on ensuring businesses across the region can benefit from the full breadth of AAB’s expertise while continuing to receive the local insight, relationships and support that are so important to long-term success.”

The appointments come as AAB continues its rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the firm now employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires. More than 375 people are employed by AAB across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling, Central Scotland, bringing together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services to support ambitious businesses and individuals at every stage of their journey.