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.