Davies, the leading specialist professional services and technology business serving insurance and highly regulated markets, has today announced the launch of a new Forensic Accounting Service, led by the newly appointed Head of Forensic Accountancy Services, Edward Leighton.

Davies’ Forensic Accounting Services will work closely with the business’ loss adjusting & claims third-party-administration (TPA) teams, providing expertise on an extensive list of issues including, business interruption, cyber and major & complex losses. The new proposition will drive efficiencies across the claims process, providing additional value for Davies’ insurance clients who can offer their policyholders a quicker and more seamless claims journey.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Edward Leighton will head up the new division which will be based out of Davies’ headquarters on Gracechurch Street in the City of London. Edward will report to Russell Crewe, Chief Operating Officer for Property & Niche Claims.

In recent years, Davies has invested heavily in technology to enhance its claims TPA & loss adjusting services in the UK & internationally. This includes drone surveying to provide fast, reliable data for even the most difficult to reach places. The firm has also invested in technology that enables its highly trained teams to complete inspections virtually, reducing claims costs by up to 40%.

Edward Leighton, Head of Forensic Accountancy Services, Davies said: “I am looking forward to this opportunity to develop and lead the new Forensic Accounting division. Combined with our existing claims TPA & loss adjusting services, our expertise will allow us to provide accurate and timely financial evidence to secure rapid and enhanced claims resolutions for clients.”

Russell Crewe, Chief Operating Officer – Property & Niche Claims, Davies added: “Our new Forensic Accounting Services is an important addition to our growing Claims Solutions platform, and I’m delighted that Edward has joined our specialist team. Edward has an excellent track record of quantifying the accurate financial impact of large & complex losses. I have no doubt that his expertise within the sector will become an invaluable asset to the business and provide our clients with an excellent level of service, that minimises risks, protects assets and enables clients to make informed decisions.”

The news follows a period of strong organic and M&A international growth for Davies as it continues to expand its services for clients across UK and Ireland, U.S. and globally. In February 2023, the firm announced a new simplified operating structure, aligning its global operations across three business units: Davies Global Solutions, Davies UK and Ireland, and Davies U.S.

Globally, Davies’ 6,500+ colleagues operate across ten countries, including the UK and the U.S. The business delivers professional services and technology solutions across the risk and insurance value chain, including excellence in claims, underwriting, distribution, regulation & risk, customer experience, human capital, digital transformation & change management. Over the past ten years Davies has grown its annual revenues more than 20-fold, investing heavily in research & development (R&D), innovation & automation, colleague development, and client service. Today the group serves more than 1,500 insurance, financial services, public sector, and other highly regulated clients.