Forward Global has strengthened its London corporate intelligence and investigations business with the appointment of two partners and a managing director, as the firm seeks to expand its support for complex legal disputes and international investigations.
The appointments bring additional expertise in litigation support, forensic investigations, intelligence gathering and business development, reinforcing the firm’s ability to serve law firms, multinational companies, investors and sovereign clients.
The expanded practice will focus on sensitive, high-value and cross-border cases, offering assistance with evidence development, asset tracing, asset recovery and dispute strategy. The new hires will also contribute to Forward Global’s broader services in strategic communications, cybersecurity, digital intelligence and risk advisory.
Darren Matthews to Lead UK Litigation and Disputes Investigations
Darren Matthews has joined Forward Global as a partner and head of litigation and disputes investigations in the United Kingdom.
A forensic accountant and certified fraud examiner, Matthews brings more than 25 years of experience in complex international investigations. His responsibilities will include expanding the firm’s UK disputes investigations practice, with particular attention to fraud and corruption cases, forensic accounting and data-driven investigative methods.
Before joining Forward Global, Matthews served as executive managing director and regional head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at K2 Integrity.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the firm’s ability to support clients facing complicated financial disputes and investigations involving multiple jurisdictions.
Frédéric Maendly Adds Swiss Legal and Financial Expertise
Frédéric Maendly has been appointed partner for litigation and disputes investigations, with responsibilities covering the UK and Switzerland.
A former Swiss federal investigator, Maendly brings experience and professional connections across Switzerland’s legal and financial sectors. His background is expected to help Forward Global deepen its presence in continental Europe and strengthen its wider EMEA coverage.
Maendly most recently led K2 Integrity’s Geneva office. His appointment adds regional knowledge and investigative experience to the firm’s growing international disputes offering.
Christopher Morris to Drive EMEA Business Development
Christopher Morris joins the business as managing director and head of EMEA business development.
He has held senior business development positions at major international investigations firms and brings experience building client relationships across the Middle East and other international markets.
His work has covered intelligence and investigations services, positioning him to help Forward Global expand its relationships with organisations seeking specialist support on complex commercial and legal matters.
The appointment complements the investigative expertise brought by Matthews and Maendly by focusing on business growth and the development of client partnerships across the region.
Expanded Team Builds on Existing London Operations
The three appointments add to Forward Global’s established London corporate intelligence and investigations team, which advises clients on litigation support, asset tracing, corporate intelligence and geopolitical risk.
The practice is led by Charles Carr, who heads the firm’s UK corporate intelligence and investigations business. With the new additions, the team aims to provide investigative support across Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Asia and Latin America.
The broader geographic reach is intended to help clients manage disputes and investigations that cross national borders and require expertise in different legal, financial and political environments.
Collaboration With Disputes Communications and Security Specialists
The expanded investigations practice will work closely with Matt Bell, who leads Forward Global’s disputes communications practice in London. This collaboration will support clients involved in high-profile and sensitive disputes where investigative findings and communications strategy may need to be coordinated.
The team will also work alongside Dr Judith Jacob, head of the firm’s geopolitical risk and security intelligence practice.
By bringing these areas together, Forward Global aims to combine investigations and intelligence with communications, cybersecurity and risk expertise, allowing clients to address multiple aspects of complex disputes through a coordinated service.
Forward Global Leadership Highlights Demand for Integrated Advice
Matthieu Creux, president of Forward Global, said clients increasingly wanted a single firm capable of connecting intelligence, investigations, cybersecurity, risk management and communications.
He said investment in specialist capabilities and experienced professionals would strengthen the firm’s ability to advise organisations on complex threats around the world.
Charles Carr also welcomed the appointments, noting that he had worked alongside Matthews, Maendly and Morris for much of the past two decades.
Carr said bringing the three professionals together would give clients greater language coverage, regional reach and investigative depth when dealing with sensitive matters across different jurisdictions.
Firm Targets More Complex Cross-Border Disputes
The appointments represent a further investment in Forward Global’s efforts to strengthen its investigations and litigation support services.
As organisations face disputes involving financial transactions, international operations, corporate intelligence and geopolitical risks, the firm is seeking to provide a more integrated approach to evidence gathering, asset recovery and strategic advice.
With the addition of Matthews, Maendly and Morris, Forward Global aims to broaden its ability to support clients navigating high-stakes disputes and investigations across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and other international markets.
