The US-based advisory firm has expanded its footprint and boosted its expertise in financial fraud investigations with four appointments from FTI Consulting.

Ankura Consulting Group has appointed Mark McGrath and Christopher Harvey as senior managing directors, Brian McDowell as managing director and Bradley Lohmeyer as senior director. The firm has opened an office in Chicago to support the growth of its team.

McGrath, Harvey and Lohmeyer will be based in the new Chicago office, while McDowell will be based in Atlanta. All four join from FTI Consulting.

McGrath specializing in forensic accounting and financial fraud investigation in connection with firms' internal investigations and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations. He has conducted investigations into accounting, reporting and internal control issues, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations at organizations across a range of industries in the public and private sectors. 

Harvey has provided clients with data analytic services related to forensic investigations, fraud, litigation support, information technology, risk monitoring, regulatory compliance and financial reporting. He brings particular experience in the financial services industry related to fraudulent behavior, funds tracing, trading strategies and processes, system evaluation and testing, as well as financial and regulatory reporting. 

McDowell also specializes in forensic accounting and financial fraud investigations, having worked extensively with outside counsel in representing boards and special committees in investigations stemming from whistleblower allegations and SEC enforcement and reporting issues. 

Lohmeyer brings experience in financial data analytics, including engagements related to Ponzi schemes, foreign exchange trading practices and securities lending practices. He has extensive experience in analyzing and visualizing complex, multi-source financial data.

“The additions of Mark, Chris, Brian and Brad further enhances our industry-leading capabilities in the areas of forensic accounting, SEC enforcement and data analytics," said Roger Carlile, chief executive of Ankura. “Our expansion into Chicago furthers Ankura's ability to serve our clients with the best professionals by enabling us to continue to add top talent in key geographic markets."

Ankura's offering includes compliance, corporate investigation, data analytics, disputes/litigation support, economic and financial analysis, forensic accounting, geopolitical advisory, risk advisory and management, transaction advisory and trust services.