Simon Taylor, CIPP/E, CIPM is a Partner in FRA's Dubai office & Head of MEA. He is a certified data privacy expert in FRA’s forensic accounting team with 20 years’ experience in investigations, financial crime and regulatory enquiries. He advises clients on the design, implementation and testing of compliance programmes across a range of industries and sectors, corporate governance and data privacy issues.

Simon’s areas of expertise include money laundering, bribery, corruption, sanctions abuse, tax evasion and corporate fraud. He works with both external and in-house counsel to corporations and financial institutions, bringing a multi-disciplinary approach to resolving complex matters. In addition to his investigatory expertise, Simon advises companies on the structure, design and testing of their compliance programs, helping them rise to best-in-class standards across key jurisdictions. His international experience extends to numerous geographies – including the UK, US, Switzerland, France, the Nordic region, Eastern Europe, Russia, India and China – and a variety of sectors.

Simon was part of the FRA team supporting Airbus in a multi-year forensic accounting and eDiscovery review within the context of the company’s multinational investigation, reporting to four investigative authorities: UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the US Department of State (DOS), and French Parquet National Financier (PNF). He supported the risk assessment and evaluation of the company’s global anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) compliance program.

Simon is a dual qualified lawyer (solicitor and barrister) and an editor of the leading academic textbook on the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – Mitchell Taylor & Talbot “Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime” published by Sweet & Maxwell – in which he writes the “Investigations” chapter.

Prior to joining FRA, Simon gained invaluable experience as a trial lawyer with 15 years’ experience of jury, appellate and tribunal advocacy. He prosecuted cases on behalf of UK enforcement agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office, and defended corporates and individuals faced with complex white-collar crime, money laundering, tax and professional disciplinary matters. Simon has also served as head of Weil Gotshal & Manges’ London White Collar practice. Prior to qualifying as a lawyer, Simon worked in-house at a global investment bank.

Simon is based in FRA’s Dubai office. He also provides in-house support to the firm on compliance, forensic accounting and data governance practices.