Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions provider, ACA Group, has expanded its presence in the UK with the acquisition of regulatory consultancy practice, Effecta Compliance Group.

ACA, which provides to GRC solutions to clients in the financial services sector, said the acquisition was a strategic move to initiate its presence in the Middle East and broaden its service offering to UK firms as they navigate “increasingly complex” compliance requirements.

As Effecta has regulatory compliance experts based in the UK and UAE, ACA said the acquisition would help it ‘augment’ its existing footprint in the UK, and support clients who may wish to expand into the UAE.

The transaction will introduce current Effecta clients to ACA’s advisory support, managed services, and technology.

Effecta founder, Clare Curtis, will oversee ACA’s capabilities in the UAE under the brand ‘ACA Effecta’.

She has more than 20 years of experience in regulatory compliance for financial services firms in the UK and Middle East.

Commenting on the deal, ACA Group chief executive officer, Patrick Olson, said: “The acquisition of Effecta significantly enhances our ability to support clients as they look to launch, grow, and protect their presence in the rapidly developing financial centres of the UAE.

“This strategic move not only strengthens our global footprint and leadership position, but also ensures that our clients have access to the comprehensive GRC services they need to succeed in their international ventures.”

Curtis added: “We are excited to join forces with ACA, a globally known brand, and this partnership brings the financial and operational support needed to further build our expertise and continue providing scalable compliance solutions.”

The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

---