Partner content
Trust and compliance are critical in Dubai’s tightly regulated financial centre. Nikos Kastellanis, founder and managing partner of KISA Chartered Accountants, explains that DFSA Registered Auditors lead this effort, ensuring financial integrity.
With Dubai’s rapid growth as a global business hub, particularly within the DIFC, how does KISA support companies in ensuring transparency and financial integrity?
In Dubai’s dynamic financial environment, KISA stands out as one of the few DFSA-registered and authorised auditors, a status that demands adherence to stringent standards beyond those of other firms in the DIFC and positions us in the top tier of auditors. This distinction ensures that our financial statements are not only accurate and compliant but also fully transparent and insightful. Another advantage is that we provide active senior partner engagement in every project, delivering tailored insights that align with each client’s objectives. This partner-led approach guarantees financial integrity and enhances operational efficiency.
What are some ways lawyers and accountants can work together to better service clients?
We have always believed that effective collaboration between legal and financial professionals is essential for delivering comprehensive solutions to our clients. It is in our DNA. We collaborate on structuring investment vehicles, conducting due diligence, navigating regulatory compliance, tax planning and optimisation, advising on investment fraud prevention, implementing alternative business structures and anywhere that legal and finance intersect. Since our senior partners are deeply involved in every engagement, we can ensure compliance while also offering the kind of nuanced insight that our legal colleagues appreciate. Instead of working in silos, we align our expertise to create a synergy that guarantees that clients achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively based on well-rounded legal and financial advice.
Given the DIFC’s push for innovation, how do you see the role of DFSA Registered Auditors evolving in the next few years? Specifically, are there any emerging trends you think will shape the industry?
As Dubai’s regulatory environment matures and the DFSA continues to innovate, DFSA Registered Auditors will evolve from traditional compliance functions to proactive advisory positions. We have to see beyond the numbers and embrace this shift by providing meaningful strategic insights. Also, we have to embrace the idea that we must assume some of the responsibility to preserve and protect the reputation of DFSA and the integrity of DIFC as a world class financial hub. Emerging trends include increased regulatory scrutiny, a focus on sustainable business practices, addressing data security and cybersecurity challenges, and adopting AI and technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy. DFSA Registered Auditors will play a crucial role in guiding businesses through these changes and building investor confidence. This evolution positions us as key partners in navigating Dubai’s innovative financial landscape.
This article was first published in the April 2025 print issue of Law Middle East.
