The forensic accounting industry in Europe plays a vital role in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. Firms specializing in this field assist a range of clients, including corporations, legal entities, and government agencies, to ensure financial integrity. They offer services such as fraud detection, risk assessment, and litigation support. The industry is increasingly incorporating advanced technologies, such as AI and data analytics, to enhance investigation efficiency and accuracy. As financial crime evolves, the demand for forensic accountants is projected to grow, creating opportunities for investment and innovation in the sector.


This list highlights 12 significant investors in the forensic accounting space across Europe. These include corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity players, headquartered in key locations like London, Paris, and Oslo. They range in size from small to large, many with over 10,000 employees. Established between 1981 and 2015, these investors made a combined total of 197 investments in 2024, signaling robust activity and interest in the sector as they support ventures that enhance financial scrutiny and compliance.


Top 12 Forensic Accounting Investors in Europe


1. Visma

  • Website: visma.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: visma

Visma is a corporate investor based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1996. It is a leading software company that specializes in providing cloud-based accounting, payroll, invoicing, and HR solutions primarily for small and medium businesses, as well as public sector organizations. Visma has a strong presence in Europe and Latin America, operating through a network of entrepreneurial companies that contribute to its innovative software offerings. In recent years, Visma has made significant acquisitions that enhance its portfolio in the accounting technology space. Notably, in September 2023, Visma acquired Silverfin, a Belgian accounting technology specialist, for 300 million euros, marking a major fintech deal in Belgium. Additionally, the acquisition of Sticos AS in December 2020, a company specializing in digital content and compliance solutions, further demonstrates Visma's focus on enhancing its capabilities in areas relevant to forensic accounting. Other acquisitions, such as Inyett and YOB B.V., also align with their strategy to strengthen their market position in accounting and compliance solutions, making Visma a notable player in the forensic accounting landscape.


2. Wolters Kluwer

  • Website: wolterskluwer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Alphen Aan Den Rijn, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1836
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: wolters-kluwer

Wolters Kluwer N.V. is a prominent information services company based in Alphen Aan Den Rijn, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1836. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the company provides a wide range of software solutions and services across various professional sectors, including healthcare, legal, tax, accounting, finance, and compliance. Wolters Kluwer supports professionals by offering tools that enhance productivity and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Notably, their acquisition of Company Reporting in 2013, a UK-based research service focusing on financial reporting practices, significantly bolsters their expertise in financial reporting, which is crucial for forensic accounting. Furthermore, their acquisition of Della AI in 2022, which specializes in AI technology for legal professionals, and AnNoText GmbH, a legal software company, further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their legal and compliance offerings, which are integral to forensic accounting. Overall, Wolters Kluwer's strategic acquisitions and focus on compliance and reporting make them a relevant player in the forensic accounting industry.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the forensic accounting sector, such as Finovox, a start-up specializing in detecting fake documents, which raised 1.9 million euros in a Seed funding round with Bpifrance's support. Additionally, Bpifrance invested in Meelo, a fintech company focused on fraud prevention, which raised 3 million euros for further R&D and international expansion. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the forensic accounting field.


4. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Resistant AI, which focuses on AI solutions for data integrity, and DataSnipper, which specializes in data reconciliation—a process that is crucial in forensic accounting. In 2024, DataSnipper raised $100 million in a Series B round led by Index Ventures, indicating a strong commitment to companies that enhance data accuracy and financial processes. Additionally, their involvement with Silverfin, a fintech startup that raised funds to accelerate product development, further highlights their interest in financial technology solutions that could intersect with forensic accounting practices.


5. The Access Group

  • Website: theaccessgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Loughborough, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: accessgroup

The Access Group is a corporate investor based in Loughborough, England, founded in 1991. It is a business software company that provides a range of IT solutions, including care management software, recruitment CRM systems, and payroll systems, serving over 100,000 organizations across various sectors. In 2024, The Access Group made a significant move by acquiring ChangeGPS, an Australian compliance and advisory software company, to bolster its offerings for accounting firms. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to strengthen their position in the accounting technology sector, which is relevant to forensic accounting. Additionally, their previous acquisitions, such as Attaché Software, a financial management and payroll software vendor, further demonstrate their commitment to enhancing financial solutions that can support forensic accounting practices.


6. Ey

  • Website: ey.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: ernstandyoung

EY, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, England, is a leading professional services firm with over 10,000 employees. The firm provides a comprehensive range of services, including assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory, to businesses and organizations across various industries. In recent years, EY has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings. Notably, the acquisition of Pangea3 in 2019 positioned EY as a significant player in the legal services market, which often intersects with forensic accounting needs. Additionally, the acquisition of Bridge Business Consulting in 2022 bolstered EY's data analytics capabilities, a critical component in forensic investigations. These moves reflect EY's commitment to navigating complex challenges and providing innovative solutions, including those relevant to forensic accounting.


7. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira acquired Kroll in November 2017 for $1.75 billion, a significant transaction that highlights their involvement in the forensic accounting industry, as Kroll provides risk management and investigative services, including forensic accounting. Additionally, Permira has engaged in other transactions such as the investment in Clearwater Analytics, which, while not directly related to forensic accounting, indicates their interest in financial services. These transactions reflect Permira's strategic approach to transforming businesses into market leaders, with a keen eye on sectors that can benefit from forensic accounting expertise.


8. TMF Group

  • Website: tmf-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1988
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: tmf-group

TMF Group B.V. is a professional services firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1988. With over 10,000 employees, TMF Group provides essential administrative services, including accounting, tax, HR administration, and global payroll services. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including corporates and financial institutions, helping them navigate complex regulations and maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions. In recent years, TMF Group has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its service offerings in the accounting and compliance sectors. Notably, they acquired RSM's Brazilian BPS division to enhance compliance services in Brazil, Auren S.C. in Uruguay to strengthen their accounting and payroll capabilities, and Contexpert in Romania, which specializes in accounting, audit, and tax services. These transactions reflect TMF Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the accounting industry, which is closely aligned with forensic accounting practices.


9. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has participated in funding rounds for companies like Circit, an audit confirmation platform, which raised €1.1 million for expansion, and XINTEC, a provider of fraud management solutions. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's engagement with businesses that have relevance to forensic accounting, particularly in the areas of auditing and fraud management.


10. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. CVC has made significant strides in sectors that are relevant to forensic accounting, particularly through its acquisitions in the legal and financial services industries. For instance, their acquisition of a significant minority stake in Corporate Finance Group Inc. (CFGI) for $1.9 billion highlights their commitment to financial advisory services, which often require forensic accounting expertise. Additionally, their investment in UnitedLex, a major legal services provider, further emphasizes their focus on sectors that intersect with forensic accounting, as legal services frequently involve financial investigations and compliance assessments. CVC's strategic investments aim to deliver sustainable value and growth, positioning them as a key player in industries where forensic accounting is essential.


11. Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland)


Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 2003. The firm provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including fund administration, regulatory compliance, and digital banking solutions. Apex Group serves a diverse clientele, including asset managers, corporates, family offices, and financial institutions, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes and enhance operational efficiency. In recent years, Apex has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its service offerings, including the acquisition of AXESS Accounting Office, a Japan-based firm that provides corporate services and tax advisory, which is relevant to forensic accounting. They also acquired FTS, a tax services firm that specializes in the Alternative Investment and Family Office sectors, further expanding their capabilities in financial oversight. These transactions highlight Apex Group's commitment to enhancing its expertise in areas that intersect with forensic accounting, making them a significant player in the financial services industry.


12. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Among their notable transactions, they invested £4.5 million in Forensic Analytics, which is dedicated to enhancing its cloud-based software platform for forensic accounting applications. Additionally, they have invested in Cyan Forensics, a tech company that aligns with forensic analysis and data security, further demonstrating their engagement in the forensic accounting industry. Mercia operates through various funds and investment vehicles, showcasing their commitment to fostering growth in sectors that include forensic accounting.



Forensic Accounting Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
VismaOslo, Oslo, Norway10001+199616
Wolters KluwerAlphen Aan Den Rijn, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18364
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
The Access GroupLoughborough, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-10000199112
EyLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19893
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
TMF GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+19885
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Apex Group Ltd (UK & Ireland)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20036
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241


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