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RSM International
RSM International
RSM International
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RSM International, branded RSM since 2015, is a multinational network of accounting firms based in London, United Kingdom.[2] RSM is the sixth-largest accountancy professional services network in the world by revenue.[3][4] RSM's member firms are independent accounting and advisory businesses, each of which practices in its own right and is unified as part of the network.

Key Information

The network is administered by RSM International Limited, a company registered in England and Wales,[2] however the network itself is not a separate legal entity and does not provide services itself. The largest member firms are RSM US formerly known as McGladrey, and RSM UK formerly Baker Tilly LLP.

History

[edit]

RSM International was founded in 1964 as a small network called DRM (Dunwoody, Robson Rhodes, and McGladrey & Pullen).[5] The organisation restructured in 1993, changing its name to RSM International.[5] The word International was dropped in 2015.

Historically, RSM was derived from the initials of three of the original founding member firms of the organization:

Founding member Robson Rhodes was acquired by Grant Thornton and absorbed within its network, while Salustro Reydel merged with KPMG.[6] McGladrey, the member firm of RSM US, is still part of the network today.[7]

In January 2006, Jean Stephens became the first female chief executive officer of an international accounting network in the Top 10.[8]

In April 2024, it was announced that Ernest John Nedder would become CEO on 1 June 2024[9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

RSM International

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from Grokipedia
RSM International is a multinational network of independent firms specializing in assurance, , and consulting, with a focus on middle-market clients. Founded in as the LHBD network of accounting firms in and , it restructured in 1993 and adopted the name RSM International, before unifying under the RSM brand in 2015 while retaining its formal network designation. The network is administered from its global executive office in , , at 200 Aldersgate Street, , EC1A 4HD. As of 2025, RSM International comprises over 900 offices across 120 countries, employing more than 65,000 professionals worldwide. It reported global of $10 billion for the ending 2024, positioning it as the sixth-largest globally by revenue. The organization emphasizes tailored to entrepreneurial and growth-oriented businesses, fostering among member firms to deliver localized expertise with a global perspective.

Overview

Founding and Evolution

RSM International was established in 1964 as a small international network initially known as LHBD, comprising independent firms seeking to across borders. This laid the groundwork for resource sharing and mutual support among its members, emphasizing a model of independent firms working together without central control. Over the subsequent decades, the network underwent several name changes to reflect evolving memberships, including LRRD in 1974 and DRM in 1979, which incorporated key firms such as Dunwoody (), Robson Rhodes (), and McGladrey & Pullen (). In 1993, the organization restructured significantly, adopting the name RSM International and introducing a unified branding to strengthen its global identity while preserving the independence of member firms. This shift marked a pivotal evolution toward a more cohesive network focused on delivering integrated services to clients. The core principles established during these formative years—independence of member firms, a dedication to serving mid-market businesses, and a collaborative approach to international operations—have remained central to RSM's ethos. By 2015, RSM International underwent a global rebranding to simply "RSM," unifying all member firms under a single brand name to enhance recognition and alignment, while maintaining its structure as a network of independent entities. This evolution has propelled RSM to operate in over 120 countries with more than 65,000 professionals, underscoring the enduring impact of its foundational model.

Network Model and Scale

RSM International is administered by RSM International Limited, a registered in , enabling a network of independent member firms to collaborate under a unified without forming a single merged entity. This model allows each firm to maintain autonomy in local operations while benefiting from shared global resources, including standardized methodologies, training programs, and . Administered from its global executive office in , , the network facilitates coordination across jurisdictions, ensuring that member firms adhere to common quality standards without centralizing ownership or liability. As the sixth-largest global by revenue, RSM International achieved a milestone of $10 billion in combined worldwide revenues for 2024, reflecting 6% year-over-year growth from $9.4 billion in 2023. This positions it behind the Big Four (, , EY, and ) and BDO, but ahead of other mid-tier networks. The organization's scale includes approximately 65,000 professionals across more than 900 offices in 120 countries, enabling comprehensive service delivery on a global footprint. Unlike the Big Four, which primarily serve large multinationals and public companies, RSM International emphasizes a mid-market focus, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), private businesses, and growth-oriented clients that require tailored advisory services. This differentiation allows RSM to provide agile, relationship-driven support suited to entrepreneurial needs rather than the high-volume, standardized engagements typical of larger firms. The network's model delivers key benefits, such as localized expertise combined with global consistency in standards, exemplified by uniform compliance with (IFRS) across member firms to support cross-border reporting and regulatory alignment.

History

Origins and Early Development (1964–1992)

RSM International's origins date to 1964, when three independent accounting firms—J.K. Lasser from the , Harmood Banner from the , and Dunwoody from —established an informal alliance named LHBD. This partnership was formed to enable international client referrals, facilitate cross-border sharing, and address the growing needs of multinational businesses in an era of expanding global trade. The founding firms brought established practices; for instance, McGladrey & Pullen, which later joined, traced its roots to 1926 when Ira B. McGladrey founded a public accounting firm in . The alliance evolved through the late 1960s and 1970s amid mergers and shifts in membership. In 1974, following Harmood Banner's merger with & Co., Robson joined, renaming the group LRRD (Lasser, Robson , Dunwoody). J.K. Lasser's 1977 merger with Touche Ross led to its departure, while McGladrey Hendrickson & Company integrated in 1978. By 1979, the network adopted the name DRM, acronym for its core members Dunwoody, Robson , and McGladrey & Pullen, reflecting a more stable structure focused on collaborative . These changes highlighted early dynamics of adaptation in a loose without centralized authority. From the 1970s to the 1980s, DRM expanded incrementally, growing to approximately 20 member firms primarily in and , while beginning to extend into other regions. This period emphasized building referral networks and sharing expertise amid divergent national regulations, with members working to align practices with emerging international auditing standards like those from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board precursors. Notable advancements included initial entry into markets, starting with affiliations in and , and the development of collective research resources to enhance technical capabilities across borders. In 1989, Frank Attwood's appointment as CEO accelerated efforts to standardize operations and pursue broader geographic reach. By the early , escalating pressures—such as intensified cross-border transactions and regulatory harmonization—exposed limitations in the decentralized model. The 1991 merger of Dunwoody with BDO Dunwoody further strained the alliance, reducing key North American presence. These factors culminated in a 1992 decision to restructure, laying the foundation for a more integrated global network to better serve expanding international demands.

Restructuring and Growth (1993–2014)

In 1993, the organization underwent a significant restructuring, adopting the name to reflect its evolving membership and establishing formal structures. This change marked the end of the previous practice of renaming the network with each membership shift, originating from the DRM era as a precursor . The acronym RSM derived from three principal member firms: Robson Rhodes (), Salustro Reydel (), and McGladrey & Pullen (), following the departure of Dunwoody. Membership expanded rapidly, surpassing 50 independent firms across multiple countries, laying the foundation for a more unified global presence. During the 2000s, RSM International pursued aggressive expansion through strategic mergers and integrations, particularly in and , which propelled its reach to over 100 countries by 2010. Notable integrations included the addition of RSM Bentley Jennison in the UK in 2007, strengthening European operations, and the affiliation of in 2008, marking a key entry into one of Asia's largest markets. These moves enhanced the network's capabilities in , , and advisory services, aligning with growing mid-market demand for localized expertise on a global scale. By 2000, the network already operated 627 offices in 73 countries with 18,957 employees and revenue of $1.6 billion, demonstrating early momentum in this phase. Key milestones underscored this period of professionalization and coordination. In , RSM launched a unified global , the first of its kind among mid-tier networks, to standardize and compliance across member firms. This was complemented by the establishment of the RSM Global Executive Office in in 2010, centralizing strategic oversight and support functions. Revenue growth reflected these developments, rising from under $1 billion in 1993 to $4.4 billion by 2014, driven primarily by mid-market client needs in emerging economies and established markets. The 2008 global financial crisis presented challenges but also opportunities for adaptation, with RSM emphasizing risk advisory services to help clients navigate economic uncertainty. Despite market volatility, the network achieved 18.3% fee income growth from 2007 to 2008, reaching $3.62 billion, as demand surged for advisory support in and compliance. This strategic focus not only sustained momentum but also positioned RSM as a resilient partner for mid-market businesses during turbulent times.

Modern Expansion and Rebranding (2015–Present)

In , RSM International underwent a significant initiative, adopting "RSM" as its unified global brand name effective October 26, to streamline its international identity and enhance cohesion while maintaining the of its member firms. This move, announced during RSM World Day, emphasized the network's commitment to shared values and client understanding, replacing varied local branding with a consistent global presence across more than 110 countries at the time. Following the rebrand, RSM International accelerated its expansion, adding over 20 new member and correspondent firms between 2016 and 2025, with a particular emphasis on emerging markets in and to broaden its geographic footprint. Notable additions included the integration of Orellana Sánchez, Sazo y Asociados in in 2017, two firms in and in 2020, and a strategic hub in in 2024 comprising over 600 professionals; in , expansions featured mergers like the 2023 combination with Ngubane in and new correspondent firms in regions such as Eastern Europe-adjacent African markets in 2017. This growth contributed to an increase from approximately 37,500 employees in 2015 to more than 65,000 by 2025, alongside expansion to 900 offices in 120 countries. The 2020s marked a period of digital transformation for RSM International, including the integration of artificial intelligence into audit processes through initiatives like RSM Luca, a digital audit ecosystem that automates data extraction, testing, and analysis to enhance efficiency. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the network rapidly shifted to remote advisory services, enabling continued client support via virtual platforms and broader talent sourcing, with surveys indicating that nearly half of executives adopted remote work models by 2021. These adaptations supported sustained operations amid global disruptions. From 2023 to 2025, RSM International achieved key milestones, surpassing 65,000 employees globally and improving its ranking to the sixth-largest and advisory network worldwide, driven by $10 billion in annual by 2024. The network also intensified its efforts, aligning with evolving regulatory demands and client priorities for environmental, social, and governance transparency. In October 2025, and approved a transatlantic partnership, effective January 1, 2026, to enhance cross-border services and integration within the network, combining operations across the US, UK, , , , and with over 23,000 professionals and aggregate revenues approaching $5 billion.

Organization and Governance

Global Leadership

RSM International's global leadership is headed by J. "E.J." Nedder, who assumed the role on June 1, 2024, succeeding Jean Stephens. Based in , Nedder oversees the network's global strategy, drawing on over 26 years of experience in advising clients and 16 years in leadership positions, including his prior role as at . His appointment emphasizes the network's focus on leaders with diverse, international backgrounds in accounting and consulting to navigate complex global markets. The Chief Operating Officer, Bob Dohrer, has held the position since October 2020 and works closely with Nedder to drive the strategic plan and coordinate central activities across the independent member firms. Dohrer brings extensive expertise from his earlier tenure as RSM International's first global leader of quality and risk, as well as roles at RSM US and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, highlighting a commitment to operational excellence rooted in auditing and risk management. Other key roles include regional leaders who support global alignment while respecting the network's independent structure. For instance, Gregor Schmidt serves as Regional Leader for since 2018, with a background as Chief Operations Officer at RSM ; Stephen Darley leads since 2023, leveraging over 30 years in ; Clive Betty heads ; and Eileen Turkot directs , all contributing international consulting and experience to foster regional growth and policy consistency. The leadership team also features Barbara Nelson as and Nicola McCoy as Chief Information and Officer, ensuring cohesive in a decentralized model.

Member Firm Structure

RSM International operates as a network of independent member firms, each functioning as a legally separate and independent entity under local laws and regulations. These firms maintain operational in their day-to-day activities while committing to the network's global policies on , auditing, ethics, independence, and inspections to ensure consistent standards across the organization. Prominent examples of member firms include LLP, the fifth-largest firm with origins tracing back to 1926 and over 17,000 professionals across nearly 100 locations (as of 2025). In the , employs 5,420 partners and staff operating from 29 locations (as of 2025). , with over 1,500 experts in 19 locations (as of 2025), contributes to the network's coverage spanning 120 countries. In 2025, and approved a transatlantic effective January 1, 2026, to enhance cross-border services while preserving independence within the network. To foster cohesion, member firms utilize shared technology platforms for enhanced and efficiency in serving global clients. Joint training programs, including a global learning management platform offering thousands of courses in multiple languages, support and alignment on technical and ethical standards. For cross-border engagements, firms collaborate under the network model, enabling coordinated service delivery without obligating other members. Member firms are typically structured as privately held entities, such as partnerships, while the RSM brand is owned by RSM International Association, a private registered in . Compliance is maintained through annual globally coordinated inspections and external peer reviews to verify adherence to professional standards in and ing. These mechanisms help ensure uniformity and high-quality practices across the network.

Governance Mechanisms

The Global Executive Office (GEO) of RSM International, located in , serves as the central hub for administering the network, focusing on strategy execution, , global processes, safeguards, client service opportunities, inspections, , implementation, and financial oversight without exerting direct control over the day-to-day operations of independent member firms. This structure preserves firm autonomy while fostering network cohesion through collaborative initiatives led by the GEO's CEO and , who coordinate regional functions across six defined areas. Key governance committees play pivotal roles in maintaining standards and compliance. The Global Quality Committee establishes policies and guidelines to ensure uniform high-quality services across member firms, including the development and oversight of methodologies aligned with international benchmarks, and directs a global inspection program conducted by independent qualified personnel from other member firms. The Governance Committee assists the Board in membership oversight, , and governance processes, while the Risk Committee analyzes strategic risks, develops best practices for , and collaborates with the GEO to implement protective measures. Although a dedicated is not explicitly outlined, ethical compliance is monitored through mandatory adoption of network-wide and policies by all member firms, enforced via the Governance Committee and Board. The risk management framework emphasizes proactive controls, including annual member firm inspections under the Global Quality Committee's direction to verify adherence to quality standards and identify improvement areas. Shared liability protections are inherent in the network's design, where member firms operate as separate legal entities, limiting cross-firm exposure while the Risk Committee promotes best practices for individual firm risk mitigation and insurance arrangements. RSM International aligns with international standards through full adoption of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and guidelines from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), integrated into global methodologies and monitored via the Global Quality and Audit Committees to ensure consistent application across the network. Succession planning protocols are embedded at multiple levels to ensure continuity. The oversees CEO and senior leadership transitions, with terms limited to three years for directors (renewable) and the position up to nine years total. Regional councils and leaders drive firm-level succession by identifying talent, supporting development, and facilitating referrals, while the manages Board appointments to maintain strategic expertise. This multi-tiered approach promotes long-term stability without infringing on member firm independence.

Services

Audit and Assurance

RSM International delivers financial audits for both public and private entities, focusing on compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to validate financial statements and build stakeholder trust. These audits incorporate sophisticated technologies to analyze account balances, transactions, and disclosures, addressing technical accounting matters and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions. Beyond core financial audits, RSM's encompass internal controls testing, sustainability audits, and . Internal controls evaluations assess and strengthen organizational compliance, , and through monitoring, benchmarking, and remediation. Sustainability audits provide independent verification of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, aiding regulatory adherence and credible disclosures. investigations detect and respond to , leveraging industry expertise and to safeguard assets and resolve disputes. At the heart of RSM's offerings is its proprietary risk-based , integrated within the RSM Luca digital audit ecosystem, which employs data analytics to accelerate identification, , and insight generation while minimizing errors. This approach emphasizes , business understanding, and personalized client interaction, tailored specifically for mid-market companies with annual revenues typically ranging from $10 million to $1 billion—distinguishing RSM from the Big Four's emphasis on multinational enterprises by addressing the distinct challenges of growth-oriented firms. RSM facilitates global delivery through cross-border audit teams drawn from its network of more than 65,000 professionals in 120 countries, enabling consistent methodologies and resource sharing for multinational clients navigating complex international operations.

Tax and Risk Advisory

RSM International provides comprehensive services, encompassing compliance, , and advisory support tailored to multinational enterprises. These services include managing tax filings, optimizing tax positions through , and ensuring adherence to evolving local and international regulations. For instance, RSM's teams handle routine compliance obligations while integrating forward-looking strategies to minimize liabilities and support business objectives. In the realm of , RSM advises on establishing defensible pricing policies for intercompany transactions involving goods, services, and intangibles, thereby mitigating audit risks and exposures. The firm conducts benchmarking analyses and documentation to align with guidelines and local requirements. For M&A tax structuring, RSM offers , transaction modeling, and post-deal integration to maximize efficiencies, including buy-side and sell-side advisory that addresses cross-jurisdictional implications. RSM's international tax expertise focuses on navigating complex global frameworks, including (VAT) compliance, withholding tax obligations, and strategies to counter (BEPS). The firm assists clients in managing VAT registrations, refunds, and reporting across jurisdictions, while optimizing withholding tax treatments in cross-border payments to reduce unnecessary deductions at source. Regarding BEPS, RSM implements measures aligned with actions, such as country-by-country reporting and controlled foreign company rules, to ensure sustainable tax planning amid heightened scrutiny. The risk advisory arm of RSM emphasizes (ERM), cybersecurity assessments, and to safeguard client operations. ERM services involve developing integrated frameworks for identifying, assessing, and monitoring strategic, operational, and financial risks, often leveraging data analytics for proactive mitigation. Cybersecurity assessments evaluate vulnerabilities, recommend controls, and ensure alignment with standards like NIST or ISO 27001, while support includes gap analyses and remediation plans for sectors facing stringent oversight, such as and healthcare. To enhance efficiency, RSM employs proprietary tax technology platforms, notably myRSM Tax, an AI-powered that automates compliance workflows, aggregates data from disparate sources, and enables scenario modeling for tax planning and . This platform supports real-time dashboards for tracking key performance indicators and simulating outcomes of tax strategies, particularly in dynamic international environments. RSM's tax and risk advisory services particularly target mid-sized firms engaged in cross-border transactions, providing scalable solutions for market entry, expansions, and global mobility without the overhead of big-four complexity. By drawing on its network of over 120 countries, RSM facilitates seamless support for these clients, from initial tax structuring to ongoing risk monitoring.

Consulting and Business Services

RSM International's consulting and business services focus on delivering advisory solutions to mid-market clients worldwide, emphasizing operational improvements and strategic growth through its of member firms. These services include , advisory, and specialized industry support, leveraging integrated expertise to address complex business challenges. In , RSM assists clients with business strategy development, , and initiatives. Business strategy services involve crafting growth plans and operational frameworks tailored to client needs, while streamlines logistics and enhances efficiency to reduce costs and improve resilience. efforts encompass implementing technology solutions such as upgrades and platforms to drive and competitiveness. Restructuring services provide critical support during financial distress, including advice, turnaround planning, and valuation services. advice helps organizations navigate creditor negotiations and legal processes, often in collaboration with lenders and stakeholders. Turnaround planning focuses on optimization and operations for recovery, while valuation services deliver independent assessments for mergers, acquisitions, or distress scenarios. These offerings are designed for tailored interventions at various stages of financial challenges. RSM tailors its consulting solutions to key industry sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and . In , services address disruptions and , helping firms adopt digital tools for lean operations. Healthcare consulting supports and amid evolving care models. For clients, RSM provides strategies for scaling innovations and managing cybersecurity risks in dynamic markets. Project delivery at RSM incorporates agile methodologies to ensure flexible and efficient global implementations, allowing teams to adapt to changing requirements and deliver value iteratively. This approach is applied across consulting engagements, combining it with traditional methods for hybrid project management. Innovation in RSM's consulting includes advisory on ESG integration and AI-driven efficiencies. ESG services guide clients in embedding sustainability metrics into operations, from strategy development to enhancements, ensuring compliance and long-term value creation. AI consulting identifies opportunities for and , enabling efficiencies in processes like and decision-making, particularly for middle-market enterprises.

Global Presence

Geographic Coverage

RSM International maintains a broad geographic footprint, operating through independent member firms in 120 countries across five key regions: the , , the (MENA), , and . This extensive network enables the firm to serve middle-market clients with localized expertise while leveraging global resources. The organization's headquarters in underscores its strong European roots, where it has historically concentrated resources for coordination and expansion. The network's presence is most robust in , , and , reflecting both historical development and revenue dominance in these areas. represents RSM's largest market by revenue, contributing significantly to its global scale, followed closely by and . With over 900 offices worldwide, RSM ensures coverage in each of the top 40 major business centers, including prominent locations such as in the , New York in the United States, and in China. These hubs facilitate access to high-growth urban economies and support cross-border client needs. RSM has pursued varied entry strategies to build its international reach, favoring in mature developed markets like and , where established member firms have expanded through internal development. In emerging markets, the firm has relied on strategic acquisitions to accelerate penetration, such as the addition of RT&Co in the to strengthen its footprint and the 2023 merger with Ngubane in to enhance African capabilities. This approach allows rapid integration of local expertise while aligning with RSM's global standards. To address diverse client bases, RSM employs localized teams with native-speaker capabilities in more than 50 languages, enabling cultural and linguistic adaptations that support effective service delivery across regions. This multilingual infrastructure, combined with intercultural experience among professionals, helps bridge operational differences in international engagements. Overall, the network's more than 65,000 professionals underpin its ability to maintain consistent coverage in stable economies worldwide.

Operational Scale and Key Regions

RSM International employs over 65,000 professionals across more than 900 offices in 120 countries as of December 2024, enabling it to serve a diverse global client base focused on mid-market businesses. The network generated approximately $10 billion in global revenue for the 2024 , marking a 6% increase from the previous year and positioning RSM as the sixth-largest and advisory network worldwide. North America represents the network's largest region by revenue, contributing $6.6 billion in 2024 with 5% year-over-year growth, driven primarily by the dominance of , which alone reported $4 billion in fiscal year 2025 revenue. In , operations achieved 8% revenue growth amid ongoing post-Brexit adaptations, including enhanced cross-border service capabilities to address new trade and regulatory conditions affecting client import/export activities. The Asia-Pacific region recorded 7% growth, reaching $1.1 billion in revenue, fueled by expansion in key markets such as and through dedicated offices supporting increased demand for tax and cross-border advisory services. To support this operational scale, RSM has invested significantly in for , including a $1 billion commitment over three years to advance AI and cloud-based tools such as Copilot and Azure AI, facilitating scalable collaboration across its global network. These efforts, alongside the activation of five ESG Regional Hubs, enhance the network's ability to deliver consistent services to over 100,000 mid-market clients while conducting thousands of audits annually.

Notable Developments

Major Mergers and Acquisitions

RSM International's growth strategy has centered on strategic mergers and acquisitions of complementary mid-market firms to expand geographic coverage and bolster sector-specific expertise, particularly in audit, tax, and consulting services for middle-market clients. This approach has enabled the network to fill regional gaps and integrate operations for seamless global delivery, with a focus on independent practices that align with RSM's partner-owned model. In the , key developments reshaped RSM's European and presence. Following the merger of founding member Salustro Reydel with , RSM formed its French member firm through the integration of independent practices including CCI Conseils, SEGEC, SECNO, SECOVEC, and RSA, ensuring continuity in with enhanced local capabilities in assurance and advisory services. In 2008, the addition of a major Chinese member firm drove network-wide fee income growth of 18.3% to $3.62 billion, significantly expanding RSM's footprint in amid rapid . These moves added hundreds of professionals and reinforced RSM's mid-market positioning in high-growth regions. The 2010s saw further consolidations to strengthen core markets. In 2014, Baker Tilly joined as RSM's member firm, markedly increasing the network's and in one of Europe's largest economies. In , multiple local firms merged in 2017 to create RSM , streamlining operations and adding specialized tax and consulting expertise. Similarly, in 2018, Czech entities including RSM TACOMA, RSM Infinity, and RSM TACOMA Family Office consolidated into RSM CZ, enhancing Central European service integration and adding approximately 100 professionals focused on and advisory for regional businesses. These integrations typically contributed 500 to 1,000 professionals per deal, deepening sector knowledge in areas like and . Recent years have accelerated RSM's expansion through targeted acquisitions and internal mergers. In 2023, RSM acquired Granleese McEwen, a boutique advisory firm in specializing in , expanding rural coverage into areas like Temora and while adding local operational expertise. That same year, Ebner Stolz joined as RSM's German member firm effective October 2023, tripling German revenues to over €230 million and incorporating more than 1,200 professionals across 24 offices, with strengths in mid-market and transaction advisory. In , RSM executed five European acquisitions, including Moore Interaudit in for regional tax advisory enhancement and Sadex in France's region, which added a fifth French office and specialized consulting services; these deals collectively bolstered European infrastructure with added offices and mid-market focus. In , the merger of six member firms formed RSM , creating a shared services hub spanning , , , , , and to improve cross-border efficiency and regional scale. Additionally, the October announcement of a transatlantic merger between and aims to unite 23,000 professionals into a $5 billion entity by 2026, facilitating integrated global services without involvement. Such transactions have generally added 500–2,000 professionals each, enhancing capabilities in sectors like and while prioritizing geographic and operational synergies.

Regulatory Issues and Controversies

In 2019, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged LLP with violating rules by providing prohibited non-audit services to over 100 audit clients during the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years, including corporate secretarial services, payment facilitation, payroll outsourcing, and investment adviser services. The firm had failed to identify these relationships in its independence assessments, leading to inaccurate disclosures in reports. As a result, agreed to pay a $950,000 and engage an independent consultant to evaluate and enhance its quality controls for independence compliance. In 2020, disclosed a significant accounting error that overstated the firm's results by nearly £10 million across two years, stemming from misapplication of and accounting standards. The misstatement prompted the immediate departure of CEO Joe Heist and finance director Andrew Richards, as well as an review to identify and correct the issues. This incident highlighted deficiencies in the firm's financial reporting processes and led to restated . The SEC brought further charges against in 2022 for improper professional conduct in the audits of a public company's from 2016 to 2019, alleging that the firm and its personnel failed to adequately test the client's valuation and . Three senior-level employees—a partner, a senior manager, and a partner—were also charged for their roles in the deficient audits, which involved overlooking red flags and issuing unqualified opinions despite unresolved issues. settled the matter without admitting or denying the findings, agreeing to a $3.75 million penalty and the retention of an independent consultant to its audit, , and procedures. In 2017, resigned as the independent or for GlobalSCAPE, Inc., citing serious concerns about the credibility of the company's and internal controls over financial reporting. The withdrawal followed an internal investigation that raised doubts about the reliability of 's representations during the process, prompting RSM to notify the company's on November 20, 2017. This action contributed to ongoing scrutiny of GlobalSCAPE's governance and led to the firm being replaced by BDO LLP. Following these incidents, RSM International and its member firms implemented enhanced global quality controls, including mandatory independent reviews of methodologies and independence procedures to prevent recurrences. These measures, often mandated by regulators, involved updates to training programs and monitoring systems across the network.

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