Our Forensic Services specialists reflect on key themes that shaped their 2025 and prepare for those in 2026 and beyond.
2025 was another strong year of growth and transformation for FRP’s Forensic Services team. We expanded our footprint and strengthened our capabilities, launching services in Manchester and Scotland. Now, we comprise more than 50 partners and staff, including forensic accountants, digital forensic professionals, audio-visual and handwriting experts, data preservation and imaging specialists, and highly experienced eDiscovery technologists.
Across the year, we supported corporate and private clients on a wide range of complex and cross-jurisdiction investigations, expert witness appointments, contentious valuations, arbitrations, solvency analysis, eDiscovery and computer forensic investigations. Throughout, we have ensured we provide our clients clarity, independence and commercial insight.
Once again, we were pleased to be ranked in Chambers & Partners Litigation Support Guide for the seventh consecutive year for forensic accounting services and the fourth consecutive year for our eDiscovery services, as well as the Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal) and Spear’s Tax & Trust Index 2025.
Our Forensic Services conference and drinks reception in September were a highlight, with over 300 clients and contacts joining us for topical debate, discussions and networking.
Global Reach and Cross-Border Expertise
Demand for support in offshore litigation has grown significantly, with new instructions in the Caribbean and the Middle East. We were also engaged on multiple international investigation and disputes mandates, spanning territories such as Luxembourg, Spain, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Latvia, Malta, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Romania, as well as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
Our ability to operate seamlessly across borders is a real differentiator for clients facing complex, multi-jurisdictional challenges.
Innovation and Technology at the Forefront
Informal communication channels such as WhatsApp, Teams and even AI prompts hold critical evidence which is being considered in an increasing variety of litigation. One of the most significant shifts in 2025 was the accelerated integration of artificial intelligence into our forensic technology workflows, to search and review data quicker and cost-efficiently. We have accelerated document analysis and early case assessment, reducing timelines from months to weeks and achieving cost savings of up to 95% for our clients.
This technology doesn’t just improve efficiency, it empowers our clients and their advisers to make informed decisions faster, strengthening their position in negotiations and litigation.
Delivering Measurable Commercial Value
Throughout 2025, our work has delivered tangible results. In the insurance sector, we secured numerous high value settlements for clients across a range of sectors, including a £15-20 million settlement for a client in the hospitality industry as part of a broker negligence claim. Our involvement in high-profile disputes, including the Credit Suisse v Softbank litigation and the Post Office Horizon compensation framework, demonstrates the breadth of our expertise and the impact we bring to complex matters. On an FRP Administration appointment, our AI-driven review transformed a four-month process into three weeks, saving considerable time and cost for the benefit of creditors.
Adapting to a Changing Regulatory Landscape
The introduction of the ‘Failure to Prevent Fraud’ offence has helped to refocus clients’ considerations of fraud risk, and we have supported clients in developing pragmatic responses. Practice Direction 57AD (mandating technology-assisted review) and the advent of public domain disclosure of expert reports in the commercial courts has reinforced how we ensure transparency and independence in every engagement.
Our team continues to guide clients through these changes, ensuring they remain compliant, resilient and prepared for contentious scenarios.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, the challenges facing businesses will continue to evolve at pace. When forensic issues are identified, we recommend early engagement with our specialists as being key to managing risk and unlocking value. Whether it’s cross-border insolvency, complex disputes or leveraging technology to uncover critical evidence, FRP offers true forensic depth of capability.
Our commitment remains clear, to help clients protect value, manage risk and seize opportunities in an ever-changing world.
