KPMG International has been named a Leader in the Forrester Research Inc. report, The Forrester Wave™: Information Security Consulting Services, Q1 2016 achieving the highest score for current offering and strategy.

“KPMG has moved cyber security to the heart of its business,” according to the Forrester Research report authored by Martin Whitworth. “KPMG [International] recently listed cyber security as one of its six strategic growth initiatives... To bolster this commitment the [organization] has increased and deepened its range of services, investing heavily in R&D and acquisitions.”

According to the Forrester report: “[Clients] also identify strategic advice, subject matter expertise, flexibility and adaptability and delivery of commitments as being strengths for KPMG. Larger clients also praise the company’s ownership of the I-4 organization as an excellent peer-to-peer networking opportunity outside of consulting engagements.”

The Forrester report also states that, “KPMG has a clear view of the relevant security issues for business executives and technicians.” This is backed up by the findings of the KPMG Global CEO Outlook survey, a study of 1,200 of global chief executives, which revealed that only half of respondents said they were fully prepared for a future cyber event.

“We are in a constant state of innovation and investment to serve the evolving needs of global business and, not surprisingly, cyber preparedness is one of the most common issues that our member firm clients are grappling with,” said John Veihmeyer, Chairman, KPMG International. “Significant investments have been made, both in terms of acquisitions and recruiting highly talented cyber professionals, to help ensure our clients meet every challenge and capitalize upon every opportunity.”

In the past 16 months, KPMG firms have made five significant cyber acquisitions around the world including First Point Global, a leading identity and Access management (IAM) consultancy operating in Australia; Qubera, also an IAM operating in the USA, UK and India; P3 Consulting, a Frankfurt-based security boutique consultancy; Trusteq Oy, a Finnish business which also specializes in IAM services and security transformation and ZINK Security, a leading intelligence and digital surveillance firm in Spain. In addition, the cyber security leadership has been bolstered by partner hires from competitors, as well as a wide range of internal senior level appointments.

“Cyber security has now moved beyond being just a technology risk to being a key component of business innovation, said Malcolm Marshall, Global Head of Cyber Security, KPMG International. “The 2016 World Economic Forum looked forward to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, encompassing connectivity, robotics and AI. Our ability to enjoy the economic benefits of the fourth revolution depend on how well we learn and apply the gruelling lessons from cyber breaches during the third. Successful organizations understand this. This report is a demonstration that KPMG is a strong choice for businesses that want to thrive and survive in this revolution.”

“For me personally, an important aspect is that KPMG, commonly known as a financial auditor, receives recognition as a global leader in cyber security consulting services. This area is very sensitive, and our recognition indicates a high degree of trust in us as advisers in this sphere,” said Ilya Shalenkov, Senior Manager, Information Risk Management Group, KPMG in Russia and CIS. “We'll do our best not to rest on our laurels but continue expanding a range of information security services that we provide and look for new highly demanded products.”

“This win imposes great liability upon us, making us regularly maintain our high professional level, offer our clients a comprehensive package of services meeting all their needs to this effect. It all implies, among others, the need to expand our team and search for the best people able to adequately conform to the current environment,” said Andrey Lepekhin, Partner, Head of the Information Risk Management Group, KPMG in Russia and CIS. “Moreover, such high recognition will enable us to enter new markets, attract new clients and discover new business opportunities.”

About KPMG in Kazakhstan and Central Asia

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services, operating in 155 countries with more than 174,000 people working in member firms around the world.

KPMG has been working in Kazakhstan and Central Asia for nineteen years, and was rated as one of the leading audit and advisory firms in 2010-2014 by Expert Kazakhstan RA. Our essential principle has always been to use the firm’s global intellectual capital, combined with the practical experience of our local professionals. KPMG provides audit services as well as a wide range of advisory services covering tax and legal matters, performance improvement, risk management, transaction support, financing, and restructuring.

In Kazakhstan and Central Asia, KPMG now has offices in Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, and Bishkek with more than 400 active staff members.