Mazars has announced a landmark network with Forvis, creating a top 10 firm in the USA. The CEO of Mazars in South Africa, Anoop Ninan, joined me to unpack why this is important. Of course, I didn’t waste the opportunity to tap into his extensive business knowledge at the same time! Topics discussed included: An overview of the unique network with Forvis and why this is important in a professional services environment that is highly fragmented in the assurance and related services space. How audit firms try to differentiate themselves in the market, specifically across technology, people and partner-led service. The ownership structure of these audit firms and how that works in this network situation. The impact of this network on existing and prospective South African clients. The Mazars growth strategy in South Africa and the sectors that are seeing significant activity, with reference to the advisory teams in Mazars and the work that they do. The public company vs. private company landscape in South Africa, particularly in the context of an ever-shrinking JSE. An overview of the broader Mazars service offering, including data insights and related services. The impact of greylisting on how we are perceived internationally and the level of foreign direct investment. South Africa’s ongoing positioning as the gateway to Africa and where the “good news” stories are in our economy. For more information on the Forvis Mazars network, you can read this article.