An island law firm has played its part in a milestone anniversary celebration in Dublin.

DQ Advocates director and head of corporate and commercial, Stephen Dougherty, represented the company at the gathering to mark the 21st birthday of the International Fraud Group (IFG).

Established in 1997, the IFG is an alliance of anti-fraud firms in 48 countries around the world which tries to recover assets which are stolen and spirited away into multiple jurisdictions.

DQ was selected to be the Isle of Man representative after being recommended by British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands global offshore company Harney Westwood Riegels.

Stephen said: ’After attending the C5 Conference in Geneva in 2017 we were invited to be the sole Isle of Man representatives and it certainly is a great honour for DQ Advocates.

global support

’The alliance provides DQ and our clients with an immediate global support network offering jurisdictional expertise worldwide.

’Not only does getting involved raise the profile of the Isle of Man with the other jurisdictions but also allows us to share knowledge with fellow legal practices and professionals and ensures we keep our finger on the pulse globally in specialised fields.’

During the 21st anniversary meeting, members attended a dinner hosted by leading Irish law firm McCann FitzGerald.

The following day saw a meeting of representatives from the member firms to discuss topical issues such as blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, widescale regulation and general group matters.

’To have the chance to get around the table and discuss current issues and international matters with selected firms from a variety of jurisdictions, as well as build entrenched relationships with our fellow worldwide members, is invaluable,’ Stephen added.

’We all work together to assist those with fraud claims, provide the best possible service and trace assets and collectively, we are still in the foothills of understanding both potential and regulatory needs.

’So to share experiences and best practice and have an overview of matters at a regulatory level benefits us all. We certainly deconstructed some blockchain and cryptocurrency myths as well.

’It was fitting the gathering was held during International Fraud Awareness Week and was great to be in Dublin. There are few better places to mark such a milestone.’

The IFG meets twice a year with the next summit scheduled to be held in London in May.

Stephen Dougherty