Forensics Forum

We’re excited to launch our 2026 Forensics Forum, bringing together a dynamic line‑up of Australian and international experts.

Delivered virtually over two weeks beginning late February, the Forum brings together Grant Thornton specialists, regulators, and industry leaders to share the latest developments across disputes, litigation, and investigations.

This year features a standout session with Helen Murrell SC, Commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, offering valuable insights into contemporary investigative and integrity challenges. 

We’re also joined by global forensic technology leader Vijay Rathour, who will explore international AI trends reshaping forensic practice. Many of us will remember Vijay’s captivating presentation at last year’s Forensic Forum and will be looking forward to seeing how things have evolved in the last 12 months.

All six sessions are available live or on‑demand.

Sessions

  1. A year in review – Latest judgements involving forensic accounting expert evidence from around Australia

  2. Using AI in litigation and expert work – Disclosures, Boundaries and real-world help

  3. Inside Procurement Misconduct with Helen Murrell SC - Commissioner, NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption

  4. Quantifying Economic Loss in Commercial Litigation

  5. AI in Global Practice: Trends, Risks, and the Evolving Role of Forensic Experts with Vijay Rathour - Partner, Head of Cyber and Digital Investigations, Grant Thornton UK

  6. Understanding Forensic Audits in Practice

 

Register now

Thank you for your interest in our Forensics Forum series. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.

Agenda

Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM AEDT

With 25,000 + followers on LinkedIn, Thomas Caldow has created a unique following profiling the latest court rulings about all things expert evidence. Hear Tom’s year in review for 2025 and his top judgements related to shareholder oppression & minority discounts and the Court’s view on speculative expert evidence.  

Presenters:

  • Darryn Hockley - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia
  • Thomas Caldow - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia

Thursday, 26 February 2026 | 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM AEDT

Discover how emerging AI tools are reshaping litigation and expert accounting work. Drawing on real-world use cases, this session will unpack how generative and analytical AI can streamline workflows, surface insights, and support stronger strategic outcomes for clients.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of where AI delivers genuine value in commercial disputes today, what constraints courts have put on its use and how to apply these capabilities responsibly and effectively.

Presenters:

  • Alex Bell - Partner & National Head of Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM AEDT

When organisations navigate complex procurement processes, a key question arises: how can they effectively identify, investigate, and prevent procurement fraud? This session will unpack:

  • Common Procurement Fraud Schemes: Conflicts of interest, kickbacks, bid rigging, shell companies and false billings.
  • Red Flags & Case Examples: Unusual vendor behaviours, inflated invoices, irregular tender processes and how fraud can occur through collusion or control gaps.
  • Investigation Essentials: Applying procedural fairness, securing evidence early, analysing records and conducting effective interviews.
  • Practical Controls & Next Steps: Strengthening governance, responding to whistleblowers, and learning from recent investigations.

We’ll explore how these elements work in practice and outline clear steps organisations can take to improve detection, integrity, and resilience in procurement.

Presenters:

  • Helen Murrell SC - Commissioner, NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
  • Kelly Rigby - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia
  • Paul Fontanot - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 | 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM AEDT

Behind every dispute lies a question of value. Quantifying economic loss is critical in commercial litigation, and courts expect rigorous methodologies that withstand scrutiny. This discussion will delve into the practical and legal challenges of loss assessment, including counterfactual analysis in post-acquisition disputes, the treatment of hindsight evidence and the difficulties of forecasting future losses and discounting to present value. 

Presenters:

  • Joseph Box - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia
  • Jessica Szeto - Director, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia

Thursday 5 March 2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM AEDT

AI is here and being embraced by corporate society to help us perform our jobs more efficiently, but what are the emerging global issues in the use of AI.  This session will explore the global AI trends, how are forensic experts utilising AI in investigations and what are the parameters when it comes to expert witness testimony and use in legal proceedings? 

Presenters:

  • Darryn Hockley - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia
  • Vijay Rathour - Partner & Head of Cyber and Digital Investigations at Grant Thornton UK

Thursday, 5 March 2026 | 12.15 PM - 1:15 PM AEDT

When organisations need clarity on financial records, transactions or events, the question often arises: should they opt for an assurance engagement or a forensic audit? This session will unpack the different options available and how these engagements differ.

Presenters:

  • Anne Dale - Partner, Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia
  • Hannah Hiscox – Partner, Audit & Assurance at Grant Thornton Australia 

Series facilitator

Alex Bell

Partner & National Head of Forensic Consulting

Alex Bell is a Partner and National Head of Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia. Built on over 20 years forensic consulting experience across Australia and the UK, Alex knows what it takes to achieve the right forensic outcome.

Series facilitator

Darryn Hockley

Partner, Forensic Consulting

Darryn Hockley is a Partner in Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia. Based in Melbourne Darryn leads the Forensic Consulting offering across Southern Australia including Melbourne and Perth, and has conducted matters across all states of Australia. 

For all series enquiries please contact: communications@au.gt.com