Mike Wright has over 30 years’ experience of advising clients in leading law firms, financial institutions, companies and investors on operational and strategic affairs spanning more than 25 countries.

His career in private sector investigations and risk management began in 1990 when he joined Ellison & Gough’s litigation support and investigations team as a partner.

Under the stewardship of highly respected industry figure Bert Ellison, Mike managed key client relations in the northwest of England and delivered a comprehensive portfolio of investigative services. He led successful proposals for national tenders, which included the Royal Bank of Scotland financial investigations.

Having identified a growing demand for corporate investigations among clients, Mike established the nationwide consultancy firm GHW Corporate in 1998, building on the work of private investigator Zena Scott Archer, who later established the Association of British Investigators’ Investigator of the Year Award. Mike was later the youngest winner of the award.

Specialising in consulting and investigations for lawyers and multinational companies, GHW Corporate provided expertise in all aspects of risk mitigation, including technical services, investigations, security risk management for blue chip clients and ultra-high-net worth individuals.

Mike managed key client relations on a national level and had a pivotal role in securing national tenders, notably with Zurich Financial Services, Insurance Fraud.

Looking to expand its forensic services offering, UK specialist professional services consultancy Begbies Traynor Group Plc took over GHW Corporate in 2006. Mike became a partner in the Group’s specialist advisory boutique BTG Intelligence and its security consultancy BGN Risk.

In September 2010, Mike became a managing partner of BTG Global Risk Partners, which was formed when Begbies Traynor Group Plc integrated its forensic accounting, computer forensic, investigation and security risk practices under a new business.

Under Mike’s direction, BTG Global Risk Partners became a leading consultancy specialising in security risk management, forensic accounting, forensic technology and investigative services globally. Notable clients included Mercedes Benz UK, Rio Tinto, IKEA, Nike, Barclays and KPMG.

In April 2013, Mike set up the risk consultancy and intelligence boutique MWi Forensic Risk Consulting to offer clients a portfolio of risk management, technology and forensic investigative services.

His projects included undertaking global intelligence gathering and asset tracing for UK banks on distressed asset portfolios, specifically in offshore jurisdictions, and carrying out fraud and litigation support assignments for major UK law firms. He also acted for major institutions in investigating fraud related matters and conducted cyber crime investigations.

Mike’s strong track record in delivering a portfolio of solutions to lawyers, corporates and lenders on all aspects of risk management resulted in global insolvency practice Quantuma headhunting him in January 2017.

As an equity partner, Mike led the insolvency investigations team, which included digital forensics. He undertook a range of intelligence and investigative services, including fraud investigations and compliance reviews. He also provided specialist experience in offering litigation support services to legal professionals.

In 2017, Refinitiv placed Mike second on their list of the UK’s top 30 influencers in risk, compliance and regtech. Follow Mike on Twitter.

Mike’s decision to launch ESA Risk came at a critical time for international financial markets. With continued turbulence in the global economy, clients face increasing volatility with greater risks posed to assets from bribery, cyber crime, fraud and insolvency.

With its highly experienced team of consultants able to draw on a broad range of specialisms, ESA Risk is well positioned to be the go-to-service for clients looking for enhanced protection against multiple risk exposures.

Mike Wright is a member of the Association of British Investigators, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Fraud Advisory Panel, the World Association of Detectives and the International Compliance Association.

A UK Ambassador for the World Association of Detectives and a past board member of the Association of British Investigators, he has presented at international events and seminars, including on corporate fraud investigations.

Before moving into corporate investigations and risk management in 1990, Mike served in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Trained as an Avionics Technician – the highest technical grade in the armed forces – he worked in several departments in HM Forces, including the anti-terrorism specialist electronics and avionics research and development unit.