ACCOUNTANCY firm Saffery Champness is to become a member of the high-profile global association Nexia International. The move is the result of a merger between Nexia and the global network SC International, of which Saffery Champness is a founder member.

It should greatly increase its worldwide reach and the cross-border capacity available to its clients in Guernsey.

Saffery Champness director Helen Green said it was an exciting time for the Guernsey practice.

‘We have grown on all fronts in the past three years, with all areas of practice – our fiduciary, accountancy, taxation and third-party fund administration services – all increasing in scale.

‘The proposed merger of SCI and Nexia is another interesting development for us.

‘Collaboration between partner organisations is an important part of growth and when it is completed, clients with international interests will have access to a wider range of services and an enhanced level of expertise in key markets.

‘Along with our status as one of the few independent fiduciary providers in the island and the high levels of personal service we provide, these proposed enhancements will be another potential source of added value for clients.’

The merger is expected to be completed in December, and is anticipated to result in a network ranked as the world’s ninth largest of its type.

It will create a much-expanded network of like-minded firms under the Nexia International name, with a combined turnover of more than $2.2bn and representation in 97 countries by more than 23,000 employees.

Among the benefits for clients will be an enhanced service range in key markets.

The firm will work with a broader range of accounting and tax specialists in a wider array of countries and major business centres, strengthening its links in all markets, particularly Europe, the US and Far East.

Membership of Nexia International follows a number of recent accolades for the firm.