FTI Consulting’s Strategic Reinvention: Steven Casey’s Appointment and the Future of Risk & Regulatory Consulting

In the wake of a global economy still grappling with the long-term aftershocks of the pandemic, FTI Consulting’s recent appointment of Steven Casey as a Senior Managing Director in its Economic Consulting segment underscores a strategic pivot toward high-demand risk and regulatory consulting services. Casey’s deep expertise in public policy, regulatory reform, and AI-driven analytics aligns with a market that is not only expanding but also evolving in complexity. This move reflects a broader industry trend: as governments and corporations navigate heightened regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, and ESG mandates, firms like FTI are repositioning to capitalize on these pressures.

The risk and compliance consulting market has surged in recent years, growing from an estimated USD 35 billion in 2024 to a projected USD 38.325 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% expected through 2033 [1]. This acceleration is driven by three key factors: the digitization of regulatory frameworks, the rise of AI-powered compliance tools, and the urgent need for ESG alignment. For instance, AI is now integral to predictive risk analysis, real-time fraud detection, and automated regulatory reporting, enabling firms to address compliance challenges with unprecedented speed and precision [2]. Meanwhile, ESG consulting—a subset of risk and regulatory services—is expanding at a staggering 15.16% CAGR, as companies scramble to meet sustainability benchmarks [3].

FTI Consulting’s strategic focus on these areas is not accidental. The firm has positioned itself as a leader in helping clients navigate post-pandemic regulatory landscapes, particularly in financial services, public administration, and cybersecurity. Its services span Bank Secrecy Act/AML compliance, third-party risk management, and privacy law adherence, including the EU AI Act [4]. This specialization is critical in a world where 85% of general counsel now expect corporate risk and legal demand to accelerate [5]. Casey’s appointment further strengthens this focus. With nearly two decades of experience advising Commonwealth ministers and leading economic strategy at KPMG and Quantium Telstra, he brings a rare blend of public and private sector acumen. His role at FTI involves tackling complex fiscal and infrastructure challenges while scaling the firm’s economic consulting platform across Australia and the Asia-Pacific [6].

However, the path forward is not without challenges. Consultant attrition remains a risk for FTI’s Economic Consulting segment, as competition for top talent in regulatory and AI-driven advisory roles intensifies [7]. Yet, the firm’s emphasis on hyper-specialized expertise—such as Casey’s background in data analytics and public sector transformation—positions it to differentiate itself in a crowded market. The appointment also aligns with regional growth opportunities: Australia’s public sector is under pressure to modernize services and adopt technology, a trend Casey’s experience directly addresses [8].

For investors, the broader takeaway is clear: FTI Consulting’s leadership transition reflects a calculated response to a global consulting industry that is increasingly defined by niche expertise and technological integration. As regulatory complexity and ESG demands continue to rise, firms that can offer tailored, AI-enhanced solutions will outperform. Casey’s appointment is not just a personnel move—it is a signal of FTI’s commitment to leading in a market poised for sustained growth.

Source:
[1] Risk and Compliance Consulting Market | Forecast 2025 [https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/risk-and-compliance-consulting-market-121615]
[2] FTI Consulting Appoints Steven Casey to Public Sector [https://www.fticonsulting.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/fti-consulting-strengthens-australia-public-sector-leadership-with-appointment-of-steven-casey]
[3] Regulatory and Compliance Management Consulting [https://dimensionmarketresearch.com/report/regulatory-and-compliance-management-consulting-market/]
[4] Governance, Regulatory Risk and Compliance | UK [https://www.fticonsulting.com/uk/industries/financial-services/governance-regulatory-risk-and-compliance]
[5] The General Counsel Report Identifies Priorities [https://www.fticonsulting.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/the-general-counsel-report-identifies-priorities-and-biggest-drivers-of-cost-increases-for-legal-dep]
[6] FTI Consulting Strengthens Australia Public Sector [https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/31/3141941/0/en/FTI-Consulting-Strengthens-Australia-Public-Sector-Leadership-with-Appointment-of-Steven-Casey.html]
[7] Truist Securities Analysis [https://intellectia.ai/news/stock/fti-consulting-strengthens-australia-public-sector-leadership-with-appointment-of-steven-casey]
[8] FTI Consulting’s Strategic Expansion in Australia’s Public Sector [https://www.ainvest.com/news/fti-consulting-strategic-expansion-australia-public-sector-catalyst-long-term-growth-economic-policy-consulting-2509/]