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DFK News

23 03 2026

DFK Asia Pacific conference gives back with new music room for KOTO


This year, delegates came together to support a meaningful cause: KOTO (Know One Teach One), an organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people in Vietnam.

Conference delegates had the privilege of hearing from Jimmy Pham, the visionary founder of KOTO. Jimmy shared the powerful story behind the organisation and the philosophy that drives it.

KOTO was established with a simple but powerful idea: “Know One, Teach One.”

Jimmy’s story and the impact of KOTO resonated strongly with conference attendees, highlighting how education, mentorship and opportunity can create lasting change.

In the spirit of giving back, DFK made the decision to replace the traditional delegate gift with a charitable contribution to KOTO.

The response from delegates was overwhelmingly positive. Through the generosity of conference attendees, along with additional donations from individuals and member firms, enough funds were raised to establish a dedicated DFK Music Room for KOTO students.

This new space will provide trainees with an opportunity to express creativity, relax, and connect with one another alongside their professional training. It will form part of the supportive environment that helps students grow both personally and professionally.

Choosing to give rather than receive is a small shift that can have a significant ripple effect. By supporting KOTO, the DFK community is helping to create opportunities for young people who may otherwise never have had access to education or career pathways.

DFK extends a sincere thank you to all delegates, individuals, and member firms who contributed additional donations to support this initiative.

Their generosity made it possible to create the DFK Music Room at KOTO, leaving a lasting legacy from the conference and supporting the next generation of young people as they build brighter futures.

12 03 2026

Ávalos y Asociados joins DFK International


Founded in 1996, Ávalos y Asociados is a multidisciplinary professional services firm based in Paraguay. The firm delivers high-quality accounting, audit, tax and advisory services, combining strong technical expertise with a personalised and client-focused approach. With nearly three decades of experience, they have built a reputation for reliability, professionalism and long-term client partnerships within the Paraguayan market.

We are delighted to welcome Ávalos y Asociados to DFK International. Their addition strengthens our presence in Latin America and provides members with access to a trusted and experienced partner in this important and growing market. Their commitment to quality and relationship-driven service aligns strongly with DFK’s values and we look forward to the contributions they will be bring to our global community.

We spoke with Alba Ávalos, President at Ávalos y Asociados, to learn more about the firm, their work in Paraguay and what joining DFK International means to them.

What prompted you to seek membership in an international association like DFK?
"Our firm sought membership in DFK International as part of a strategic decision to strengthen our international outlook, professional standards and cross-border capabilities. We work with clients that increasingly operate beyond national borders, and we believe that belonging to a reputable international association such as DFK allows us to better support them through trusted relationships, shared values and technical excellence."

How do you see cross-border collaboration supporting your clients' needs?
"Cross-border collaboration is essential for our clients, particularly in areas such as international taxation, transfer pricing, corporate structuring and compliance. Through DFK, we see a valuable opportunity to collaborate with like-minded firms, ensuring coordinated advice, local expertise and practical solutions tailored to each jurisdiction involved."

Can you tell us a little more about your firm and its role in the Paraguayan market?
"Ávalos y Asociados is a Paraguayan professional services firm with more than 30 years of experience, providing accounting, audit, tax and advisory services.
We play an active role in supporting local and international businesses operating in Paraguay, with a strong focus on compliance, governance and sustainable growth, particularly in regulated and cross-border environments."

What were your first impressions of DFK during the onboarding process?
"Our first impressions of DFK during the onboarding process were extremely positive. We experienced a professional, thorough and well-structured admission process, combined with a very welcoming and collaborative approach from the DFK team. This reinforced our confidence that DFK is the right international association for our firm."

Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share?
"We are truly delighted to join DFK International and look forward to building long-term professional relationships, sharing knowledge and actively participating in the association. We see this membership as the beginning of a valuable journey of collaboration and mutual growth."

18 02 2026

Shaw Gibbs appoints Pete Latham at Head of M&A


In his new role, Pete will be responsible for leading Shaw Gibbs’ mergers and acquisitions strategy, supporting the firm’s ongoing expansion through carefully selected acquisitions and working closely with the senior leadership team to drive long‑term growth across the Group.

He is a chartered accountant by background, having trained with Ernst & Young (EY) and has built a career specialising in mergers and acquisitions across advisory, investment and corporate environments. He began his career advising on M&A transactions at EY before spending eight years as an investor at mid‑market private equity house Lloyds Development Capital (LDC).

Following his time at LDC, Pete spent eight years as Strategy and M&A Director at A‑Gas International, a global industrial products business backed by KKR and TPG. During this period, the business completed approximately 15 acquisitions worldwide, with employee numbers, turnover and EBITDA tripling over the same timeframe.

Commenting on his appointment

“I am excited to be joining Shaw Gibbs at this fantastic development stage, and I am looking forward to supporting the firm’s continued growth through acquisitions aligned to its culture and long‑term vision.“

Based in Bristol, Pete lives with his wife Ruth and their two young sons. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, running, classic cars, windsurfing, and photography.

About the Shaw Gibbs Group

Shaw Gibbs is a top 35 accountancy practice who provide expert solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals. Investing in teams of high-quality specialists over 20 offices in the UK and Ireland, they work with the best-in-breed technology to create value for clients which exceeds expectation.

www.shawgibbs.com

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