Navigating Risk, Guiding Growth and Shaping Structures.
We are a professional services firm delivering assurance and advisory solutions across sectors. With deep expertise in business, compliance, and strategic insights, our founding team brings over 4 decades of experience in the global ecosystem. We maintain a preferred partner relationship with select independent professional firms, enabling us to combine cross-border perspectives with deep local expertise for the benefit of our clients.
Services
We are the best at what we do
At SDU Global, we believe in relationships built on trust, results driven by expertise and growth powered by collaboration. Partner with us and experience the difference where every solution is tailored to the requirements of the business and every outcome is delivered with excellence.
Assurance and Governance
Our assurance and governance solutions strengthen organizational integrity across global operations. We provide internal and management audits, statutory audit support, and enterprise risk assessments aligned with international standards such as COSO and ISO, while ensuring compliance with GCC-specific frameworks. Our services include ICOFR/SOX controls assurance fraud risk reviews, and governance frameworks that enhance transparency and stakeholder confidence across multiple jurisdictions.
Tax & Regulatory Advisory
Our tax advisory services combine global expertise with deep knowledge of UAE, GCC, and Indian regulations. We assist with corporate tax planning, ESR compliance, VAT advisory, and transfer pricing reviews. Our team also provides guidance on DTAA, BEPS compliance, and global transaction structuring, ensuring tax efficiency and regulatory compliance across cross-border operations.
Financial Reporting and Standards
We support businesses in achieving accurate and compliant financial reporting through IFRS conversion, consolidation, and group reporting advisory. Our services cover lease accounting under IFRS 16, revenue recognition under IFRS 15, and overall financial reporting optimization. By aligning with international standards and leveraging decades of experience in India, we help organizations maintain transparency and investor confidence globally.
Investigations & Forensics
Operational Transformation and Culture
We help organizations worldwide achieve operational excellence through transformation programs rooted in global benchmarks and adapted for regional nuances. Our services include Strategic Finance Office (SFO) setup, process optimization, SOP documentation, and automation through RPA. We also design change management programs, organizational restructuring, and shared services optimization. With expertise in culture assessments and employee engagement diagnostics, we ensure transformation initiatives deliver measurable impact across diverse geographies.
Corporate Finance & Deals
We deliver comprehensive corporate finance and deal advisory services across global markets, leveraging decades of experience in India and deep expertise in GCC regulations. Our offerings include business modeling, valuation, financial projections, and M&I advisory, supported by rigorous financial and tax due diligence. From capital raising (debt and equity) to post-merger integration and exit strategy planning, we combine international best practices with regional insights to help clients execute complex transactions seamlessly.
Startup & Innovation Advisory
Our startup advisory practice supports founders and innovators in scaling ventures globally while navigating regional ecosystems like the GCC. We assist with investor-ready pitch decks, valuation and equity structuring, and fundraising strategies backed by proven methodologies from mature markets such as India. Our services extend to cap table management, go-to-market planning, and incubator/accelerator program support, enabling startups to attract capital and achieve sustainable growth in competitive international landscapes.
Market Entry and Expansion
Our market entry and expansion services simplify the process of establishing and growing businesses across GCC and other international markets. We provide strategic guidance on free zone vs. mainland structuring, company incorporation, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, we offer market sizing, opportunity analysis, and partnership advisory to help clients capitalize on regional growth opportunities while leveraging global best practices.
Technology and Controls
We enable businesses to harness technology securely and efficiently through ERP implementation advisory, ITGC reviews, and cybersecurity controls testing. Our offerings include digital finance transformation, GDPR compliance reviews, and IT risk resilience assessments. By integrating global technology standards with regional compliance requirements, we deliver solutions that enhance operational agility and safeguard critical assets across international operations.
ESG & Sustainability
Our ESG and sustainability advisory services help organizations align with global frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD while meeting GCC-specific mandates. We design ESG strategies, conduct compliance audits, and develop diversity and inclusion programs that resonate with international investors and regulators. By embedding sustainability into core business practices, we enable clients to create long-term value and meet stakeholder expectations globally.
We live by
F
Fair
To employees, clients, vendors and all stakeholders
O
Open
To new ideas and transparent in our dealings
R
Respectful
Of people, position, differences and laws of the land
D
Dependable
About us
What Makes SDU Unique
Through our preferred partner network, we bring the depth of expertise from leading markets like India directly to you.
Every engagement is led by an expert, ensuring precise, tailored solutions in Risk, Advisory, and Structures – blending global experience with local understanding.
Years of combined experience
Global Expertise, Local Insight
At SDU, we believe the best solutions come from combining world-class knowledge with on-the-ground understanding. That’s why we’ve built a preferred partner network that connects you to leading professionals from developed markets, including the United States and India. Our individual expert leads are not just advisors — they are specialists in their domains, bringing proven experience in risk advisory, strategic structuring, and business growth consulting. Through this model, you get:
With SDU Dubai, you’re not just getting advice – you’re gaining a trusted partner backed by a global network.
Specialist-led engagements tailored to your unique business or family needs.
Access to global perspectives informed by best practices in advanced economies.
Solutions designed for the Dubai market, ensuring both international standards and local compliance.
Personalized strategies that integrate innovation with practical execution, delivering measurable impact for your goals.
Specialist-led engagements tailored to your unique business or family needs.
Access to global perspectives informed by best practices in advanced economies.
Solutions designed for the Dubai market, ensuring both international standards and local compliance.
Personalized strategies that integrate innovation with practical execution, delivering measurable impact for your goals.
Our team
Experts
R Ramarao
Founder, FCA, CISA, DISA, Managing Director, SDU Global Consulting LLC – FZ
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Chartered Accountant (1986) and Diploma in Information Systems Audit (DISA).
- Completed executive programs in risk management and driving corporate performance at Harvard Business School.
- Former President of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) India and its Bangalore chapter. Participated in the global council meetings held by The IIA Inc.
- Expert in risk management, internal controls, and business process optimization, with over four decades of experience across information technology, financial services, and consulting.
- Currently on the National Advisory Board for IIA India.
Industries We Empower
Empowering industries with strategic financial insight, trusted expertise, and tailored management solutions that drive growth and lasting success.
Capital & Investment
Technology & Software / IT-ITES
Manufacturing & Engineering
Real Estate & Infrastructure
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Emerging & Social Impact
Emerging & Social Impact
E-commerce & Internet Business
Advisory Associates
The Partnership Advantage – Together, we create a powerful ecosystem of expertise that delivers comprehensive, integrated solutions. Our collaborative approach ensures that every engagement benefits from multidisciplinary insights, cutting-edge methodologies, and proven track records of success.
Insights
What does SDU Global do?
SDU Global is a professional services firm specialising in risk, assurance and governance — including internal audit, controls assurance, enterprise risk management, forensic investigations, tax and regulatory advisory, and financial reporting. The firm serves clients across the UAE, the wider GCC and India, combining international standards with regional regulatory knowledge.
Which markets does SDU Global serve?
SDU Global works with clients across the UAE, the wider GCC and India, and supports businesses operating in cross-border contexts. Its model brings the depth of an established India practice to clients in the UAE and GCC markets.
Who founded SDU Global?
SDU Global is led by R. Ramarao, Founder and Managing Director, and a former partner of Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU). A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA, 1986), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and DISA, he is a former President of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) India and has served on its National Advisory Board. With over four decades of experience across audit, risk, technology controls, governance and business process advisory — and executive education at Harvard — he has advised boards and audit committees across sectors and geographies.
How is SDU Global different from a large consulting or audit firm?
Every SDU Global engagement is led directly by a domain specialist rather than staffed down to junior teams. Drawing on the specialist teams, credentials and methodologies of Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU), an established Indian professional services firm, clients get partner-level attention combined with institutional depth — focused expertise in risk, assurance and governance rather than a generalist offering.
Is SDU Global a UAE firm or an Indian firm?
SDU Global operates from Dubai, UAE, and delivers engagements together with Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU), an established Indian professional services firm whose specialist teams and methodologies support its work. This gives clients international expertise and institutional depth while keeping engagements aligned with UAE and GCC regulatory requirements.
Which industries does SDU Global work with?
SDU Global works across capital and investment, technology and IT/ITES, manufacturing and engineering, real estate and infrastructure, healthcare and life sciences, e-commerce, and emerging and social-impact sectors.
How is SDU Global connected to Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU) in India?
SDU Global was founded by R. Ramarao, a former partner of Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU), and works directly with SDU — an established Indian professional services firm with over four decades of client service, more than 220 professionals across 10 partners, and 1,100+ clients across sectors, with knowledge alliances across multiple countries. SDU’s specialist teams and methodologies are brought into SDU Global’s engagements, giving UAE and GCC clients direct access to institutional depth in assurance, tax, risk and advisory, combined with local market knowledge.
How experienced is the SDU Global team?
SDU Global is led by a founder who has served as President of IIA India and on its National Advisory Board, with over four decades of experience. Its engagements are also delivered with the specialist teams of Singhvi Dev & Unni LLP (SDU), an institution with over four decades of client service and 220+ professionals.
How can I request SDU Global's company profile or credentials?
You can request SDU Global’s credentials directly through the website using the ‘Request credentials’ option, and the company profile will be shared with you by email.
How do I start working with SDU Global?
You can reach SDU Global through the contact page, by email at info@sduglobal.com, or by phone/WhatsApp. An initial discussion helps identify the right specialist and scope for your requirement.