Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has appointed James Zuurbier as a deal services director. He joined the financial services wing of the firm’s consulting team. 

Rob McCarthy, head of transaction services at RSM UK, commented, “We’re delighted to have James join our transaction services team. His extensive track record in the financial services sector will strengthen our offering to clients and will be extremely valuable in building our presence in the fast-growing market. His appointment further demonstrates our commitment to an industry focused approach across solutions to better serve our global clients.” 

Zuurbier brings 15 years of experience in financial services transactions to the firm. He joins from EY, where he was a director, and led on a number of deals in banking, lending, wealth and asset management, and insurance. Prior to that, he held various finance roles at Barclays, where he led on key strategic projects.

At RSM, Zuurbier has taken on a leadership role in the firm’s financial services industry group, enhancing the dedicated due diligence team across the UK and will focus on further growing RSM’s presence in the financial services market. He will represent multinational corporates and global private equity funds in the financial services industry, specialising in due diligence on acquisition and divestiture scenarios.

Despite high interest rates, political uncertainty and shaky investor confidence, which has hindered deal activity across many industries, the financial services sector looks poised for a strong 2025. Zuurbier’s arrival will help RSM’s clients in the industry make the most of the opportunities in the coming year – something he believes will have a positive impact on the broader economy.

Zuurbier added, “Financial services play a significant role in societies and lives, so transactions in the industry can have a wide-ranging impact. I’m looking forward to helping colleagues and clients cut through the complexities in the sector to achieve their strategic goals.”