Avanti Bhati has two decades of experience conducting complex investigations, business intelligence, investigative due diligence, asset tracing and political risk assessments across India, the broader Indian subcontinent and Asia Pacific. She has led large pre-investment due diligence engagements, multijurisdictional investigations, litigation support matters and political risk assessments for financial institutions, private equity investors, multinational companies and counsel.
Avanti has particular experience tracing assets in support of disputes, enforcement actions and recovery strategies. She has led multijurisdictional asset searches involving individuals, corporate borrowers and personal guarantors, including matters that identified significant unencumbered assets and supported favorable outcomes in high-profile arbitration proceedings. Her broader investigations work includes assessing fraud and integrity risks, management and reputational concerns, political exposure, corporate governance issues and other factors relevant to investment, appointment and business decisions.
- International Arbitration Asset Search | India
Advised counsel in an international arbitration involving an ultra-high-net-worth individual who had claimed bankruptcy while facing outstanding loans from international financial institutions. Conducted asset tracing to identify assets potentially available to support recovery and enforcement efforts. - Personal Guarantor Asset Search | Middle East
Supported an international financial institution in identifying assets held by approximately 20 personal guarantors in the Middle East as the client evaluated acquiring nonperforming loans from a consortium of banks. Conducted discreet enquiries to assess the guarantors’ assets and willingness to negotiate. - Politically Exposed Person Due Diligence | India
Advised a private equity company evaluating the appointment of a politically exposed person to a senior position. Assessed the individual’s political background, future ambitions and level of political exposure, as well as the potential reputational and stakeholder implications of the appointment. - Joint Venture Partner Due Diligence | India
Conducted due diligence for a global company considering a joint venture with an Indian business group. Assessed the group and its founder, including reputation, political connections, ability to secure government support and historical allegations of financial impropriety. Evaluated how these factors could affect approvals, incentives and the risk profile of the proposed venture. - Technology Company Investment Due Diligence | India
Conducted investigative due diligence for an investment company evaluating a strategic investment in an Indian technology business. Assessed the founders’ reputation and integrity, including their alleged involvement in a recent controversy, and evaluated the potential effect of ongoing scrutiny on stakeholders and future business prospects. - Publicly Listed Pharmaceutical Company Due Diligence | India
Conducted an in-depth assessment of a publicly listed pharmaceutical company for a prospective investor. Reviewed the company’s history, operating structure, leadership, principal stakeholders, regulatory environment and governance practices, including the steps taken to address historical quality control issues. Assessed the company’s growth trajectory alongside continuing sector, governance and regulatory risks. - FMCG Contract Manufacturer Due Diligence | India
Conducted comprehensive due diligence for a private equity investor evaluating a contract manufacturing business in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Assessed operations, market reputation, management practices and the integrity of key promoters and executives. Identified a strong market position and multinational customer relationships alongside potential risks involving cash practices, unofficial payments and interactions with government authorities.
Education
- The Fletcher School at Tufts University
MA, Law and Diplomacy, Security Studies and International Business Relations - Jawaharlal Nehru University
Master’s Degree in Modern European History, graduated in the top five of her class
Languages
English