PwC builds identity and access management capability with acquisition of Praxism UK 

PwC is strengthening its fast-growing cyber security practice with the acquisition of Praxism, an Edinburgh-based consultancy specialising in identity and access management (IDaM).

Praxism is renowned for solutions to effectively tackle staff, customer and consumer identity management problems faced by many organisations. Praxism’s founder & director, Derek Gordon and 13 employees will join PwC’s Edinburgh office with one specialist located in the Leeds office.

Managing user identity is a critical aspect of all security strategies and is a commonly cited audit issue among corporates. Praxism, which was founded in 2008, has been helping organisations tackle these technology challenges, with specialists working across a range of industries and sectors including public sector, healthcare, education and financial services.

James Chalmers, UK head of assurance, PwC, commented:

“With more high profile breaches inevitably making the news, cyber risk continues to be a focus point for boards and it’s unlikely that this will change in the short to medium term. For corporates, one of the most cited audit issues is managing user identity. This is more than just a basic technology control as it enables firms to drive their digital business within a controlled risk environment.

“Derek and the Praxism team really are at the top of the league in this specialist area and, as a result, I believe they are an exceptional addition to our rapidly growing and market leading Cyber security business.”

“Derek and the Praxism team really are at the top of the league in this specialist area and, as a result, I believe they are an exceptional addition to our rapidly growing and market leading Cyber security business.”

Derek Gordon, Praxism founder, said:

“I’m delighted that Praxism is joining forces with PwC. The opportunity this affords our people and our business is outstanding and clearly recognises the shared culture and values between our organisations.

“On a personal note, building Praxism into the business it is today has been a rewarding experience. I look forward to working alongside Colin Slater and Richard Horne to identify and develop new growth opportunities for this strand of PwC’s cyber practice, and to working with the Cyber security team here in the UK and across its global network.”

Colin Slater, digital and cyber partner, PwC in Scotland, said:

“Over the last six years, we’ve built a market-leading cyber security business and this acquisition provides a catalyst from which to expand our operations and build on our position as a trusted partner to solve complex identity and access problems.

“From the outset it was clear that Praxism not only had an outstanding reputation in the marketplace but shared similar growth aspirations and core values of doing the right thing for the customer and delivering high quality work.

“Complementing and consolidating our existing identity and access management capability, led by Richard Mardling, this move allows us to strengthen our strategic expertise and technology insight and solutions so we can better solve our clients’ problems and help build trust in the digital age.

“The acquisition will also significantly expand our cyber security team in Scotland, with a particular focus on our key markets including utilities, financial services, energy and public sector. We’ve had a long and innovative working relationship with Praxism team and are delighted to have them on board.”

Source: PwC

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