Be in Front of Global Opportunities - Creating private equity value in Southeast Asia

With a career spanning three continents, Lia Paris brings a razor-sharp understanding of global dealmaking to Southeast Asia’s dynamic private equity scene – proving that KPMG’s global platform is not just expansive, it is empowering.             

From the United Kingdom to Australia to Singapore, Lia Paris’ 15-year journey across KPMG reads like a blueprint for the globally mobile and growth-minded professional. Now a Director with the Deal Advisory team at KPMG in Singapore, she is channelling her cross-border experience to help Private Equity clients unlock value in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.  

“Each KPMG office has its own rhythm,” Lia says. “But what is consistent across the firms is the culture that fosters excellence, encourages collaboration and gives its people the latitude to embrace a global mindset. No matter where I am based, I’ve always been empowered to make a difference with the clients I work with.”

Lia’s journey with the firm speaks to KPMG’s commitment to providing its people with both the technical expertise and wide-angle lens on market dynamics – a necessity to delivering lasting value to clients navigating today’s complex global business landscape.

Global mobility and experience

Singapore was home to Lia in her secondary school years until she moved back to the UK for university. After completing her studies, she started her career in Audit in London and became a Chartered Accountant. She then transitioned into Deal Advisory, working initially in London, followed by Australia, and now in Singapore. Here, she brings her broad experience in global markets to the local team which advises Private Equity clients on deals across the region.

“I wanted to return here, and I could do that because of KPMG’s commitment to international mobility,” Lia explains. “KPMG has always supported me with work opportunities across the globe. That flexibility is something I do not take for granted.”

Her return to Singapore is more than just a homecoming – it is a strategic move to be at the epicentre of Southeast Asia’s flourishing private capital market where opportunities abound for her to make a meaningful difference to both clients and her professional growth. “The market is dynamic and constantly evolving,” Lia notes.

Moving to Singapore has also required Lia to adapt to a new market with distinct cultural nuances. “Building relationships and fostering a credible reputation takes time. Really understanding the dynamics of the local market and specific needs of our clients are key to building successful partnerships,” she observes.   

The Southeast Asian market is defined by its diversity and fast-evolving landscape. While Lia has added to her skills set through her current role, her experience with complex and large-scale transactions in the other financial hubs has also enabled her to make a unique contribution to the team and clients in the region.  

Lia’s career journey is emblematic of the firm’s advanced talent model, aimed at developing multidisciplinary expertise and broad perspectives that allow for professional growth on a global scale. In doing so, KPMG equips its people to deliver measurable results, while positioning them to seamlessly transition between addressing local needs and global challenges.

As Lia puts it: “Working in Southeast Asia has been very rewarding. The diversity and complexity of the market challenges you to think differently, adapt quickly, and collaborate across borders. It’s this dynamic environment that has broadened my perspective as a deal professional.”

Trust as the first step to be in front

In the complex and fast-moving environment of Private Equity, an axiom of a successful relationships with clients – and by extension of KPMG’s reputation – is also building trust.

“It’s about being the trusted advisor our clients can rely on.” Lia stresses. “Delivering high-quality advice is non-negotiable—it’s core to building credibility with clients.”

For Lia, building hard-won trust is grounded in transparency and collaboration. “Our clients put their trust in us to provide timely advice on transactions across a wide range of sectors and geographies.” She says. “To successfully deliver this, we tap into our network of sector and capability experts and work closely with the local teams on the ground. Together, we’re able to navigate complex issues and create value for our clients”

“Deal execution and how we do due diligence has evolved. Whilst our focus remains on identifying potential risks, it’s important to be able to also identify value creation opportunities.”

To succeed in that, Lia stresses that it has to be a wider KPMG effort – bringing in the right specialists across the firm and network, to provide the right advice.