Neal Ysart

To start—can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get into investigations, and what drives your work today?

I am the founder of MacNeal-LCB & Partners Inc., a Philippines-based Investigations & Strategic Risk Advisory business and co-founder of The Coalition of Cyber Investigators, an international OSINT, Investigations and Cybercrime think-tank. I have over 40 years of investigative experience having started my career as a Police Officer at Scotland Yard (16 years) where I was responsible for a number of legal precedents and stated cases in the then, emerging field of internet investigations. After leaving the Police, my private sector career includes roles as Lead Regulatory and Investigations Advisor at a global law firm, leading a team of over 140 due diligence investigators for a global bank and leadership positions in the Forensic practices of three of the Big Four accounting firms - PwC - UK, EY - Middle East, and Deloitte's Forensic practice in the Philippines where I am now based. I have led investigations in over 30 different jurisdictions around the world. I hold a Masters Degree in Risk, Crisis & Disaster Management, am qualified to Masters level in Forensic Computing, I hold an Advanced Certificate in Terrorism Studies from the University of St. Andrews and am a Professor of Praxis at the Philippines Public Safety College.

In your experience, what’s one skill or mindset every great analyst should have—and why?

The golden rule has to be a verification mindset - every investigator should be continually verifying their findings - reliance on a single source is never optimal.

You have been nominated as a key influencer in the financial investigations field. What project or accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

I have helped so many companies over the years with issues in the financial crime and fraud space - I guess, the ones that are most memorable are those where we have been able to really help our client get out of an impossible situation. In recent years we have found ourseves specialising in helping institutions and individuals who have been the victim of sophisticated boiler room investment fraud - a ruthless crime that can shatter lives as well as empty bank accounts. I am proud to be able to help victims of these types of crimes not just by investigating the crime but by also providing guidance, reassurance, and a path forward during what is often one of the most stressful periods of their lives.

What’s a trend or challenge in digital investigations that you think deserves more attention right now?

The use of OSINT is accelerating at pace however, there are still no universally accepted standards, methodologies or frameworks, nor is there globally accepted certifications or training, nor any agreement on ethical boundaries. Tools are haphazardly mislabeled as "forensic" when they are anything but. Digital forensics and cybercrime investigations went through the same evolution many years ago - OSINT needs to catch up which is one of the original drivers for establishing The Coalition of Cyber Investigators

A lot of people in the field admire professionals like you. What advice would you give to someone starting in financial investigations or as an analyst?

Be inquisitive and passionate about your chosen field - if you can't do that, or you're not enjoying it, then it's probably the wrong role for you.

And finally—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? Any hobbies, passions, or routines that help you recharge outside of work?

Motorcycling and music are my passions - not at the same time though.

Anything else you'd like to add or share?

Follow The Coalition of Cyber Investigators on LinkedIn or at coalitioncyber.com for OSINT and investigation resources and insights.

🔗 Want to learn more from Neal?

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