Since our founding in 1963, the BDO story has been one of continuous response to our clients’ and our people’s ever-changing needs. Our history is relevant today because our clients value the continuity and stability of a network that has developed so successfully over more than fifty turbulent years. Equally, our partners and staff know that they are working for a well-established organisation that is built upon clear values and a successful past.
The initial international organisation was known as the Binder Seidman International Group, formed by respected firms that were already well established in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA, and wished to share and expand their knowledge in order to better serve their clients. In 1973 the network adopted the name BDO, made up from the initials of the three founding European member firms: Binder (UK), Dijker (Netherlands) and Otte (Germany).
Celebrating its 50th year in 2013, BDO’s global network is now in 166 countries and territories, with more than 115,661 people working out 1,776 offices generating a worldwide fee income of US$12.8 billion. We have achieved this by adapting to the changes brought about by external forces such as regulation and globalisation, as well as the changing needs and expectations of our clients.
But for BDO, it does not stop there. We live and operate in a challenging environment characterised by an unpredictable global economy, ongoing political upheavals and the ever-present threat of terrorism. In common with all businesses, we must take strategic decisions to ensure that we can continue to attract global clients, enter new markets, improve performance and manage risk. We have invested in global infrastructure, technology and we are ready: this is what sets us apart from our competitors.
Above all, we will continue to deliver the exceptional client service for which we are known, because this is what differentiates us in our market. Technical excellence is a given, but our exceptional client service programme is embedded in our strategy and undertaken on a truly global level.