John Temple-Cole

John is a partner in our forensic group, and leads our Sydney forensic team. He is a CA Forensic Accounting Specialist, and has over 24 years’ experience in the field of forensic accounting. He specialises in large scale and complex financial investigations and disputes relating to quantification, loss of profit/damages, and accounting irregularities.

John has given evidence in a range of Australian Courts and tribunals, the High Court of Singapore and in domestic and international arbitration proceedings.
He has a reputation for being upfront about the issues and is constantly in contact with clients.

John is passionate about coaching and mentoring members of his team and helping them deliver on engagements to achieve their professional goals.

Significant engagements

Consumer products, China master franchise dispute. Preparation of expert’s reports and Joint Expert Statement in ICC arbitration hearing.
Acciona Australia v Transport for New South Wales. Costs analysis in proceedings alleging misleading and deceptive conduct for the Design and Construct contract for the $1.5 billion Sydney Light Rail project.
Oswals v Commissioner of Taxation. Expert’s reports on behalf of Commissioner in a CGT dispute, concerning verification of costs allegedly incurred in construction of the entity’s major asset.
Emirates Park. Expert’s report and evidence in criminal proceedings following investigation of an invoicing fraud. Accused was found guilty on all 14 charges, covering approximately four years and $13 million, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Languages

Working proficiency in spoken and written Chinese (Mandarin).

Memberships

Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA)
Fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA, UK).

Expertise

loss of profit/damages in commercial disputes, arbitration and class actions
financial investigations and ‘Forensic audit’
fraud investigations
tax avoidance investigations
flow of funds and asset tracing.

Education and accreditation

BSc (Hons.) Management Sciences
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
National Taiwan Normal University, Mandarin Training Centre, awarded scholarships to undertake Mandarin study course
Confucius Institute at the University of Sydney, advanced level Mandarin course.

Latest news and insights from John Temple-Cole

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ASIC publishes KordaMentha’s final report on CBA’s compliance with financial advice licence conditions

Media Release

ASIC has today published KordaMentha Forensic’s final report pursuant to its appointment by ASIC as the Compliance Expert relating to two CBA financial planning businesses.

The use of ‘forensic audit’ to uncover organisational misconduct

Blog

With a bright light now shining on corporate misconduct, it has become increasingly common to hear public cries for a ‘forensic audit’ to get to the bottom of the allegations. But what is the difference between a forensic audit ...

Expert Evidence in Arbitration

Publication

The April 2018 Edition of Asian Disputes Review, features an article authored by KordaMentha Partner John Temple-Cole which explains how, and why Experts Should be Under Control when Providing Evidence in Arbitration.

ASIC publishes Part 3 of the third KordaMentha Forensic report concerning CBA financial planning businesses

Media Release

ASIC has today published Part 3 of the third KordaMentha Forensic report pursuant to its appointment by ASIC as the Compliance Expert relating to two CBA financial planning businesses.

A new era for KordaMentha Melbourne: the office relocates to Rialto from August 21

Corporate

Forensic

Investments

Real Estate

Restructuring

KordaMentha Corporate provide leadership and support to organisations seeking to better understand and improve their cultural, operational and financial drivers.

KordaMentha Forensic uncover, analyse and clarify facts at the centre of disputes, frauds and other sensitive commercial matters.

KordaMentha Investments establish, manage, capitalise and co-invest in Australian direct and special situations real estate products, private enterprise and listed mid-cap clients.

KordaMentha Real Estate assists clients to grow, protect and recover value in their real estate portfolios.

KordaMentha Restructuring works with organisations in financial distress to restructure and to stabilise the business or to recover value on behalf of stakeholders.

KordaMentha is an advisory and investment firm that has a range of services to help clients grow, protect and recover value