Pinsent Masons has launched a tax practice in Doha with the hire of Ian Anderson, formerly the director of tax at the Qatar Financial Centre.

The tax practice aims to capitalise on work arising from Qatar and the UAE's decision to join the OECD's Common Reporting Standard, an initiative relating to transparency of tax affairs, from 2017.

Anderson will launch the firm's Tax practice in the Middle East, focusing on multinationals with a tax presence in the region and FATCA-related services.
“We are delighted to add Ian to our global team and in so-doing launch our Tax practice into the Middle East,” said Jason Collins, global head of tax at Pinsent Masons, in a statement. “Recruiting in Doha means that we now have significant tax capability across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Ian's mix of experience in industry and at the QFC means he is well placed to advise multinationals and ultra-high net worth individuals on a range of local and international tax matters.”

Anderson, who was director of tax at the centre since 2006, was responsible for developing the tax system there. Prior to that role, he was director of tax and treasury at Airtours, with an emphasis on tax structuring and cross-border leasing.