In the latest episode of Cheque Point by Finance Middle East, Nivetha Dayanand speaks with Wahaj Siddiqui, CEO of Oblique Consult, about the mounting impact of global tax and regulatory changes across the GCC. With shifting regimes, cross-border pressures, and evolving compliance demands, the conversation explores how regional businesses must adapt.
Through this dialogue, Wahaj outlines key challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities for firms operating in the Middle East’s complex regulatory landscape. In the latest episode of Cheque Point by Finance Middle East, Nivetha Dayanand speaks with Wahaj Siddiqui, CEO of Oblique Consult, about the mounting impact of global tax and regulatory changes across the GCC. With shifting regimes, cross-border pressures, and evolving compliance demands, the conversation explores how regional businesses must adapt.
Through this dialogue, Wahaj outlines key challenges, opportunities, and strategic priorities for firms operating in the Middle East’s complex regulatory landscape.
Key Insights:
1. The Changing Tax & Regulatory Landscape
The podcast opens with a discussion of how global tax reforms and regulatory trends are influencing corporate finance strategies in the GCC. Companies are facing increasing pressure to align with international compliance and transparency norms.
Wahaj emphasizes the urgency for firms to stay ahead of these changes, not just reactively, but proactively.
2. Regional Nuances & Challenges
It’s not a one-size-fits-all environment. Wahaj said that while global frameworks may set direction, each GCC country has its own unique legal, economic, and regulatory contexts. Adapting localized strategies is essential.
3. Data Availability & Quality
One recurring barrier is data access, consistency, and reliability. For advisory and compliance to be effective, firms need robust data ecosystems. Without high-quality data, navigating regulatory demands becomes more reactive and less strategic.
4. Strategic Advisory & Value Creation
Beyond compliance, Wahaj discusses how advisory firms must shift from tactical “fix-it” roles to strategic partners. He expects a future where advisory provides predictive direction, helps firms anticipate regulatory shifts, and aligns tax strategy with long-term business goals.
5. The Way Forward: Agility, Technology & Foresight
He concludes by advocating for agility, continuous learning, and leveraging technology (analytics, automation) to stay ahead in a fast-evolving climate. Advisory firms and their clients must be equipped to pivot as rules, tax regimes, and regulatory expectations evolve.
“Global tax change is no longer a backdrop, it’s a driving force of corporate strategy. You can’t be reactive; you must design your business model with regulatory foresight.” — Wahaj Siddiqui
Listen to the Full Episode
Dive into the full episode here: Global Tax & Regulatory Changes in the Middle East, Cheque Point to explore how tax, data, and regulation are shaping the region’s business future.
