DVS Advisory Group

• Chennai, India
• Accounting, Audit, Tax Consulting

From our Founder & CEO,

When I founded DVS in 2007, after leaving Citibank, it was with a deep sense of freedom and an insatiable curiosity. My goal was to bring a fresh perspective to the world of tax—an area often seen narrowly as a fiscal burden. At DVS, we view tax differently: as a powerful tool for shaping public behavior and creating value within society. From the beginning, we’ve believed that tax is not merely a government levy but a mechanism for distributing societal value between the regulator and the regulated. This belief has guided our journey from a small firm to a full-service enterprise with operations across four countries.

How We See the World of Taxation

Tax is much more than a simple tool for revenue collection. At DVS, we see tax as a way for governments to align public behavior with national priorities. It serves as a signal from governments, directing where they want citizens and businesses to focus their energies. By understanding tax in this broader context, we can unlock its potential as a driver of societal value and a means to create opportunities for both the public and private sectors.

How We See Countries

Our global perspective divides the world into three categories of countries:

Capital Exporting Countries – Developed nations like USA, UK etc where capital flows out in search of investment opportunities abroad.

Capital Importing Countries – Developing nations like India, China, and Brazil, where capital is directed to foster growth and development.

Conduit Countries – Strategic hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Mauritius, which act as intermediaries in the global flow of capital.

Each category has its own patterned regulatory framework and national priorities, shaped by societal needs. At DVS, we recognize these patterns and tailor our strategies to align with the specific goals of each nation, helping businesses navigate and capitalize on these diverse environments. For example, a Conduit country like Singapore is highly unlikely to levy capital gains on foreign investments as it goes against their national priority of building the island nation as a financial services hub.

How We See Opportunity in Taxation?

We believe that tax systems, globally, are filled with opportunities. Incentives, such as those seen in the U.S., where 75-80% of the tax code is focused on, or in India’s deductions, are not merely financial tools but strategic directions set by governments. These incentives reveal opportunities for entrepreneurs in an interconnected world. We agree with Thomas Friedman’s notion that "the world is flat," and we see a single, expansive market where businesses can thrive by aligning with strategic national interests. At DVS, we take pride in asking the right questions—not of the regulators, but of the regulations themselves. While we don’t have all the answers, our strength lies in our ability to ask the right questions, which guide us to the right solutions over time.

What We Do for Our Clients?

At DVS, our approach is simple yet comprehensive: we accompany our clients through every step of their journey, from strategy to implementation to ongoing management. We specialize in identifying the intersection between national priorities and business objectives, converting tax into an opportunity for profit and turning governments into partners. Over time, we’ve realized that our clients seek more than just strategic advice; they want us to be with them throughout the entire process, ensuring that the strategies we propose are fully implemented and managed for long-term success.

Our Team & Approach

Our team consists of highly curious and independent professionals, bound by a shared code of values that we hold dear. We believe that Tax is Profit, when approached strategically. As Julius Caesar wisely said, "There are no permanent enemies or allies, only common agendas." At DVS, we specialize in finding these common agendas and turning them into opportunities for growth and success. It’s important to note that we do not advocate for tax evasion; we believe evasion is harmful to any society and often results from a failure to align business goals with national priorities. Our mantra is "Don't Evade, Align".

I am proud to welcome you to DVS, where our commitment is to serve you with the utmost integrity, curiosity, and dedication. Together, we can navigate the complexities of tax and unlock the full potential of your business.