Matthew Burnard

Matthew Burnard is a seasoned professional in global risk analysis with extensive experience across various consulting roles in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. Currently serving as Principal and Director of Global Risk Analysis at Control Risks since June 2019, Matthew supports organizations in the UAE and Gulf region by evaluating global investment opportunities and navigating complex political and regulatory environments. Prior to this role, Matthew held senior positions at Altai Consulting, where responsibilities included managing project portfolios and directing major research initiatives focusing on governance, security, and development issues in MENA and Sahel regions. Earlier career experiences include advisory roles at PwC and political risk consultancy at Control Risks, as well as research positions at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and internships with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Matthew holds a Master of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from the University of Cambridge.