Dr. Nishith Desai is the founder of Nishith Desai Associates, a research & strategy-driven international law firm ranked among Asia-Pacific's Most Innovative Law Firms by Financial Times. Soon after India opened its economy in 1991, he pioneered the roots of the country's asset management industry, established the first five India-focused funds, and played a seminal role in structuring numerous private equity and domestic venture capital funds—the firm has since worked with over 1,400 funds across all asset classes. He also assisted the Governments of Mauritius and India in launching their offshore financial centers, and with a keen interest in technology, has driven the firm's legal and ethical research into emerging areas such as blockchain, autonomous vehicles, flying cars, IoT, AI, robotics, medical devices, and genetic engineering.

A renowned international lawyer, author, lecturer, researcher, innovator, and thought leader, Nishith is regarded as the "Father of International Tax" in India and a true pioneer in the field. In 2023, Amity University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to Indian international tax jurisprudence. He has been appointed by the Indian Government as an expert committee member on Onshoring Innovations to GIFT IFSC and by the National Startup Advisory Council as a non-official member focused on nurturing innovation and startups for sustainable economic growth. He also served as a director on the board of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (2011–2019).

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