Astra Diligence is a leading British specialist due diligence consultancy with a strong focus on Asia, the Middle East, and Scandinavia. With our headquarters located in Oxford, UK, and a subsidiary in Spain, we are well-positioned to serve domestic and international clients from a range of industries. We are committed to deliver in-depth intelligence to our clients that help them navigate through regional complexity and seize untapped opportunities as they look to overseas markets to unleash their full potential.

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Our team specialise in enhanced due diligence, supply chain due diligence, strategic intelligence, and prospect research. Equipped with advanced open-source investigative skills, diverse linguistic capacities, and an extensive network of contacts spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, we have earned a reputation for delivering timely and meticulously researched reports that serve as indispensable tools for our clients in maximising opportunities, mitigating reputational risks, and gaining competitive advantages.

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We provide an extensive array of research and investigative services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clientele. From in-depth supply chain due diligence to comprehensive enhanced due diligence on high-net-worth individuals and corporations, as well as detailed analyses of complex regulatory environments and meticulous competitor mapping, we have the expertise and resources to empower our clients with the knowledge they require to make informed decisions in an ever-evolving global landscape.

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With a team of highly skilled in-house multilingual investigators and an expansive network of professional research partners spanning six continents, our research capabilities extend to a total of 27 languages. This includes 14 Asian and Middle Eastern languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Nepali, as well as 12 European languages such as English, Spanish, German, Danish, Swedish, and Russian. In addition, we are capable of conducting research in Afrikaans.

 

Our clients range from some of the world's largest development finance institutions, leading litigation support firms, and top-ranking universities, to some of the largest and most renowned business intelligence companies in the UK and overseas. We also provide tailored research services to small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring that organisations of all sizes can benefit from our expertise.

 

Astra Diligence takes a collaborative approach in working with clients, focusing not only on what they want, but how they want it. We strive to push the boundaries of what can be achieved and offers a fresh perspective to due diligence and risk analysis.

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Nan Nielsen is the founder and Managing Director of Astra Diligence. A polyglot investigator, Nan brings an exceptional wealth of experience garnered from both the private sector and the higher education industry including the University of Oxford on complex Asia-focused investigations and due diligence projects.

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Fluent in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Spanish, Nan has spearheaded numerous high-stakes due diligence and investigation endeavours across a diverse array of industries, such as renewable energy, manufacturing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Organisations ranging from international banks, law firms, and supply chain management consultancies to globally renowned universities have entrusted Nan with some of their most critical undertakings, seeking invaluable insights that pave the way for success.

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Nan's expertise extends further as an independent consultant, providing tailored research support to multinational banks as well as leading international business intelligence consultancies that are highly ranked by Chambers and Partners.

 

Previously, she served as Prospect Research Officer - China Specialist at the University of Oxford’s Development Office where she was responsible for carrying out in-depth multilingual due diligence, prospect research, and risk assessment of high net worth individuals, government entities, corporations, trusts and foundations – particularly those from Greater China, Japan and South Korea – with whom the University will aim to establish significant philanthropic relationships and/or high-level research partnerships. Nan was a member of Oxford's China Interest Group, which includes heads of divisions, leading academics and international strategy officers who collectively advise on the University's China strategy. Nan's exceptional performance earned her the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Oxford University Development Office in 2019. The award recognised her consistent excellence in all key aspects of her role, showcasing her ability to deliver outstanding results in a highly competitive environment.

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Nan began her career as an Asia-focused research analyst at a UK business intelligence company, providing a range of investigations and due diligence services to European banks and multinational corporations.

 

Nan holds an MA in International Relations and Spanish from the University of St Andrews and a BA in Advanced Japanese Studies and Chinese Studies from the University of New South Wales. She also completed a management course from Harvard Business School online. In 2020, she received intensive training on advanced open source investigation techniques from the British investigative firm Bellingcat.