February 2026 – AKD expands its tax practice in Brussels with the appointment of Elien Van Malder as partner, alongside tax adviser Adrien D’Heure. Their expertise reinforces AKD’s position in complex transactions, M&A, corporate structuring, financing, real estate deals and tax disputes for Belgian and international clients.
Elien Van Malder advises clients on the tax aspects of transactions, restructurings, financing arrangements and real estate, and represents them in audits and dispute resolution. She translates complex tax regulations into clear, actionable solutions that align legal, financial and strategic objectives.
“Tax law is evolving faster than ever, while businesses need clarity,” says Elien. “My goal is simple: helping clients anticipate tax challenges, structure transactions and manage tax risks in ways that are both legally robust and practically implementable.”
Her in-house experience at a Belgian multinational gives her a unique perspective on how tax, legal and finance intersect. This allows her to design structurally sound and strategically relevant solutions, strengthening AKD’s position as a partner in complex tax matters and fostering lasting client relationships built on trust, clarity and forward-looking guidance.
In addition to her practice, Elien is academically active at Ghent University as a lecturer and researcher and is frequently invited as a speaker and author within the Belgian and international tax community (BATL, IFA Belgium).
Carlos Pita Cao, Managing Partner AKD: "We are delighted to welcome Elien to our team. She combines technical depth, practical clarity and strategic insight. Her arrival significantly strengthens AKD’s tax practice and demonstrates our ambition to be a leading partner in the Benelux for complex transactions and structures. With Elien and Adrien, we provide clients with solutions that are both actionable and strategically impactful."
The addition of Elien and Adrien underlines AKD’s growth ambition in tax advisory and the firm’s focus on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating legal, tax and financial expertise to support clients in strategic and complex matters.
