Legal — Stepped-up regulatory action in India fuels demand for white-collar crime lawyers

A surge in enforcement actions by Indian agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department is driving a significant increase in demand for white-collar crime legal services. Top law firms are expanding their specialized practices by as much as 30% to handle a growing number of internal investigations and regulatory probes. The ED reported a 171% jump in attached assets to ₹81,423 crore in fiscal 2026, reflecting the heightened regulatory environment.