Market volatility and tougher foreign investment guidelines haven't dented KPMG's upbeat view on mergers and acquisitions activity in 2018, as new data shows the strongest annual start in three years.

The accounting giant is bolstering its local M&A advisory ranks and has overseen a changing of the guard in the division. KPMG confirmed a report in Street Talk that well-known boss Jon Adgemis was taking on a part-time role and Peter Turner would lead the M&A practice.