Top 20 Crisis & Security Advisory 2023

This report forms part of the Ranking News Advisory series, which evaluates specialized advisory firms across global corporate, financial, and regulatory ecosystems.

Crisis and security advisory firms play a critical role in supporting organizations facing operational, reputational, and physical risk events. As global business environments become increasingly volatile, corporations and institutions must be prepared to respond to crises ranging from security incidents and cyber breaches to political instability and reputational challenges.

Firms in this category provide advisory and operational support during high-pressure situations, helping clients manage immediate threats while preserving business continuity and stakeholder confidence. Their work includes crisis response planning, incident management, executive protection, security risk assessment, and resilience strategy.

Unlike compliance or regulatory advisory, which focuses on structured frameworks, crisis and security advisory is situational and time-sensitive. Engagements often require rapid deployment, real-time decision support, and coordination across multiple stakeholders under uncertain conditions.

This ranking identifies firms that demonstrate sustained capability in supporting organizations through complex crisis situations and security-related challenges.

Market Overview

The crisis and security advisory market has expanded significantly as organizations face a wider range of risk scenarios across global operations. Geopolitical instability, cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, and reputational crises have increased demand for specialized advisory services that extend beyond traditional risk management.

Firms in this category work with multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government entities to assess vulnerabilities, prepare for potential disruptions, and respond effectively when incidents occur. Their services are particularly critical in industries with global footprints and high exposure to operational risk.

The market includes a mix of global security firms with integrated capabilities and boutique advisory firms specializing in intelligence-led risk assessment and crisis management. Boutique firms often differentiate through agility, specialized expertise, and the ability to operate in complex or high-risk environments.

As risk environments evolve, organizations increasingly rely on external advisors to provide independent assessment and support during critical situations.

Industry Trend — 2023

The crisis and security advisory landscape in 2023 reflects a shift toward integrated risk management and real-time response capabilities. Organizations are increasingly combining physical security, cyber resilience, and crisis communications into unified frameworks.

Rapid response and decision-making have become central to crisis management, with firms expected to provide not only advisory support but also operational execution during incidents. This includes deployment of security teams, coordination with local authorities, and management of stakeholder communications.

Another key trend is the growing importance of resilience planning. Organizations are investing in scenario-based preparation and stress testing to anticipate potential crises and improve response readiness.

Firms that combine strategic advisory with operational capability are best positioned to support clients in this environment.

Methodology — Core Eligibility Criteria

To ensure structural consistency within the category, firms considered for this ranking were evaluated based on the following eligibility conditions:

• Provides crisis management or security advisory services
• Demonstrates experience in real-time incident response or risk mitigation
• Supports organizational resilience and crisis preparedness
• Operates across multiple jurisdictions or complex environments
• Recognized by clients in security or risk advisory contexts

Organizations focused solely on audit, traditional consulting, or product-based services without independent investigative capability are generally excluded.

Methodology — Ranking Factors

Firms included in the ranking were evaluated using a combination of qualitative and structural considerations rather than short-term performance metrics. Key factors considered include:

• Institutional scale of crisis and security advisory capabilities
• Ability to respond to high-pressure, real-time situations
• Depth of operational and strategic expertise
• Global reach and deployment capability
• Integration of security, risk, and crisis management services
• Stability and consistency of client relationships
• Reputation among corporate and institutional clients

The objective of the ranking is to identify firms whose advisory platforms maintain sustained relevance within the global crisis and security advisory ecosystem.

The ranking universe consisted of approximately 50–70 advisory firms globally, from which 20 institutions were selected for inclusion.

Tier classifications reflect relative institutional positioning within the crisis and security advisory segment and do not represent performance rankings or security guarantees.

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Tier I — Leading Crisis & Security Advisory Firms

Control Risks

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1975

Control Risks is one of the most established global providers of crisis management and security advisory services, with extensive experience supporting multinational organizations in complex and high-risk environments. The firm combines intelligence-led analysis with operational capability, enabling effective response to security incidents and crises.

Its services include crisis response, risk assessment, and security planning, supported by a global network of professionals. Control Risks is particularly active in politically sensitive regions and large-scale corporate environments.

GardaWorld Consulting

• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
• Founded: 1995

GardaWorld Consulting provides integrated security and crisis advisory services, including operational support in high-risk environments. The firm combines physical security capabilities with advisory services, allowing clients to address both immediate threats and long-term risk management.

Its global footprint and operational resources enable rapid deployment in crisis situations. GardaWorld is particularly relevant for organizations requiring on-the-ground support during security incidents.

S-RM

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2005

S-RM provides crisis management and security advisory services with a strong focus on intelligence and risk analysis. The firm supports clients in managing security incidents, cyber-related crises, and reputational challenges.

Its advisory approach integrates intelligence gathering with real-time response support, enabling organizations to navigate complex crisis situations. S-RM is particularly active in cross-border and high-risk environments.

Kroll (Security & Crisis Advisory)

• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Founded: 1972

Kroll provides crisis and security advisory services through its global risk and investigations platform, supporting clients in managing security incidents, reputational crises, and operational disruptions.

Its capabilities include risk assessment, incident response, and crisis management, often integrated with its broader investigative and compliance services. Kroll’s global presence allows it to support clients across multiple jurisdictions.

International SOS

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1985

International SOS provides health, security, and crisis response services to organizations operating globally. The firm is widely recognized for its ability to support personnel and operations during crises, including medical emergencies and security incidents.

Its integrated model combines advisory, operational support, and on-the-ground resources, enabling comprehensive crisis response capabilities. International SOS is particularly relevant for organizations with global workforce exposure.

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Tier II — Established Crisis & Security Advisory Firms

(Alphabetical order)

Dragonfly Intelligence

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2015

Dragonfly Intelligence provides intelligence-led advisory services focused on crisis preparedness, geopolitical risk, and operational security. The firm supports multinational organizations in anticipating and managing crisis scenarios by combining forward-looking analysis with real-time intelligence. Its work often involves identifying early warning signals of disruption, including political instability, regulatory shifts, and security threats that may affect business operations.

Dragonfly’s approach emphasizes integration of intelligence into executive decision-making, enabling clients to respond proactively rather than reactively. The firm is particularly active in supporting corporate strategy teams and risk functions operating in volatile or emerging markets. Its positioning reflects the increasing importance of intelligence-driven frameworks in crisis management, especially where rapid interpretation of evolving risks is required.

Emergent Risk International

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2016

Emergent Risk International focuses on strategic intelligence and crisis advisory, supporting organizations in navigating complex global risk environments. The firm combines geopolitical analysis with operational insight to help clients prepare for and respond to crisis situations, including political disruption, security threats, and reputational challenges.

Its advisory model is centered on resilience planning and scenario-based analysis, enabling organizations to anticipate potential disruptions and develop structured response strategies. Emergent Risk is particularly relevant for multinational corporations with exposure to high-risk jurisdictions or sensitive operational environments. The firm’s emphasis on integrating intelligence into corporate risk management frameworks positions it as a growing player in the crisis advisory space.

EOS Risk Group

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2015

EOS Risk Group provides security risk management and crisis advisory services with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure, personnel, and operations. The firm supports clients in assessing vulnerabilities, developing crisis response plans, and managing security incidents in complex environments.

Its services include intelligence-led risk assessment, protective security planning, and operational response support. EOS Risk Group is particularly active in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and international development, where operational exposure to security threats is significant. The firm’s ability to combine advisory expertise with practical implementation makes it relevant in both preparedness and response phases of crisis management.

FTI Consulting (Crisis & Issues Management)

• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Founded: 1982

FTI Consulting provides crisis management advisory through its strategic communications and risk platform, supporting organizations facing reputational, operational, and regulatory crises. The firm is frequently engaged in high-profile situations where crisis response must be coordinated across legal, financial, and communications dimensions.

Its capabilities include crisis planning, stakeholder communication, and real-time advisory during unfolding events. FTI’s multidisciplinary structure allows it to integrate financial, legal, and reputational considerations into a unified response strategy. The firm is particularly active in situations where public perception and market reaction are critical components of the crisis.

Hill & Associates

• Headquarters: Hong Kong
• Founded: 1998

Hill & Associates provides security risk management and crisis advisory services, with a strong focus on Asia-Pacific markets. The firm supports multinational organizations in managing operational and security risks across diverse and complex environments.

Its services include risk assessment, crisis preparedness, and incident response planning, often tailored to regional dynamics and regulatory conditions. Hill & Associates is particularly relevant for organizations with significant exposure to Asia, where local expertise and contextual understanding are essential. The firm’s long-standing regional presence enhances its ability to deliver effective and practical advisory solutions.

Max Security Solutions

• Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
• Founded: 1999

Max Security Solutions provides global security and crisis management services, supporting organizations in high-risk and rapidly evolving environments. The firm combines intelligence gathering with operational capabilities to deliver both advisory and response services.

Its work includes crisis management, travel risk advisory, and protection of personnel and assets. Max Security Solutions is particularly active in regions with elevated security risk, where real-time intelligence and rapid deployment capabilities are critical. The firm’s integrated approach allows clients to manage both strategic and operational aspects of crisis situations.

Pinkerton

• Headquarters: Ann Arbor, United States
• Founded: 1850

Pinkerton is one of the longest-standing security and risk advisory firms, providing crisis management, protective services, and risk consulting to global organizations. The firm supports clients in managing both physical and operational risks across a wide range of industries.

Its services include threat assessment, executive protection, and crisis response planning. Pinkerton’s global network and institutional experience enable it to operate effectively in diverse environments. The firm’s longevity and brand recognition contribute to its credibility in security and crisis advisory engagements.

Sibylline

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2010

Sibylline provides intelligence-led security advisory services, focusing on crisis preparedness, geopolitical risk, and operational resilience. The firm supports organizations in understanding and managing complex risk environments through real-time intelligence and analysis.

Its advisory model emphasizes continuous monitoring and contextual interpretation of risks, enabling clients to respond effectively to emerging threats. Sibylline is particularly relevant for organizations requiring ongoing situational awareness in volatile regions. The firm’s focus on intelligence integration distinguishes it within the crisis advisory landscape.

Veracity Worldwide

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2006

Veracity Worldwide provides intelligence and advisory services supporting organizations in crisis preparedness and response. The firm focuses on integrating geopolitical and security intelligence into decision-making processes.

Its work includes risk assessment, scenario planning, and crisis support in complex environments. Veracity’s advisory model emphasizes understanding the broader context of risks and their implications for business operations. The firm is particularly relevant for clients operating in emerging markets or politically sensitive regions.

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Tier III — Specialist Crisis & Security Advisory Firms

(Alphabetical order)

• Control Risks ONE
• Crisis24 (GardaWorld)
• Everbridge
• Restrata
• Securitas Risk Intelligence

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Remarks

Crisis and security advisory firms continue to play a critical role in helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable risk landscape. As global operations expand and exposure to diverse risks increases, the ability to respond effectively to crises has become a core organizational capability.

The firms included in this ranking demonstrate a combination of strategic advisory, operational capability, and real-time response expertise. Their work supports organizations not only during crisis situations but also in building resilience and preparedness for future risks.

Tier II firms in particular represent a group of established advisory platforms with strong capabilities in crisis management and security advisory. These firms are frequently engaged in situations requiring both analytical insight and practical response.

Tier classification reflects relative institutional positioning within the crisis and security advisory sector and does not represent performance guarantees.

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Recognition

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