From Special Ops to Strategic Family Office Security

Peter Shanley, a former ADF Special Operations veteran and co-founder of Accordant Global Partners (AGP), highlights the risks and outlines a strategic approach to family office safety and security.

From special ops to strategic family office security | Simple

Pete’s journey to becoming a Chief Security Officer (CSO) for a family office began while getting an MBA.  While completing his MBA program, he provided security advice on a friendly basis to some wealthy Australian families he met through the program. That offer of friendly advice eventually led to him being offered the role of Chief Security Officer for one of the most prominent five-generation families in Australia. The family had assets all around the world and had more than fifty members. And it was that unique learning experience that led to the formation of Accordant Global Partners.

“I was in special operations on Friday, and on Monday, I was sitting in a C-suite office in the family office with the mandate to ‘have a look at everything that could possibly go wrong.”–Pete Shanely describes his appointment.

Life as the Currency

Pete’s takeaway on the current macroeconomic climate is this: “We have never been closer to a global war than we currently are without being in war.” This perspective, combined with his experience in special ops, is what drives him to be fluent in the current risks faced by family offices.

He describes the environment of special operations as one where ‘life is literally the currency.’ This means that the fundamental requirement for special operations is that planning and preparation ‘have to work,’ because failure carries the immediate risk of injury or death. He translates this mindset into the family office setting, advising parents on practical measures to safeguard their loved ones.

The Five Pillars

AGP was founded to address this gap in family offices by assembling a global network of veteran security partners. The firm now operates as an outsourced Chief Security Officer, making this strategic expertise available to numerous families.

In a nutshell, the Chief Security Officer’s role is to look after ‘all the things that could possibly go wrong’ for a family. And, if a crisis does arise, the CSO serves as the ultimate crisis manager, coordinating and supporting the family in achieving the best possible outcome. For that reason, Accordant Global Partners uses a comprehensive, multi-layered framework built on five key pillars to ensure long-term family security:

Pillar 1: Medical Risk

Mitigating medical risks requires thorough preparation, including comprehensive training for family and staff on emergency procedures, as well as ensuring immediate access to medical evacuation protocols. This also requires maintaining well-equipped, accessible medical kits and defibrillators in residences, with everyone trained in their correct use. Annual staff and family training covers the proper use of equipment. As Pete emphasises, in an emergency, the focus should be on saving a life, not figuring out how the equipment works.

Pillar 2: Personal and Physical Safety

Personal and physical safety first refers to ensuring home security for your primary residence and any holiday homes you may have. “If you don’t secure a holiday estate, you’re pretty much gambling that for those three weeks that you’re there, nothing’s going to happen. Hope is a terrible strategy, ” says Pete. This is why AGP conducts strategic security system design and physical security assessments.

Pillar 3: Travel Risk Management

According to Pete, travel has become a lot more prominent a risk since the COVID-19 pandemic. And since family offices are responsible for looking after the family when they travel,  AGP services range from pre-travel security and threat assessments to secure ground transport and advanced trackers that can locate family members by the second.

Pillar 4: Cyber Security

A cyber health assessment is one of the three most important risk management steps a family can take, and families need cybersecurity policies in place. Additionally, they should review contracts with third-party providers, legal teams, and tax teams to assess their cybersecurity measures. AGP cybersecurity measures include social media exposure, network penetration testing, and IoT security across all residences and devices.

Pillar 5: Bespoke/Reputational Risk

Bespoke and reputational risk for AGP means addressing non-conventional, highly specific threats unique to the family. In Pete’s words, this pillar includes a “whole bunch of random areas, such as the trusted insider event, kidnapping for ransom, corporate espionage, media risk, and mental health and addiction.” That’s because, “The goal is not just keeping out of the media because the family likes being private, but because less media attention means ‘global threat actors’ are looking at someone else and not looking at us.”

Learned Experience

Drawing on his years as a special ops and CSO, Pete offers practical advice on three areas where family offices are the most vulnerable. Firstly, when it comes to cybersecurity, while 99% of people think the impact of a cyber event is financial loss, the true impact is far greater. “It’ll be sensitive information that’s taken. It’ll be reputational risk and it’s identity theft,” explains Pete. He then goes on to describe how identity theft, in particular, can continue for years as someone pretends to be you, opening bank accounts or buying phone plans in your name.

Secondly, on social media, he explains how almost every risk event that involves some sort of physical threat “will involve social media”. Threat actors use it to track routines and find locations. Therefore, every family should have a form of social media policy or guideline. Getting family members to agree on rules, like not posting photos of others without permission, puts the family “halfway in front of everyone else”.

Finally, the single greatest risk event to a family office is a trusted insider event. That’s because no one can prepare for when someone who has been trusted for the past twenty years suddenly causes great harm to the family. “The damage is not just the financial impact, like a CFO stealing money, but the three or four years of court cases after that,” explains Pete. His single piece of advice is to “background check people that can get close to your family, particularly your children, and know everything you can to keep them safe.”

Proactive Approach

All in all, strategic family security encompasses a wide range of domains, and family offices should be proactive in their approach. Family offices should measure their preparedness across all five pillars and reach out to a professional expert where there’s a gap. As Pete emphasises, ” while you can never achieve a 100% solution, every one per cent adds up to hopefully a 70 or 80% increase in safety and security.”

The Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Today, we delve into an unprecedented moment in corporate history—the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. We explore this tragedy with insights from Brian Jantzen, a close peer of AGP’s from Constellation EPS.

This event is not just a personal loss; it is also a devastating blow to one of the largest companies in the healthcare sector.

This story goes beyond a life lost—it’s about the ripple effects of leadership instability, the destruction of billions of dollars in market value, the broader implications for corporate culture and security, what now falls under corporate responsibility and the actions other companies are now taking.

Financial Repercussions: Understanding Value Destruction

The assassination led to swift and devastating financial consequences for UnitedHealth Group (UHG).

From December 5, 2024, to January 18, 2025, their stock has seen a cumulative decline of about 15.8%, representing around $90 billion in market capitalization losses. It’s a striking example of the financial and reputational risks tied to leadership disruptions, and it really underscores the importance of resilience planning and risk management.

These staggering losses highlight how quickly value can be destroyed when leadership instability triggers a loss of investor confidence. While the immediate impact is measurable, the long-term financial repercussions remain uncertain. UHG faces potential challenges including:

• Delayed Strategic Initiatives

• Reputational Damage

• Regulatory Scrutiny

Employment Challenges

When the role of a CEO becomes associated with personal danger, it fundamentally alters the dynamics of the executive team.

• Will the safety of myself and my family be at risk if I step into this role?

• Does this company have the necessary safeguards to protect its leaders?

Lessons for the future

Companies need to be

• Protective Intelligence: Implement continuous monitoring and analysis of potential threats, using intelligence from multiple sources. This involves tracking social media, news outlets, and other platforms to identify emerging risks and suspicious activities.

• Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthen digital security by deploying firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. Regularly update software and conduct vulnerability assessments to protect sensitive information.

• Crisis Simulations: Organize regular crisis simulation exercises to test the preparedness of security teams and executives. These simulations should cover various scenarios, including kidnapping attempts, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and when and how to communicate to media, to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

• Risk Assessments of Executives' Lifestyles and Homes: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of executives' daily routines, travel plans, and residential security. This involves assessing potential vulnerabilities in their personal lives and implementing measures such as home security systems, personal security details, and secure transportation options.

• Help better understand the potential risks

• The impact of these risks on the individual, their family and business.

• The likelihood of them happening

• Potential mitigation strategies available and currently in place

• Regular Risk Assessments: Schedule periodic risk assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures and identify new threats. This includes reviewing security policies, conducting audits, and updating risk management plans.

• Secure Communication Channels: Establish secure communication channels for executives to discuss sensitive matters. This includes encrypted messaging apps, secure phone lines, and dedicated communication devices.

Leadership, Safety, and the Road Ahead

·       The assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO underscores the vulnerabilities of corporate leadership in today’s volatile environment. From the immediate value destruction to long-term operational, reputational, and the ripple effects of this tragedy are profound and ongoing. Companies are now aware they must prioritize the safety and security of their employees.

Special thanks to Brian Jantzen from Constellation EPS for his invaluable knowledge and assistance with this article.

Please get in touch, if you would like more information about what we are doing for other companies, or if you would like to subscribe to Brian’s monthly newsletter.

Safeguarding Wealth and Well-being: The Crucial Role of a Chief Security Officer in Family Office Risk Management

At Accordant Global Partners (AGP), we serve some of the most prominent families, corporations and business leaders in the world. We are our clients outsourced Chief Security Officer and operations team. Our Purpose is to ensure the families and organizations under our protection remain resilient to the unique and dynamic global risk landscape. We are not a security company, we are trusted advisors. We use our network of providers, which includes security companies, to mitigate risks that we identify for our clients.  

In the dynamic landscape of family offices, managing risk is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful attention to various factors. As affluent families entrust their wealth and assets to these entities, they are exposed to a range of risks, from financial market fluctuations to cybersecurity threats and physical security concerns. Amidst these complexities, the role of a Chief Security Officer (CSO) emerges as pivotal in safeguarding the interests and well-being of the family and their assets. 

Risk in a Family Office: 

Risk within a family office encompasses a broad spectrum of potential threats that could jeopardize the stability and prosperity of the family's wealth. These risks can be categorized into several key areas: 

1. Financial Risk:

Family offices often manage substantial wealth through investments in diverse asset classes. Fluctuations in financial markets, economic downturns, and poor investment decisions pose significant financial risks that could impact the family's wealth accumulation and preservation. 

2. Operational Risk:

Operational risks arise from internal processes, systems, and human error within the family office. Inefficient operations, inadequate governance structures, and compliance failures can lead to operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. 

3. Cybersecurity Risk:

With the increasing digitization of financial transactions and data storage, cybersecurity threats loom large over family offices. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft pose substantial risks, potentially compromising sensitive financial information and exposing the family to financial loss and reputational harm. 

4. Physical Security Risk:

Protecting physical assets, residences, and family members from threats such as theft, vandalism, and personal safety concerns is another critical aspect of risk management for family offices, especially for high-profile families. 

5. Monitoring General Health & Wellness

Managing a family's health and wellness requires careful strategic planning, proactive measures, and continuous oversight. It involves a commitment to safeguarding the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every family member. The person acting as the family's Chief Security Officer must possess a deep understanding of the family's overall disposition and implement a comprehensive, proactive approach. To effectively educate and guide the family in enhancing their health and wellness. 

The Role of a Chief Security Officer: an enabler! 

Amidst these diverse risks, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) assumes a central role in orchestrating comprehensive risk management strategies tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the family office. The CSO and broader Risk management should be an enabling function in the family office which supports the family to undertake the lifestyle they choose, not shut the family office off from the world. 

Here's how the CSO contributes to mitigating risk: 

1. Risk Assessment and Strategy Development: The CSO conducts thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and assess the likelihood and impact of various risks. Based on these assessments, they develop robust risk management strategies aligned with the family's objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements. 

2. Security Planning and Implementation: CSOs are responsible for devising and implementing security protocols and procedures to protect the family's physical and digital assets. This includes establishing access controls, surveillance systems, cybersecurity measures, and emergency response plans to mitigate security threats effectively.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards is integral to managing risk in a family office. CSOs oversee compliance efforts, conduct audits, and implement measures to mitigate legal and regulatory risks, thereby safeguarding the family's reputation and integrity. 

4. Crisis Management and Response: In the event of security breaches, emergencies, or crisis situations, the CSO plays a critical role in leading the family office's response efforts. This involves coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, implementing crisis communication strategies, and mitigating the impact of adverse events on the family's interests. 

5. Relationship Management and Education: CSOs cultivate relationships with external security experts, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to stay abreast of emerging threats and best practices in security management. Moreover, they educate family members, employees, and stakeholders about security risks and protocols to foster a culture of security awareness and resilience within the family office. 

In essence, the Chief Security Officer serves as a guardian of the family's wealth, reputation, and well-being, navigating the complex landscape of risks with vigilance, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to security excellence. By proactively addressing threats and vulnerabilities, the CSO empowers the family office to thrive in an ever-evolving environment while upholding the highest standards of security and integrity. 

Who We Are 

Accordant Global Partners (AGP) is your Comprehensive Risk Management and Operations Provider. At AGP, we are dedicated in providing our clients with exceptional Risk Advisory and Operations Services that address a wide range of security, privacy, and safety concerns.  

We work with Families and family offices of all sizes: Tech founders to multigenerational families with 50+ family members. We are our clients outsourced Chief Security Officer and operations team, ensuring a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach that considers every aspect of risk. 

We are your trusted advisors, committed to identifying and mitigating potential risks, as well as identifying, implementing and managing solution providers. Our innovative model streamlines the process of overseeing diverse service providers, effectively serving as an outsourced security & risk department. Our clients rely on our expertise to develop the right strategy and implement the right solutions to meet their unique needs. We are not a security company, but we use our network of trusted providers, which includes security companies, to mitigate risks that we identify for our clients. We assist in the selection, contracting and management of these providers. 

Collectively the AGP team has been built on a combined 200+ years of high-end risk management and protection experience from various roles supporting Governments, Corporations, Family Offices, and the Ultra High Net Worth. By using a team-based approach, we can protect clients from non-financial risks pertaining to security, safety, privacy, and personal protection. It is led by Global CEO Damon Spencer and has an Advisory Council of Security & Risk Managers from the leading family offices in the world. For more information on how we can help please email us at info@accordanglobal.com.

Navigating the Waters of Sudden Wealth Increase: A Guide for Liquidity Events

At Accordant Global Partners (AGP), we serve some of the most prominent families, corporations and business leaders in the world. We are our clients outsourced Chief Security Officer and operations team. Our Purpose is to ensure the families and organizations under our protection remain resilient to the unique and dynamic global risk landscape. We are not a security company, but we use our network of trusted providers, which includes security companies, to mitigate risks that we identify for our clients.

Sudden or large changes in wealth can be a life-changing experience, opening new opportunities and challenges. Whether it's through inheritance, a successful business venture, or a windfall, managing newfound wealth requires careful consideration and planning. Beyond the excitement of financial abundance, it's essential to proactively prioritize security & risk management as the new wealth and public profile (even within social groups) will change your family's threat & risk dynamics; Moreover, setting up a family office, implementing structures and policies, and building a legacy are crucial aspects of managing wealth effectively. 

Recognizing your role as the family leader and defining who you aim to support are crucial elements to comprehend. Family dynamics and passing on intergenerational wealth pose distinct challenges that call for well-thought-out frameworks. Our experience at Accordant Global Partners across multiple families in establishing and maintaining the family security & risk management frameworks, tells us that by promoting open communication and transparency within the family, the family can better prepare for potential situations, ultimately minimizing conflict and nurturing unity when making future impactful decisions. 

We advocate families take a holistic approach to risk assessment. A vulnerability in one aspect of your life can often have repercussions in multiple areas. By considering the interconnectedness of different risks, we can better understand and proactively address potential threats. 

At Accordant Global Partners, we provide invaluable support to individuals who have become wealthy by offering tailored solutions to address their unique security concerns and mitigate risks effectively.  

Here is how we do it: 

Risk Assessment:  

Accordant Global Partners conducts comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to the individual / family. By assessing factors such as personal lifestyle, who you are responsible for, cyber risk, travel risk, and reputation risk, we develop a clear understanding of the client's security and risk landscape and prioritize areas for mitigation. 

Security Planning and Implementation:  

Based on the findings of the risk assessment, Accordant Global Partners will develop customized plans, budgets and strategies to mitigate identified risks effectively. These will fall under our 5 Pillars of Risk   

• Medical Risk  

• Physical Risk  

• Travel Risk  

• Cyber, Digital/ Technology Risk 

• Bespoke Risk (these are Risk like trusted insider, reputation or other risks that do not completely fall into another category). 

5 Pillars of Risk   

Medical Training and Education:  

Empowering clients with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to security threats is essential for proactive risk management. Offering security and medical awareness training and education programs tailored to the families' specific needs and concerns are highly important. These programs cover topics such as personal safety, cybersecurity best practices, travel security tips, and emergency preparedness, equipping clients and their families with the tools they need to stay safe and secure.  

Planning Travel Management/Security:  

Travel is a rewarding part of life as an Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) family, but it can have unique challenges. From booking and itinerary management, to managing the travel risk across all family members in a dynamic environment. Families want to consider how they are booking travel, can itineraries for all family members be centrally accessed. Who do you call if something happens while you are overseas and how do you stay current and alert to changes in risk factors while you are travelling?  

As an example: AGP tackles this for our clients by partnered with a leader in global UHNW travel management to offer exceptional travel with peace of mind knowing if something goes wrong, help is just a call away backup up by a robust travel risk management platform.  

Physical Security 

When encountering sudden wealth, personal security becomes paramount. High-net-worth individuals are often targeted by various threats, and implementing practices to maintain a low public profile and monitor your profile can significantly mitigate risks, especially in this age of Cyber enabled physical threats. 

Securing your home is fundamental to ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Implementing robust security measures such as surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and reinforced doors and windows can deter intruders. But before you embark on these projects, careful thought should be given to what you are trying to protect and what solutions are appropriate. 

For some high-profile individuals and their families, executive protection services might be crucial for personal security and safety. These professionals ensure the physical security of the client and their loved ones while maintaining a low profile and minimizing disruption to daily activities. While we view these solutions as a solution of least preference, they can be an important factor in allowing families to live life uninterrupted, and in those situations, Accordant Global Partners can provide experienced security personnel trained in executive protection techniques to accompany clients during travel, public appearances, and other high-risk situations.  

Cyber Security 

In today's digital age, cyber threats pose a significant risk to affluent individuals. Safeguarding sensitive financial information and personal data from cyber-attacks requires implementing robust cyber security measures. This includes using strong, unique passwords, regularly updating software and antivirus programs, and encrypting sensitive communications. Additionally, being cautious about sharing personal information and limiting exposure on social media platforms can help prevent targeted attacks. However most importantly educating yourself and your family about online safety practices is essential for protecting your wealth and reputation from cyber threats.  

For example, information such as your home address and your children's school details can often be easily discovered online. This could result in the need to introduce physical security measures such as surveillance systems, access controls, and perimeter protection for various locations like homes and offices. Limiting the amount of personal information on the internet and establishing digital privacy measures to protect sensitive data and counter cyber risks is an essential strategy in today's digital landscape.  

Bespoke Risk  

Bespoke Risks are those Risks that do not neatly fit into the other categories and deserve special attention like: 

• Trusted Insider Risk 

• Geopolitical Risk 

• Reputational Risk 

• Addiction and Mental Health 

• Kidnapping 

Large increases in wealth (especially those in the public domain) change your family risk profile significantly, especially with respect to Trusted Insider Risk and Reputational risk. These two risk categories have the potential to greatly impact the Health and Wellness of a family and the family culture should an event materialize. 

Crisis Management and Response:  

In the event of a security incident or crisis, such as a physical threat, cyber-attack, or reputational crisis, Accordant Global Partners can provide rapid response and crisis management support. Coordinating emergency response efforts, liaising with law enforcement and other relevant authorities, and managing communication with stakeholders to minimize the impact of the crisis and protect the client's interests. 

Overall, Accordant Global partners has played a critical role in supporting individuals and families by providing expert guidance, strategic planning, and proactive security solutions to mitigate risks and protect their assets, reputation, and well-being. We assist our clients in understanding the unique and actual risks they face and provide them with advice on a wide range of safety, protection, privacy, and security risks from the perspective of a Chief Security Officer. We work from a “why” footing, exploring the actual risks before we look at the' “what’s” and “how’s”. To implement risk mitigation solutions, we then connect our clients to best-in-class technical experts and service providers anywhere in the world from our vetted partner network. 

In conclusion, navigating the waters of sudden wealth requires careful consideration and planning from the very beginning across various domains. Wealthy families have always faced risks; however, the risk landscape is evolving, as for example now families must be aware of cyber ransom attacks or privacy breaches linked to children's social media accounts. The unfolding methods through which wealth can be vulnerable have made risk management increasingly complex.  

Our advice is to seek professional guidance when needed so you can navigate the complexities of wealth and the risks associated with resilience and peace of mind. For more information on how we can create a road map for you, email us at fox@accordantglobal.com or go to our website www.accordantglobal.com 

Who We Are 

Accordant Global Partners (AGP) is your Comprehensive Risk Management and Operations Provider. At AGP, we are dedicated in providing our clients with exceptional Risk Advisory and Operations Services that address a wide range of security, privacy, and safety concerns.  

We work with Families and family offices of all sizes: Tech founders to multigenerational families with 50+ family members. We are our clients outsourced Chief Security Officer and operations team, ensuring a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach that considers every aspect of risk. 

We are your trusted advisors, committed to identifying and mitigating potential risks, as well as identifying, implementing and managing solution providers. Our innovative model streamlines the process of overseeing diverse service providers, effectively serving as an outsourced risk department. Our clients rely on our expertise to develop the right strategy and implement the right solutions to meet their unique needs. We are not a security company, but we use our network of trusted providers, which includes security companies, to mitigate risks that we identify for our clients. We assist in the selection, contracting and management of these providers. 

Collectively the AGP team has been built on a combined 150+ years of high-end risk management and protection experience from various roles supporting Governments, Corporations, Family Offices, and the Ultra High Net Worth. By using a team-based approach, we can protect clients from non-financial risks pertaining to security, safety, privacy, and personal protection. It is led by Global CEO Damon Spencer and has an Advisory Council of Risk Managers from the leading family offices in the world. For more information on how we can help please email us at info@accordantglobal.com. 

Managing the Trusted Insider Threat to Your Family: A Comprehensive Approach

At Accordant Global Partners (AGP), we serve some of the most prominent families, corporations and business leaders in the world. Our Purpose is to ensure the families and organizations under our protection remain resilient to the unique and dynamic global risk landscape. We do this across Five Pillars of protection and Risk Management - Cyber, Personal, Medical, Travel and Bespoke.  

In recent years, we have observed a consistent upward trend in the prevalence of Trusted Insider risk, which has had profound repercussions on individuals and their families, both emotionally and financially. Recognizing the significance of this issue, it becomes imperative to institute an annual policy as a proactive measure to mitigate the potential harm caused by such risks. 

Introduction 

A trusted insider threat refers to a situation in which an individual, either intentionally or unintentionally, causes harm or exploits their position of trust within your family organization or business. This threat is not to be taken lightly, as it can result in significant damage to various aspects of your family's life, including reputation, health, wellbeing, and both, business and family culture. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of managing the trusted insider threat to ensure the security and stability of your family's assets and relationships. 

Understanding the Trusted Insider 

1. The Unintentional Insider: 

Trusted employees or contractors who inadvertently expose or make vulnerable privileged information, techniques, technology, assets, or premises. Their actions may stem from ignorance or carelessness, rather than malicious intent. 

2. The Malicious Insider: 

These individuals pose a more deliberate threat as they intentionally expose or make vulnerable privileged information, techniques, technology, assets, or premises. Malicious insiders can be further categorized into two types: 

 3. Self-Motivated Insider: 

Individuals who act on their own volition without any external influence. Their actions are driven by personal motives, such as greed, resentment, or ideology. 

  4. Recruited Insiders: 

Individuals co-opted by third parties with malicious intent to exploit their potential, current, or former privileged access. This category includes those who collaborate with criminal organizations or other external entities. 

Types of Insider Activities 

Insider activities encompass a wide range of actions, from overt betrayal to passive, unwitting involvement in causing harm. Some common insider activities include: 

- Unauthorized disclosure of information, including intellectual property. 

- Physical or electronic sabotage of systems, equipment, or assets. 

- Facilitating third-party access to premises or systems. 

- Engaging in corrupt practices that undermine the integrity of your family's organization. 

- Theft and fraudulent activities, which can result in substantial financial losses. 

- Crimes against vulnerable family members, such as children or the elderly. 

Mitigating the Trusted Insider Threat 

To effectively manage the trusted insider threat within your family organization, consider implementing the following strategies: 

1. Thorough Background Checks: 

Conduct comprehensive background checks, including OSINT checks, criminal history checks, and reference verifications, for individuals with access to your family and sensitive information. The thoroughness and regularity of the background check is based solely off the level of access an individual has, to anything that can negatively influence the family's reputation, health and wellness, culture and business. 

5% of all background checks discovers a critical risk and the majority of these background checks are conducted on people who have been "vetted" by recruitment agencies.

2. Implement Access Controls: 

Limit access to privileged information, assets, and systems to only those who genuinely require it for their roles, and monitor access diligently. 

3. Raise Awareness: 

Educate family members, employees, and contractors about the potential risks associated with trusted insiders and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. 

4. Establish a Reporting Mechanism: 

Create a confidential reporting mechanism that allows individuals to report concerns or suspicious behaviour without fear of retaliation. 

5. Create or Establish Written Policies and Conduct Regular Audits: 

The escalating threat posed by Trusted Insider incidents underscores the need for a structured and comprehensive approach. By establishing an annual policy, we aim to create a safeguard that not only bolsters security but also offers peace of mind to our valued stakeholders. This proactive stance not only protects against potential financial losses but also preserves the emotional well-being of our community. 

Conduct periodic security audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary safeguards. 

6. Legal Protections: 

   Consult legal experts to ensure that you have adequate legal protections in place, such as non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses. 

Case Study: Uncovering the Insider Threat 

To illustrate the significance of managing the trusted insider threat, let's examine a real-life case study involving a prominent family and their potential nanny, "Jane." 

The family was initially impressed with Jane's qualifications and demeanour during interviews and CV checks. However, when they conducted an Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Check, they uncovered a startling revelation. Jane had an alter ego in the online world, where she was deeply involved in extreme activist groups opposing the resources sector—an industry from which the family derived their wealth. 

This discovery raised concerns about the potential risks associated with bringing Jane into their family's inner circle. It highlighted the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence when considering individuals for positions of trust within your family organization. 

Conclusion 

The trusted insider threat is a real and enduring risk that can have far-reaching consequences for your family, both personally and professionally. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to managing this threat, you can safeguard your family's assets, reputation, and overall wellbeing. Remember that prevention and vigilance are key to maintaining the security of your family organization and its trusted network.  

Who We Are 

Accordant Global Partners (AGP) is your Comprehensive Risk Management and Operations Provider 

At AGP, we are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional Risk Advisory and Operations Services that address a wide range of security, privacy, and safety concerns. Our team consists of a Chief Security & Risk Officers and Operations Team, ensuring a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach that considers every aspect of risk. 

We are your trusted advisors, committed to identifying and mitigating potential risks, as well as identifying, implementing and managing solution providers. Our innovative model streamlines the process of overseeing diverse service providers, effectively serving as an outsourced risk department. Our clients rely on our expertise to develop the right strategy and implement the right solutions to meet their unique needs.  

Collectively the AGP team has been built on a combined 150+ years of high-end risk management and protection experience from various roles supporting Governments, Corporations, Family Offices, and the Ultra High Net Worth. By using a team-based approach, they’re able to protect clients from non-financial risks pertaining to security, safety, privacy, and personal protection. It is led by Global CEO Damon Spencer and has an Advisory Council of Risk Managers from the leading family offices in the world. For more information on how we can help please email info@accordantglobal.com. 

Night Terrors - Elderly Care

It's 11pm, and your mother accidentally falls while heading to the bathroom, fracturing her hip. Unable to move, she lies on the cold, tiled floor, experiencing intense pain. Her phone, left in the bedroom, is out of reach, and her body temperature is dropping quickly. Alone and unnoticed, she won't be discovered until the household staff begin their shift at 7am. 

Enhancing Safety for Elderly Parents: Comprehensive Measures for Peace of Mind 

When the roles reverse, and we find ourselves in the position of caregiving and guiding our elderly parents, it presents a challenging but crucial transition. The safety of our elderly loved ones, especially when they reside alone or in a secluded section of a large family estate, is paramount. However, the delicate dance of suggesting assistance without undermining their independence can be tricky. A comprehensive approach can help ease these concerns, ensuring they are well-protected against potential hazards like accidents, home invasions, and common elderly-related incidents such as trips, slips, and falls. 

Security Systems: The First Line of Defense. 

1. A robust security system acts as a protective shield, providing both the elderly and their families with peace of mind. Here are some 

Thermal Cameras: Unlike standard cameras, thermal cameras can detect the heat emitted by objects. They are invaluable during the night or in obscured visibility conditions, making it easy to spot intruders or even misplaced pets. 

2. Monitoring: Real-time monitoring, possibly through a professional service or through connected smart devices, ensures that any anomaly or security breach is quickly detected and addressed. 

3. Duress Alarm with Advanced Features: An easy-to-use duress alarm can be a lifesaver. Features like fall detection automatically alert in case of trips or slips. Furthermore, the speakerphone feature advises the user's location and can initiate calls to up to six pre-selected numbers, ensuring swift assistance. 

4. GPS Trackers: Embedding GPS trackers in vehicles and phones can help track the elderly if they venture out. Especially useful for seniors experiencing memory challenges, these trackers ensure they can be located swiftly in case of emergencies. 

5. Smoke Detectors: Often overlooked, but critical. Advanced smoke detectors not only sense smoke but can also detect abrupt rises in temperature, alerting inhabitants well before a potential fire becomes uncontrollable. 

Medical Preparedness: A Step Beyond Regular Safety Measures. 

While the above security measures are crucial, medical preparedness can further ensure safety: 

1. Defibrillator Station: Cardiac events are unpredictable. Having a defibrillator in a known, accessible location in each residence is vital. A few moments can make the difference, and this device can provide crucial support before medical professionals arrive. The combination of CPR and defibrillation is the only definitive treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, increasing survival rates by up to 70%.

2. Comprehensive Training: A defibrillator is useful only when someone knows how to operate it. 

Regular training sessions for all staff – whether internal aides, external support teams, drivers, and of course, family members – can be instrumental. Alongside this, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training ensures that the first response in emergencies is both swift and effective. 

3. A first response plan created for all staff and family members to have, to streamline response times by emergency services and have direct numbers to medical professionals. 

Having seen the impact of the above scenario on both the UHNW family and family offices on multiple occasions, Accordant Global Partners provides a wide range of protection, privacy, and security analysis, which enables our clients to understand the unique and actual risks they face. We also understand that the broader structure which the family office supports is constantly subject to change - often in terms of the principle and their extended family’s location. 

If the scenario in this article has prompted any concerns or red flags in the level of current safety or protection, AGP are here to have the conversation - and to explore both those concerns and solutions with you. We act as an on-call Chief Security/Chief Risk Officer, supporting you with up-to-date objective and expert advice. That conversation can evolve into multiple options – all geared towards improving client and Family Office safety and security, which include a Family Enterprise Risk Session, Risk Management Plan and Project & Incident Management schedule, where you can access our team of world class service providers, to rapidly engage with you anywhere in the world. 

AGP is committed to confirming the structures and strategies you have in place are both current and operational – ensuring that what you have is what you need.  

While conversations around safety might be tough, the peace of mind provided by these measures is invaluable. By proactively integrating advanced security systems and medical preparedness initiatives, children of elderly parents can be assured of their loved ones' safety and well-being. After all, ensuring that the golden years of our parents are spent in security and comfort is a responsibility we all share and cherish.