Control Risks

Ground Truth | US midterms: What the blue wave means for business

The Democratic Party triumph in the US Midterm elections will reshape America's political landscape from the state level to Capitol Hill. For organisations, the question is: "What survives and what is swept away?" Democrats control both chambers of Congress so can severely constrain President Trump’s domestic agenda, but he retains considerable power to act on trade, national security, military operations and immigration. Members of Control Risks’ new Geopolitical Advisory Council explain what this means ahead of the 2028 election. Our experts cover where the president is likely to turn his attention on foreign policy, how an emboldened Democratic Congress could use oversight, funding and investigations to shape the agenda, and why state-level regulation matters more than many organisations assume. The panel also considers how the results are being read across the globe and why businesses should resist the temptation to expect a return to normal. Speakers: Bill Udell Bob Scher Sorana Parvulescu

Ground Truth | Business and human rights: new challenges, new rules?

The concept of Business and Human Rights (BHR) has entered an era dominated by geopolitical competition. What constitutes harm, and how it should be addressed, is increasingly contested. As a result, BHR’s focus has shifted from just reputation management to one that includes market access, supply chain resilience and resource nationalism in a fragmented global economy. In this episode of Ground Truth, Control Risks experts examine the weaponisation of human rights, conflicting laws and outcomes-based rules. We also explore what organisations can do when caught between governments that demand opposite things, with human rights as the justification on both sides. Speakers: Dr James Sinclair, Head of Business and Human Rights, Control Risks Claudine Fry, Partner, Geostrategic Advisory, Control Risks

Ground Truth | Executive threats: behavioural risk, online intelligence

Insights from Control Risks and GE Aerospace Threats to executives and organisations are growing more complex. In Ground Truth, Control Risks experts explore how online threat intelligence, behavioural threat assessment and workplace violence prevention help distinguish credible threats from online noise, spot escalation, and stop threats becoming incidents Speakers: Alex Hillier Shawn VanSlyke Terri Patterson

Ground Truth | Enterprise security: converging risk, accelerating technology

In this episode of Ground Truth, Control Risks and Standard Chartered examine enterprise security in an era of converging risk, exploring where security begins, why boards must reframe AI risk, and the capabilities that will define the most resilient organisations over the next five years. Speakers: James Owen Shelley Boland

Ground Truth | Escalation and energy shocks in the Strait of Hormuz

The US-Iran conflict is far from over. As shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slows once again, concerns over energy security, supply chains and inflation continue to shape boardroom discussions around the world. In this episode of Ground Truth, we examine why the months ahead may prove more volatile than many expect. Speakers: Sorana Parvulescu Barnaby Fletcher Arran Kennedy

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Ground Truth | Kidnap and extortion: rising risks, evolving tactics

Kidnap-for-ransom and extortion incidents are rising, becoming more complex, opportunistic and global. In this episode of Ground Truth, we draw on Control Risks’ latest report, Kidnap and Extortion in 2026, pairing expert analysis with frontline response experience to unpack what’s driving trends and how organisations can protect their people and operations. Guests: Mark Rossin, Control Risks Director of Response Operations Michael Barty, Control Risks Director of Special Risks Analysis

Ground Truth | RiskMap revisited: what's happened, what's next?

Six months on from RiskMap 2026, Control Risks experts assess how the global risk landscape is actually unfolding. From geopolitical shocks and shifting US policy to accelerating AI risk and rising societal pressure, this episode cuts through the noise to identify what matters now and what business leaders should prepare for next. 2026 RiskMap top risks: New rules-no rules world | Rise of activated societies | Growing web of organised crime | The AI compute test | The normalisation trap Guests:  Claudine Fry, Partner Caitlin Egen, Director Jonathan Wood, Principal Read the full RiskMap 2026 report.

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In Re: - Evidence in investigations: beyond the circumstantial

How do you know when you have enough evidence to act? In investigations, determining the sufficiency of evidence gathered is often the thorniest part of the job. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya as he speaks with Control Risks' Brian Mich on the real-world challenge of evaluating evidence, especially when it is circumstantial.

In Re: - Impact of new FTO designations in Latin America

The US’ recent designation of certain Latin American criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) means a far broader range of activities can now implicate companies and investors doing business in areas where these groups operate. How has this changed the risk landscape for companies in the region? Join host Martina Rozumberkova as she speaks with experts Ana Cortes and Ana María Ramirez about how this new designation has intensified risk for companies with operations or supply chains in Latin America.

Global trade realignment: what it means for compliance

As diplomatic tensions between the US and India make headlines, the extensive economic ties between the two nations face a new test. With India standing as one of the world's largest consumer markets, these tensions raise critical questions about its future direction and the risks for its businesses. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya as he speaks with experts Ryan Rohlfsen, Kunal Gupta, and Brian Mich to unpack these issues. They explore whether Indian companies should prepare for heightened regulatory scrutiny from US regulators amid the ongoing friction.

In Re: - Decoding Investigations: Compliance considerations

As multinational development banks (MDBs) intensify their enforcement efforts, companies under scrutiny face a range of potential consequences from public sanctions and limits on future business to lasting reputational harm. Navigating this complex and high-impact process requires expert guidance. Join host Jon Preston as he speaks with experts Sârra-Tilila Bounfour and Joyce Nkini-Iwisi to unpack what happens when MDBs sanction companies under review.

In Re: - AI adoption in compliance: is your strategy clear?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-enabled tools have transformed how compliance leaders navigate regulatory obligations, far beyond the capacity of legacy systems. When used well, AI capabilities enable early risk detection, inspiring confident decision-making. But without a clear strategy, AI use invites incredible risks into the room. Join Control Risks' Principal, John Kim in conversation with Matt Reeder, Head of Legal at Bluesky Social, on effectively implementing and improving AI-driven compliance programmes, with a focus on three essential pillars: people, priorities and processes.

In Re: - Decoding Investigations: Unpacking MDB investigations

Multilateral development banks (MDBs) play a crucial role in global development, but when misconduct arises in MDB-financed projects, the consequences can be serious. From fraud and corruption to workplace misconduct, these institutions conduct rigorous investigations that can lead to public sanctions and long-term reputational damage. For companies operating in high-risk environments, understanding the MDB investigative process is essential. Join host Jon Preston in conversation with experts Sârra-Tilila Bounfour and Joyce Nkini-Iwisi as they unpack the lifecycle of MDB external investigations. They explore how cases are triggered, what companies can expect during field missions, and the importance of cooperation and compliance. With insights from both the investigative and advisory sides, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating MDB scrutiny and strengthening internal controls. Find out more.

In Re: - Enemies of M&A: fraud risk

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are high-stakes ventures, and in today’s volatile geopolitical and regulatory environment, the risks of fraud, corruption and financial crime are more pressing than ever. As dealmakers navigate complex cross-border transactions, the need for robust compliance frameworks and proactive due diligence has never been greater. Join host Martin Tornberg in conversation with experts Hannah Harrison and Oleg Kozlov as they examine the evolving landscape of M&A fraud risk. They discuss the implications of the UK’s new failure to prevent fraud offence, the challenges of post-deal integration, and how companies can protect themselves from liability through enhanced due diligence and compliance planning. Find out more.

In Re: - Using AI in investigations and eDiscovery: TAR to generative intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed eDiscovery, from early structured analytics and keyword filtering to the sophisticated use of large language models. As legal teams face growing data volumes and tighter deadlines, AI offers powerful tools for early case assessment, multilingual document review and even bespoke investigative workflows. Professionals in eDiscovery, whose work is routinely submitted to regulators and courts, must be careful when using AI in their practice. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya in conversation with experts Maggie Burtoft and Stuart Hall as they explore the evolution of AI in eDiscovery. They discuss the shift from traditional technology-assisted review (TAR) to generative AI, the benefits of custom-built solutions and how to address client concerns around cost, accuracy and hallucinations. Find out more.

Navigating the regulatory minefield of doing business in India

India’s complex regulatory landscape presents significant challenges for businesses navigating anti-bribery enforcement, compliance frameworks, and evolving data privacy concerns. With shifts in global regulatory priorities — such as changes in US FCPA enforcement and the growing influence of the UK Bribery Act — companies must stay proactive in risk management. As technology, including AI and machine learning, reshapes investigations, organisations need robust compliance programmes to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and corruption risks in an evolving enforcement environment. Join host Brian Mich as he speaks with forensic expert Sushmit Bhattacharya about the intricacies of compliance and investigations in India. They discuss the impact of shifting global anti-corruption policies, the role of AI in forensic analysis, and how businesses can strengthen governance in the face of increasing regulatory scrutiny. From navigating FCPA and UK Bribery Act enforcement to handling emerging risks in data collection and privacy, this episode offers valuable insights for legal and compliance professionals operating in India. Find out more.

The Global Insight: US foreign policy under Trump 2.0

In the weeks following his inauguration, Donald Trump has already made a series of bold foreign policy moves. What does a second Trump presidency mean for the international order and global business? Join Partner Claudine Fry for a discussion with Jonathan Wood, a Principal based in our DC office, and Barnaby Fletcher, a Principal based in our New York office. They investigate the key drivers behind the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy as well as tariffs, trade wars, the future of multilateralism, and the outlook for foreign aid. Find out more.

EMEA in Focus - Africa Podcast: Trump 2.0 in Africa: the dealmaker returns

Donald Trump has returned as the 47th President of the United States. African countries are anxious to see what his second term may mean for the continent. Join Vincent Rouget for a conversation with Patricia Rodrigues, a Director on our Africa team, and Barnaby Fletcher, who leads our Political and Country Risk analysis in North America, for a discussion about how US policy has evolved regarding the continent and Trump’s priorities in this context, what kind of partnerships African countries can expect to have with the US under Trump, and how the presence of South African-born Elon Musk could impact the incoming administration’s stance towards the continent. Find out more.

In Re: - Life Sciences Series: Regulatory risks in China

Martina Rozumberkova for a discussion with Principal Regina Zhou about the evolving regulatory environment and the challenges of operating in China. They explore key lessons from high-profile investigations, the strategic importance of robust compliance frameworks, and recent regulatory reforms, like data transfer regulations and foreign investment in medical innovations — as well as new opportunities, despite the complexities of the landscape. Find out more.

EMEA in Focus - Africa Podcast: John Mahama's Ghana reboot

Opposition candidate John Mahama will return as Ghana’s President following his recent electoral victory. This is a massive comeback for Mahama, who left a shaky legacy. What can we expect from his upcoming administration? Join Vincent Rouget for a discussion with Control Risks experts Mikolaj Judson and Omobolade Olagunju about why the results turned out the way they did and how Mahama might reboot Ghana's economy. Find out how we can support your organisation.