Fresh insights and perspectives from Falcone International

Discover the latest insights, trends, and news in corporate investigations, business intelligence, and forensic solutions on our Insights page. As a leading provider of specialized investigative services, we provide high-quality information to equip you with the tools necessary to make informed decisions and achieve your goals. Our team of experts is dedicated to sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience to enhance your understanding of best practices, new technologies, and industry regulations. Stay ahead of the curve with our informative articles.

Book of the Month

Master the Art of Negotiation with our Book of the Month: “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss

October 1, 2023

“Never Split the Difference” offers an inside look into the world of high-stakes hostage negotiations, translated into tactics for personal and business use. Chris Voss, a former FBI negotiator, shares strategies that center around empathy, active listening, and tactical mirroring to sway outcomes. This book is an essential guide for anyone aiming to improve their negotiation skills and interpersonal effectiveness.

Book of the Month

Decoding Espionage: Delve into Our Book of the Month: “On Intelligence” by John Hughes-Wilson

September 1, 2023

In “On Intelligence,” John Hughes-Wilson offers an insightful journey through the clandestine world of intelligence and espionage. Covering historical events to modern dilemmas, the book illuminates the inner workings of intelligence agencies and their impact on world history. This exploration encourages critical thinking about the role of intelligence in society and the ethical issues it presents.

Weekend Read

Braving the economic storm: Adapting risk and resilience management to recession-proof a business

August 11, 2023

This weekend read delves into the various risks businesses face during economic downturns, with a particular focus on the rise of fraud and malfeasance. It outlines several strategies to recession-proof a business, including fostering a culture of integrity, investing in human capital, leveraging technology, creating a robust crisis management plan, and implementing strong internal controls. By taking proactive measures, businesses can effectively manage risks, enhance resilience, and weather the economic storm.

Book of the Month

Confronting cyber insecurity in our Book of the Month “Glass Houses” by Joel Brenner

August 1, 2023

In “Glass Houses,” author Joel Brenner dissects the paradox of privacy, secrecy, and cyber insecurity within our increasingly transparent digital age. Brenner presents a thorough exploration of the delicate balance between the need for secrecy and the demand for transparency in modern societies. Through his detailed examination of current cybersecurity issues, Brenner provides valuable insights into navigating the complex dynamics of privacy in a world where every action can be monitored and tracked.

Business Insight

What is counterparty risk and how to manage it effectively?

July 25, 2023

In the world’s complex network of business transactions, counterparty risk stands out as an invisible game-changer. Frequently under-appreciated and easily overlooked, this element can silently sway a company’s fortune. This comprehensive guide seeks to demystify counterparty risk, illuminate its significance, and offer an efficient path toward its management.

In the News

Forbes: Don’t get hacked. The increased risk of cyber-threats and how family offices can protect themselves

July 6, 2023

Tobias Jaeger, Founder & CEO of Falcone International, recently shared his expert insight in a Forbes article authored by Senior Contributor and &Simple CEO Francois Botha about cyber-threats and how family offices can protect themselves against them.

Book of the Month

An inside look into the world of espionage with “The Art of Intelligence” our Book of the Month

July 1, 2023

The realm of intelligence and espionage often seems shrouded in mystery, filled with veiled strategies and clandestine operations. Understanding this world, however, provides unparalleled insights into the workings of global power structures and offers key lessons in decision-making, risk management, and problem-solving. This month, we delve into “The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service” by Henry A. Crumpton, a veteran CIA officer, for an insider’s perspective on intelligence operations.

In the News

Canadian Family Offices: Beware of deal-killers: Six common due-diligence pitfalls

June 29, 2023

In his article “Beware of deal-killers: Six common due-diligence pitfalls”, published on Canadian Family Offices, Tobias Jaeger, a main partner at Falcone International, underlines the importance of comprehensive due diligence in deal-making processes to avoid potential disasters for family offices and family businesses. Jaeger outlines six risk areas that often go overlooked during the due diligence process: management teams, co-investors, regulatory changes, third-party vendors, deal structures, and cultural and language differences.

Business Insight

ESG marks the new frontier in modern risk management and resilience building

June 15, 2023

Risk management has entered a new era defined by a shifting landscape, where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors represent the new frontier. The ESG framework has become an integral part of business operations, defining how organizations perceive and address their operations, stakeholder relations, and long-term sustainability. What was once considered a peripheral issue, ESG now forms the core of an organization’s existence, determining its competitiveness and survival in a rapidly changing world.

Book of the Month

Decode the intelligence mindset with “How Spies Think” from ex-GCHQ director David Omand and enhance your decision-making skills with our Book of the Month

June 1, 2023

This month, we are delighted to feature “How Spies Think: Ten Lessons in Intelligence” by David Omand as our Book of the Month. A fascinating exploration of the world of intelligence analysis, this book offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the thought processes of spies and how their techniques can be applied in everyday life.

Business Insight

The four dimensions of leveraging the benefits of pre-investment due diligence

May 23, 2023

Pre-investment due diligence, often an overlooked aspect, can be the line between a successful deal and a disastrous one. As investment deals grow more complex, even seasoned investors can overlook details that might spell doom for a promising deal. This piece delves into the critical importance of pre-investment due diligence, what it entails, and why working with professional partners isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Business Insight

Five things to do to get the most out of the Falcone International Risk Assessment FIRAv2™. A guide for business leaders.

May 11, 2023

Managing and assessing risk has never been more critical in the fast-paced and rapidly evolving business world. Falcone International’s FIRAv2 is an online risk assessment tool specifically designed to assist business leaders in identifying, measuring, and managing potential risks. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize FIRAv2 and derive substantial value from the tool.

Book of the Month

Spy the Lie: Unravel the secrets of deception with our Book of the Month

May 1, 2023

This May, our book of the month is “Spy the Lie” by Philip Houston, Michael Floyd, and Susan Carnicero. A must-read for anyone intrigued by the world of deception detection and those seeking to improve their ability to discern the truth, “Spy the Lie” is a captivating guide that teaches readers how to spot lies with utmost precision.

Company Update

Introducing the next generation of the Falcone International Risk Assessment (FIRA v2)

March 20, 2023

Falcone International proudly announces the launch of FIRA v2, an enhanced free online risk assessment tool designed to help businesses evaluate their risk and resilience. By answering 25 focused questions, users receive a comprehensive report with actionable insights tailored to their organization’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Case Study

Stopping a money laundering scheme: How we helped a UK CFO protect company finances and reputation

March 13, 2023

The Chief Financial Officer of a medium-sized manufacturing company based in the United Kingdom found himself unwittingly caught up in a money laundering scheme. The CFO had been with the company for almost a decade and had an excellent reputation for his financial management skills and ability to protect company finances. However, the CFO’s reputation and career were at risk when he was caught up in the scheme.

Case Study

Uncovering hidden risks: How our investigation team helped protect an investment firm from a problematic investor

March 9, 2023

A US medium-sized investment firm was considering receiving funds from a possibly problematic investor, and the firm needed an investigation team. The investment firm was concerned about the possible damage that could be inflicted on its business reputation and finances if the investor was found to have engaged in fraudulent or illegal activities. As a result, the investment firm wanted to ensure they had all the necessary information and identified all hidden risks before accepting any funds from the investor in question.

Business Insight

How geopolitics affects businesses of every size and what they can do about it

March 3, 2023

CEOs and company decision-makers are well aware of the various factors that can impact the success and growth of your business. From economic trends to technological advancements, the business landscape constantly evolves, and companies need to adapt and respond to these changes to stay competitive. However, one factor that is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on business operations is geopolitics.

Case Study

Protecting business integrity: How our intelligence and investigation team uncovered potential criminal activity in a high-level executive candidate’s past

March 1, 2023

The Chief Operating Officer of a North American financial services company reached out for assistance. The company was in the process of considering a candidate for a top-level executive position, and a background check was needed to ensure that the individual was suitable for the role and ensure business integrity. The candidate had been recommended by the several top executives in the organization.

Business Insight

Protect your company and reputation: Why background checks are vital in the hiring process

February 27, 2023

Background checks are an important step in the hiring process for companies. They protect against legal and financial liabilities, verify qualifications, maintain a safe work environment, protect the company’s reputation, and promote a culture of honesty and integrity. By conducting criminal and employment history checks, employers can ensure that they are hiring someone with a clean history and the necessary skills and experience to perform the job duties. This can help to avoid hiring someone who is not qualified and may pose a risk to the company or its employees.

Business Insight

Protecting your business from social engineering attacks: The importance of employee training and technical controls

February 23, 2023

Social engineering attacks, such as phishing and pretexting, are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s digital landscape, posing a significant threat to businesses of all sizes. These attacks often involve psychological tactics to manipulate employees into revealing confidential information or granting access to sensitive data. In this article, we will explore the different types of social engineering attacks, their impact on organizations, and best practices for protecting against them.

Business Insight

5 major threats midsize businesses face and how to protect against them

February 20, 2023

As the world becomes increasingly connected, midsize businesses face new and complex security threats. Cybercriminals are always looking for new targets. Companies that aren’t prepared for these threats are at a high risk of losing sensitive data, suffering financial losses, and damaging their reputation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant threats midsize businesses face and what they can do to protect themselves.

White Paper

Practical strategies and solutions to safeguard private equity firms and asset managers

February 10, 2023

In this white paper, we share state-of-the-art strategies for private equity firms to mitigate deal execution risk, enhance governance, and protect funds and managers against internal and external threats. A high concentration of capital in the hands of a small number of people puts private equity firms under the same pressure as larger investment organizations with a higher headcount.

Fresh insights and perspectives from Falcone International

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