The Missing Link of Family Office Security

Research suggests that there are around 7,000 family offices in the United States alone. The single family office (SFO) plays a critical role in the financial management and support of ultra-high-net-worth families. Because these families require a high level of expertise and discretion to manage their wealth, investments, assets, and personal affairs, family office security is a complex matter that covers a plethora of complex services. 

Bedrock Special Projects is a risk management firm that provides a wide range of support services to SFOs, helping them to achieve their primary goal of preserving and protecting the security, lifestyle, privacy, and assets of their clients. 

The Family Office Worldwide

It would be remiss not to mention that the United States isn't the only country with many SFOs. As a matter of fact, some other places with hundreds of such entities include: 

• Singapore,  
• Switzerland, and 
• Monaco. 

Therefore, family office security isn't only a necessity in North America but also globally.  

Another vital aspect is that corporations are typically the ones that establish family offices. The reason is that they usually have the most assets to do so. Being corporate entities, they also often have personal input from the leaders. 

"Personal" is the key word here as the security team needs to be intimately aware of the personalities and behavioral patterns of family office beneficiaries.  

Likewise, protectors must know how the family operates. Succinctly, here are a few things the executive protection company needs to be aware of regarding their protectees: 

• Where they travel to and where they live, 
• Investment and philanthropy strategies, 
• How to mitigate the risks that can arise from the first two points. 

For illustration, a corporate entity may invest in building schools in Congo. The country's beauty aside, it is known as a high-risk area. Thus, family office employees in the country could be discovered to have spent some funds illegally or come under an attack from an armed gang. Similarly, the school could be built from inadequate construction material, resulting in reputational damage to the family office corporation. 

Indeed, the impacts are endless, and many things could go wrong. Therefore, it is the duty of the security team to readily exchange information within all critical links in the family office to mitigate such risks. 

Services Provided by Bedrock Special Projects

Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The first step in any risk management strategy is to identify and assess potential risks. Bedrock Special Projects will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the SFO and its operations, taking into account the specific needs and concerns of the family it serves. Based on this assessment, Bedrock will develop a customized risk management plan to mitigate potential threats and protect the SFO's assets, reputation, and privacy. 

Physical Security: The safety and security of the family and its assets are of utmost importance. Bedrock will provide a full range of physical security services, including threat assessments, security system design and implementation, personal security, and residential security. 

Cybersecurity: In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is a critical concern for SFOs. Bedrock will provide advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect the SFO's digital assets and ensure the privacy of its sensitive information. This will include penetration testing, security audits, and incident response planning. 

Philanthropy (Due Diligence): Many ultra-high-net-worth families have a strong desire to give back to their communities and support charitable causes. Bedrock will work with the SFO to vett philanthropic organizations that align with the family's values and goals, and provides a meaningful and impactful giving experience. 

Travel Management: The SFO and its members may require frequent travel for both personal and business purposes. Bedrock will provide comprehensive travel management services, including secure transportation, logistics planning, and travel risk assessments. 

Secure Transportation: The family's safety and security are of paramount importance when traveling. Bedrock will provide secure transportation services, including security drivers and private charter aircraft, to ensure the family's well-being and comfort while on the move. 

Conclusion

Due to economic, social, and political volatility, family office security has been an area that countless UHNW individuals and corporate entities turn to for advice.  

In stark contrast, many executive protection companies are reactive rather than proactive in protecting the world's rich and famous. However, that is a flawed approach. In fact, providing holistic family office security means that the protectors don't sit around waiting for orders.  

Conversely, they should approach the family office leaders and say something to the effect of, "I understand your business and your outlook, and here is how I can be of service to you by implementing these measures." 

Bedrock Special Projects is committed to providing the highest level of support and expertise to SFOs, helping them achieve their primary goal of preserving and protecting their clients' security, lifestyle, privacy, and assets. With a wide range of risk management and support services, including travel management and secure transportation, Bedrock is the ideal partner for SFOs looking to ensure their clients' long-term success and well-being. 

Drop us a line to learn more!