Clear scope. Fixed fees. No surprises.
Every engagement is scoped in writing and quoted as a fixed fee before work begins. The briefing call and scoping note are free.
Four steps, in writing.
The same steps apply whether you need a single brief or a standing research desk.
Briefing call
A free, confidential 30-minute conversation about the decision you face. We sign a mutual NDA first if you need one.
Scoping note
Within two business days you receive a short written note: the questions we will answer, the method, the team, the timeline and a fixed fee.
Engagement
Work begins on a signed engagement letter. Your lead analyst keeps you informed and raises early findings that cannot wait.
Delivery and follow-up
We present the findings, answer your questions, and tell you if the indicators we identified begin to move.
Common formats and indicative fees.
Fees are starting points for a typical scope, in US dollars. Your scoping note confirms a fixed fee for your question, and it changes only if the scope changes in writing.
Briefing call
No charge30 minutes, by video or phone
A conversation with a senior analyst about the decision you face, followed by a written scoping note with an approach, timeline and fixed fee.
- Your question framed as precise intelligence requirements
- An initial view where we can give one
- Scoping note within two business days
- No obligation
Intelligence brief
From USD 9005 to 7 working days
A focused, sourced answer to one defined question: a political outlook, a regulatory change, a counterparty red-flag check or a short market scan.
- Bottom line up front, with probability-rated judgements
- 5 to 10 pages with a source list
- Indicators that would change our view
- One round of questions after delivery
Country, sector or market assessment
From USD 3,5002 to 4 weeks
A full assessment of a market, sector or political environment, built around your exposure and the decision you need to make.
- Agreed research framework before work begins
- Desk research, data analysis and expert interviews
- Scenarios and signposts where the outlook is uncertain
- Presentation of findings by video call
Integrity due diligence
From USD 1,800 per counterparty2 to 3 weeks
Background research on a prospective partner, supplier, distributor or acquisition target, covering ownership, reputation, litigation, sanctions and political exposure.
- Corporate registry, court and media research in local languages
- Sanctions and watchlist screening
- Discreet source enquiries where lawful and appropriate
- Red-flag summary with recommended mitigations
Expert consultations
From USD 500 per callTypically arranged within a week
One-to-one calls with practitioners selected for your question, screened for conflicts and bound by confidentiality terms.
- Experts recruited for the specific question
- Conflict and compliance screening on every call
- Optional analyst moderation and call notes
- Synthesis across a series of calls on request
Monitoring and advisory retainer
From USD 2,000 per monthMinimum three months
A standing research desk for your team: scheduled briefings on the markets and files that matter to you, event alerts and analyst access.
- Monthly outlook on your agreed markets and themes
- Event alerts with an initial assessment
- Research requests within an agreed allowance
- A named lead analyst as your single point of contact
How contracting works.
- Written engagement letterEvery engagement is governed by a written engagement letter setting out scope, deliverables, timeline, fee and confidentiality.
- Confidentiality firstWe sign your non-disclosure agreement, or provide ours, before you share sensitive detail.
- InvoicingReports and studies are typically invoiced 50 percent on signing and 50 percent on delivery. Retainers are invoiced monthly in advance. Payment is by bank transfer.
- Supplier onboardingWe complete supplier registration, anti-corruption and information security questionnaires at the scoping stage.
- SatisfactionIf a deliverable does not answer the questions agreed in the engagement letter, we revise it at no cost.
Not sure which format fits?
Describe the decision in a few lines on a briefing call. We will recommend the lightest format that answers it.
Book a briefing call