Insights

Auditors play a central role in safeguarding institutional integrity. But when red flags arise—particularly in high-risk or opaque jurisdictions—some auditors look the other way. Whether due to distance, pressure, or deference, ignoring warning signs isn’t just a professional lapse. It’s a systemic failure that enables fraud, exposes investors, and leaves…

In high-pressure environments, founders are expected to be visionaries, decision-makers, and stabilizers. But when crisis hits, even the most composed founder can spiral—emotionally, operationally, or reputationally. Early intervention by boards, advisors, or key partners is not interference. It is risk mitigation. In fragile ecosystems, founder behavior during crisis determines whether…

Most organizations discover financial misconduct the same way: something doesn’t add up, someone finally asks the right question, and suddenly the floor falls out. What follows is usually panic, blame, and a scramble to contain damage before stakeholders find out. But the discovery of a breach doesn’t have to be…

International ad agencies often arrive in informal economies armed with polished decks, global portfolios, and high production values. They speak the language of awards and metrics. But despite their creative assets, many of these firms consistently underdeliver. In economies where cash circulates off the books, trust is earned in person,…

In fragile, politically sensitive, or low-transparency markets, local legal counsel is often your first—and sometimes only—line of defense. But just because they aren’t raising concerns doesn’t mean your position is secure. In many cases, legal counsel fails not by making a catastrophic error, but by quietly opting out of their…

In complex or fragmented markets, local campaigns often get greenlit based on urgency or proximity, not evidence. Billboards go up. Radio ads run. Local agencies report “good engagement.” But actual demand doesn’t materialize. Whether you are funding a program, investing in a startup, or backing an advocacy initiative, knowing whether…

Founders often appear steady during early-stage growth. But when real crisis hits—whether legal, operational, or reputational—the pressure exposes new fault lines. Panic sets in quickly. Public silence gives way to frantic outreach. Decisions start stacking without coordination. In fragile environments or donor-facing operations, this isn’t just disruptive. It’s dangerous. Stakeholders…

Hiring local counsel is a standard step in international projects, especially in fragile or politically complex jurisdictions. But the assumption that local legal advisors are safeguarding your interests can become a liability when their silence masks deeper risks. Deference, fear, or institutional capture can lead to a dangerous dynamic: a…

In emerging markets and fragile jurisdictions, abnormal startup growth is often praised without scrutiny. Revenue appears before traction. Headcount surges without a clear business model. Offices expand while customer numbers remain opaque. Sometimes, these signals point to aggressive scaling. Other times, they point to something more serious: a front for…