We specialize in complex, volatile, and misunderstood regions—places where traditional consulting firms hesitate to go, and where real-world risk and opportunity exist side by side.
We support organizations navigating corruption risk, cartel-related instability, and regulatory uncertainty in Mexico and Central America. Our work blends discreet strategic advisory with hands-on support for partnerships, procurement, and exit scenarios in fast-moving environments.
From Argentina’s volatility to Colombia’s investor climate, we advise in polarized political contexts where economic opportunity is offset by institutional fragility. Our experience spans market entry, crisis containment, and stakeholder negotiations across the continent.
We work with institutions and investors confronting operational dysfunction, donor fatigue, and shifting political allegiances. Our focus is on minimizing perception risk and building credibility in fragile democracies, semi-authoritarian regimes, and rapidly transforming ecosystems.
From urban India to remote post-conflict zones, our South Asia work addresses regulatory asymmetry, political capture, and elite-driven constraints. We help clients identify viable entry points while protecting long-term mission viability.
We support donor-driven recovery programs, and investor engagements in high-risk island nations. Our work helps clients stabilize operations amid debt distress, political flux, and logistical fragility, especially following natural disasters or corruption scandals.
We advise in atypical geographies. Our methods emphasize quiet clarity, helping clients navigate unclear incentives and ethically sensitive environments with precision and resilience. Reach out to us for more information to see if your market is a fit.
At Pholus, we prioritize safety, stability, and ethical compliance. As such, there are certain regions and situations where we do not provide advisory services:
Sanctioned Countries: We do not operate in countries under U.S. government sanctions, ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Active Conflict Zones: While we do not travel to regions experiencing ongoing conflict, we are open to providing remote support to organizations that align with our values and demonstrate a commitment to stability and ethical governance.
Absence of Formal Government: In regions without a recognized formal government or where governance is severely fragmented, we do not engage. A stable governmental structure is crucial for sustainable business operations.
"Do Not Travel" Advisories: We refrain from in-person engagements in countries labeled as "Do Not Travel" by the U.S. State Department. While remote support may be considered in some cases, these regions are generally off-limits for our team.
We help you see what spreadsheets miss and bring structure to environments that feel unpredictable.