Rising global unrest and the complex digital landscape have increased the risks faced by high-net-worth individuals, increasing the need for Close Personal Protection services.
As geopolitical conflict, civil unrest, cybercrime and economic volatility intensify, the risks to the personal safety of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) have significantly increased.
Across global cities and emerging markets, executives, investors, and public figures face rising threats from organised crime, political instability, and digital exposure. Close Personal Protection (CPP) is no longer a luxury. It is a critical risk management strategy.
Situation
The threat environment is escalating:
- Geopolitical instability: Travel or business activity in regions of conflict or disruption has increased the risk of surveillance, detention or extortion.
- Targeted crime: Criminals use online data to locate, extort, or kidnap high-value individuals, particularly in crypto and finance sectors.
- Digital visibility: Social media and digital traces make individuals and their families more exposed, and therefore more vulnerable.
- Institutional gaps: In many regions, police and local systems cannot provide reliable or discreet protection.
Case example: In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of crypto hardware company Ledger, was kidnapped in France. Attackers demanded €10 million in ransom, severed a finger, and shared video proof. Authorities intervened, but the incident highlights how even HNWI’s in stable countries can become targets of brutal, coordinated attacks.
Opportunity
Those who act early gain control. While the risks have increased, so has the technology and expertise available to HNWI’s to protect their safety.
Opportunities include:
- Use of technology and data: This enables detailed and predictive intelligence, risk and security assessments, to allow for preventative avoidance measures.
- Improving security of global travel: HNWIs tend to cross many borders. Vetted in-country protection, with 24/7 support and route planning, can increase travel confidence
- Ensuring a coordinated, global response: Seamless support across jurisdictions, that is tailored to international travel and lifestyle needs.
- Embedding CPP into daily life: Use of discreet services that blend into daily life, providing 24/7 security without intrusion
Mitigation
To improve their risk profile, HNWIs need to take control of their security with a proactive, intelligence-led Close Personal Protection (CPP) approach.
Specific physical, digital and reputational risks faced by HNWI’s can be mitigated through:
- Personalised threat assessments with detailed geopolitical and security and intelligence assessments to enable advance planning for family, travel, residences, and events.
- Engaging highly experienced Close Personal Protection (CPP) operatives, who have a military and/or police background, and bring international expertise and capabilities.
- Managing digital profile and activities to reduce risks from online exposure and monitor threats with cyber-physical security planning.
- Using advanced travel tracking and real-time threat monitoring through 24/7 Operations Centre.
- Ensuring providers are co-ordinating according to all relevant global legal, cyber, and crisis response frameworks.
If you would like to know more about ERS’s experienced CPP services, please contact Neryl Joyce.
Executive Risk Solutions Head Office
