Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and the Family Offices that support them face a unique security paradox: their wealth and visibility necessitate robust protection, yet their lifestyle demands absolute discretion. Traditional, overt bodyguarding is often unsuitable, as it attracts unwanted attention and compromises privacy.

Conflict Advisory Group advises Family Offices on shifting their Close Protection (CP) strategy from conspicuous guarding to intelligence-led, layered security architecture. The goal is to build an "invisible wall" that is always present but never intrusive, enabling principals to live freely while managing complex, evolving risks.

The New Standard: Layered Protection vs. Overt Guarding

For UHNWIs, security is no longer a single checkpoint; it is a holistic, multi-dimensional framework known as Defence-in-Depth.

Overt Guarding (The Old Model): Relies heavily on a visible security presence (multiple bodyguards, obvious vehicles) as a primary deterrent. While effective against direct physical attack, it dramatically increases the client's profile, making them a more attractive target for surveillance, extortion, and cyber-attacks.
Layered Security (The Conflict Advisory Group Model): Weave multiple, discreet security measures across administrative, physical, and technical domains, ensuring that if one layer fails, others are in place to contain the threat.

This strategy allows for the implementation of the Situational & Risk-Based security model, which is increasingly favoured by global families because it is scalable and adapts to immediate threat levels (e.g., litigation, high-risk travel) while maintaining a low profile during routine activities.

Architectural and Personnel Layers

Effective close protection begins long before the operative is deployed. It requires hardening the client's environment against both external and internal threats.

1. Hardening the Residence (Physical Layer)

Security must be seamlessly integrated into the residence and estate, avoiding the retrofitting of obvious defences.

Architectural Security: Integrating specialised security measures during the design phase, such as reinforced safe rooms, advanced access control systems (biometrics/key cards), and secure panic alarms.
Access Management: Implementing strict perimeter control and continuously reviewing access logs to prevent unauthorised entry.

2. Mitigating Insider Threat (Personnel Layer)

For UHNWIs, the greatest risk often comes from within the household. The security team, drivers, and domestic staff have intimate knowledge of the client’s routine and vulnerabilities.

Enhanced Vetting of Household Staff: Conflict Advisory Group advises on implementing rigorous, recurring background screening and strategic vetting for all personnel who have access to the principal, the family, and sensitive information. This includes verifying employment history, financial stability, and digital footprint to mitigate the risk of fraud or collusion.
Discreet Integration: Employing Residential Security Teams (RSTs) whose training allows them to integrate seamlessly and discreetly with existing household staff, providing continuous, low-profile protection without disrupting the family’s daily life.

3. The Digital Dimension: Cyber-Physical Fusion

The Close Protection strategy must recognise that the digital footprint is the most common entry point for physical threats.

Digital Footprint Audits: Conducting routine audits of the principal’s and family's digital footprint and social media presence to remove sensitive information that could be used for stalking, targeting, or extortion.
Secure Communications: Ensuring all sensitive communication channels use encrypted platforms and implementing strict cybersecurity protocols for all personal devices.

Conflict Advisory Group designs Risk-Based Close Protection Programs that prioritise intelligence and discretion, ensuring that security is a seamless, adaptive safeguard that enables the UHNWI lifestyle rather than constraining it.

To safeguard your principals and assets with a security program that enables, rather than restricts, their lifestyle, contact Conflict Advisory Group today for a confidential assessment.