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Kroll (formerly Duff & Phelps) is an American multinational financial and risk advisory firm that has its headquarters in New York City. It was established in 1932 as Duff & Phelps.[1][2] In 2018, Duff & Phelps acquired the original Kroll company, which had been founded in 1972.[3] In 2021, Duff & Phelps decided to rebrand itself as Kroll, a process it completed in 2022.[4]

Key Information

History

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Duff & Phelps

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Duff & Phelps was founded in 1932 by William Duff and George Phelps in Chicago to provide investment research. Since that time, the firm expanded into corporate finance and investment management, as well as credit rating. In 1979, Duff & Phelps expanded into investment management, creating what would become Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (DPIMC), which was spun off into its own company in 2009 and was no longer part of the main Duff & Phelps firm.

In 1984, the company was nearly acquired by Security Pacific Corp. in a $35 million transaction. However, the deal was called off in early 1985 by Security Pacific Corp. because of restraints put on the deal by the Federal Reserve Board, which would have precluded the company from issuing public credit ratings.[5][6][7]

First leveraged buyout and return to public markets

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The company was acquired five years later, in 1989, in a $146 million management buyout. The buyout was backed by Freeman, Spogli & Co., a private equity firm that controlled approximately two-thirds of the company, and management and employees owning the remaining third of the company's equity. The transaction was highly leveraged, financed with 79% bank borrowings and 15% coupon high-yield bonds.[8] The company was taken public for the first time in 1992 through an initial public offering of stock on the New York Stock Exchange.[9]

By the mid-1990s, Duff & Phelps, which was operating as a publicly traded company, began to focus on its core investment management, financial advisory and corporate finance operations. As a result, in October 1994, the Duff & Phelps's credit rating business, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co., was spun off to its shareholders and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.[10] In 2000, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. was acquired by Fitch Group, which later eliminated the use of the Duff & Phelps name.[11]

Second leveraged buyout and return to public markets

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In 2004, Lovell Minnick Partners sponsored a management buyout of the company, the second time the company had undergone a leveraged buyout transaction, acquiring the company from its then owner, Webster Financial Corporation. As part of the transaction, the company was merged with Stone Ridge Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm.[12][13] In 2005, the company raised equity from Vestar Capital Partners to support the company's acquisition strategy that included the purchase of Standard & Poor's Corporate Value Consulting business as well as Valuemetrics, a financial advisory firm specializing in valuation services founded in 1981.[14] In 2006, it acquired specialty restructuring firm Chanin Capital Partners, LLC.[citation needed]

In 2007, Duff & Phelps completed its second initial public offering raising $133 million and listing the company's shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The IPO provided a partial exit for its two private equity financial sponsors.[15] Also in 2007, the firm formed a strategic alliance with Tokyo-based Shinsei Bank. The firm has continued its acquisition strategy acquiring Dubinsky & Co., a financial consulting company and Kane Reece Associates.[16] In 2010, the firm acquired the consulting business of Dynamic Credit Partners, bringing specialized talent in complex fixed income securities analysis, valuation and litigation support.[17]

Subsequent leveraged buyouts and private company history

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After less than five years as a public company, Duff & Phelps again agreed to a take-private offer from private equity firms. On December 30, 2012, Duff & Phelps, announced that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired for approximately $665.5 million by a consortium, comprising controlled affiliates of or funds managed by The Carlyle Group, Stone Point Capital LLC, Pictet & Cie and Edmond de Rothschild Group.[18]

In December 2015, Duff & Phelps announced that the University of California’s Office of the Chief Investment Officer would make a significant minority investment in the firm. As part of the transaction, The Carlyle Group and Duff & Phelps’ senior management group increased its investment. Stonepoint Capital LLC, Edmond de Rothschild Group and Pictet Group sold their equity interest in Duff & Phelps.[19]

In November 2017, Permira, a global private equity firm, announced the acquisition of Duff & Phelps from The Carlyle Group, Neuberger Berman, the University of California’s Office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents and Pictet & Cie for $1.75 billion.[20] The management team, led by CEO, Noah Gottdiener and President, Jacob Silverman, maintained a significant equity stake in the company and remained in their rolls.

In January 2020, Duff & Phelps announced it had agreed to be acquired by a global investor consortium led by funds managed by Stone Point Capital and Further Global at a valuation of $4.2 billion.[21] Permira as well as the existing management team agreed to maintain a "a meaningful equity stake in the firm."[22]

M&A History

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In 2007, Duff & Phelps acquired Rash & Associates, a nationwide provider of property tax management services. In 2009, Duff & Phelps acquired Lumin Expert Group, a financial consulting firm specializing in intellectual property dispute support and expert testimony.[23] In June 2010, Duff & Phelps announced it acquired Cole & Partners, a Toronto-based independent financial advisory practice. The acquisition established a Canadian presence for Duff & Phelps and enhanced the firm’s dispute consulting, valuation and corporate finance advisory services.[24] In July 2011, Duff & Phelps announced it acquired Growth Capital Partners, a Texas-based investment banking firm focused on transactions in the middle market.[25]

In July 2014, Duff & Phelps acquired the Restructuring and Insolvency Division of RSM Farrell Grant Sparks (“RSM FGS”), one of the largest dedicated restructuring and insolvency teams operating in the Republic of Ireland. The acquisition expanded Duff & Phelps’ Global Restructuring Advisory Practice to include more than 200 professionals across Europe, the U.S. and Canada. In 2015, Duff & Phelps made two significant acquisitions. The first was of Kinetic Partners, a UK-based financial regulatory consulting firm with 200 employees. As a result of this acquisition, Duff & Phelps launched its Financial Regulatory and Compliance practice. The second acquisition was of American Appraisal, a Milwaukee-based valuation company with nearly 1,000 employees globally. This acquisition broadened the type of valuation work Duff & Phelps did in the U.S., specifically in fixed asset management and insurance solutions (FAMIS). In addition to the new locations in the U.S., the acquisition established new locations for the firm in Europe and Asia. The American Appraisal acquisition also included the Real Estate Advisory Group (REAG) business.

In May 2016, Duff & Phelps acquired Corporate Finance Ireland (CFI), a leading corporate finance firm in the Republic of Ireland.[26]

On June 4, 2018, Duff & Phelps purchased Kroll Inc.[3] and it purchased Prime Clerk in 2019.[27]

In February 2021, Duff & Phelps announced plans to unify the companies under the Kroll brand, which was completed in February 2022.[28][29][30][31]

On March 25, 2021, Kroll announced that it had acquired Redscan, a UK based cyber security company.[32] In March 2022, Kroll acquired Canadian risk intelligence software company Resolver.[33]

Kroll brand history

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The Kroll brand originated with a consultancy servicing corporate purchasing departments, which was founded by Jules Kroll in 1972.[34] The firm began its line of work in financial sector investigations during the 1980s, when corporations approached Kroll to profile investors, suitors, and takeover targets.[35]

In the 1990s, Kroll expanded into forensic accounting, background screening, drug testing, electronic data recovery (with the acquisition of Ontrack Data Recovery[36]), and market intelligence.[35]

In 1997, Kroll merged with vehicle armoring company O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt to form Kroll-O'Gara.[37][38] The company became public and was listed on the NASDAQ as "KROG".[citation needed] In August 2001, the O’Gara vehicle armoring businesses were sold to Armor Holdings,[39] and the company's name was changed to Kroll Inc.[38][40] and its ticker symbol to "KROL".[citation needed]

In 2002, Kroll acquired restructuring firm Zolfo Cooper for $153 million. At the time, Zolfo Cooper was working on the Enron case.[41]

In July 2004, Kroll was acquired by professional services firm Marsh & McLennan Companies in a $1.9-billion transaction.[42]

In June 2008, Jules Kroll left Kroll Inc.[43]

In August 2010, Kroll was acquired by Altegrity, Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.13 billion. Altegrity declared bankruptcy in 2015,[44] and Kroll was later bought by Corporate Risk Holdings, LLC.[45]

On October 21, 2016, Carlyle Group-owned KLDiscovery purchased Kroll Ontrack for around $410 million[46] and operated it as a separate company.[citation needed] In 2018, Kroll acquired cybersecurity firm Tiversa.[47]

Controversies

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In August 2020, in the Court of Session, the Scottish Lord Advocate accepted that the prosecution of two Duff & Phelps administrators, Paul Clark and David Whitehouse, after the Rangers F.C. administration in 2012 had been "malicious" and without "probable cause". The court ordered the interim payment of £600,000 costs to the administrators. The administrators sought £20.8 million in damages from the Crown Office and Police Scotland.[48][49]

Services

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Kroll provides risk, governance, transaction and valuation advisory.

Private intelligence

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Kroll has been compared to a private intelligence agency (“CIA of Wall Street”) for its activities. The well-connected company founder Jules Kroll has hired numerous former CIA, FBI, Mossad, and MI5 employees.[50][51] According to French intelligence, Kroll has also been used as a CIA front organization for intelligence activities.[52]

Background screening

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Kroll's background screening division provides screening services for areas such as employment, supplier selection, investment placement and institutional admissions. This division also includes the Kroll Fraud Solutions unit, which specializes in identity theft protection and identity restoration services.[53]

Security consulting

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Kroll offers consulting services through Kroll Security Group, its Security Consulting and Security Engineering & Design division.

In 2020, Kroll was hired by the Austin Police Department to evaluate the department's policies and protocols for racism and discrimination. They presented their findings to the Austin city council in March 2021.[54]

Social media

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Kroll's business and investigations practice provides background checks on Instagram influencers, using publicly-accessible online information to prevent them being 'cancelled' for problematic or potentially disreputable behaviour (e.g. tweets which includes offensive language or content).[55][56]

Other work

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An agreement between the government of Ghana and Kroll for the firm to retrieve assets and investigate wrongdoings by previous appointments was subject to two lawsuits in 2020, challenging the constitutionality of the agreement.[57] Both lawsuits were dropped in April 2021.[58]

Kroll was hired in 2018 by Michigan State University during the Larry Nassar case to investigate over 170 sexual assault cases at the university.[59]

Notable cases

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The Heroin Trail case

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In 1987, in the prominent First Amendment case over The Heroin Trail stories in New York Newsday, attorney Floyd Abrams enlisted Kroll's help to find an eyewitness: "But was it conceivable that we could come up with an eyewitness who could be of help? I called Jules Kroll, the CEO of Kroll Associates, the nation's most acclaimed investigative firm, to ask him if he could inquire, through the extensive range of former law enforcement officials employed by him, whether Karaduman was known to be a drug trafficker in Istanbul."[60] Two weeks into the trial Kroll produced Faraculah Arras, who was prepared to testify he was involved in one of Karaduman's drug deals. "I was stunned," recalled Abrams.

Abrams used Kroll again in 1998 to investigate claims by CNN's Newsstand documentary that sarin nerve gas had been used in Vietnam in 1970 as part of Operation Tailwind.[61]

The John Fredriksen oil theft case

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Kroll assisted in the trial of Norwegian shipping tycoon John Fredriksen at the end of the 1980s.[citation needed]

Brazilian privatization

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Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Daniel Dantas, the company in question, André Esteves, Roberto Mangabeira Unger and Dario Messer signed a schedule agreement to privatize Brazilian state-owned enterprises.[62]

WTC and Sears Tower security

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Kroll were responsible for revamping security at the World Trade Center after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.[63][64] They also took on responsibility for security at Chicago's Sears Tower following the September 11, 2001 attacks.[65] Just prior to the September 11 attacks, Kroll Inc., under the guidance of Jerome Hauer, the managing director of their Crisis and Consulting Management Group,[45] hired former FBI special investigator John P. O'Neill,[66] who specialized in the Al-Qaeda network held responsible for the 1993 bombing, to head the security at the WTC complex. O'Neill died in the attacks.[67]

Capital outflows from the Soviet Union and Russia

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In March 1992, the Yeltsin government contracted Kroll to track down large sums of money removed from the Soviet Union prior to the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt.[68][69] On March 15, 1992, following accusations from First Deputy Prime Minister Yegor Timurovich Gaidar of "large-scale privatization by the nomenklatura", the Russian government froze all capital outflows from Russia, and eventually, the assets of the Vnesheconombank.[69][70]

Despite investigators stating they received very little support from Russian authorities, Kroll determined more than $14 billion (in 1991 real dollars) had been transferred from Switzerland to New York prior to the putsch (mostly in joint-stock companies, such as the Leningrad Association of Joint Ventures),[70][71] and that another $40 billion plus (in 2014 dollars) had been transferred out of Russia by the Communist Party and other government agencies of the former Soviet Union, through hundreds of illicit transactions.[72] This outflow of capital contributed to severe economic conditions in Russia during Boris Yeltsin’s second term.[68]

2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal

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On 28 January 2015, the National Bank of Moldova hired Kroll to present its findings from Project Tenor involving Ilan Shor's Shor Holding and the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal which was part of the Russian Laundromat.[73]

Harvey Weinstein

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In 2015 Kroll was hired by Harvey Weinstein to wipe evidence of sexual abuse from the electronic devices of Ambra Gutierrez as part of a settlement he reached with her. Weinstein had frequent interactions with Kroll especially when trying to find discrediting information about potential critics and accusers.[74]

References

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Sources

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kroll, Inc., formerly known as Duff & Phelps, is an American multinational firm providing financial and risk advisory services, including investigations, , cyber risk management, valuation, restructuring, and compliance solutions. Headquartered in , the company originated from the 1972 founding of Kroll Associates by , which specialized in corporate investigations and pioneered modern practices for and asset recovery. The firm gained prominence through high-profile cases, such as investigating embezzlement by Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos for the Philippine in 1985, tracing stolen funds from in 1986, and probing Saddam Hussein's oil profits in 1990, establishing its reputation for global intelligence and . Over decades, Kroll expanded via mergers like the 1997 combination with O'Gara for security services and 2002 acquisitions of OnTrack Data and Zolfo Cooper, diversifying into , , and cyber security while serving clients in , corporate, and legal sectors. Kroll has earned recognition for expertise, including top rankings in global liability management by Bloomberg, Band 1 status in from , and awards for valuations and digital innovation in . However, the company's aggressive investigative tactics have sparked controversies, such as Brazilian authorities' 2004 accusations of , , and email interception during a privatization probe—allegations Kroll denied as politically motivated retaliation—and involvement in efforts to suppress allegations against . These incidents highlight the ethical challenges in private intelligence work, often likened to a "private CIA" for its discreet, high-stakes operations.

History

Origins as Duff & Phelps (1932–1980s)

& Phelps was established in 1932 in by securities analysts William H. Duff and George E. Phelps. The firm emerged during the , when institutional investors faced acute challenges in evaluating securities amid economic turmoil. Initially, Duff & Phelps concentrated on delivering high-quality tailored to the public utilities industry, a sector critical to but vulnerable to regulatory and financial shifts. Throughout the mid-20th century, the company methodically broadened its research offerings to encompass a wider array of securities, responding to evolving market demands for rigorous analysis. This expansion solidified its reputation for empirical, data-driven insights, distinguishing it from competitors reliant on less specialized approaches. By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Duff & Phelps ventured into credit ratings, beginning with instruments and extending to in 1981, as well as bank certificates of deposit by 1985. These foundational developments positioned Duff & Phelps as an authoritative voice in financial assessment, with its utility-focused origins evolving into comprehensive services that emphasized independence and analytical depth. The firm's growth during this era reflected broader trends in professionalizing evaluation, though it remained rooted in its base and commitment to institutional-grade .

Leveraged Buyouts and Expansion (1980s–2000s)

In 1989, the management of Duff & Phelps executed a , acquiring the firm from its with backing from the Freeman Spogli & Co. This transaction incurred significant debt, which the company later addressed through its . Following the buyout, Duff & Phelps went public in 1992, listing on the and using proceeds to reduce LBO-related leverage while funding further growth in its core areas of investment research, credit ratings, and financial advisory services. The firm expanded its research distribution network in 1990, broadening access to its analyses of utilities, industrials, and fixed-income securities to institutional investors nationwide. During the 1990s, Duff & Phelps pursued strategic mergers to bolster its capabilities, including a 1995 stock-for-stock acquisition valued at $300.3 million of a Phoenix-based focused on , aimed at competing with larger rivals in the sector. This period also saw diversification into advisory and enhanced valuation services, capitalizing on the era's and restructuring activity, where the firm provided expertise in assessments and dispute resolutions. By the early , these efforts had positioned Duff & Phelps as a multifaceted provider, with operations extending beyond traditional credit ratings into global financial consulting, though it later divested its ratings business to in 2000 amid regulatory scrutiny on conflicts of interest in the industry.

Acquisition of Kroll Brand and Rebranding (2010s–2021)

In March 2018, Duff & Phelps signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kroll from Corporate Risk Holdings, integrating the latter's expertise in complex investigations, security, and cyber solutions into its operations. This transaction followed Kroll's earlier sale in 2010 by Marsh & McLennan Companies to Altegrity for $1.13 billion, after which Altegrity filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and reemerged as Corporate Risk Holdings. The 2018 acquisition added approximately 900 risk management professionals to Duff & Phelps, enhancing its global footprint in governance, risk, and transparency services. The acquisition positioned Duff & Phelps to leverage Kroll's established reputation in investigative and risk intelligence, originating from its founding in 1972 by as a pioneer in corporate investigations. By incorporating Kroll's capabilities, Duff & Phelps expanded beyond its core valuation and financial advisory strengths into broader risk mitigation areas, aligning with evolving client demands for integrated advisory solutions amid increasing regulatory and cyber threats during the late 2010s. On February 24, 2021, Duff & Phelps announced its intention to unify the company under the Kroll brand, citing the acquired entity's strong global name recognition in and investigative services as a key rationale. CEO Jacob W. Silverman described the move as a "major milestone," emphasizing the creation of a cohesive platform built on the strengths of multiple acquired brands, including Kroll and Prime . Certain legacy Duff & Phelps businesses were to operate temporarily as "Duff & Phelps, a Kroll " during the transition to ensure continuity while phasing in the unified identity. This reflected a strategic shift to consolidate diverse service lines under a single, recognizable name synonymous with expertise, culminating the integration efforts initiated with the 2018 acquisition.

Recent Developments and Ownership Changes (2021–Present)

In February 2021, Duff & Phelps announced plans to unify its operations under the Kroll brand, citing the latter's established reputation in investigations and as a means to streamline its global identity following the acquisition of Kroll. The rebranding process integrated Duff & Phelps' valuation and expertise with Kroll's investigative capabilities, aiming to position the firm as a comprehensive provider of , , and transparency services. The brand unification was fully completed by February 2022, marking the official transition to Kroll as the entity's sole name and eliminating sub-brands to enhance market cohesion. Ownership of Kroll has remained stable under a consortium led by Stone Point Capital and Further Global, which acquired Duff & Phelps in April 2020 for $4.2 billion prior to the rebrand; no subsequent changes in controlling ownership have occurred. In June 2025, Kroll CEO Jacob Silverman expressed satisfaction with the firm's private equity-backed structure, indicating no immediate plans for an or further ownership shifts despite speculation in Spanish media. Recent strategic developments have focused on inorganic growth, including the July 2025 announcement of an intended acquisition of Madison Pacific Group from Vistra to bolster agency, trustee, and services. Kroll also pursued multiple acquisitions in and to expand its restructuring, cyber risk, and compliance offerings, aligning with post-rebrand emphasis on integrated risk solutions.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Key Acquisitions and Mergers

In 2018, Duff & Phelps, the predecessor entity to Kroll Inc., completed its acquisition of Kroll from Corporate Risk Holdings on May 15, broadening its service portfolio to include advanced investigations, security, and cyber solutions alongside its core valuation and expertise. This transaction integrated approximately 900 professionals, enhancing global capabilities in , risk, and compliance. The deal positioned the combined firm to address complex, cross-disciplinary client needs in disputes, cyber risk, and investigations. Following the acquisition, Duff & Phelps pursued further expansion in complementary areas. On January 31, 2019, it acquired , a New York-based claims and noticing administrator, to bolster its disputes and investigations practice with specialized and administration services. This move created synergies with the newly integrated Kroll operations, enabling end-to-end support in high-stakes litigation and proceedings. Subsequent acquisitions under the evolving Kroll brand focused on cyber and intelligence capabilities. On March 25, 2021, Kroll acquired Redscan, a UK-based provider of managed detection and response (MDR), (XDR), and (SOC) services, to strengthen its cyber risk management offerings with advanced threat detection and endpoint security. The integration expanded Kroll's analysis across and on-premise environments, supporting clients in proactive cyber defense. In May 2022, Kroll acquired Crisp (now operating as Crisp Thinking), a provider of AI-driven real-time risk intelligence, to enhance monitoring of reputational, , and online harm risks embedded in digital signals. This addition augmented Kroll's digital services with technology for and threat tracking, aligning with growing demands for predictive analytics. These targeted deals reflect a of inorganic growth to fortify specialized risk advisory domains post-rebranding.

Leadership and Governance

Jacob Silverman serves as of Kroll, having previously held the position of President since September 2013. Silverman joined the firm in 2005 and has overseen significant growth, including expansions in valuation, cyber risk, and investigations services. Noah Gottdiener acts as Executive Chairman, providing strategic guidance atop the executive structure. Key executive roles include David Blowers, Jr., as President of Strategy, responsible for overarching and integration efforts, and Sharon Dhall in a senior operational capacity. Other notable leaders encompass Edward Forman as Chief Legal & and Jessica Stamelman as President of a specialized division, reflecting a team oriented toward and client-facing expertise. As a under private equity ownership, Kroll's is directed by a that includes Silverman as a member alongside Executive Chairman Gottdiener. The board comprises investor representatives such as Daniel Brenhouse, James D. Carey, and Jacqueline Giammarco, emphasizing alignment with ownership objectives like value creation and . This structure prioritizes strategic oversight and risk mitigation, consistent with the firm's focus on advisory and compliance services, though detailed public disclosures on governance policies remain limited due to its private status.

Financial Performance and Valuation Services Evolution

Duff & Phelps, the predecessor to Kroll's financial advisory operations, was founded in 1932 in as an investment research firm by William H. Duff and George E. Phelps, initially focusing on analyzing securities during the . By the mid-20th century, the firm had expanded into advisory services, including early forms of valuation assessments for s and investment decisions, laying the groundwork for specialized financial performance analysis. These services evolved from bond rating research to broader financial advisory, with the firm launching in 1979 and spinning off its credit rating business in 1994 to concentrate on valuation and . A pivotal development occurred in 2005 when Duff & Phelps acquired Standard & Poor's Corporate Value Consulting business, integrating a global network of valuation experts and significantly enhancing its capabilities in business valuations, appraisals, and assessments for financial reporting, tax compliance, and mergers & acquisitions. This acquisition marked the firm's transition to a leading provider of independent valuation services, including fairness and opinions, which supported financial performance evaluations in transactions exceeding $420 billion in aggregate value since 2005. Subsequent expansions in the late 2000s included acquisitions like Rash & Associates for consulting and specialized media/telecom valuations in 2007, further diversifying tools for financial performance optimization and dispute-related appraisals. In 2015, the acquisition of American Appraisal added nearly 1,000 professionals and global expertise in , machinery, and valuations, enabling more comprehensive financial performance advisory for operational and portfolio management. By the 2010s, under private equity ownership including from 2013, Duff & Phelps had established itself as a top firm for hard-to-value assets, earning recognition such as the 2019 HFM European Hedge Fund Services Award for best valuations in that category. The 2018 acquisition of the original Kroll brand and subsequent 2021 rebranding unified these services under Kroll, integrating valuation with and transaction advisory to address enterprise financial performance holistically, including tools like the annual Kroll Navigator for benchmarking discount rates and risk-adjusted returns. Today, Kroll's valuation services encompass business enterprise valuations, tax reporting, fresh-start accounting, and transaction opinions, supporting clients in enhancing financial performance through data-driven strategies for M&A, investments, and . This evolution reflects a shift from niche research origins to a robust, acquisition-fueled platform emphasizing empirical valuation methodologies and causal , independent of broader risk services.

Services

Investigative and Risk Intelligence

Kroll's Investigative and Risk Intelligence division provides forensic investigations addressing , , , reputational threats, issues, litigation support, and risks. These services leverage a global network of investigators, including former prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, forensic accountants, and data analysts, to conduct in-depth probes supported by proprietary software and analytics. Key components include information and IP investigations to protect sensitive assets and supply chain due diligence to uncover vulnerabilities in vendor networks and third-party relationships. Investigative due diligence forms a core offering, enabling clients to assess risks in mergers, acquisitions, market entries, and partnerships through customized intelligence gathering on potential counterparties, including political risk analysis and fraud detection. This risk-based approach aligns with anti-money laundering (AML), anti-bribery and corruption (ABC), and sanctions compliance requirements, often incorporating automated tools like the Kroll Compliance Portal Questionnaire for vendor onboarding, scoring, and tracking. Background screening services extend to comprehensive checks on individuals and entities, such as employment verification, criminal records, and maritime due diligence for shipping-related risks. In cyber and emerging threat domains, Kroll delivers threat intelligence derived from real-time incident response data, elite analysts, and proactive hunting to counter digital risks, including those from large language models and machine learning systems. As of August 27, 2024, the firm expanded its AI risk consulting to help organizations manage exposures from generative AI technologies, integrating security assessments with regulatory compliance. Security risk management consulting complements these efforts with threat intelligence briefings, pre-departure risk evaluations for travelers, and enterprise-wide risk mitigation strategies. Overall, these intelligence services emphasize proactive, data-driven insights to safeguard client operations across geopolitical, financial, and operational landscapes.

Valuation and Corporate Finance

Kroll's valuation services encompass a range of assessments for businesses, assets, and financial instruments, drawing on methodologies developed through its & Phelps legacy. These include valuations of business interests, tangible and intangible assets, and complex securities, often required for transactions, tax compliance, regulatory reporting, financial reporting, and litigation support. The firm specializes in hard-to-value assets, such as and share-based compensation, where quantitative experts apply customized models to determine fair market values. Additional offerings cover tax valuations, fresh start for emerging from or , and fairness opinions to evaluate the economic reasonableness of transaction terms, including intercompany . In , Kroll provides advisory services focused on middle-market transactions, including (M&A) across sell-side, buy-side, , deal structuring, and capital raising. Its practice targets sectors like , offering tailored solutions for equity capital markets, such as public offerings and -backed raises, alongside advisory for bilateral and syndicated loans. The financial sponsor group supports firms and ERISA fiduciaries with ESOP valuations and restructuring advice, emphasizing objective guidance for management and stakeholders in M&A, financing, and operational strategies. These services integrate valuation expertise with transaction advisory to help clients maximize value in investments, growth initiatives, and , particularly in industries facing complex regulatory or economic challenges. For financial services clients, Kroll addresses issues like , goodwill impairment, and intellectual property valuations, leveraging data-driven insights for compliance and strategic . The firm's approach prioritizes independence and empirical analysis, with over a century of experience in navigating intricate financial landscapes.

Compliance, Regulatory, and Cyber Risk Management

Kroll provides compliance and regulatory services encompassing , anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, and adherence to frameworks such as the (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act. These offerings include end-to-end governance, advisory, and monitorship solutions designed to detect, mitigate, and remediate operational, legal, and regulatory risks. In , Kroll supports clients with registration, licensing, and ongoing compliance, particularly under regulators like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), (FCA), and others including the AMF, SFC, and MAS. The firm also deploys managed compliance software to automate processes, streamline regulatory reporting, and optimize adherence while reducing operational burdens. In regulatory compliance assessments, Kroll aids organizations in meeting cybersecurity mandates across industries and jurisdictions, including the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which requires financial entities to enhance ICT risk and third-party oversight. Services extend to risk-based investigations and diligence, ensuring alignment with global standards like GDPR for data protection and NYDFS for cybersecurity in New York financial institutions. Kroll's regulatory advisory includes retained support for , prevention, and compliance, helping clients navigate evolving requirements through proactive monitoring and assurance. Kroll's cyber risk management integrates end-to-end services such as managed detection and response (MDR) via Kroll Responder, which provides 24/7 threat monitoring and rapid incident response. Cyber risk assessments deliver tailored recommendations using industry benchmarks and advanced tools to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. The firm addresses third-party risks through diligence processes that evaluate vendor cybersecurity postures for compliance with standards like GDPR and FARS. Additional capabilities include threat exposure management for continuous vulnerability remediation, cybersecurity transformation services covering identity and access management (IAM), (OT) security, and AI governance with model validation and compliance monitoring. This portfolio was bolstered by the 2021 acquisition of Redscan, enhancing Kroll's MDR and threat intelligence capabilities. Enterprise security risk management (ESRM) at Kroll combines cyber and physical threat advisory, validating controls and implementing resilience measures for global clients facing complex exposures. Cyber due diligence supports mergers, acquisitions, and operations by assessing IT and data risks alongside tax, financial, and regulatory factors. These services emphasize actionable, technology-driven outcomes to build long-term cyber resilience without reliance on unverified vendor claims.

Claims Administration and Dispute Resolution

Kroll provides end-to-end settlement administration for class actions, mass torts, and regulatory matters, encompassing notice programs, claims evaluation, distribution of funds, and compliance with court-approved protocols. These services leverage proprietary technology platforms for digital notice delivery, online claims submission, and database management to streamline processes and ensure transparency. In administration, Kroll handles diverse categories including settlements related to , Telephone Consumer Protection Act violations, automotive defects, and insurance disputes; securities litigation involving stocks, bonds, and initial public offerings; and or privacy class actions requiring monitoring and remediation. The firm designs settlement websites, maintains claimant databases, and conducts validity assessments to minimize fraudulent submissions while maximizing recovery for eligible parties. For dispute resolution, Kroll delivers expert services in commercial and economic disputes, including , damages quantification, and litigation support for matters such as post-acquisition disagreements, actions, and claims. Experts provide testimony on financial losses, lost profits calculations, and breach-of-contract valuations, often drawing on industry-specific data to substantiate positions in or court proceedings. In insurance claims contexts, Kroll conducts appraisals for commercial and personal assets, including buildings, machinery, and equipment, to determine replacement costs or actual values amid coverage disputes or catastrophe events. These valuations adhere to standards set by insurers and regulators, incorporating assessments for interruption and extra expense claims. During corporate restructurings, Kroll manages claims , objection handling, and distribution under plans, maintaining official creditor registries and facilitating plan voting processes to resolve stakeholder disputes efficiently.

Notable Engagements

High-Profile Fraud and Asset Recovery Cases

Kroll contributed to asset recovery in the , exposed on December 11, 2008, by providing data analysis, testifying expertise, valuation services through its Valuation Advisory Services, and to the court-appointed trustee representing the and law firm Baker Hostetler. Engaged from 2011 onward, the firm processed over 40 million documents, terabytes of data, and extensive proprietary code across systems, supporting nearly 1,000 lawsuits in domestic and international jurisdictions, including assistance in the criminal prosecution where all five former Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC employees were convicted. These efforts aided in the overall recovery of approximately $14 billion for victims. In the Arena Television collapse, deemed the UK's largest fraud, Kroll as administrators conducted a multi-disciplinary investigation into a decade-long scheme involving fraudulent funding agreements for leased or non-existent equipment, uncovering £285 million in missing assets on behalf of over 55 defrauded lenders. The fraud enabled directors to misappropriate over £1.2 billion, prompting Kroll to file a £285 million claim against in July 2024 for allegedly enabling the misconduct. The Serious Fraud Office's parallel probe, initiated after the 2022 collapse, has included premises searches, arrests—including one in December 2024—and asset freezes, such as £10,865.76 in and £289.30 in USDC from a in July 2025, with investigations ongoing as of late 2024. Kroll has also applied in high-profile business disputes for asset tracing, as in a case where investigators used imagery of a at a U.S. golf resort—identifying unique features like a pool shape, patio, and distinctive tree via on-site verification, satellite analysis, and property records—to link several million dollars in reconstructed property to a counterparty's relative concealing misappropriated funds. Such methods underscore Kroll's integration of and fieldwork in fraud recovery, though specific recoveries in unnamed disputes remain proprietary.

Security and Infrastructure Consulting

Kroll's Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) practice encompasses security and infrastructure consulting, providing proactive advisory services to align enterprise security strategies with organizational risk appetites and navigate complex threats. Launched on November 13, 2023, the practice draws on decades of international expertise to offer end-to-end solutions for physical, operational, and cyber risks affecting critical infrastructure. Core offerings include , , and vulnerability assessments tailored to facilities such as , hospitals, and data centers, emphasizing enhancements and business continuity. These assessments employ deep analysis of physical and cyber exposures, incorporating proprietary methodologies like a five-point scale for executive protection evaluations, which qualify for U.S. Section 132 tax benefits. Additional services feature global program assessments, master planning for unified strategies, geopolitical consulting, and travel security briefings with real-time intelligence. In infrastructure consulting, Kroll addresses (OT) security for sectors including energy, utilities, and transportation, conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and providing 24/7 monitoring for asset visibility and incident response. Solutions ensure compliance with standards such as and NIST frameworks, mitigating disruptions to through customized resilience programs. Operational security (OPSEC) extensions cover proprietary information protection, executive threat management, and major event planning, with experience in securing events like U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, Olympics, and FIFA World Cups via site analyses and contingency protocols. The practice also supports sector-specific needs, such as augmented office and residential security for high-net-worth clients, explosive ordnance disposal integration, and outsourced expert testimony or recruitment for security leadership roles. By combining on-site evaluations with , Kroll enables clients to validate defenses, enhance resilience, and achieve informed risk mitigation across global operations.

Government and International Investigations

Kroll has conducted forensic audits and asset recovery investigations on behalf of various governments, leveraging its expertise in tracking illicit funds and uncovering financial irregularities within public institutions. These engagements often involve international cooperation to trace assets hidden abroad, as seen in early contracts with post-Soviet and . In March 1992, the Russian government under President retained Kroll to locate billions of dollars allegedly secreted in foreign bank accounts by former Soviet officials and members prior to the 1991 coup attempt. This effort formed part of Yeltsin's broader anticorruption initiative following the Soviet Union's dissolution. Similarly, in 1992, the Haitian government engaged Kroll to recover hundreds of millions of dollars embezzled by ousted dictator . Domestically, the City of hired Kroll in February 2005 to probe its pension fund crisis, which involved a $1.4 billion shortfall due to underfunding and disclosure failures. Kroll's subsequent report, released in August 2006, documented reckless mismanagement and illegal actions by city officials, contributing to federal charges against several involved parties. In international banking probes, the National Bank of Moldova appointed Kroll in January 2015 to investigate the collapse of three major banks—Banca de Economii, Banca Socială, and Unibanca—amid a $1 billion fraud scheme dubbed the "theft of the century." Kroll's phased reports under Project Tenor detailed fund diversions through offshore entities, including in and , aiding Moldovan authorities in recovery efforts and prosecutions. More recently, in March 2023, the Jamaican government contracted Kroll Associates UK to assist local law enforcement in forensically auditing the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) fraud, estimated at over $3 billion from 2010 to 2023. Kroll's involvement, costing over US$1.2 million, focused on tracing misappropriated investor funds and identifying additional schemes, with findings integrated into ongoing prosecutions.

Controversies and Criticisms

In November 2021, Kroll LLC and affiliated entities filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against K2 Integrity Holdings, Inc., and its co-founder Jules Kroll in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:21-cv-09037). The complaint alleged that K2's use of the "Kroll" name in its branding and operations violated the Lanham Act through federal trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition, stemming from Jules Kroll's post-sale activities after divesting the original firm in 2004. It included eight claims of relief, asserting that K2's competing services in risk intelligence and investigations confused consumers and diluted Kroll's established marks, reopening disputes tied to K2's 2009 founding as a successor entity. Kroll clients have pursued several lawsuits alleging professional negligence, data mishandling, and inaccurate reporting. In July 2025, Alphonso co-founder Lampros Kalampoukas sued Kroll LLC in New York County Supreme Court for , professional negligence, and malpractice in a valuation engagement related to LG Electronics' acquisition of the smart TV data firm. The suit claimed Kroll deliberately undervalued Alphonso by approximately $100 million through deviations from standard practices, including its own methodologies, to favor LG in an ongoing shareholder dispute. In August 2025, creditors filed a against Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC in federal court, accusing it of and breach of implied contract following a 2023 that exposed claimants' personal information, including names, addresses, and claim details. The breach, attributed to hackers compromising an employee's mobile access, allegedly led to persistent scams targeting creditors and delays in claim verification, with some claims lost due to Kroll's processes; Kroll has moved to dismiss or compel , denying systemic failures. Kroll Factual Data, a , faced a 2020 class action in federal court alleging violations of the for furnishing inaccurate consumer reports to lenders without reasonable accuracy safeguards. The suit claimed systemic errors in credit data aggregation and verification, potentially harming applicants' access to insurance and loans, though the case centered on joint practices with .

Methodological and Ethical Challenges in Investigations

In the course of conducting corporate and investigations, Kroll has encountered ethical challenges related to practices, particularly in international contexts where legal norms differ. A prominent example occurred in during an inquiry into the Brazilian subsidiary of , an Italian dairy company embroiled in a multibillion-dollar scandal. Brazilian federal police raided Kroll's offices, arresting five employees on charges of and illegal , including allegations of bugging phones and attempting to intimidate witnesses. Although the charges were later dropped after investigations revealed no of wrongdoing by Kroll personnel, the incident underscored the ethical risks of employing aggressive human intelligence-gathering tactics that could inadvertently violate local laws or appear coercive, potentially compromising the of collected. Methodologically, Kroll's reliance on a combination of , interviews, and forensic data analysis has drawn criticism for potential gaps in verifying complex financial trails, especially in jurisdictions with limited transparency or cooperation. In fragile or conflict-affected environments, such as those involving multilateral development probes, investigators face difficulties in accessing reliable amid threats, corruption, and restricted movement, which can lead to incomplete assessments or overdependence on potentially biased local sources. Kroll's own methodologies emphasize structured and , yet external reviews have noted instances where initial failed to fully uncover asset dissipation; for example, in one asset recovery engagement, Kroll reported an inability to trace over US$500 million in investments across opaque structures, attributing it to jurisdictional barriers rather than procedural flaws. These challenges highlight the inherent limitations of private-sector investigations, where client-driven scopes may prioritize speed over exhaustive cross-verification, raising questions about the robustness of conclusions in high-stakes cases. Broader ethical concerns in Kroll's investigative work stem from conflicts of interest inherent to client-funded operations, where the firm's incentives align with delivering actionable intelligence favorable to the payer, potentially skewing objectivity. Critics, including journalistic accounts, have argued that such dynamics can encourage selective reporting or undue emphasis on , as seen in historical engagements where Kroll's reports were later scrutinized amid uncovered frauds like the Stanford , though direct methodological causation remains debated. To mitigate these, Kroll maintains internal codes of conduct prohibiting conflicts and mandating ethical handling of information, but the opaque nature of private investigations limits independent audits of compliance.

Criticisms of Business Practices and Outcomes

Kroll's settlement administration services have faced scrutiny for operational errors and delays in distributing funds from settlements. In the administration of a settlement related to the East Palestine train derailment, Kroll was accused by class counsel of overpaying certain class members, improperly denying claims including those from , applying unauthorized multipliers to claims, and committing errors in underlying data processing, such as missing paperwork and failing to maintain records of filings. These issues led to Kroll's removal as administrator, with Epiq Systems appointed as replacement, and payments paused pending a third-party that exceeded initial 60-day timelines. Class counsel described the failures as "run[ning] as deep as improper denial of claims, errors in Kroll’s underlying data," and sought sanctions to recover Kroll's billed fees of $2,361,940.74 while addressing harm to the class from non-compliance with the court's point-based distribution plan. In valuation services, Kroll has been sued for alleged professional and bias in producing reports intended to influence corporate transactions. In July 2025, Lampros Kalampoukas, co-founder of LG Ads, filed suit against Kroll in New York County Supreme Court, claiming the firm breached contract and committed malpractice by intentionally undervaluing LG Ads' stock to curry favor with amid a dispute between the parties. The complaint alleges Kroll's errors were motivated by a desire to secure future business from , undermining the independence required in such advisory roles. Kroll's cyber risk management practices have drawn criticism due to its own security incidents, particularly ironic given the firm's expertise in advising clients on data protection. On August 19, 2023, an attacker executed a SIM-swapping attack on a T-Mobile phone number associated with a Kroll employee, granting unauthorized access to systems handling sensitive crypto investor data. This breach exposed personal information of claimants in bankruptcies including FTX Trading Ltd., BlockFi Inc., and Genesis Global Holdco LLC, prompting a proposed class action lawsuit in August 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Plaintiff Jacob Kevyn Repko alleged negligence in safeguarding data, arguing Kroll's inadequate response jeopardized claimants' recoveries, such as his approximately $90,000 FTX claim. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in Kroll's internal controls, with critics noting the firm's promotion of cyber services contrasted with its failure to prevent basic social engineering attacks.

References

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