Control Risks provided tailored intelligence, online threat monitoring and Protective Services solutions for our clients' respective risk profiles.
A range of risk profiles demanding new best practice
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics attracted large numbers of VIPs, senior executives, media teams and global sponsors. Two of our clients – one a major Team USA Olympic sponsor with a significant VIP guest programme, the other a financial services company and Official Partner of the Games – faced distinct yet equally demanding risk profiles.
Client A, hosting high-profile guests, needed agile support on the ground, paired with early warning intelligence on anything that could disrupt movements: from sudden traffic closures and unannounced dignitary arrivals, to spontaneous protests or crowd-related risks. With a near-zero tolerance for disruption, they required rapid, contextual interpretation of even the smallest signals, as well as capable “boots on the ground” ready to react at a moment’s notice.
Client B needed steady, high-quality daily intelligence and social media monitoring of more consequential risks: violent incidents, politically motivated protests, and public safety concerns near key sites. Their priority was reassurance, full situational awareness, and fast interpretation of developments in an unpredictable environment.
Both clients required granular, location-specific intelligence mapped to hotels, competition venues and key areas of interest – supported by practical guidance on opportunistic crime, scam activity, and protest routes impacting their people on the ground.
Intelligence, online threat monitoring and Protective Services across the Games
Control Risks deployed a blended intelligence, online threat monitoring and Protective Services solution, centred on three core elements:
Intelligence support
A Milan-native analyst fluent in Italian and English, was deployed from the Global Risks and Operations Centre in Milan collocated next to client A operations, becoming the heartbeat of our support. Their local knowledge, cultural insight and ability to interpret Italian language sources, including news, police communications, social channels and local chatter, meant that intelligence was fast and informed.
This local presence and expertise allowed us to filter meaningful threats from background noise, identify patterns invisible to non-locals, and engage directly with Italian speaking stakeholders – from hotel management to local authorities. The analyst filled in critical local knowledge gaps that client teams, often globally oriented rather than region-specific, could not cover alone.
Consistent continuity across rotating teams
With client personnel regularly rotated throughout the Games, our Control Risks analyst became a consistent anchor point. They maintained a clear, connected narrative of risk and ensured smooth information flow between Control Risks and the client’s executive protection teams and corporate stakeholders. This continuity eliminated duplication, reduced friction and kept operations aligned day-to-day.
Tailored intelligence and reporting
Our team delivered real-time monitoring and rapid alerts, including advance warning of a high-profile diplomatic visit that enabled clients to reroute plans and avoid significant road closures – hours ahead of competitors.
Client A received two tailored reports each day – morning briefings summarising overnight developments, and evening reports aligned to next-day itineraries. These reports highlighted risks around specific venues, anticipated closures or demonstrations, and location-based safety considerations.
Client B received daily morning intelligence and online threat summaries covering weather, public safety incidents, protest activity, and any events proximate to their mapped points of interest. Real-time monitoring and rapid alerts supplemented all reporting.
Integrated Protective Services co-ordination
Control Risks Protective Services, led remotely by a senior team leader, deployed an Executive Protection (EP) unit and dedicated drivers worked in tight sync with the intelligence cell. Information flowed seamlessly between teams, enriched by local law enforcement contacts and on-the-ground awareness. The result was a unified intelligence-to-action pipeline, ensuring security measures were always aligned with the evolving threat picture.
Shaping new best practice protocols for major event risk management
Both clients expressed strong satisfaction with the relevance, timeliness and professionalism of the support received.
Client A noted that Control Risks' intelligence support alerted them to significant developments "hours before competitors", praising the seamless integration of the EP and intelligence teams and commending the"white glove service" provided to their VIP guests.
Client B highlighted that the reporting was "exactly what we wanted", providing reassurance and consistent high-quality incident summaries that supported decision-making.
- Zero disruption to VIP guest movements, despite multiple unannounced road closures.
- Rapid interpretation of local incidents, allowing clients to distinguish genuine threats from background noise.
- Strong operational confidence through persistent, embedded support.
- Strengthened preparation for future major events, with clients seeking input on best practice models for upcoming Games.
Shaping best practice for future international competitions: FIFA and the Olympics
Through close collaboration with client teams, Control Risks helped them refine and formalise new best practice protocols for their major event risk management. These included improved agenda structures, clearer alert thresholds, stronger intelligence EP integration and more efficient incident triage systems.
These protocols are now embedded, effective and ready to be expanded and strengthened for the Los Angeles Olympics, where both clients expect increased operational demands. FIFA is now around the corner, and the Control Risks team is also standing ready to support immediate preparations for the upcoming June competition in North America.
Control Risks is more than a service provider – we are a long-term partner shaping the future of our clients’ global event security frameworks.