James Smallwood is a Partner leading Operational Security and embedded consulting services across Asia-Pacific. Based in Sydney, he supports clients in complex, high-risk environments, providing strategic advice and operational solutions that integrate protective intelligence, risk management, and security delivery.
Bridging the gap between strategy and execution, his particular focus is on integrating intelligence, technology and operational delivery to support better decision-making. He works predominantly with multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government-related organisations operating in dynamic or sensitive regions.
Recent engagements include:
- Translating complex and rapidly evolving information during the Middle East crisis into clear, actionable insight for a multinational client, enabling informed decision-making across operations, personnel safety, and supply chain continuity
- Providing senior advisory support to a client managing the exit of employees in Asia-Pacific, navigating local employment frameworks, cultural considerations, and regulatory requirements to minimise disruption and maintain workforce confidence
- Designing and implementing integrated operational security solutions across Asia-Pacific, improving clients’ ability to anticipate and respond to emerging risks
Taking a pragmatic, outcomes-driven approach, James combines global insight with local understanding, working closely with clients to ensure solutions are not only well-designed but deliverable in real-world conditions. Clients particularly value his ability to translate complex risk landscapes into clear, actionable plans that can be implemented on the ground.
Before joining Control Risks, James spent over a decade in the Australian Army. He then led a 24/7 intelligence and operations team covering the region. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Politics from the University of New South Wales, along with qualifications in intelligence and public safety.