The Knightsbridge Academy

The organisations that the Knightsbridge Strategic Group (KSG) works with such as NATO, governments around the world, international financial institutions, energy companies and technology companies, are all facing a growing need for individuals with practical expertise in geopolitics and its key disciplines. These include strategy, policy development, intelligence, covert effects and wargaming. They need more than an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The Knightsbridge Academy was established in response to these needs facing our clients. Drawing directly on the experience of KSG and its work with organisations across the public and private sectors, the Academy's mission is to prepare individuals to build successful careers in these fields while helping organisations develop the skilled professionals required to operate effectively in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. The academy provides individuals with practical professional experience and skills rather than more academic study and theory, bridging the gap between academia and their career.

The Academy therefore offers one Professional Experience Intelligence Track and five Professional Programmes across the fields of government intelligence, geopolitics, strategy, wargaming and corporate intelligence. Information on each one and how to apply can be found below.

Participants who successfully complete the Professional Experience Intelligence Track or a programme will receive a professional certification and letter of recommendation from KSG.

Professional Experience Intelligence Track & Programmes

Professional Experience Intelligence Track

Designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice over 12 weeks, the Professional Experience Track in Intelligence Analysis provides participants with the experience of operating within government and corporate intelligence environments. Throughout the Track, participants produce professional intelligence products, with selected work being shared with Knightsbridge clients.

Learn More

Testimonials

Professional Experience Intelligence Track Participant
Later successful applicant to a NATO position

After completing my degree in International Relations, I realised that I needed practical experience to stand out. The Professional Experience Intelligence Track gave me exactly that.

Writing intelligence assessments, delivering briefings, participating in synthetic intelligence committee meetings and developing an understanding of covert effects gave me practical skills and a portfolio of work that I could discuss throughout the NATO recruitment process.

The experience helped bridge the gap between university and professional practice, and shortly afterwards I was successful in securing a position at NATO.

Professional Experience Intelligence Track

Programme Overview

Organisations including NATO, national governments, intelligence agencies, ministries of defence, and multinational companies across the finance, technology, energy and extractive sectors rely upon intelligence analysts to support strategic decision-making. However, many aspiring analysts complete their academic studies without gaining the practical experience of operating within professional intelligence environments.

Designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice over 12 weeks, the Professional Experience Intelligence Track provides participants with the experience of operating within government and corporate intelligence environments. The Track requires an average of approximately four hours (allowing the Track to be conducted alongside study and/or other commitments) of participant commitment per week and requires the intelligence analysts to:

Gather, analyse and assess intelligence relating to a specialist region.
Produce several rapid Situation Reports (SITREPs) in response to evolving geopolitical developments.
Produce one larger strategic report on a pertinent geopolitical theme.
Consider covert effect options.
Deliver written and oral intelligence briefings within intelligence committee and board-level synthetic environments.
Produce written and oral intelligence products appropriate for senior decision-makers such as presidents, prime ministers, CEOs and secretary-generals.
Receive professional analytical review and development throughout the Track.
Develop an impactful professional portfolio of intelligence products and practical analytical experience.

Aspiring applicants to the Professional Experience Track in Intelligence Analysis will apply to act as the intelligence analyst responsible for one of the following geopolitical portfolios:

Europe
Middle East
South Asia
Asia-Pacific
Central Asia
Africa
Latin America
North America
Arctic & Polar Regions

Participants who successfully complete the Professional Experience Track in Intelligence Analysis will receive a Professional Reference and Letter of Recommendation issued by the Knightsbridge Strategic Group. Outstanding intelligence products will be shared with Knightsbridge clients, providing participants with an impactful professional portfolio of work and practical experience to demonstrate.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Track Is For

The Professional Experience intelligence Track is designed for:

Intelligence professionals working within government, defence, law enforcement and the wider intelligence community.
Corporate intelligence, geopolitical risk and corporate strategy professionals working within multinational organisations.
Professionals working in national security, foreign affairs, public policy, government affairs and related strategic functions.
Analysts and researchers working within think tanks, consultancies, financial institutions and organisations supporting strategic decision-making.
Individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers within government intelligence, corporate intelligence, national security or geopolitical risk.
Students and graduates of intelligence, international relations, security studies, geopolitics, history, politics, business, finance, economics and related disciplines seeking practical professional experience.

Outcomes

Having completed the track, participants will:

Gain practical experience of operating as an intelligence analyst within government and corporate intelligence environments.
Develop the ability to gather, analyse and communicate intelligence in support of senior decision-makers.
Understand covert effects and how to deploy them.
Gain an impactful professional portfolio of intelligence products and practical analytical experience.
Receive a Professional Reference and Letter of Recommendation issued by the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The intelligence team assembled will operate entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part.

The Professional Experience Intelligence Track is delivered over 12 weeks and requires approximately four hours of participant commitment per week (allowing participants to study and/or fulfil other commitments alongside the Track).

Participants will complete the following stages:

Week 1 – Intelligence Briefing and Induction

Participants receive an introduction to the Track, intelligence work and methodologies through written briefing materials and video briefings.

Time commitment: ~4.5 hours

Week 2 – Geopolitical Situation Report and Intelligence Committee

Participants produce a Geopolitical Situation Report on their assigned geopolitical portfolio before delivering an oral intelligence assessment at a synthetic Intelligence Committee meeting, chaired by the Knightsbridge Partner.

Time commitment: ~7 hours

Week 3 – Strategic Intelligence Assessment Development

At the conclusion of the Track, intelligence analysts are required to submit a Strategic Intelligence Assessment (and optional covert effects note). This week provides an opportunity to work at a less rapid pace than is required for the Geopolitical Situation Reports and Intelligence Committees, allowing participants to produce a more strategic, longer-term piece of intelligence analysis.

Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 4 – Geopolitical Situation Report and Intelligence Committee

Participants produce a Geopolitical Situation Report on their assigned geopolitical portfolio before delivering an intelligence assessment at a synthetic Intelligence Committee meeting, chaired by the Knightsbridge Partner.

Time commitment: ~7 hours

Week 5 – Strategic Intelligence Assessment Development

Participants continue developing their Strategic Intelligence Assessment whilst monitoring developments within their assigned geopolitical portfolio.

Time commitment: ~2 hours

Week 6 – Geopolitical Situation Report and Intelligence Committee

Participants produce a Geopolitical Situation Report on their assigned geopolitical portfolio before delivering an intelligence assessment at a synthetic Intelligence Committee meeting, chaired by the Knightsbridge Partner.

Time commitment: ~7 hours

Week 7 – Strategic Intelligence Assessment Development

Participants continue developing their Strategic Intelligence Assessment, building a more comprehensive long-term assessment alongside their regular intelligence production.

Time commitment: ~2 hours

Week 8 – Geopolitical Situation Report and Board Meeting

Participants produce their final Geopolitical Situation Report before delivering their intelligence assessment, this time, at a synthetic board meeting, chaired by the Knightsbridge Partner.

Time commitment: ~7 hours

Weeks 9–12 – Strategic Intelligence Assessment

The Geopolitical Situation Report, Intelligence Committee, and Board Meeting elements of the Track are now complete, providing intelligence analysts with the opportunity to focus entirely on completing their Strategic Intelligence Assessment (and optional covert effects note) before final submission at the end of Week 12.

Time commitment: ~9 hours

Total Participant Commitment: ~48.5 hours over 12 weeks.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in intelligence, covert effects, geopolitics, corporate risk/strategy, national security, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £675

Institution Programme Fee: £775

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining their background, experience, motivation, and which region they wish to apply for

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming track based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com

Certificate in Government Wargaming & Scenario Planning

Programme Overview

Wargaming and Scenario Planning are crucial tools used by departments of defence, foreign affairs, homeland security, the armed forces, national security councils, intelligence agencies, treasuries and central banks. These tool allows officials to:

Develop strategy
Test and expose policy to challenge
Compare courses of action
Improve operational preparedness
Anticipate escalation
Horizon scan
Think several steps ahead of the adversary
Increase national resilience and civil preparedness
Ensure that governments and institutions have options available before a crisis begins.

This programme is designed to give participants an understanding of how wargaming and scenario planning works, but most importantly, prepare them with the practical ability to begin designing, executing and analysing the exercises themselves.

Participants will play in a wargame facilitated by a Knightsbridge Partner, based on those that have been delivered for NATO and the individual nations. Crucially, participants will also be required to design their own strategic wargame and execute it with the rest of their cohort to fulfil a strategic objective.

Students successful in passing the course will receive a professional certification in Government Wargaming & Scenario Planning from the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is most suitable for:

Policy, wargaming and strategy professionals working in national security, defence, foreign affairs, treasury, homeland security, and related government functions
Members of the intelligence community
Military officers and defence planners
Analysts and researchers in think tanks
Professionals working on geopolitical risk in energy, economics, or strategic policy roles
Students of international relations, intelligence, security studies, diplomacy, history, and related fields

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the programme, participants will:

Understand how strategic wargaming is used across government entities
Understand how wargaming supports strategy development, horizon scanning, policy testing, preparedness, defence planning and crisis planning
Be able to design a structured geopolitical strategic wargame
Be better able to think several turns ahead in government policy and strategy contexts
Strengthen their ability to carry out horizon scanning and strategic foresight
Improve their ability to provide stronger policy and strategy advice to ministers, senior officials, and decision-makers

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The programme is delivered entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part. It combines preparatory reading, live instruction, and extensive practical strategic simulation exercises.

Participants will complete the following stages:

Weeks 1–2 — Pre-Reading

Participants complete a short reading pack introducing strategic wargaming, how governments use wargames, and how they are structured.

Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 3 — Lecture and Seminar

A live online lecture and seminar introducing strategic wargaming, scenario design, and its role in national security decision-making (Delivered by the Knightsbridge Partner).

Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 4 — Facilitated Strategic Wargame/Scenario Planning Exercise

Participants take part in a full multi-turn wargame facilitated by the Knightsbridge Partner, based on the actual methods used in government and defence environments.

Time commitment: ~3 hours

Weeks 5–8 — Wargame Design Preparation

Participants design their own multi-turn strategic wargame.

Time commitment: ~12 hours

Weeks 9 — Cohort Wargame Exercises

Participants execute and participate in wargames designed by members of their cohort.

Time commitment: ~5 hours

Total Programme Commitment: ~26 hours across the programme.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in national security, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £575

Institution Programme Fee: £675

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining:

Their background and experience
Why they would like to participate in the programme
How they hope to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in the future
What they believe they would bring to the course and cohort discussion.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming cohort based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com

Certificate in Government Intelligence

Programme Overview

Intelligence is a critical function across government, used by intelligence agencies, departments of defence and foreign affairs, national security councils, armed forces, homeland security organisations, NATO and other government institutions. Intelligence allows officials to:

Understand the intentions and capabilities of adversaries
Identify emerging threats and opportunities
Assess geopolitical and national security developments
Challenge assumptions and reduce uncertainty
Develop intelligence assessments and strategic forecasts
Support policy and strategy development
Provide decision-makers with the insights required to make informed decisions.

This programme is designed to give participants an understanding of how intelligence is gathered, assessed and used within government, while, most importantly, developing the practical skills required to begin working as an intelligence professional themselves.

Participants will learn how to identify intelligence requirements, collect and assess information, evaluate the reliability of sources, conduct structured analysis and produce professional intelligence assessments for senior decision-makers. They will undertake practical exercises based on the methods and analytical techniques used across governments, NATO and national security environments. They will also develop an understanding of covert effects and how to deploy them.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a professional certification in Government Intelligence from the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is most suitable for:

Intelligence professionals working within government and the wider intelligence community
Professionals working in national security, defence, foreign affairs, homeland security and related government functions
Policy and strategy professionals who use intelligence to support government decision-making
Analysts and researchers working in think tanks and national security organisations
Individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers within government intelligence agencies and the wider intelligence community
Students of intelligence, international relations, security studies, geopolitics, history and related fields seeking to develop practical intelligence skills

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the programme, participants will:

Understand how intelligence is produced and used across government and national security institutions
Understand the intelligence cycle and how intelligence requirements are developed
Be able to identify, collect and assess information from a range of sources
Be able to evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources and information
Develop practical skills in structured intelligence analysis and analytical techniques
Be able to identify trends, assess threats and opportunities, and develop strategic forecasts
Be able to produce clear and concise intelligence assessments for senior decision-makers
Understand covert effects and how to deploy them

This programme is designed to develop the practical analytical skills required in intelligence roles and make participants more effective in positions where they are expected to assess complex information, develop intelligence judgements and provide decision-makers with timely and actionable insight.

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The programme is delivered entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part. It combines preparatory reading, live instruction, and extensive practical strategic simulation exercises.

Participants will complete the following stages:

Weeks 1–2 — Pre-Reading
Participants complete a short reading pack introducing government intelligence, the intelligence cycle, intelligence assessment, covert effects and the role of intelligence in supporting national security decision-making.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 3 — Lecture and Seminar
A live online lecture and seminar introducing government intelligence, intelligence requirements, source assessment, analytical techniques and the production of intelligence assessments for senior decision-makers. Delivered by the Knightsbridge Partner.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Weeks 4–5 — Intelligence Assessment Exercise
Participants are provided with an intelligence requirement and supporting information and tasked with producing their own written intelligence assessment. Participants will be expected to assess the available information, develop analytical judgements and communicate their findings in a professional intelligence product. They will also need to consider covert effects options.
Time commitment: ~10 hours

Week 6 — Intelligence Assessment Presentations
Participants reconvene with their cohort to present and defend their intelligence assessments and covert effects note. The session will include discussion and challenge from fellow participants and the Knightsbridge Partner, reflecting the process through which intelligence judgements are scrutinised and tested in professional environments.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Total Programme Commitment: ~19 hours across the programme.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in national security, intelligence, covert effects, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £575

Institution Programme Fee: £675

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining:

Their background and experience
Why they would like to participate in the programme
How they hope to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in the future
What they believe they would bring to the course and cohort discussion.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming cohort based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com

Certificate in Government Policy and Strategy Development

Programme Overview

Effective policy and strategy development is fundamental to national success, shaping how governments pursue their objectives, respond to challenges and navigate an increasingly complex world. Across NATO and government entities, policymakers and strategists are responsible for turning political priorities and national interests into coherent policies and strategies that can deliver successful outcomes.

This programme provides participants with the practical skills required to develop policy and strategy within a government environment. Participants will learn how to:

Define strategic and policy objectives
Understand the political and strategic context in which policy is developed
Develop and evaluate policy and strategic options
Assess risks, opportunities and potential consequences
Incorporate evidence, intelligence and stakeholder perspectives into decision-making
Plan and facilitate policy and strategy roundtables
Write clear and effective policy and strategy papers
Develop and present recommendations to senior decision-makers
Monitor and evaluate whether policies and strategies are achieving their intended outcomes.

The programme places particular emphasis on the practical skills required of policy and strategy professionals, rather than the academic study of policymaking. Participants will undertake a practical exercise requiring them to develop their own policy or strategy in response to a realistic government challenge, applying the techniques and approaches introduced throughout the programme.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a professional certification in Government Policy and Strategy Development from the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is most suitable for:

Policy and strategy professionals working across NATO, government departments and ministries
Professionals working in national security, defence, foreign affairs, economic policy, trade and other government functions
Individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers in government policy and strategy
Students of public policy, international relations, security studies, politics, economics, history and related fields seeking to develop practical policy and strategy skills

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the programme, participants will:

Understand how policy and strategy are developed and used across government
Be able to define clear policy and strategic objectives
Be able to structure and analyse complex policy and strategic challenges
Develop practical skills in identifying, developing and evaluating policy and strategic options
Be able to assess the risks, opportunities and potential consequences associated with different courses of action
Understand how to incorporate evidence, intelligence and stakeholder perspectives into policy and strategy development
Develop the skills required to plan and facilitate effective policy and strategy roundtables
Be able to write clear, concise and professional policy and strategy papers
Be able to develop and present evidence-based recommendations to senior decision-makers

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The programme is delivered entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part. It combines preparatory reading, live instruction, and extensive practical strategic simulation exercises.

Participants will complete the following stages:

Weeks 1–2 — Pre-Reading
Participants complete a short reading pack introducing the fundamentals of government policy and strategy development, including approaches to defining objectives, developing options and supporting senior-level decision-making.
Time commitment: ~2 hours

Week 3 — Lecture and Seminar
A live online lecture and seminar introducing the practical process of policy and strategy development, including structuring complex problems, developing and assessing options, facilitating policy and strategy roundtables, writing professional policy papers, and presenting recommendations to senior decision-makers. Delivered by the Knightsbridge Partner.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Weeks 4–6 — Policy and Strategy Development Exercise
Participants are presented with a realistic government challenge and tasked with developing their own policy or strategy in response. Participants will be expected to assess the problem, define objectives, develop and evaluate potential options, consider risks and implementation, and produce a professional policy or strategy paper containing clear recommendations for decision-makers.
Time commitment: ~12 hours

Week 7 — Policy and Strategy Presentations
Participants reconvene with their cohort to present and defend their proposed policy or strategy. The session will include discussion and challenge from fellow participants and the Knightsbridge Partner, reflecting the process through which policy and strategic proposals are scrutinised and refined in professional government environments.
Time commitment: ~4 hours

Total Programme Commitment: ~21 hours across the programme.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in national security, intelligence, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £575

Institution Programme Fee: £675

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining:

Their background and experience
Why they would like to participate in the programme
How they hope to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in the future
What they believe they would bring to the course and cohort discussion.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming cohort based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com

Certificate in Geopolitics and Financial Markets

Programme Overview

Geopolitical developments can have profound implications for financial markets and investment decisions, yet translating geopolitical events and trends into meaningful financial insight remains a significant challenge across the financial sector.

This programme provides participants with the practical skills required to analyse geopolitical developments through a financial markets and investment lens, and then apply the analysis practically.

Participants will learn how to:

Identify geopolitical developments with material implications for financial markets
Distinguish between financially significant geopolitical developments and political noise
Understand the relationship between geopolitical developments and asset classes such as equities, commodities, currencies, bonds and precious metals
Understand how geopolitical developments interact with inflation, interest rates, real yields and central bank policy
Analyse geopolitical risks and opportunities affecting strategically important sectors, including defence, energy, technology and critical national infrastructure
Assess how government policy, regulation and international competition can affect individual companies, sectors and investment themes
Develop geopolitical scenarios and assess their potential implications for markets and investments
Translate geopolitical analysis into clear and actionable financial insights for investors and financial decision-makers.

Participants will undertake a practical exercise requiring them to analyse a geopolitical scenario or development and produce their own professional geopolitical and financial markets assessment, identifying the potential implications for relevant asset classes, sectors, companies and investment themes.

The programme is particularly suited to professionals working across investment management, banking, financial services and geopolitical risk, as well as individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers at the intersection of geopolitics and finance.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a professional certification in Geopolitics and Financial Markets from the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is most suitable for:

Investment professionals working across asset management, investment banking, private banking, wealth management and other financial institutions
Professionals working in geopolitical risk, country risk, sovereign risk and macroeconomic analysis
Professionals working in commodities, energy, defence, technology and other sectors with significant exposure to geopolitical developments
Corporate strategy and risk professionals responsible for assessing the financial and commercial implications of geopolitical change
Individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers at the intersection of geopolitics, financial markets and investment
Students of finance, economics, international relations, geopolitics, security studies and related fields seeking to develop practical skills in translating geopolitical analysis into financial insight

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the programme, participants will:

Understand how geopolitical developments can influence financial markets and investment decisions
Develop the ability to distinguish between financially significant geopolitical developments and political noise
Understand the transmission mechanisms through which geopolitical events can affect equities, commodities, currencies, bonds and precious metals
Understand how geopolitics can interact with inflation, interest rates, real yields and central bank policy
Be able to analyse geopolitical risks and opportunities affecting sectors including defence, energy, technology, artificial intelligence and critical national infrastructure
Understand how government policy, regulation, sanctions and international competition can affect companies, sectors and investment themes
Develop practical skills in geopolitical scenario analysis and assessing potential market outcomes
Develop the skills required to produce and present professional geopolitical and financial markets assessments to investors and financial decision-makers

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The programme is delivered entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part. It combines preparatory reading, live instruction, and extensive practical strategic simulation exercises.

Participants will complete the following stages:

Weeks 1–2 — Pre-Reading
Participants complete a short reading pack introducing key concepts in geopolitics, financial markets and geopolitical risk, providing the foundations required to understand how geopolitical developments can translate into financial and investment implications.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 3 — Lecture and Seminar
A live online lecture and seminar exploring how geopolitical developments affect financial markets and investments. Delivered by the Knightsbridge Partner.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Weeks 4–6 — Geopolitics and Financial Markets Exercise
Participants are presented with a geopolitical scenario or development and tasked with producing their own professional financial markets assessment. Participants will be expected to analyse the geopolitical situation, identify relevant transmission mechanisms and assess the potential implications for asset classes, sectors, companies and investment themes.
Time commitment: ~10 hours

Week 7 — Financial Markets Assessment Presentations
Participants reconvene with their cohort to present and defend their assessments and investment implications. The session will include discussion and challenge from fellow participants and the Knightsbridge Partner, reflecting how geopolitical analysis is scrutinised and translated into actionable insight within professional financial environments.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Total Programme Commitment: ~19 hours across the programme.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in financial markets, national security, intelligence, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £575

Institution Programme Fee: £750

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining:

Their background and experience
Why they would like to participate in the programme
How they hope to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in the future
What they believe they would bring to the course and cohort discussion.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming cohort based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com

Certificate in Corporate Intelligence and Geopolitical Strategy

Programme Overview

Understanding what multinational organisations need to know about geopolitics and translating geopolitical developments into intelligence that can support critical business decisions requires a specialist skill set that remains in short supply. For companies operating across borders, geopolitical change can create significant risks and opportunities affecting markets, supply chains, investments, regulation, operations and long-term corporate strategy.

This programme provides participants with the practical skills required to develop corporate intelligence and geopolitical strategy for senior business decision-makers. Participants will learn how to:

Identify geopolitical developments with material implications for multinational organisations
Understand the intelligence requirements of C-suite executives and senior corporate decision-makers
Assess how political instability, conflict, sanctions, trade policy and economic statecraft can affect corporate operations and strategy
Analyse geopolitical risks and opportunities affecting sectors including energy, technology, defence, extractives and critical national infrastructure
Assess country and market risk when organisations are considering investment, expansion or market entry
Develop geopolitical scenarios and assess their potential implications for corporate strategy
Produce intelligence assessments and strategic recommendations for C-suite executives and senior decision-makers.

Participants will undertake a practical exercise requiring them to assess a geopolitical development or scenario from the perspective of a multinational organisation and produce their own professional corporate intelligence assessment, identifying the implications for the organisation and developing actionable recommendations for senior decision-makers.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a professional certification in Corporate Intelligence and Geopolitical Strategy from the Knightsbridge Strategic Group.

Programme Facilitator

The programme is facilitated directly by KSG partner, Finley Grimble. Before becoming a partner with KSG, Finley served the UK Parliament, Cabinet Office, Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence as a strategist, intelligence official, wargamer and diplomat. This included working to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and National Security Council. He has advised and created wargames for the highest level of decision making for several Western governments, NATO, and for some of the largest international companies in the world.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is most suitable for:

Corporate intelligence and geopolitical risk professionals working within multinational organisations
Corporate strategy professionals responsible for assessing geopolitical risks and opportunities and supporting senior decision-making
Government affairs and public policy professionals working at the intersection of business and government
Individuals seeking to begin or transition into careers in corporate intelligence, geopolitical risk and geopolitical strategy
Students of international relations, geopolitics, security studies, business, finance, economics and related fields seeking to develop practical corporate intelligence and geopolitical strategy skills

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the programme, participants will:

Understand how corporate intelligence and geopolitical analysis are used to support strategic decision-making within multinational organisations
Be able to identify geopolitical developments with material implications for businesses, markets and corporate strategy
Understand how to identify and respond to the intelligence requirements of C-suite executives and senior decision-makers
Understand how conflict, sanctions, trade policy and economic statecraft can affect multinational organisations
Be able to assess country and market risk in support of investment, expansion and market-entry decisions
Be able to develop geopolitical scenarios and assess their potential implications for corporate strategy
Be able to translate complex geopolitical developments into strategic recommendations for C-suite executives and senior corporate decision-makers

Programme Structure and Time Commitment

The programme is delivered entirely remotely, allowing participants from across the world to take part. It combines preparatory reading, live instruction, and extensive practical strategic simulation exercises.

Participants will complete the following stages:

Weeks 1–2 — Pre-Reading
Participants complete a short reading pack introducing the fundamentals of corporate intelligence, geopolitical risk and geopolitical strategy, providing the foundations required to understand how geopolitical developments can affect multinational organisations and corporate decision-making.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Week 3 — Lecture and Seminar
A live online lecture and seminar exploring how corporate intelligence and geopolitical analysis are used to support C-suite executives and senior decision-makers. Participants will examine intelligence requirements, geopolitical risk and opportunity, country and market risk, supply chains, regulation, sanctions, strategic competition and the development of actionable corporate intelligence. Delivered by the Knightsbridge Partner.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Weeks 4–6 — Corporate Intelligence and Geopolitical Strategy Exercise
Participants are presented with a geopolitical scenario or development from the perspective of a multinational organisation and tasked with producing their own professional corporate intelligence assessment. Participants will be expected to identify the organisation's intelligence requirements, analyse the geopolitical environment, assess the implications for the business and develop actionable strategic recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Time commitment: ~10 hours

Week 7 — Corporate Intelligence Presentations
Participants reconvene with their cohort to present and defend their intelligence assessments and strategic recommendations. The session will include discussion and challenge from fellow participants and the Knightsbridge Partner, reflecting how geopolitical intelligence and strategic recommendations are scrutinised and refined within professional corporate environments.
Time commitment: ~3 hours

Total Programme Commitment: ~19 hours across the programme.

How to Apply and Fees

Applications are assessed based on the applicant’s:

Academic and/or professional background
Demonstrated interest in financial markets, business, national security, intelligence, international affairs, economics, defence, and strategic policy

Strong academic performance, relevant professional experience, and a clear motivation for participating in the programme will strengthen an application.

Individual Programme Fee: £575

Institution Programme Fee: £650

To apply for the programme, applicants should submit:

A current CV
A short statement (maximum 250 words) outlining:

Their background and experience
Why they would like to participate in the programme
How they hope to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in the future
What they believe they would bring to the course and cohort discussion.

By submitting an application, applicants acknowledge that their information will be processed in accordance with the Knightsbridge Strategic Group Privacy Policy.

If your application is successful, the Academy administration team will work with you to identify a suitable upcoming cohort based on your availability and time zone.

All applications and any questions should be directed to – academy@knightsbridgesg.com