The hidden asset of due diligence

In the context of audits and due diligence, the article argues that the real advantage no longer lies solely in analysing databases or public records, but in direct human knowledge, through HUMINT.

Traditional checks (OSINT, public records) are often circumvented by actors skilled in concealment: shell companies, nominees, hidden shareholders, opaque structures, and so on.

These documentary methods do not always make it possible to identify the true owners, influence links, or weak signals associated with reputational, financial or legal risks.

Field intelligence, a contrario, relies on confidential interviews, direct observations, and immersion in the targeted ecosystem, providing qualitative and contextual information that cannot be found in official documents.

This approach makes it possible to uncover questionable practices: internal conflicts, collusion, hidden insolvency, informal alliances, social or ethical risks.

The article concludes that the combination of OSINT and HUMINT constitutes the most robust method for assessing risks during investments, partnerships or mergers and acquisitions.

These two investigative methods highlight the contemporary need for a combination of intelligence tools, which will support the economic intelligence approach for informed decision-making, particularly in due diligence.