Keeping the Ambassador Safe

Helsinki headquartered FRF is a global provider of high-end security risk management services, often to diplomatic missions in challenging places around the world. How do they keep the Ambassador safe?

Roope Ruokonen is not your typical CEO. Yes, he holds an M.Sc. in Economics and Business Administration from the Helsinki School of Economics. But he has also served in the Parachute Regiment of the Finnish Defence Forces and held senior leadership positions at multinational corporations, including Adidas, Kellogg’s and Red Bull.

Perhaps it’s this eclectic mix of experience that has shaped FRF, the risk management firm he founded back in 2011.

A trusted adviser to clients

What makes FRF different is its role as a trusted adviser to clients, who range from governments, diplomatic missions, and international organisations to NGOs and large multinational corporations.

FRF has extensive experience operating in high-risk areas and has unique expertise in supporting clients in post-conflict, fragile and high-risk environments. This means the firm is often involved at the sharp end of world events. In the past two years, the company has successfully supported evacuations of various diplomatic missions and international organisations in Ukraine, Somalia, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

“… discretion is a by-word of what we do...”

Going beyond the safety and security of people on the ground, FRF often plays a key role in the overall planning and implementation of client travel and diplomatic visits. This may include risk assessment, transportation, accommodation arrangements – and with high profile visits – liaising with local authorities too.

Roope says the key to good protection is anticipation, preparation and agility. “We have a proactive, intelligence-led risk management approach focusing on pre-emptive measures. That means continuous monitoring of the operating environment and prevailing risks and threats. And acting with great speed and agility when called upon. Of course, discretion is a by-word of what we do, particularly when it comes to diplomatic operations. We always take a low profile and our operations staff are fully accustomed to supporting sensitive diplomatic missions.”

Focus on Somalia

One of the countries FRF operates in is Somalia, where it has had a fully-licensed continuous presence since 2014. Based in Mogadishu, it has provided critical mission support to a long list of clients, including the diplomatic missions of Finland, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark and Australia, as well as NGOs such as Finn Church Aid, Norwegian Church Aid, Mayday Rescue and African Voices.

Quick reaction force capability

Extensive risk and intelligence analysis ensures each client has a realistic and country-wide understanding of the delicate and ever-evolving security situation before and during their visit. Full protective services include life support, secure housing, and a rigid quick-reaction force capability.

To make all this happen, FRF has a strong network of relationships with government and local authorities, communities and international organisations across Somalia. Flexible high-risk insurance cover provided by Bellwood Prestbury is also critical to success.

The Ambassador says…

One of FRF’s clients, an Ambassador of Finland, says: “For several years, FRF has been an invaluable partner, providing personalised and efficient services tailored to our mission’s specific needs. Their commitment to understanding our objectives and priorities has resulted in a strong working relationship that has greatly contributed to the overall success of our diplomatic efforts.”