Investigative research you can rely on.
Stannard Thursby is an independent firm that produces commissioned research and investigative reports, combining the persistence of investigative journalism with the discipline of intelligence research. We have particular depth in Russia and the wider Eurasian region.
- Media organisations
- Law firms
- NGOs & institutions
- Consultancies & businesses
- Investors
- Private clients
Between journalism and intelligence.
Investigative journalism is persistent. It sources every claim and finds what is not visible in the official account. Intelligence research is structured. It separates fact from assessment, works to a defined question and keeps information compartmented.
We combine both. We do not publish news, and we are not an intelligence agency. We are an independent research firm, and our work belongs to the clients who commission it.
Persistence and sourcing
- Following the evidence when the first answer is incomplete
- Rigorous sourcing of every claim
- Uncovering what is not visible on the surface
Stannard Thursby
Commissioned research, held to a standard of proof.
Findings with the depth of an investigation and the structure of an intelligence assessment, delivered in confidence to the client who asked the question.
Structure and discretion
- Defined questions and structured analysis
- Clear separation of fact, assessment and uncertainty
- Confidential handling of clients and material
Seven services, one standard of evidence.
Investigative Research
In-depth research into people, organisations, events and issues.
Learn moreCommissioned Reports
Detailed, evidence-based reports that answer your specific question.
Learn moreBackground & Due Diligence
Verified profiles of companies, individuals and the relationships between them.
Learn moreMedia Research Support
Background research, fact-checking and source verification for newsrooms and journalists.
Learn moreOpen-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Analysis of public records, documents, databases and online sources.
Learn moreBriefings & Analysis
Clear summaries of complex issues for decision-makers.
Learn moreRegional Investigative Reports
Long-form investigative reports on Russia and the wider Eurasian region.
Learn moreNot sure which service fits?
Most engagements combine more than one. Tell us the question and we will propose the right approach.
Discuss your questionRussia and the wider Eurasian region.
Our regional practice works in the original languages and records of the former Soviet space and its neighbours. We produce investigative reports, due diligence and briefings on the region for media, institutions, investors and counsel.
For those who need to know what is true.
Our clients include media organisations, agencies, NGOs and institutions, law firms, consultancies, businesses, investors and private individuals. We do not name them.
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Media & Journalism
Newsrooms, broadcasters, documentary producers, publishers and independent journalists.
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Agencies, NGOs & Institutions
Public bodies, international organisations, NGOs, foundations, academic institutions and agencies.
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Legal & Corporate
Law firms, in-house legal teams, consultancies, businesses and investors.
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Private Clients
Individuals and families, and the advisers who act for them.
Four stages, each one documented.
- 01
Brief
A confidential first conversation to understand the question, the context and what a useful answer looks like.
- 02
Investigate
Research across records, documents, open sources and, where appropriate, interviews. Every source is logged.
- 03
Verify
Findings are corroborated independently, graded for confidence and reviewed by a second researcher.
- 04
Report
A clear written report with sources and limitations stated, followed by a briefing on what it means.
Confidentiality
Client identities and material are held in confidence and shared only with those working on the matter.
Accuracy
Every finding is sourced, and every source is assessed before it is relied on.
Independence
We report what the evidence shows, and decline work where an outcome is expected in advance.
Verifiable findings
Conclusions are documented so that they can be checked, by you or by others.
Research notes, methods and regional briefings.
When a source asks for anonymity
Protecting a source and verifying what they say are both obligations, and research that relies on anonymous information should be built to meet both.
Asset tracing across the former Soviet space: what still works
Tracing assets in the region has become harder as access to registers has narrowed, yet court, corporate and foreign records still support lawful, well-documented findings.
Fact-checking under deadline: how we support newsrooms
We help newsrooms check investigations before publication, claim by claim, while editorial decisions, legal review and the story itself remain with the newsroom.
- May 2026Why regional expertise matters in investigative researchCommentary
- Apr 2026Following Chinese investment in Central Asia: sources and pitfallsRegional briefing
- Mar 2026Sanctions research beyond the list: ownership, control and the 50 per cent questionBriefing
- Jan 2026The Astana International Financial Centre: what its registers and courts offer researchersRegional briefing
Discuss a confidential enquiry.
Tell us what you need to know. A first conversation is confidential and without obligation.