Remote consulting must offer more than video calls and rudimentary platforms
Since the lockdown era, remote consulting has become more popular than ever. But according to Dominik Birgelen, CEO of OneClick AG Group, it needs to be about more than Zoom meetings – with firms creating truly end-to-end digital advisory offices instead.
In recent years, remote consulting has taken centre stage for consultancy firms, agencies and professionals looking to achieve business goals beyond traditional office settings. The ability to offer guidance anytime, anywhere has empowered advisors to provide consistent support on critical decisions – maximising opportunities for growth, improving ROI, and optimising strategy and resource management for clients.
Platforms like Zoom have become the default for remote work, allowing seamless global connections and access to untapped markets around the clock. However, with operations now conducted almost entirely online, the associated risks have grown significantly. A recent report by the UK Government estimated that over 50% of businesses experienced a data breach in 2024, underscoring the need for a robust, purpose-built suite of digital solutions to manage sensitive client data.
Relying solely on rudimentary platforms is no longer enough to deliver secure, compliant, and lasting advisory services. These tools do not meet the broader requirements for building long-lasting client relationships or maintaining compliant operations. Without an integrated digital approach, businesses not only risk higher churn rates but also increased security vulnerabilities due to an expanded attack surface.
Why generic tools alone aren’t enough
Businesses are now reconsidering their all-remote strategies, questioning whether it is truly sustainable for the long haul – especially in the wake of rising cyberattacks worldwide. Many firms still operate with a patchwork of tools supporting basic business needs, but which fail to deliver on end-to-end security, automation, and operational resilience.
To thrive, digital-first firms require dedicated support for data migration, quality assurance, automation, all-encompassing technical expertise, and seamless cloud orchestration. These elements are essential for secure document sharing, real-time collaboration, and efficient operations. Without adequate infrastructure, advisory firms risk falling behind, exposing themselves to threats, inefficiencies, and compliance issues.
Crafting the digital advisory office
By leveraging integrated tools, advisory firms can meet client needs and build a ‘digital replica’ of in-person offices – all the while reducing repetition and improving service standards.
Modern tools help alleviate routine, automating signatures, verifying identities, and fostering real-time collaboration. Other platforms can help manage projects or encrypt client files.
Instead of juggling different systems, advisors and clients can work together in one secure space, where onboarding, sharing files, and communicating all happen smoothly. This ensures that every business interaction is secure and streamlined.
Compliance risks
Compliance is fundamental for any business to flourish. For digital advisory firms especially, which operate primarily online, compliance becomes an integral part of their digital portfolio –setting them apart in an online-first market. Moreover, upholding regulatory standards safeguards against financial risks, preserves brand reputation, and ensures long-term operational continuity.
Because traditional tools lack the end-to-end safeguards essential for compliance, effective risk management now requires purpose-built environments and dedicated compliance management tools to track and protect client data.
In the years ahead, failing to keep pace with evolving compliance requirements may expose consultancy firms to privacy risks and data breaches, reputational damage, and the possibility of incurring hefty fines for inadequate protection and outdated practices.
The role of Zero Trust
As consultancy work becomes increasingly digital, the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches remains a serious, ongoing concern.
Unsecured tools in business systems can create dangerous vulnerabilities. During a breach, everything from client financial data to proprietary strategies can be compromised within minutes. Digital consultancy firms need safe ways to share files and control access to confidential information, making strong cybersecurity a must.
Enter Zero Trust Architectures (ZTAs). ZTAs operate on the principle of ‘Default Deny,’ meaning that all users and devices within a network are not inherently trusted. For remote consulting, Zero Trust means that only verified individuals and systems can access sensitive client data. This is especially important when people are working from various devices, some of which may not be secure.
Aligned with the principle of least privilege, ZTAs continuously verify user identities and enforce least-privileged access to ensure secure and efficient workflows.
Looking ahead: the future of remote consulting
The future of remote consulting hinges on overcoming its compliance and security challenges. The journey to true digital advisory offices begins with employing integrated platforms that bridge compliance demands and streamlined service.
By leveraging robust security measures like Zero Trust, consultancy firms can establish a digital advisory office able to navigate today’s fast-changing digital world. Businesses that adopt a full technology stack and modernise their infrastructure can be best positioned to stay secure and set new standards for remote advisory services.
