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FTI Consulting

To protect client value by being the indispensable partner for organizations navigating critical moments of change and crisis.

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FTI Consulting SWOT Analysis

Updated: October 3, 2025 • 2025-Q4 Analysis

The FTI Consulting SWOT analysis reveals a firm at a pivotal juncture. Its premier brand in restructuring and deep expert bench are formidable strengths, driving strong profitability. However, this human-capital-intensive model faces significant threats from talent wars, cyclical market demand, and the potential for AI to commoditize certain services. The key priorities underscore a clear strategic path: FTI must leverage its trusted brand to aggressively expand into high-growth areas like cybersecurity, ESG, and AI advisory. Winning the war for talent is not just a priority but an existential necessity to fuel this growth. Furthermore, breaking down internal silos to deliver integrated solutions is crucial for differentiation against both massive Big Four firms and nimble boutiques. The firm must evolve from a collection of elite practices into a seamlessly integrated global advisory powerhouse to secure its long-term vision and market leadership.

To protect client value by being the indispensable partner for organizations navigating critical moments of change and crisis.

Strengths

  • REPUTATION: #1 Global Restructuring Advisor ranking enhances brand equity
  • DIVERSIFICATION: 5 segments provide stability; Tech grew 14% in Q3'24
  • PROFITABILITY: Strong adj. EBITDA margins (~12%) despite wage pressures
  • EXPERTISE: Deep bench of 8,000+ billable experts is a key differentiator
  • RELATIONSHIPS: Trusted by 97 of top 100 global law firms for referrals

Weaknesses

  • TALENT: Intense competition for experts drives high compensation costs
  • CYCLICALITY: Restructuring revenue is counter-cyclical to M&A activity
  • SCALABILITY: Growth is constrained by ability to hire & retain experts
  • INTEGRATION: Difficulty in cross-selling services across all 5 segments
  • GEOGRAPHY: Over-reliance on North America (~65% of revenue) for growth

Opportunities

  • CYBERSECURITY: Corporate spending on cyber breach response is exploding
  • ESG: Demand for sustainability reporting and strategy advisory is high
  • AI ADVISORY: Clients need guidance on AI implementation and risk mgmt.
  • REGULATION: Increased global regulation drives demand for econ consulting
  • M&A REBOUND: A pickup in M&A will fuel the Corp. Finance transaction biz

Threats

  • COMPETITION: Big Four and boutique firms are aggressively hiring talent
  • ECONOMY: A prolonged recession could slow discretionary consulting spend
  • IN-HOUSING: Large corporations are building their own internal expertise
  • CONFLICTS: Strict independence rules can limit potential engagements
  • TECHNOLOGY: AI tools could automate tasks traditionally done by juniors

Key Priorities

  • DIFFERENTIATE: Solidify position as the premier destination for experts
  • ACCELERATE: Rapidly scale Cyber, ESG, and AI advisory service offerings
  • INTEGRATE: Drive deeper cross-segment collaboration for holistic deals
  • MODERNIZE: Invest in tech to improve consultant productivity & scaling

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FTI Consulting Market

  • Founded: 1982, as Forensic Technologies International
  • Market Share: Leader in restructuring; top player in others
  • Customer Base: Fortune 500, law firms, private equity, gov't
  • Category:
  • SIC Code: 8742 Management Consulting Services
  • NAICS Code: 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Zip Code: 20004
  • Employees: 8000
Competitors
Alvarez & Marsal logo
Alvarez & Marsal Request Analysis
AlixPartners logo
AlixPartners Request Analysis
McKinsey & Company logo
McKinsey & Company Request Analysis
Boston Consulting Group logo
Boston Consulting Group View Analysis
Deloitte logo
Deloitte View Analysis
PwC logo
PwC Request Analysis
EY logo
EY View Analysis
KPMG logo
KPMG Request Analysis
Products & Services
No products or services data available
Distribution Channels

FTI Consulting Product Market Fit Analysis

Updated: October 3, 2025

FTI Consulting provides clarity and resolution for organizations facing their most critical moments. The firm deploys world-class experts to protect and enhance enterprise value during high-stakes litigation, restructuring, and transactions. Its independent, specialized teams deliver data-driven insights that enable leaders to navigate complexity with confidence and achieve favorable outcomes when it matters most.

1

PROTECT: We safeguard enterprise value during existential threats.

2

ENHANCE: We uncover opportunities to maximize value in transactions.

3

RESOLVE: We provide clarity and favorable outcomes in complex disputes.



Before State

  • Facing overwhelming complexity and risk
  • Lacking specialized expertise for crisis
  • Uncertain path through litigation/change
  • Reputational or financial value at stake

After State

  • Navigated crisis with clear, expert path
  • Value protected or enhanced successfully
  • Complex disputes resolved favorably
  • Regulatory compliance confidently met

Negative Impacts

  • Significant financial losses or bankruptcy
  • Protracted legal battles and penalties
  • Loss of market confidence and reputation
  • Failed M&A integrations or transactions

Positive Outcomes

  • Successful restructuring and emergence
  • Strengthened legal and market position
  • Maximized transaction or enterprise value
  • Resilient operations and reputation

Key Metrics

Customer Retention Rates - Est. 85%+ for key accounts
Net Promoter Score (NPS) - Est. 50-60 (High for B2B services)
User Growth Rate - Measured by revenue growth per segment
Customer Feedback/Reviews - Limited public; strong industry reputation
Repeat Purchase Rates - High; often multi-year engagements

Requirements

  • Deep, unbiased, and credentialed expertise
  • Rapid deployment of global resources
  • Data-driven, defensible analysis
  • Trusted C-suite and board-level advice

Why FTI Consulting

  • Deploying small teams of senior experts
  • Leveraging proprietary data & tech tools
  • Providing independent, conflict-free advice
  • Integrating cross-functional disciplines

FTI Consulting Competitive Advantage

  • Unmatched restructuring & litigation cred
  • Truly independent, conflict-free model
  • Global network of on-demand specialists
  • Decades of experience in high-stakes cases

Proof Points

  • Served as advisor in 9 of top 10 bankruptcies
  • Named #1 Restructuring Advisor globally
  • Ranked top in litigation dispute advisory
  • Trusted by 97 of the world's top 100 law firms
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FTI Consulting Market Positioning

Strategic pillars derived from our vision-focused SWOT analysis

1

INTEGRATED EXPERTISE

Deepen cross-practice collaboration

2

TALENT MAGNET

Become the premier destination for advisory talent

3

DIGITAL ACCELERATION

Embed AI and data analytics in all services

4

GLOBAL REACH

Expand strategic presence in high-growth markets

What You Do

  • Expert-led business advisory services

Target Market

  • Organizations facing high-stakes situations

Differentiation

  • Deep, specialized industry expertise
  • Conflict-free, independent platform

Revenue Streams

  • Hourly and project-based consulting fees
  • Success fees and long-term retainers
FTI Consulting logo

FTI Consulting Operations and Technology

Company Operations
  • Organizational Structure: Segment-based matrix with geographic overlays
  • Supply Chain: Primarily human capital and technology assets
  • Tech Patents: Proprietary software in e-discovery/analytics
  • Website: https://www.fticonsulting.com/
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FTI Consulting Competitive Forces

Threat of New Entry

MEDIUM: Reputational barriers are high, but niche boutique firms can emerge. Scaling globally to compete directly is extremely difficult.

Supplier Power

HIGH: The primary suppliers are elite experts (PhDs, former execs) who command high salaries and have significant mobility, giving them power.

Buyer Power

MEDIUM: While clients (large corps, law firms) are sophisticated and can negotiate, the critical, high-stakes nature of the work limits their power.

Threat of Substitution

MEDIUM: Substitutes include clients in-housing capabilities or using AI-driven legal/data platforms, though this is rare for complex matters.

Competitive Rivalry

HIGH: Intense rivalry from Big Four (Deloitte, PwC), specialized firms (Alvarez & Marsal), and strategy houses (McKinsey) for talent and deals.

AI Disclosure

This report was created using the Alignment Method—our proprietary process for guiding AI to reveal how it interprets your business and industry. These insights are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

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