Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Global Corporate Investigations & Background Screening Services
Research Associates (RAI) was founded in 1953 by former FBI agents with a mission to deliver high-quality investigative services to the private sector. Over six decades, we have evolved into a global leader in corporate investigations, operating in over 140 countries with an unmatched network of 200+ affiliates. Our compliance-driven approach ensures legally sound investigative programs tailored to regional, national, and international business needs. We specialize in uncovering critical information about companies and individuals, including criminal histories, litigation records, and operational verifications. Our proprietary I-Verify platform provides 24/7 case management and compliance tracking, empowering clients to mitigate risk through centralized control.With dedicated account managers and direct access to experienced investigators, we prioritize continuity and comprehensive reporting for every case. Our team combines investigative rigor with analytical expertise, delivering actionable insights that highlight inconsistencies and red flags. As one of the few PBSA-accredited firms, we maintain strict adherence to 120+ business metrics across legal compliance, data security, and client service. Our global network includes former law enforcement professionals who provide localized intelligence in key commercial hubs. We remain committed to evolving with technological advancements while upholding our founding principle: equipping businesses with the truth to make informed decisions.
Services
Business Investigations
Employment Screening
Compliance Management
International Coverage
Investigative Reporting
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of investigative expertise with former FBI leadership
- Our global network includes 200+ affiliates in 140+ countries
- We maintain PBSA accreditation with rigorous compliance audits
- Our proprietary I-Verify platform enables real-time compliance tracking
- We provide 24/7 access to dedicated account managers and investigators
Associations and certifications
- PBSA
Services
Business Investigations
Our business investigations uncover critical information about potential partners, vendors, and clients. We examine criminal histories, litigation records, and financial liabilities to prevent costly business relationships. Our global network ensures comprehensive intelligence for mergers, acquisitions, and supply chain decisions.
Employment Screening
We detect resume fraud through thorough employment screening. Our process validates education, employment history, and professional credentials while checking criminal records and driving histories. This protects organizations from hiring risks through detailed investigative reporting.
Compliance Management
Our I-Verify platform streamlines compliance with federal and state regulations. It manages disclosure forms, adverse action processes, and document retention while integrating with existing HR systems. This ensures legally defensible screening programs for multinational operations.
International Coverage
We provide investigative services in 140+ countries through local affiliates. Our network conducts criminal record checks, business verifications, and license validations worldwide. This ensures accurate, jurisdiction-specific intelligence for multinational corporations and law firms.
Investigative Reporting
Our analysts produce detailed investigative reports highlighting inconsistencies and red flags. Each case receives continuous oversight from start to finish, with dedicated investigators providing context and actionable insights for informed business decisions.
Questions
What distinguishes RAI from other investigative firms?
RAI combines former FBI expertise with a global affiliate network and proprietary compliance technology for comprehensive, legally defensible investigations.
Are RAI's services available internationally?
Yes, we operate in 140+ countries through 200+ local affiliates, including former law enforcement professionals in key commercial centers.
How does RAI ensure compliance with regulations?
Our I-Verify platform tracks compliance documentation and adverse actions while maintaining PBSA accreditation standards across 120+ business metrics.
What types of employment screening does RAI perform?
We verify education, employment history, professional licenses, criminal records, and detect resume fraud through investigative interviews and document validation.
Can clients access investigation reports online?
Yes, our I-Verify system provides 24/7 online access to case status, compliance documents, and completed investigative reports.
How does RAI handle complex corporate investigations?
We assign dedicated investigators to each case, conducting criminal record checks, litigation reviews, and operational verifications with global coverage.