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Kroll Launches APEX to Transform AI Investment Strategy

In a landmark announcement at Fal.Con 2026, Kroll, a leading independent provider of financial and risk advisory solutions, unveiled its new capability called Kroll AI Automation Prioritization EXecution (APEX). This innovative tool, built on the robust CrowdStrike Falcon® platform, aims to redefine how businesses approach their investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Kroll APEX is designed to help organizations quantify the operational effort, cost, and business value associated with AI and automation technologies, thus facilitating informed decision-making.

The AI investment landscape is rapidly evolving, with global spending expected to reach a staggering $2.59 trillion by 2026, marking a significant 47% increase year-on-year. Despite this surge in expenditure, many organizations struggle to define clear metrics for return on investment (ROI) when it comes to their AI initiatives. Kroll APEX addresses this issue by providing a structured framework that focuses on measurable business outcomes.

How APEX Works

Kroll APEX operates on a data-driven decision-making model that aids organizations in identifying, prioritizing, and evaluating various cyber use cases. This capability allows businesses to determine the most suitable approach—be it AI, automation, or a combination of both—prior to initiating engineering work. By integrating thousands of cyber engagements and leveraging client-specific financial and operational data, APEX produces insights that are presented through an intuitive dashboard within the Falcon platform.

Utilizing Kroll's extensive experience in cybersecurity, the APEX tool helps clients assess their cyber environments and organizational priorities through a methodical discovery process. This collaboration enables organizations to make strategic assessments or incorporate APEX as part of an ongoing advisory engagement, continually fine-tuning their cyber priorities as they evolve.

Empowering Informed Decision-Making

The primary advantage of Kroll APEX is its ability to foster confidence in cyber investment decisions. By aligning security strategy with business goals, APEX equips finance and security leaders with a shared perspective on investment priorities and anticipated outcomes. This alignment enhances the optimization of technology spending, expedites decision-making processes, and fortifies cyber resilience frameworks.

Dave Burg, the Global Group Head of Cyber and Data Resilience at Kroll, remarked, "Kroll APEX shifts the discussion from 'Should we invest in AI?' to 'Where will AI, automation, or human expertise deliver the greatest value?'" He noted the increasing pressure on CFOs and CISOs to merge financial discipline with operational insights, particularly as boards demand greater clarity in investment-related strategies. APEX represents a significant step towards achieving this clarity.

A distinguishing feature of Kroll APEX is its representation of the growing strategic partnership between Kroll and CrowdStrike. As a founding member of CrowdStrike's Charlotte AI AgentWorks Ecosystem and Project QuiltWorks, Kroll is poised to enhance its advisory roles and expand its influence in the market.

A Promise of Innovation

By merging CrowdStrike's AI-native cybersecurity platform with Kroll's vast advisory expertise and proprietary methodologies, this collaboration empowers organizations to make evidence-based decisions that align security investments with broader business objectives. Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, emphasized that AI is redefining cybersecurity capabilities, stating, "Value comes from applying it where it can have the most significant impact. Kroll is leveraging its advisory strengths together with Falcon's capabilities to help customers translate their AI aspirations into tangible business outcomes."

In conclusion, Kroll's APEX is not just a tool—it's a strategic transformation that could reshape the way organizations approach their AI investments. By fostering accountability and clarity in decision-making, Kroll APEX holds the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity investments, ultimately helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

For those interested in discovering more about how Kroll and CrowdStrike can assist in maximizing your organization's cyber investment potential, additional information is available at kroll.com/crowdstrike.