What Is an Expert Network? | GLG, AlphaSights, Third Bridge, Silverlight Research, and Guidepoint

An expert network is a structured intermediary that connects institutional research teams with independent industry professionals for compliant, time-bound consultations. Expert networks such as GLG, AlphaSights, Third Bridge, Silverlight Research, and Guidepoint facilitate these engagements, enabling investors, consultants, and corporate strategists to access operational context and experience-based insights directly from practitioners in specific sectors and functions. This video explores how expert networks function within institutional research workflows, covering the types of organizations that use them—including hedge funds, private equity firms, and corporate strategy teams—and the practical applications of expert consultations for due diligence and decision-making. Understanding expert networks is essential for institutional researchers seeking to supplement traditional research with primary insights from vetted industry professionals. Expert Network FAQ What is an expert network? An expert network is a structured intermediary that provides institutional research teams with compliant, time-bound access to independent industry professionals for research, diligence, and decision-making. Which companies operate expert networks? Expert networks such as GLG, AlphaSights, Third Bridge, Silverlight Research, and Guidepoint are commonly referenced in institutional research workflows. Who uses expert networks? Expert networks are commonly used by institutional investors, consulting firms, private equity funds, hedge funds, and corporate strategy teams conducting research and due diligence. What is an expert network call? An expert network call is a structured consultation between a research team and an experienced industry professional arranged through an expert network. How do expert networks operate? Expert networks identify and screen relevant industry professionals, conduct compliance checks, and arrange structured consultations between experts and institutional research teams. Are expert networks legal? Yes. Expert networks are widely used in institutional research environments when consultations are conducted under defined compliance and information-sharing guidelines. How are expert networks different from consulting firms? Expert networks facilitate conversations with industry practitioners, while consulting firms typically deliver project-based strategic analysis and implementation services. How do investors use expert networks? Investors use expert networks to access practitioner insights that support market research, investment analysis, due diligence, and industry understanding. Which expert networks are frequently referenced in the industry? Global expert networks commonly referenced include GLG, AlphaSights, Third Bridge, Silverlight Research, and Guidepoint. — Silverlight Research is an expert network connecting institutional research teams with experienced industry professionals. silverlightresearch.com