The Right Compliance Solution for Your Startup or SMB
Aetos vs. Compliance Management Platforms (CMPs) vs. Big Four/Consulting Firms: An Honest Comparison
When it comes to compliance, who can you trust? Is a software platform enough? Is a massive consulting firm too much? For most growing businesses, the answer is somewhere in the middle.
Choosing the wrong compliance framework can mean wasted resources, stalled deals, and unnecessary risk. That's why we've created a clear, honest comparison between the three primary options available to you:
Compliance Management Platforms (CMPs): Automated tools that are often a starting point but lack strategic depth.
Traditional Consulting/Audit Firms: The legacy choice, offering deep expertise but at a cost and scale that rarely makes sense for SMBs.
Aetos - Your Fractional Compliance Partner: The modern solution, combining hands-on expertise with an affordable, flexible model built for your stage of growth.
Use the chart below to compare these options on the factors that matter most—from cost and customization to true strategic partnership.
Compliance Services Comparison
| Category of Comparison | Aetos Data Consulting | Compliance Management Platforms (CMPs) | Consulting / Audit Firms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Offering |
Fractional Chief Compliance Officer; ongoing strategic partnership; holistic compliance integration
|
Automated tools for specific compliance tasks (e.g., cookie consent, DSARs)
|
Project-based consulting, audits, and certification assistance; some offer vCISO for SMBs
|
| Approach |
Proactive, strategic, integrated, human-centric, and adaptive
|
Reactive, tool-focused, task automation
|
Often reactive (audit-driven), project-based, or focused on specific compliance frameworks
|
| Scope of Service |
Holistic; covers legal nuance, operational integration, risk management, and strategic growth alignment
|
Narrow; addresses specific, often technical, compliance functions
|
Broad, but often siloed (e.g., only legal, only audit, only cyber security)
|
| Target Market |
Startups and Small-to-Medium Businesses (SMBs)
|
All sizes, often self-serve for SMBs; enterprises for comprehensive GRC
|
Typically larger enterprises (EY, Kroll), some cater to larger SMBs (Crowe, Protiviti)
|
| Affordability for SMBs |
Highly affordable, expert-level service designed for SMB budgets
|
Generally accessible for basic functions; costs escalate for comprehensive
|
High-cost; usually bespoke pricing, often out of reach for SMBs
|
| Human Element/Expertise |
Deep, customised 1:1 guidance; ongoing, embedded support; expert interpretation and implementation
|
Minimal; relies on self-service or tiered support
|
High, but often focused on specific engagements (e.g., audit prep) or specialized areas
|
| Business Integration |
Actively integrates compliance into all business functions (product, HR, sales, etc.)
|
Limited; tools don't inherently integrate compliance into operations
|
Can advise, but often doesn't embed compliance into day-to-day business processes
|
| Proactive Risk Management |
Continuous risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across the entire business
|
Limited to tool capabilities; doesn't anticipate broader business risks
|
Varies; often more reactive (assessing existing risks) than truly proactive
|
| Strategic Growth Alignment |
Leverages compliance as a strategic asset for securing clients, investors, and increasing valuation
|
None; purely functional
|
Limited; often seen as a cost center, not a growth driver
|
| Post-Implementation Support |
Continuous support and adaptation as regulations or business needs evolve
|
Feature updates; minimal ongoing interpretative support
|
Project ends; new engagement needed for ongoing support
|
| Background/Expertise Blend |
Integrated legal, technology, and operations expertise (e.g., JD + MBA Tech & Ops)
|
Software development/technical
|
Legal, audit, or cybersecurity specialization
|