Top 5 GDPR consulting services companies

The financial and reputational risks of non-compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are immense, with regulators having issued billions of euros in fines to date.

That’s why many organizations turn to GDPR consulting companies to help interpret the law, apply it to their business, and implement the right internal processes like privacy policies, Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs), and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs).

But not all consultancies are built the same. The traditional model of hiring a consultant can be slow, manual, and expensive.

Whether you are a startup or an established company, knowing who to collaborate with can make all the difference.

In this article, we break down some of the leading traditional GDPR compliance consulting services companies and show you how Scrut, a modern, tech-first platform, helps you achieve the same outcomes faster, with less manual effort and greater visibility.

In what ways can a GDPR consultant help?

Relying solely on internal knowledge for GDPR compliance can be risky, as missteps can result in hefty fines and damage your organization's reputation. An experienced GDPR consultant brings the expertise, structure, and clarity needed to get it right. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining existing practices, they help navigate complex regulations, reduce risk, and build trust.

Here’s how a consultant can support every stage of your GDPR compliance journey:

1. Assessment and gap analysis

A GDPR consultant starts with a thorough assessment of your current data protection practices. This includes identifying and creating an inventory of personal data your organization collects. They develop data process maps that highlight the data journey from collection to processing, storage, and transfer within the organization.

The consultant then evaluates how your existing data practices align with GDPR requirements, pinpointing areas of non-compliance that require attention and improvement.

2. Develop risk mitigation strategies

Once gaps are identified, consultants work with your technical and legal teams to implement appropriate safeguards and controls. 

They help you implement data security methods—such as encryption, pseudonymization, and access restrictions—tailored to your specific risk profile. 

Additionally, they provide guidance on managing data breaches, including notification requirements and mitigation steps.

3. Create policies and support documentation

A GDPR consultant helps design data protection policies and procedures that comply with regulations and align with your organizational requirements.

A consultant helps you develop, review, and update essential documents, including privacy policies, consent forms, cookie notices, data retention policies, and processing records. They ensure data processing agreements and privacy notices are in place and compliant.

Additionally, the consultants guide you in creating processes for handling data subject rights, conducting DPIAs, and managing breach notifications. These are essential for demonstrating accountability and regulatory readiness.

4. Conduct educational workshops and staff training

Employees are often the first line of defense. Improperly trained staff can pose serious compliance risks. Consultants deliver tailored training sessions to ensure employees across levels understand their roles and responsibilities under GDPR.

Workshops and ongoing education help teams recognize data subject requests, apply privacy principles in daily operations, and foster a culture of compliance.

5. Perform audits for continuous compliance

GDPR compliance isn’t a one-time event. Consultants conduct periodic audits to track compliance, flag deviations, and recommend updates as regulations evolve.

In addition, consultants also help you assess third-party vendors for GDPR compliance. They make sure that data processing agreements with third parties meet GDPR requirements. If you’re pursuing GDPR certification, consultants offer end-to-end guidance through the preparation and audit process. 

Top 5 GDPR consulting companies 

Finding the right GDPR consulting company can significantly impact your compliance journey. 

Below is a curated list of top GDPR consulting organizations with proven expertise in data protection, regulatory strategy, and implementing privacy programs. 

The list was compiled using evaluation criteria such as team size, service specialization, client feedback (leveraging Clutch scores), and geographical reach.

Whether you're launching or optimizing your GDPR efforts, these firms can support your business to stay compliant and competitive.

1. BD Emerson

BD Emerson is a privacy and security consultancy based in Richmond, VA. The company offers professional services specializing in cybersecurity, privacy consulting, and compliance. 

The company provides GDPR compliance consulting and audit services to businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, financial services, retail, and startups. The client base primarily includes small and medium-sized enterprises.

Key Features 

• Comprehensive GDPR gap analysis and risk assessments
• Tailored compliance roadmaps for SMBs
• Hands-on implementation support across multiple industries
• Post-implementation audit services to ensure ongoing compliance

Pricing: Hourly consulting charges range from $100 to $149, while a compliance consulting project starts from $10,000.

Services: GDPR compliance consulting and audit.

Employees: 10 - 49.

Headquarters: Richmond, U.S.

2. URM Consulting

URM Consulting provides consultancy and training in the areas of information and cybersecurity, data protection, business continuity, and risk management. It offers GDPR consulting across the UK and mainland Europe with over 17 years of experience. 

Key Features

• Virtual Data Protection Officer (DPO) services for organizations without in-house expertise
• DSAR redaction services to manage data subject access requests efficiently
• Comprehensive gap analysis with detailed remediation roadmaps
• DPIA support to assess and mitigate high-risk processing activities
• Customized GDPR training programs for employees at all levels

Pricing: Project-based pricing varies depending on scope and duration. You have to contact the company for custom quotes based on your specific compliance needs.

Services: GDPR consulting and training.

Employees: 51 - 200.

Headquarters: United Kingdom.

3. SharkStriker 

SharkStriker is a global cybersecurity vendor offering a range of services, including security and compliance, audits, staff training, and breach support. It serves clients across 30 countries, delivering end-to-end compliance services, including risk and policy management, security consulting, implementation, and training.

After assessing your risk profile, SharkStriker helps build custom policies and procedures aligned with GDPR requirements. Post-implementation, they conduct audits to identify and address any loopholes and gaps before external audits.

Key features

• End-to-end compliance management from assessment to certification
• Custom policy and procedure development tailored to your organization
• Pre-audit assessments to identify vulnerabilities before official audits
• Global reach with compliance expertise across 30 countries
• Staff training programs to build internal compliance capability

Pricing: Custom pricing based on organizational size, data complexity, and service scope.

Services: GDPR compliance consulting, implementation, audit, and training.

Employees: 10 - 49.

Headquarters: California, U.S.

4. IT Governance

IT Governance is an established global provider of cybersecurity and data privacy solutions. The company offers comprehensive GDPR consultancy packages ranging from quick advisory services to full-scale compliance project support.

IT Governance provides a structured approach to GDPR compliance, helping organizations inventory personal data, assess data protection risks, and adapt existing programs to meet regulatory requirements.

Key features

• Flexible consultancy packages from customized advisory services to complete project support
• The data privacy services offer a flexible, holistic solution to data protection under one easy-to-manage contract.
• Data protection risk assessment and impact analysis with a dedicated, independent data protection officer (DPO).
• Staff training programs tailored to different roles and responsibilities
• Global presence with localized expertise in multiple jurisdictions

Pricing: It offers tiered consultancy packages with pricing varying based on services and engagement type. A comprehensive GDPR Gap analysis is available at $5,700, while a lower-priced version at $3,700 is suitable for the needs of small businesses.

Employees: 100+

Headquarters: The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom (UK) with operations in the US also.

5. Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP is a leading public accounting and consulting firm providing specialized GDPR compliance consulting services. With extensive experience in data governance, data protection, and incident response, Crowe helps organizations develop and implement comprehensive strategies for meeting GDPR requirements.

Crowe's data privacy professionals work collaboratively with organizations to design privacy programs that not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance overall data governance practices.

Key features:

• Comprehensive GDPR readiness assessments and gap analysis
• Privacy impact assessment (DPIA) facilitation and documentation
• Data breach incident response planning and support
• Cross-border data transfer compliance strategies
• Integration of GDPR requirements with broader enterprise risk management

Pricing: Custom pricing based on the scope of engagement, organizational complexity, and service requirements. Crowe offers flexible engagement models from project-based consulting to ongoing advisory retainers.

Services: GDPR compliance consulting, data governance, privacy program development, incident response, and managed privacy services.

Employees: 5,000 to 10,000.

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, U.S. (with offices nationwide and internationally).

When should you hire a GDPR consultant?

Knowing when to bring in a GDPR consultant can improve compliance posture. It will help you avoid regulatory fines and negative business consequences.

1. Before launching a product in the EU

If your new product or service collects personal data from EU users, such as names, email addresses, IP addresses, and health data, you must comply with GDPR from day one. A consultant can help you embed privacy by design, select the correct lawful basis for processing, and avoid common pitfalls that can result in non-compliance.

2. After a data breach or compliance warning

If you’ve had a data breach or received a warning from regulators, it’s time to bring in a consultant. They help you assess non-compliance or data breaches to identify key contributing factors. They enable you to take corrective actions and implement safeguards to avoid recurrence. They liaise with regulators and ensure the response meets legal requirements, helping you minimize punitive fines.

3. During mergers, acquisitions, or data transfers

M&A deals and routine business operations often involve data sharing within or outside the European Economic Area (EEA). While intra-EEA transfers are GDPR-compliant by default, transfers to non-EEA countries require additional safeguards.

A GDPR consultant helps you comply with privacy rules and protects customer data when it is transferred to another entity outside the EEA. They ensure that privacy risks are assessed through DPIAs and that both parties meet their GDPR obligations. They help avoid regulatory issues post-transaction and streamline integration in M&A deals.

4. When handling sensitive or biometric data

Sensitive data, such as health records, racial or ethnic information, or biometric identifiers, is also referred to as a special category of personal data. If you are processing this data on a large scale, the GDPR imposes additional requirements, such as conducting DPIAs, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO), and obtaining explicit consent.

A consultant helps identify lawful processing grounds and implements additional safeguards such as encryption or access controls. They ensure that explicit consent is obtained and documented appropriately.

5. If managing a remote team or cross-border users

Remote teams and global user bases introduce complexity in data transfer and compliance across jurisdictions. A consultant helps you navigate GDPR’s international transfer mechanisms, ensuring data is lawfully processed and adequately protected, wherever your team or users are located.

Scrut Automation: The alternative to traditional GDPR consulting

A risk management and compliance automation platform like Scrut is a viable, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to hiring a GDPR consultant or organization. It helps you streamline GDPR compliance, such as managing policies, controls, and evidence collection. Its automated workflows streamline gap analysis, document management, and auditor collaboration. 

The automated platform reduces manual efforts and the need for an external consultant, providing the structure and guidance typically delivered by consulting firms but with greater speed, transparency, and ongoing support.

Here's how Scrut can help with your GDPR compliance management: 

1. Centralized compliance management 

Manage all GDPR-related policies, tasks, and evidence from a single dashboard. Scrut brings everything under one roof, making compliance more organized, visible, and easier to maintain.

The platform provides a unified view of your entire compliance program, allowing you to track progress across multiple workstreams simultaneously. This centralized approach eliminates the need for scattered spreadsheets and email threads, reducing the risk of missed deadlines or overlooked requirements.

2. Gap analysis tools

The platform allows you to conduct comprehensive GDPR gap analyses, including cloud risk assessments, control reviews, employee policy attestations, and vendor risk assessments. This helps identify areas of non-compliance and provides actionable insights for remediation.

The platform evaluates your current state against GDPR requirements across multiple dimensions:

• Cloud infrastructure assessments: Automatically scan your cloud environments to identify misconfigurations that could lead to data breaches or non-compliance
• Control effectiveness reviews: Evaluate whether your existing security and privacy controls adequately address GDPR requirements
• Policy attestation tracking: Ensure employees acknowledge and understand data protection policies through systematic attestation workflows
• Vendor risk evaluations: Assess third-party processors to ensure they meet GDPR standards for data protection

3. Intelligent document management

Access a policy hub of 75+ GDPR-ready, expert-vetted policies, or upload your own. Scrut keeps key documents like DPIAs and Article 30 records up to date and audit-ready at all times.

Scrut's document management capabilities extend far beyond simple storage:

• Pre-built policy templates: Access expertly crafted templates covering privacy policies, data retention policies, cookie policies, data processing agreements, and more—all aligned with current GDPR requirements
• Version control: Maintain a complete audit trail of policy changes, including who made changes, when, and why
• Automated review cycles: Set custom review intervals for policies and receive notifications when documents need updating
• DPIA workflow management: Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments using structured templates that ensure you address all necessary risk factors

4. Audit collaboration center

Scrut’s GDPR Audit Center streamlines the audit process and helps you connect with a curated selection of GDPR compliance auditors. 

You can choose the GDPR auditor best suited to your needs, ensuring a seamless audit process. These compliance experts help you interpret regulations, address implementation challenges, and ensure that your organization’s compliance posture is audit-ready.

The Audit Center serves as a collaboration hub where you can:

• Upload evidence in one place: Organize and share compliance evidence with auditors in a structured, searchable repository
• Request information centrally: Auditors can submit evidence requests directly through the platform, eliminating back-and-forth emails
• Track audit progress: Monitor reviewed and pending evidence items 

5. Automated evidence collection

No more chasing teams for screenshots or logs. Scrut integrates with your existing systems to automate evidence collection at custom intervals, ensuring that data is captured reliably and consistently. 

Scrut connects with your technology stack to automatically collect compliance evidence:

• Native integrations: Connect with 100+ popular tools, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), identity providers (Okta, Azure AD), endpoint management systems, code repositories, ticketing systems, and more
• Scheduled collection: Configure evidence collection to run automatically—daily, weekly, or monthly—based on each control's requirements
• Screenshot automation: Automatically capture screenshots of system configurations, access logs, and security settings without manual intervention
• Evidence validation: The platform checks collected evidence against expected parameters and flags anomalies or missing data

Automation eliminates manual evidence collection, enabling teams to focus on strategic compliance activities.

6. Automated cloud scanning

The platform performs continuous scanning across Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, identifying misconfigurations against GDPR guidelines to ensure data security.

Scrut's cloud security posture management capabilities provide:

• Multi-cloud coverage: Scan resources across all major cloud providers from a single interface
• GDPR-specific checks: Evaluate configurations against GDPR requirements such as encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, data residency requirements, and backup policies
• Remediation guidance: Receive specific recommendations for fixing identified issues, including code snippets or configuration changes
• Resource inventory: Maintain a comprehensive inventory of cloud resources that process or store personal data

Automated cloud scanning ensures that your cloud infrastructure remains compliant even as your environment evolves and new resources are deployed.

7. Continuous compliance monitoring

Scrut runs tests to check the validity of each artifact every 24 hours, ensuring that deviations from compliance standards are quickly identified and addressed. The platform maintains a complete audit trail of all compliance activities, essential for demonstrating accountability under GDPR.

The platform notifies relevant stakeholders, such as creators, approvers, and publishers, about pending tasks or critical issues that need to be prioritized. Continuous monitoring and automation ensure that your controls are effective, ensuring round-the-clock compliance. 

8. Vendor risk management

Managing third-party data processors is a critical GDPR requirement, and Scrut simplifies this complex process:

• Vendor assessment questionnaires: Send customizable security questionnaires to vendors to assess their data protection practices
• Risk scoring and tiering: Automatically calculate vendor risk scores based on questionnaire responses and categorize vendors by risk level
• Centralized vendor repository: Maintain a complete inventory of all vendors who process personal data, along with their data processing agreements and security documentation
• Contract management: Track data processing agreement (DPA) renewal dates and receive alerts when agreements need review or updating

This comprehensive vendor management ensures you meet GDPR's Article 28 requirements for processor oversight without the manual overhead of spreadsheet tracking.

Scrut’s platform enables you to efficiently achieve and maintain GDPR compliance, mitigate risks, and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

By combining automation, expert guidance, and real-time tracking, Scrut enables organizations to achieve and maintain GDPR compliance efficiently. 

Schedule a demo to see how Scrut can streamline your GDPR journey. 

FAQs

What is a GDPR consultant?

A GDPR consultant helps businesses interpret GDPR clauses and identify the applicable ones. They help companies understand the implications of GDPR and implement data protection measures and controls to protect customer personal information. They help businesses achieve and maintain GDPR compliance efficiently, avoiding fines.

How do I find a good GDPR consulting firm?

You must identify your requirements and create an evaluation framework for selecting a good GDPR compliance consulting firm. Evaluate the consulting firm's expertise in GDPR compliance, success track record, and implementation experience in your industry. Ask for client testimonials and referrals, and assess transparency in pricing and deliverables.

What services do GDPR consultants offer?

GDPR consultants offer risk assessments, gap analyses, policy development, and staff training. They conduct audits, assist with data protection impact assessments, and manage data breaches. They help respond to data subject requests and provide compliance support to ensure organizations meet GDPR requirements. 

Who needs GDPR consulting?

GDPR compliance consulting services are essential for organizations within and outside the European Union (EU) that process the personal data of EU citizens. Organizations with limited in-house GDPR compliance expertise and resources can benefit by availing of consultant services.

How much does GDPR consultancy cost?

GDPR consultancy costs vary based on organization size, data complexity, and scope of services. Each step and phase in the GDPR compliance process, from data discovery to customer GDPR privacy notifications and employee training, has its unique costs and time requirements, which impact the overall costs.