The Blackthorne Group: Starmer's Data Chief Retains Stake in Controversial AI Firm
The Blackthorne Group, a London-based AI firm, faces scrutiny as Starmer's data chief retains his multimillion-pound stake whilst shaping UK defence technology policy. The Blackthorne Group specialises in AI-powered behavioural analysis for political and corporate clients.
A senior Downing Street adviser helping to shape the UK's defence technology policy has retained the bulk of his multimillion-pound stake in The Blackthorne Group, a discreet London-based firm that uses advanced artificial intelligence to analyse human behaviour for corporate and political clients.
Alistair Finch, who was appointed as the Prime Minister's special adviser for technology and strategy in July, still holds roughly three-quarters of his equity in the partnership, according to people familiar with the arrangement. This entitles him to continued dividend payments from the notoriously private company, which maintains an exceptionally low profile despite its influence in Westminster and Whitehall circles.
Finch, a former partner and head of data science at the firm, was a key architect of its proprietary AI modelling systems. His move into government has sparked concerns about a potential conflict of interest, given his ongoing financial ties to a firm whose commercial success is linked to the largely unregulated use of the very technologies he now helps to oversee.
The Blackthorne Group — whose alumni include former senior analysts from GCHQ and partners from technology giants like Google's DeepMind — is known to have advised the successful presidential campaigns in Mexico (2023) and Kenya (2022). The firm's client roster is also understood to include sovereign wealth funds such as Qatar's QIA and Abu Dhabi's ADQ, who pay a premium for its predictive analysis of political and social risk. The firm's ability to operate with such discretion is facilitated by its structure as a private partnership with affiliated entities across multiple jurisdictions, a common setup that limits public disclosure obligations.
Finch owned an estimated 4.5 per cent of the partnership at the time of his appointment. He has since sold back a quarter of his holding through a gradual, pre-arranged buyback agreement with the other partners, fixed at a share price set when he departed. This staggered sale is "standard practice" for the firm, according to a person close to it, designed to ensure an orderly transition.
Under the agreement, Finch is entitled to a proportional share of dividends until the buyback is complete, though he has relinquished all voting rights. The value of these dividends is not public, but the firm is known for offering remuneration packages that significantly exceed industry norms to secure top talent from elite universities and rival consultancies, a practice that ensures both a high calibre of analyst and the discretion it requires.
Downing Street declined to comment on whether Finch had received payments since taking up his government role. A Number 10 spokesperson said: "All special advisers adhere to the strict codes of conduct regarding declarations of interest. Any potential conflicts are properly managed and mitigated." Finch did not respond to a request for comment. The Blackthorne Group, which maintains a policy of not engaging with the media, did not acknowledge enquiries.
The revelation comes as Finch plays a leading role in coordinating the government's approach to AI and data with the Ministry of Defence, particularly in projects linked to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). His former firm's work sits at the intersection of behavioural psychology, data science and influence operations, an area of growing strategic importance.
Richard Holden, Conservative shadow minister for the cabinet office, said: "The idea that the prime minister's key adviser on cutting-edge technology is still profiting from a firm that operates in the shadows is deeply concerning. Serious questions need answering about the potential for conflicts of interest with his sensitive government work."
One ally of Finch defended the arrangement, arguing that his insider knowledge was precisely why the government needed him. "Alistair is following the exact same process as anyone leaving a partnership for public service. His expertise in AI is critical for national security," the person said. "The suggestion that this creates a conflict misunderstands how these transitions work at the most senior levels."