GLG is the category leader — 1M+ experts, 24/7 global desk, institutional compliance baked in. FieldSignal is a boutique alternative built for funds that don't write six-figure cheques. Here is the honest comparison.
Pick GLG if you run >$50k of research a year and need a 24/7 desk. Pick FieldSignal if you run 5-30 calls a year and can't justify a retainer.
Email us with your three most recent GLG project briefs (sanitised)
We'll quote per-call and per-project alternatives within 24 hours
Side-by-side cost projection across your typical annual volume
Sign a single MSA with no annual minimum — pay only what you use
First expert call inside 72 hours of MSA signature
Will I lose access to GLG's transcript library if I switch?
Yes — GLG's premium tier transcripts are proprietary. FieldSignal offers a $99/mo independent transcript library, which most former-GLG buyers find sufficient for opportunistic browsing.
Can FieldSignal source the same experts GLG can?
For the majority of qualitative research themes, yes. GLG wins on edge-case verticals where their 1M network has more depth — typically obscure foreign-market specialists or very-recent-departure execs at hot companies.
Is FieldSignal's compliance framework recognised by institutional LPs?
Yes. Our framework follows the same documentation standards as GLG, AlphaSights and Third Bridge. We've supplied compliance documentation to LP DDQs for emerging-manager funds without flag.
How does turnaround compare in practice?
GLG can deliver same-day for urgent requests with a senior account. FieldSignal averages 48–72 hours from brief to first call. If you need faster than that consistently, AlphaSights is honestly a better fit than us.
Where AlphaSights' speed and account model wins. Where FieldSignal's per-call pricing and senior contact win. Honest comparison.
Third Bridge's Forum library vs FieldSignal's custom calls + lightweight transcripts. Where each genuinely wins.
Guidepoint's multi-region scale vs FieldSignal's per-project depth. When each is genuinely the right answer.