GLG vs. Expert360 (2026): Expert Network vs. APAC Marketplace — Full Comparison

Overview

GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) is the largest expert network in the world by revenue and network size. Its core product is a one-on-one expert consultation call — typically 30–60 minutes with an industry specialist, available on short notice. It serves primarily US and European institutional investors, private equity firms, and corporate strategy teams.

Expert360 is a project-based consulting marketplace founded in Australia in 2013. It’s the leading platform for independent consulting talent in the APAC region — covering Australia, Singapore, and broader Southeast Asia — and has expanded its presence in the US and UK. Rather than one-on-one calls, Expert360 is built around project engagements ranging from a few days to several months.

These platforms don’t directly compete in most scenarios — they’re different products solving different problems in overlapping (but distinct) geographies. The comparison becomes relevant when you’re choosing between two types of expert access: knowledge extraction via calls (GLG) versus project execution with APAC-rooted talent (Expert360).

A key insight that’s often missed: GLG is essentially a subscription to expert conversations. Expert360 is a marketplace for consulting engagements. Choosing between them is often less about which is “better” and more about which product type matches what you actually need.

Geographic Coverage

Geography is often the deciding factor. If you’re a US-based enterprise running primary research globally, GLG is the infrastructure you need. If you’re operating in or entering Australia, New Zealand, or Southeast Asia and need consulting talent with local market knowledge, Expert360 has a structural advantage that GLG’s global scale doesn’t close.

Engagement Models

GLG is designed around the expert call format: you submit a request, GLG matches you with an expert (usually within 24–48 hours), and you have a structured consultation call. It’s a knowledge-extraction model — ideal for research, due diligence, and market intelligence gathering. GLG has also expanded into surveys and structured data products, but expert calls remain the core.

Expert360 is built for project execution: you post a brief, consultants apply, you select and hire, and the consultant delivers outputs over an engagement. It functions like a consulting firm’s talent pool made accessible to smaller buyers, without the overhead of a major firm. Engagements can range from a 5-day assessment to a 6-month transformation project.

The practical implication: if your need is “I want to talk to 10 experts in the Australian superannuation industry,” GLG probably has more names faster. If your need is “I want someone to run a 6-week strategic review of our APAC operations,” Expert360 is likely better positioned.

Pricing

GLG operates on annual membership contracts, typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+ per year for enterprise clients, with a credit system governing expert access. Individual call costs, expressed in credit terms, are equivalent to $500–$1,500+ per hour in market value. There is no pay-per-call or ad hoc access option — you must commit to an annual membership.

Expert360 is more accessible for smaller organizations. Consultant day rates on Expert360 typically range from $1,200–$3,000 AUD/day (approximately $800–$2,000 USD/day) depending on seniority and specialty. There’s no annual membership required — you can access the platform project-by-project. Expert360 charges a platform fee (typically 15–20%) on top of consultant rates.

For smaller companies and non-US organizations, Expert360’s pricing model is significantly more approachable than GLG’s enterprise minimums. A growth-stage company can run a single project for $10,000–$30,000 through Expert360 with no ongoing commitment. That same company would need to commit $50,000+ annually to access GLG.

Expert Quality

GLG’s expert quality varies enormously by domain. In financial services, technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors in the US and Europe, GLG’s network is genuinely deep. You can source former FDA commissioners, recently retired CIOs, and senior fund managers with relevant experience in the specific subsector you’re researching. The tradeoff: for niche APAC domains, GLG’s coverage is much thinner.

Expert360’s consultant quality in APAC is consistently strong. The platform has over a decade of track record in the Australian market, with a vetted pool of experienced operators and ex-consultants who understand the local regulatory, business, and cultural environment. For APAC-specific projects — understanding Australian financial services regulation, navigating Southeast Asian go-to-market — Expert360’s talent has genuinely relevant experience that GLG’s global pool often can’t match.

Ideal Use Cases

Use GLG when:

• You’re conducting investment due diligence and need fast access to multiple industry experts
• Your team runs a high volume of primary research calls (>20/month)
• You need compliance infrastructure for regulated industries (finance, healthcare)
• Your team is based in the US or UK and needs global expert access
• You need technical, scientific, or regulatory expertise in non-APAC domains
• Speed matters: 24-hour matching is a genuine operational advantage

Use Expert360 when:

• You’re operating in or entering the Australian or Southeast Asian market
• You need a consultant to execute project work, not just advise on a call
• Your organization can’t justify GLG’s annual contract minimums
• You want APAC-specific expertise with on-the-ground knowledge
• You need a fractional executive or functional leader, not a one-off call
• Project-based work with a defined deliverable is more valuable than ongoing call access

Real Cost Scenarios

Verdict

If you’re a US-based enterprise running primary research at scale, GLG is the established choice. If you’re operating in APAC or need project-based consulting with local market knowledge, Expert360 has a clear structural advantage. Many APAC-focused organizations use both: GLG for investor-grade research calls and Expert360 for project execution on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions