The International Bodyguard Association (IBA) was founded in Paris 1957. Since the IBA has established itself as the premier world training organisation for Bodyguards. It has been at the forefront of Bodyguard education in the emerging Baltic and Balkan Republics, European Union Security; and in the new South Africa, in Afghanistan and throughout the new Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. During 2004, the IBA in addition to regular courses, trained classes of Iraqi Police, Cambodian Police, elements of the US Army’s 1st Special Forces Group, Bodyguards for United Nations Security, Bodyguards and Drivers for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). 

In the following years, IBA training was provided to the Thai National Police and Royal Thai Navy SEALS and Royal Thai Army Special Forces (Task Force 90). In 2005, the Mongolian Government arranged an IBA course for their Special Forces, Central Intelligence Agency, the State Special Security Agency and Police SWAT unit. In the UK, IBA graduates were among the first to complete their training for the new state SIA CP licence. Training was completed through a partnership between the IBA and New College, Swindon, and now also with Protector Network. The IBA in collaboration with Rightrack, have been delivering BTEC Level 3 courses in Close Protection for licencing in the United Kingdom’s Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) Close Protection Officer’s licence. 

The SIA CPO licence became a legal requirement for Bodyguards working within the United Kingdom from March 2006. All IBA candidates (UK and Foreign) who took the BTEC 3 or City & Guilds CP3 exam in Close Protection passed their exam, an exemplary 100% pass rate. By special application to the Director General, CP courses for SIA registration can be conducted outside of the United Kingdom. Last year IBA graduates successfully and safely completed high risk PSD and CP missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South East Asia. In the autumn of 2006 the IBA provided training for the United States of America’s first Homeland Security Platoon. Prior to this, elements of ‘C’ company (Special Duties) 1st Regiment Armed Forces of Malta and Police were trained by the IBA. 

The IBA consistently provides the highest level of training to government, military, police and civilian Bodyguards. The IBA HQ provided training and consultancy to the British Cabinet Office security. In 2010, the IBA trained National Police Protection teams in Ankara, Turkey. President Victor Yushenko of Ukraine under Presidential Order № 698/2006 awarded the Director General the Presidential Order of Merit in recognition of his work training Government Bodyguard units and Counter Terrorist teams since independence. The Director General has been similarly honoured by Baltic and Balkan nations, as well as by Governments and Churches. The International Bodyguard Association’s reputation for excellence is a result of over 50 years of achievement in protective skills training. The 50th Anniversary Dinner of the International Bodyguard Association was held on Friday 14th December 2007 at Dublin Castle, Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland