inner circle

noun2

1. •
   The group comprising one's closest friends or associates.
2. •
   A small, exclusive group of people close to the center of power who control a movement, organization, political party, etc.

   • Sassoon used the close relationship of Yedidia and Bankman-Fried to explore the FTX inner circle’s luxe lifestyle and allege how it hid a house of cards. — 2023