That's a good point. And you're right, I don't believe there is anything like a Chinese Wall in consulting. But I still don't think that they would risk their r

That's a good point. And you're right, I don't believe there is anything like a Chinese Wall in consulting. But I still don't think that they would risk their reputation on very risky collusion. If there were evidence that there was insider trading on behalf of the hedge fund, it would probably result in one of the largest SEC fine in recent years. It would be a massive blow to their reputation. I tend to believe (maybe naively) that firms act in their own best interest and that McKinsey wouldn't dare do something as egregious as collude with their hedge fund. I know I probably have more faith in the financial services industry than most of HN, but McKinsey is a reputable firm with good people and I don't believe that in a million years (will that might be an overstatement) they would do anything like what the NYT is suggesting.