EXPERT NETWORK · RESEARCH · FIELDWORK
Useful research should never depend on confidential information or material non-public information.
Elite Consulting Global structures expert outreach, interviews, and reporting to reduce conflicts, respect third-party obligations, and keep restricted information away from clients.
THE ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST
The exact controls are tailored to the project, the expert, the client’s own policies, and the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Before outreach begins, we document the investment question, the experience required, and the subjects that should not be discussed.
We take reasonable steps to confirm an expert’s identity, employment history, relevant experience, and suitability for the specific project.
We ask about current employment, confidentiality duties, contractual restrictions, financial interests, and other conflicts that could limit participation.
Experts agree not to disclose confidential information or MNPI, breach duties owed to any third party, or participate where they are not permitted to do so.
The compliance boundaries are restated for the particular engagement, including the obligation to decline a question or stop the discussion when necessary.
Questions focus on experience, industry practice, and independently verifiable facts. We redirect or end a discussion if it approaches restricted information.
Information that may present an MNPI or confidentiality concern is isolated and not passed to the client while the issue is reviewed and, where appropriate, legal counsel is sought.
Reporting is limited to information that can appropriately be shared, with records retained in proportion to the engagement and client requirements.
CLEAR RESPONSIBILITIES
MNPI & CONFIDENTIALITY ESCALATION
The interviewer ends or redirects the sensitive line of inquiry.
The questionable material is not included in client reporting.
Where appropriate, legal counsel is consulted before any decision to use or share the information.
The decision and any resulting restrictions are recorded for the engagement.
OPTIONAL INTERVIEW BUFFER
When discretion matters, a mediated interview can help keep the client’s identity and investment interest from being disclosed to the source. It also allows ECG to stop and isolate questionable information before it reaches the client. This is an additional safeguard—not a guarantee or a replacement for the client’s own legal advice and controls.
CLIENT-SPECIFIC CONTROLS
Screening questions, excluded expert categories, pre-approval requirements, interview attendance, and reporting restrictions can be incorporated into the project plan.