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Trading public stocks prohibited in McKinsey?

I have started my role as Business Analyst at McKinsey. I was astonished to get notified that I am not able to trade ANY public stocks, which is an internal policy. Is this common for MBB firms? It doesn’t seem reasonable at all and I was expecting a restricted trading list instead…

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Laura
Coach
am 9. Okt. 2024
Ex-Bain Consultant // DM me to book a complimentary coaching session

Hi there,

It’s quite unusual to be unable to trade any public stocks.

At Bain, we followed a restricted list of stocks that was updated monthly. While a company was on this list, we couldn’t trade its stock. Once the company was removed—typically because we were no longer working with that specific client and sufficient time had passed—you were allowed to trade the stock again.

I recommend double-checking whether this policy applies only to current clients or if it encompasses all stocks. Generally, I'd be careful trading stocks while working at MBB. 

I hope this clarifies things!

Best,  
Laura

Florian
Coach
am 8. Okt. 2024
1500 5-star reviews across platforms | 700+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

AFAIK it's not completely prohibited but you have to clear stock purchases beforehand via their intranet. Maybe it has changed though...

All the best,

Florian

Alessa
Coach
am 8. Okt. 2024
MBB Expert | Ex-McKinsey | Ex-BCG | Ex-Roland Berger
Yep! Stil the same! :)
Hagen
Coach
bearbeitet am 10. Okt. 2024
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • First of all, it's common for consulting firms to have strict policies on trading stocks to avoid any conflicts of interest.
  • Moreover, however, there is typically a clearing process that will allow you to buy and/or sell certain stocks.
  • Lastly, I would advise you to speak with the compliance team to get more details about your policy.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Brian
Coach
am 10. Okt. 2024
3+ years in McKinsey as an Associate and JEM | Free intro calls | Interviewed 40+ CAs to Associates (MBA-level)

Yes its restricted. if you get caught you get fired. Even partners have been screwed for it, and rightfully so.

 

Google Puneet Dikshit. Guy basically ruined it for all of us

am 12. Feb. 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Yes, policy has gotten alot more restrictive today. 

When I first started at BCG, you could trade, but with clearance. 

Now at BCG, it's same as McK, you are not allowed to trade at all. 

Pedro
Coach
am 25. Sept. 2025
BAIN | EY-P | Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

They want to avoid conflicts of interest / insider trading.

But you should be able to buy funds or ETFs