Explanation:

Consulting firms across the globe regularly come under scrutiny for the fees they charge their clients. In particular, the high hourly rates billed by the most prestigious consultants in the marketplace tend to invite debate. The key question is: what fees do consultants charge?

Consulting firms – especially those active in the higher segments of the market – do not unveil their fee structure. Consultancies regard their rates as one of their key competitive assets and, therefore, manage their fee structure as a 'trade secret', similar to salaries, which are also shrouded in secrecy. In addition, fees commonly vary per region/client/service offering, so firms keep tight control over their fee structure to minimise the threat of reputation risk, public debate or having to renegotiate their fees with clients.