Behind the Money Inside BCG’s Gaza work scandal
Jul 16, 2025
Stephen Foley, US accounting editor for the Financial Times, delves into the scandal surrounding Boston Consulting Group’s involvement in Gaza. He scrutinizes the fallout from BCG’s controversial plan to 'relocate' Palestinians as part of a multimillion-dollar aid project. The discussion reveals internal communication breakdowns within BCG and raises crucial ethical questions about the consulting industry's role in sensitive geopolitical matters. Foley also emphasizes the need for strict compliance measures to safeguard against reputational risks in the field.
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BCG's Deep Gaza Project Involvement
- BCG started a pro bono project in October 2024 that evolved into a $4 million contract supporting the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
- Consultants built financial models including controversial relocation plans for Gazans without broad institutional support.
Consultants in Humanitarian Work
- Consulting firms like BCG frequently work with governments and aid organizations to improve operations and impact.
- This sector's work extends far beyond typical efficiency projects into complex humanitarian contexts.
Consulting Guardrails vs Reality
- Consulting firms have formal risk and compliance functions to prevent reputational damage.
- Despite investments in guardrails, challenges remain due to decentralized partner decision-making and evolving processes.