Somehow, I do not think this forum is an appropriate place to go too far with this conspiracy theory, regardless of how justified one might feel. Do not get me wrong- the laws governing "conflict of interest" for Directors for example are as concerned about perceptions as they are about demonstrable realities. Here, you have what appears to be potentially a conflict of interest by a senior insider/adviser, but it is also one that RN is clearly aware of. So, instead of getting mired in paranoia (which does not mean your are wrong ), why not just ask RN if he is aware of what you see as a potential conflict of interest, and could he please say something to assure us that perception is not reality. As a lawyer, RN will be well aware that the conflict of interest and breach of trust and fraud can be closely related, so, fair question. My own personal view, having dealt with major financial advisors, is that these perceptions arise fairly often, but mostly because it is a small and specialised world at the top. And RN clearly is a huge stakeholder , identical to us, just bigger. Lets give the situation the benefit of the doubt meanwhile.