If you advised a client to hedge against risk in their portfolio, but they wanted to take an alternate action that could hurt their long-term goals, what would you do?

"A difference in opinion may cost me a client; however, I would rather lose a client than be a 'yes person' as the financial ship sinks. If a client wants to take a risk that I know will hurt them, I will flat-out tell them that it's a bad idea. I will present a case using pros and cons, and if needed, bring in a specialist on the issue to help the client see the bigger picture."

"If a client wanted to take a bad risk against their portfolio, I would present as much compelling data as possible to convince them otherwise. I am aware that I could lose the client. However, it's more important to me to help my client refrain from an action that could hinder them, no matter how much we disagree."

Another of Goldman Sachs' Core values is Integrity, which addresses this question. They define this core value as, "We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, insisting on transparency and vigilance from our people as we learn from our experiences and make decisions in a manner that safeguards our reputation." They live according to this value by "Doing the right thing. Being accountable to ourselves, our clients, and our colleagues. Escalating potential violations of law, regulation, policy, or this Code." Keep this in mind when exploring your answer to this question.