In a corporate investigation, who do investigators represent?

• A. The people
• B. The company or client
• C. The investigators
• D. The government

Answer: (B)

Investigators in a corporate setting represent the company or client that engages them. The hiring organization funds the work, defines the scope, and expects findings that help protect the business, address misconduct, and meet legal obligations. Because the client pays and directs the inquiry, the investigators’ duty is to the client, not to the employees being investigated, the government, or themselves. This relationship also supports confidentiality and privilege, with communications often protected between the client’s counsel and the investigators. If regulators require reporting, investigators may coordinate with authorities, but that doesn’t change who they represent.