The Chatham House Rule is a one-paragraph convention that quietly powers most serious private finance and policy dinners. It is short enough that everyone should read it once.
What it actually means
- You can share what you learned. You cannot share who you learned it from.
- You can take notes. You cannot quote a named speaker.
- You can introduce two attendees afterwards. You cannot say what either of them said in the room.
- You can post about the themes. You cannot publish the guest list.
Why finance dinners default to it
Finance professionals carry attribution risk in nearly every conversation: client confidentiality, market-sensitive information, regulatory posture, and reputational exposure. The Chatham House Rule is the lightest possible convention that removes the attribution risk while preserving the value of the conversation. See the long-form essay on the rule for the history and enforcement detail.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Where did the Chatham House Rule come from?
It was created at Chatham House — the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London — in June 1927, and revised in 1992 and 2002.
Is the Chatham House Rule the same as off-the-record?
Close, but not identical. Off-the-record usually means 'do not publish'. The Chatham House Rule is more precise: you can publish the substance, but not the source or the room.
Can I talk about a Chatham House Rule dinner on social media?
You can post about the themes and your own reflections. You cannot post who was there, who said what, or photos identifying attendees.
Sources