blue-green-wave

The Integrity List

Here are some actions you can take, inspired by real-world ideas from CFA® charterholders and members. Download

Commit: It Starts With You

  • Commit to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
  • Name and shame unethical behavior.
  • Strive for a conflict-free business model.
  • Act with integrity 24/7 – not just at the office.
  • Act with fairness and prudence with every decision.
  • Adhere to high standards even if they are not required in your country.
  • Take responsibility for the actions of your team.
  • Mentor future investment industry professionals.
  • Adopt the Global Investment Performance Standards.
  • Refuse to associate with anyone who takes advantage of clients.
  • Become a member of CFA Institute and sign the required annual ethics statement.

Inspire: Be an Ethical Leader

  • Never overlook unethical behavior because you're better served by ignorance.
  • Vocally demand that your firm does what is right for clients.
  • Encourage young professionals to have the courage to disagree.
  • Lead by example with your firm and colleagues.
  • Write articles and speak publicly about ethics.
  • Promote the concept of earning money rather than making money.
  • Create an ethical work culture that allows constructive criticism.
  • Bring an ethical dimension to discussions of business strategy.
  • Remind junior associates that reputations are hard earned and easily lost.
  • Use social media to comment about the values you uphold.
  • Act as an expert resource for journalists.

Engage: Develop Trustworthy Relationships

  • Place the client's interests before your own.
  • Help clients focus on risk as much as they do on performance.
  • Keep client fees fair.
  • Present analysis based on facts and client needs.
  • Always be honest with clients.
  • Never engage in misleading sales promotions.
  • Recommend companies with fair practices and good corporate governance.
  • Tip the balance between competing interests in favor of clients.
  • Maintain regular contact with clients.
  • Listen to clients' concerns and fears.

Communicate: Be Transparent

  • Recommend products with transparent payoffs, costs, and risks.
  • Be transparent with clients when something goes wrong.
  • Actively disclose all compensation arrangements to clients.
  • Outline exactly how you are managing a client's funds.
  • Disseminate transparent, accurate, and timely information.
  • Be clear about situational influences in your environment.
  • Disclose information in ways even novice investors can understand.
  • Openly share bad news with all who are affected.

Learn: Build Your Knowledge

  • Require training on ethical decision-making for yourself and your firm.
  • Disclose your educational achievements and how you improve professional competence.
  • Base investment recommendations on strong analysis.

Advocate: Shape a Better System

  • Advocate for stronger regulations that protect investors.
  • Elevate the importance of integrity in the hiring process.
  • Adopt the CFA Institute Asset Manager Code.
  • Bring to justice those who take part in irresponsible and illegal activities.
  • Advocate for technology that makes the industry more transparent.
  • Engage and build relationships with local regulators and policy makers.
  • Serve on committees that advocate for regulatory reform.

We’re using cookies, but you can turn them off in Privacy Settings.  Otherwise, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.  Accepting cookies does not mean that we are collecting personal data. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.