Ethics Application

Applying the Code and Standards to realistic situations: a method for reading any ethics vignette, then case-based practice on every standard, from knowledge of the law and misrepresentation to front-running, suitability, supervision, record keeping and use of the CFA designation.

1. 1. How to work through an ethics caseEvery ethics vignette is solved the same way: identify the person's role and duty, find the facts that trigger a standard, then test each tempting excuse against what the standard actually requires.Video · 6 minFree12 min
2. 2. Professionalism: law, independence, honesty and competenceProfessionalism cases ask whether the member obeyed the stricter rule, kept their judgment free from improper influence, told the truth (including by not leaving things out), acted honestly, and had the competence their role demands.15 min
3. 3. Markets and conflicts: inside information, manipulation, front-running and feesThese cases ask whether someone used an information or timing advantage at the expense of the market or of clients, and whether every incentive that could bias advice was avoided or clearly disclosed.15 min
4. 4. Duties to clients: loyalty, fair dealing, suitability, performance and confidentialityClient cases ask whether the member put clients first within the relationship actually agreed, treated clients fairly, made only suitable recommendations, presented performance honestly and protected client data.15 min
5. 5. Duties to employers: loyalty, outside pay and supervisionEmployer cases ask whether the member served the firm faithfully until they left, got written consent for any outside pay that could conflict, and, if they supervise, made real efforts to prevent and detect wrongdoing.13 min
6. 6. Research, communication, records and the CFA designationThese cases ask whether a recommendation rested on genuine checking, whether clients were told about material changes in method, whether records back up the advice, and whether the CFA exam and designation were treated with integrity.13 min