Study Session 1Cross-Reference to CFA InstituteAssigned Readings#1 & 2-Standards of Practice Handbook Onceaninquiry has begun, the Professional Conduct staffmayrequestinwritinganexplanat
Trang 1BOOK 1 - ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL
METHODS
Reading Assignments and Learning OutcomeStatements 9
StudySession 1-Ethical and Professional Standards 15
Self-Test-Ethical and Professional Standards 95
StudySession2- QuantitativeMethods:BasicConcepts 102
StudySession 3 - QuantitativeMethods: Application 251
Trang 2SCHWESERNOTES™ 2015 CFALEVEL I BOOK 1:ETHICALANDPROFESSIONALSTANDARDSANDQUANTITATIVE METHODS
©2014 Kaplan,Inc.All rightsreserved
Publishedin2014 by Kaplan,Inc
Printedinthe UnitedStatesofAmerica
ISBN:978-1-4754-2756-1/1-4754-2756-5
PPN:3200-5522
If this book does not have the hologram with the Kaplan Schweser logo on the back cover, it was
distributed without permission of Kaplan Schweser, a Division of Kaplan, Inc., and is in direct violation
of global copyright laws Your assistance in pursuing potential violators of this law is greatly appreciated.
Required CFA Institute disclaimer: “CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy
or quality of the products or services offered by Kaplan Schweser.CFA®and Chartered Financial
Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.”
Certain materials contained within this text are the copyrighted property of CFA Institute The following is the copyright disclosure for these materials: “Copyright, 2014, CFA Institute Reproduced and republished from 2015 Learning Outcome Statements, Level I, II, and III questions fromCFA®
Program Materials, CFA Institute Standards of Professional Conduct, and CFA Institute’s Global Investment Performance Standards with permission from CFA Institute All Rights Reserved.”
These materials may not be copied without written permission from the author The unauthorized duplication of these notes is a violation of global copyright laws and the CFA Institute Code of Ethics.
Your assistance in pursuing potential violators of this law is greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: The Schweser Notes should be used in conjunction with the original readings as set forth
by CFA Institute in their 2015 CFA Level I Study Guide The information contained in these Notes
covers topics contained in the readings referenced by CFA Institute and is believed to be accurate.
However, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed nor is any warranty conveyed as to your ultimate exam success The authors of the referenced readings have not endorsed or sponsored these Notes.
Trang 3WELCOME TO THE 2015
SCHWESERNOTES™
Thankyoufor trusting Kaplan Schwesertohelpyoureachyourgoals.Weareallvery
pleased tobeabletohelpyoupreparefor theLevel I CFAExam.In thisintroduction,
Iwant toexplainthe resourcesincludedwith theSchweserNotes, suggesthow you
canbest useSchweser materialstoprepare fortheexam,and directyoutowardother
educationalresourcesyouwill find helpfulasyoustudy for theexam.
Besides the SchweserNotesthemselves,therearemanyeducationalresourcesavailableat
Schweser.com.Justloginusing the individualusernameand password thatyoureceived
whenyoupurchasedthe SchweserNotes.Most candidates findourOnlineResource
Library video “HowtoPass the Level ICFA Exam”veryhelpfulin bothplanning and
executingasuccessfulstudystrategy.
SchweserNotes™
Theseconsistof five volumes that include completecoverageof all18StudySessions
andall LearningOutcome Statements(LOS)with examples, Concept Checkers
(multiple-choicequestions for every topicreview),andChallengeProblemsfor many
topic reviewstohelpyoumasterthe materialandcheck yourprogress.At theendof
eachmajor topicarea, weincludeaSelf-test Self-testquestionsarecreatedto beexam¬
likeinformat and difficultyinorderforyoutoevaluate how wellyourstudy of each
topichaspreparedyouforthe actualexam.
Practice Questions
Toretainwhat you learn,it isimportant that you quizyourselfoften We offer online
andoffline versions ofthe SchweserPro QBank, whichcontainsthousandsofLevelI
practicequestions and explanations.Quizzesareavailableforeach LOS,topic,orStudy
Session.Buildyourown examsby specifying the topics and the number of questionsyou
choose
PracticeExams
Schweserofferssixfull 6-hourpracticeexams PracticeExamsVolume1and Volume2
each contain threefull 240-questionexams Theseareimportant tools forgainingthe
speed and skillsyouwill needtopasstheexam.Each bookcontainsanswerswith full
explanations for self-grading and evaluation By enteringyouranswers atSchweser.com,
youcan useour Performance Trackertofindouthow youhave performed comparedto
otherSchweserLevel Icandidates
SchweserLibrary
Wehave createdreferencevideos,someof whichareavailabletoall SchweserNotes
purchasers Schweser Library volumesaretypically between20and 60minutes inlength
andcoversuch topicsas:“CFALevelI ExamOverview,”“CalculatorBasics,”“Codeand
StandardsOverview,”and“TimeValueofMoney.”ThefullSchweserLibraryisincluded
with our 16-week liveoronline classesandwith ourvideoinstruction(online or CDs).
Online SchweserStudy Calendar
Trang 4Welcome to the2015SchweserNotes™
breaking each studysession intodaily and weekly taskstokeepyouontrack and help
youmonitor your progressthrough thecurriculum
The LevelI CFAexamisaformidable challenge(63topicreviewsandmorethan 500Learning OutcomeStatements),andyou mustdevoteconsiderabletimeand effort
tobeproperlyprepared.Thereis noshortcut!Youmustlearn thematerial,know theterminology and techniques, understand theconcepts,and be ableto answer240questions quickly and(atleast70%)correctly Fifteento20hoursperweekfor20weeks
isagoodestimateof the studytimerequiredonaverage,butsomecandidateswill need
more orlesstime,dependingontheirindividual backgrounds andexperience
Tohelpyoumasterthis material and be wellpreparedfor the CFAExam, weofferseveral other educationalresources,including:
LiveWeeklyClassroomPrograms
Weoffer weekly classroomprogramsaroundtheworld PleasecheckSchweser.comforlocations, dates,and availability
Online ClassOurOnline ClassesareavailableatNewYorktime(6:30-9:30pm)orLondontime
(6:00—9:00pm) beginninginJanuaryandJuly.The approximateschedulefor the Level IOnline Classes(3-hour sessions)isasfollows:
1 Exam Intro/Quantitative Methods SS2 9 Financial Reporting & Analysis SS10
2 Quantitative Methods SS3 10CorporateFinance SS11
3 Economics SS4,5 11 Equity Investments SS13,14
4Economics SS5, 6 12 Fixed Income SSI5
5Financial Reporting & Analysis SS7 1 3 Fixed Income SS16
6 Financial Reporting & Analysis SS8 14 Derivatives SSI 7
15Portfolio Management & Alternative Investments SSI 2, 18
7 Financial Reporting & Analysis SS8, 9
8 Financial Reporting & Analysis SS9Archivedclassesareavailablefor viewingatanytimethroughouttheseason.Candidatesenrolledinthe Online Classesalsohave fullaccess tosupplemental on-demand videoinstruction inthe Schweser Library andane-mail addressto use tosend questionstotheinstructoratany time
Late Season ReviewWhetheryou useself-studyorin-class, online,orvideo instructiontolearnthe CFA
curriculum, alate-seasonreviewandexampracticecanmake all thedifference Our
mostcomplete late-seasonreviewcourse isourresidenceprogram in Windsor, Ontario(WindsorWeek)wherewe covertheentirecurriculumover sevendays (May2-8, 2015)
atallthree levels.Weoffer3-Day LiveExamReviewWorkshopsin many cities (and
online)that combinecurriculumreviewwithanequalcomponentof hands-on practicewithhundredsof questionsand problem-solving techniques.We also offer Exam ReviewWorkshopsina5-day formatinDallas/Fort Worth andNew York.Pleasevisitus at
Trang 5Welcome to the 2015SchweserNotes™
Schweser.comfor complete listings andcoursedescriptions for allourlate-seasonreview
offerings
Mock Examand Multimedia Tutorial
The Schweser Mock Exam will be offered liveinover100locations around the worldin
late Mayand late November,andas anonlineexam aswell.The included ExamTutorial
providesextendedexplanations and topictutorialsto get youexam-readyin topicareas
whereyoumissquestionsontheMock Exam.Pleasevisit Schweser.com foralistingof
citiesand locations
Topic Weighting
In preparing fortheexam,youmustpayattention totheweights assignedtoeach topic
within the curriculum.TheLevelI topicweightsare asfollows:
ExamWeight
Topic Ethical and Professional Standards 15%
Thereare noshortcuts;dependonthefact that CFAInstitutewilltestyou inaway
that will reveal how wellyouknow the LevelIcurriculum.Youshould begin early and
sticktoyourstudy plan.Youshould first read the SchweserNotes and complete the
ConceptCheckersandChallengeProblemsfor each topic review You should prepare
forand attendaliveclass, an online class,or astudygroup eachweek.Youshouldtake
quizzesoften using SchweserPro Qbank andgobacktoreview previous topicsand Study
Sessionsaswell.Atthe endof each topicarea, youshould take the Self-testtocheck
yourprogress You should finish the overall curriculumatleastfour weeks(preferably
longer)before theLevelIexam sothat youhave sufficienttimeforPracticeExamsand
forfurtherreview of those topics that you havenot yetmastered
IwouldliketothankCraigProchaska, CFA,ContentSpecialist,for hiscontributionsto
producing the LevelISchweserNotesfor theCFAExam
Bestregards,
“Dotty'Uatt Sato*
Dr.DouglasVanEaton,CFA
Trang 7READING ASSIGNMENTS AND
Thefollowing materialisareviewofthe Ethical andProfessionalStandards and
QuantitativeMethodsprinciples designedtoaddress the learningoutcome statements setforth
byCFAInstitute
STUDY SESSION l
Reading Assignments
Ethical andProfessionalStandardsandQuantitative Methods, CFAProgram Level I2015
Curriculum,Volume1(CFAInstitute,2014)
1 Codeof Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
2 Guidance for Standards I-VII
3 Introductiontothe Global InvestmentPerformance Standards(GIPS®) page 85
page 87
page15page15
4 The GIPS Standards
STUDY SESSION 2
Reading Assignments
Ethical andProfessionalStandards andQuantitative Methods,CFAProgram Level I2015
Curriculum,Volume1(CFAInstitute,2014)
5. TheTimeValueof Money
6 Discounted Cash Flow Applications
7 Statistical Concepts and Market Returns
8 Probability Concepts
page 102page143page 168page 207
STUDY SESSION 3
Reading Assignments
Ethical andProfessionalStandards andQuantitative Methods, CFAProgram Level 12015
Curriculum,Volume1(CFA Institute, 2014)
9 Common Probability Distributions
10.Sampling andEstimation
11 Hypothesis Testing
12.Technical Analysis
page 251
page287page310page 350
Trang 8Book 1-Ethical and ProfessionalStandardsand Quantitative Methods
ReadingAssignments and Learning Outcome Statements
LEARNINGOUTCOME STATEMENTS (LOS)
STUDY SESSION l
The topical coverage corresponds with thefollowing CFAInstituteassigned reading:
1 Codeof Ethics and Standards of Professional ConductThe candidate should be ableto:
a. describe thestructureof the CFAInstituteProfessional Conduct Programandthe process for the enforcement of the Code andStandards,(page15)
b statethesixcomponentsof the Code of Ethics and thesevenStandardsofProfessionalConduct,(page16)
c. explain the ethical responsibilities required by the Code andStandards,including the sub-sections of eachStandard,(page17)
2 Guidancefor StandardsI-VIIThe candidate should be ableto:
a. demonstrate the application of the Code of Ethics and Standards of ProfessionalConducttosituationsinvolvingissuesof professional integrity, (page20)
b distinguish between conduct that conformstothe Code and Standards andconduct that violates the Code andStandards,(page20)
c. recommend practices and procedures designedto preventviolationsof the Code
of Ethics and Standards of ProfessionalConduct,(page20)
3 IntroductiontotheGlobalInvestmentPerformance Standards (GIPS®)The candidate should be ableto:
a. explain why theGIPSstandardswerecreated,what parties the GIPS standardsapplyto,and whoisserved by thestandards,(page85)
b explain theconstructionandpurposeof compositesinperformance reporting
(page86)
c. explain the requirements forverification,(page86)
4 TheGIPSStandardsThe candidate should be ableto:
a. describe the key features of the GIPS standards and the fundamentals ofcompliance, (page87)
b describe thescopeof theGIPSstandards withrespect to aninvestmentfirm’sdefinition and historicalperformancerecord,(page89)
c. explain how the GIPS standardsareimplementedincountrieswith existingstandardsfor performance reporting and describe the appropriate response whentheGIPSstandards and local regulationsconflict,(page89)
d describe thenine major sectionsof theGIPSstandards,(page89)
b explainan interestrate asthesumofarealrisk-freerate,andpremiumsthat
compensateinvestorsfor bearing distincttypesofrisk,(page105)
c. calculate and interpret the effective annualrate,given the stated annualinterest
rateand thefrequency of compounding, (page105)
Trang 9Book 1 -Ethical andProfessionalStandardsandQuantitativeMethods
ReadingAssignments and Learning Outcome Statements
d solvetimevalueofmoneyproblems for different frequencies of compounding
(page107)
e calculate and interpret the future value(FV)andpresentvalue(PV)ofasingle
sumofmoney, anordinary annuity,anannuitydue,aperpetuity (PVonly), and
aseriesof unequal cashflows,(page108)
f demonstrate theuseofatimelineinmodeling and solvingtimevalue ofmoney
problems, (page123)
6 Discounted Cash Flow Applications
The candidate should be ableto:
a. calculate and interpret thenet presentvalue(NPV)and the internalrateof
return (IRR)ofan investment,(page143)
b contrastthe NPV ruletothe IRRrule,andidentify problems associated with
theIRRrule,(page146)
c. calculate and interpretaholding periodreturn(total return),(page148)
d calculate andcomparethe money-weighted and time-weightedratesofreturnof
aportfolio and evaluate the performance of portfolios basedonthesemeasures
(page148)
e. calculate and interpret the bank discount yield, holding period yield, effective
annual yield, andmoneymarket yield for USTreasury bills and othermoney
marketinstruments,(page152)
f convertamongholdingperiod yields,moneymarket yields, effective annual
yields, and bond equivalent yields, (page155)
7 Statistical Concepts and MarketReturns
The candidate should be ableto:
a. distinguishbetween descriptivestatisticsand inferentialstatistics,between
apopulation andasample, and among thetypesofmeasurementscales
(page168)
b definea parameter, asamplestatistic,andafrequencydistribution,(page169)
c. calculate and interpret relative frequencies and cumulative relative frequencies,
givenafrequencydistribution,(page171)
d describe the properties ofadatasetpresentedas ahistogramorafrequency
polygon, (page174)
e. calculate and interpretmeasuresof central tendency, including the population
mean,samplemean,arithmeticmean,weightedaverageormean,geometric
mean,harmonicmean,median,andmode,(page175)
f calculate and interpret quartiles, quintiles,deciles,and percentiles, (page180)
g calculate and interpret1)arangeanda meanabsolute deviation and2)the
varianceand standard deviation ofapopulation and ofasample, (page181)
h calculate and interpret the proportion of observations falling withinaspecified
numberof standard deviations of themeanusing Chebyshev’sinequality
k describe the relative locations of themean,median,and mode foraunimodal,
nonsymmetricaldistribution,(page189)
1 explainmeasuresof sample skewness and kurtosis (page190)
m compare theuseof arithmetic and geometricmeanswhen analyzinginvestment
Trang 10Book 1-Ethical and ProfessionalStandardsand Quantitative Methods
ReadingAssignments and Learning Outcome Statements
8 Probability ConceptsThe candidate should be ableto:
a. definearandomvariable, anoutcome,anevent,mutually exclusiveevents,andexhaustiveevents,(page207)
b statethetwodefining properties of probability and distinguish among empirical,subjective, andaprioriprobabilities, (page207)
c statethe probability ofaneventintermsof odds for and against theevent.
(page208)
d distinguish between unconditional and conditional probabilities, (page209)
e. explain the multiplication,addition,and total probabilityrules,(page209)
f calculate and interpret1)the joint probability oftwo events,2)the probabilitythatatleastoneoftwo eventswilloccur,given the probability of each and thejointprobability of thetwo events,and3)ajointprobability ofanynumberofindependentevents,(page210)
g distinguish between dependent and independentevents,(page213)
h calculate and interpretanunconditional probability using the total probability
rule,(page214)
i explain theuseof conditional expectationin investmentapplications, (page218)
j explain theuseofa treediagramto represent aninvestmentproblem, (page218)
k calculate and interpretcovarianceandcorrelation,(page219)
1 calculate andinterpretthe expectedvalue,variance,and standard deviationofa
random variable andofreturnsonaportfolio, (page223)
m calculate and interpretcovariancegivenajointprobabilityfunction,(page224)
n. calculate and interpretanupdated probability using Bayes’formula, (page228)
o. identify themostappropriate methodtosolveaparticular counting problem,and solve counting problems usingfactorial, combination,andpermutation
c interpretacumulative distributionfunction,(page253)
d calculate and interpret probabilities forarandomvariable,givenitscumulativedistributionfunction,(page253)
e. defineadiscrete uniform randomvariable,aBernoulli randomvariable,anda
binomial randomvariable,(page 254)
f calculate and interpret probabilities given the discrete uniform and the binomialdistributionfunctions,(page254)
g construct abinomialtree todescribe stock pricemovement,(page257)
h calculate and interpret trackingerror,(page259)
i define thecontinuousuniform distribution and calculate and interpretprobabilities, givenacontinuousuniformdistribution,(page259)
j explain the key properties of the normaldistribution,(page261)
k distinguish betweenaunivariateandamultivariatedistribution,and explain theroleof correlationinthe multivariate normaldistribution,(page261)
Trang 11Book 1 -Ethical andProfessionalStandardsandQuantitativeMethods
ReadingAssignments and Learning Outcome Statements
1 determine the probability thatanormally distributed random variable lies inside
agiveninterval,(page262)
m. define the standard normaldistribution,explain howtostandardizearandom
variable,and calculate and interpret probabilities using the standard normal
distribution,(page264)
n. define shortfallrisk,calculate the safety-firstratio,and selectanoptimal
portfolio using Roy’s safety-firstcriterion,(page267)
o. explain the relationship between normal and lognormal distributions and why
the lognormal distributionisusedtomodelassetprices, (page269)
p distinguish between discretely and continuouslycompoundedratesofreturn,
and calculate and interpretacontinuously compoundedrateofreturn,givena
specificholdingperiodreturn,(page270)
q explainMonteCarlo simulation and describeitsapplications and limitations
(page272)
r compareMonteCarlo simulation and historicalsimulation,(page273)
10 Sampling andEstimation
The candidate should be ableto:
a. define simple random sampling andasamplingdistribution,(page287)
b explain samplingerror,(page287)
c. distinguish between simple random and stratified random sampling, (page288)
d distinguish betweentime-seriesand cross-sectionaldata,(page289)
e. explain the central limit theorem anditsimportance,(page289)
f calculate and interpret the standarderrorof the samplemean,(page290)
g identify and describe desirable properties ofanestimator,(page292)
h distinguish betweenapointestimateandaconfidence intervalestimateofa
populationparameter,(page292)
i. describe properties of Student’s t-distribution and calculate and interpretits
degrees offreedom,(page292)
j calculate and interpretaconfidence intervalforapopulationmean,givena
normal distribution with1)aknown populationvariance,2)anunknown
populationvariance,or3)anunknownvarianceandalargesamplesize
(page294)
k describe theissuesregarding selection of the appropriate samplesize,
data-miningbias,sample selectionbias,survivorshipbias,look-aheadbias,and
time-periodbias,(page299)
11.Hypothesis Testing
The candidate should be ableto:
a. defineahypothesis, describe thestepsof hypothesis testing, and describe and
interpret the choice of the null and alternative hypotheses, (page310)
b distinguish between one-tailed and two-tailedtestsofhypotheses, (page311)
c. explaina test statistic,TypeIandTypeIIerrors, asignificancelevel,and how
significance levelsareusedinhypothesis testing, (page315)
d explainadecisionrule,thepowerofa test,and the relation between confidence
intervals and hypothesistests,(page 317)
e. distinguish betweenastatistical result andaneconomically meaningful result
(page319)
f explain and interpret the /)-valueasitrelatestohypothesis testing, (page320)
g identify the appropriateteststatisticand interpret the results forahypothesis
testconcerning the populationmeanof both large and small samples when
Trang 12Book 1-Ethical and ProfessionalStandardsand Quantitative Methods
ReadingAssignments and Learning Outcome Statements
h identify the appropriateteststatisticand interpret the results forahypothesis
testconcerning the equality of thepopulationmeansoftwo atleastapproximately normally distributed populations, basedonindependent randomsamples with1)equalor 2)unequal assumedvariances,(page324)
i identify the appropriateteststatisticand interpret the results forahypothesis
testconcerning themeandifferenceoftwonormally distributed populations
(page328)
j identify the appropriateteststatisticand interpret the results forahypothesis
testconcerning1)thevarianceofanormally distributed population, and2)theequality of thevariancesoftwonormally distributed populations basedon two
independent random samples, (page332)
k distinguishbetween parametric and nonparametrictestsanddescribesituations
inwhich theuseof nonparametrictestsmaybe appropriate, (page339)
12.Technical AnalysisThe candidate should be ableto:
a. explain principles of technical analysis,itsapplications, anditsunderlyingassumptions,(page350)
b describe theconstructionof differenttypesof technical analysis charts andinterpretthem,(page351)
c explainusesoftrend,support,resistance lines,and changeinpolarity
(page354)
d describecommonchartpatterns,(page355)
e. describecommontechnical analysis indicators (price-based,momentum
oscillators,sentiment,and flow offunds),(page357)
f explain how technical analystsusecycles, (page362)
g describe the keytenetsof ElliottWaveTheory and theimportanceof Fibonacci
numbers,(page362)
h describe intermarket analysisasitrelatestotechnical analysis andasset
allocation,(page363)
Trang 13The following is a review of the Ethical and Professional Standards principles designed to address the
learning outcome statements set forth by CFA Institute This topic is also covered in:
Study Session 1
EXAMFOCUS
Inadditiontoreading thisreviewof the ethicsmaterial,westrongly recommend that
all candidates for theCFA®examinationread the StandardsofPracticeHandbook 11th
Edition(2014)multipletimes.AsaLevel I CFAcandidate, it is yourresponsibilityto
comply with the Code and Standards The complete Code and Standardsarereprintedin
Volume1of the CFAProgramCurriculum
LOSl.a:Describe thestructureof the CFAInstituteProfessional Conduct
Program and the process for the enforcement of the Code and Standards
CFA®ProgramCurriculum, Volume1,page 9The CFAInstituteProfessional Conduct Programiscovered by the CFAInstitute
Bylaws and the Rules of Procedure for Proceedings RelatedtoProfessional Conduct The
Programisbasedonthe principles of fairness of theprocesstomembers and candidates
and maintaining the confidentiality of the proceedings The DisciplinaryReview
Committeeof the CFAInstituteBoardof Governors has overall responsibility for the
Professional Conduct Program and enforcement of the Code and Standards
The CFAInstituteProfessional Conductstaff conducts inquiries relatedtoprofessional
conduct Severalcircumstancescan promptsuchaninquiry:
1. Self-disclosure by membersorcandidatesontheir annual Professional Conduct
Statementsof involvementincivil litigationoracriminal investigation,orthat the
memberorcandidateisthe subject ofawrittencomplaint
2 Writtencomplaints aboutamemberorcandidate’s professional conduct thatare
received by the Professional Conduct staff
3 Evidence of misconduct byamemberorcandidate that the Professional Conduct
staff receivedthroughpublicsources,suchas amedia articleorbroadcast
4 AreportbyaCFAexam proctorofapossible violation during theexamination
5 Analysis ofexammaterials and monitoring of social media by CFAInstitute
Trang 14Study Session 1
Cross-Reference to CFA InstituteAssigned Readings#1 & 2-Standards of Practice Handbook
Onceaninquiry has begun, the Professional Conduct staffmayrequest(inwriting)anexplanation from the subject memberorcandidate andmay: (1) interviewthe subjectmemberorcandidate,(2)interviewthe complainantorother third parties, and/or
(3)collect documents and records relevanttothe investigation
The Professional Conductstaffmaydecide:(1)thatnodisciplinarysanctions areappropriate,(2)toissueacautionary letter, or (3)todiscipline the memberorcandidate Ina casewhere the Professional Conductstaff findsaviolation has occurredandproposesadisciplinarysanction,the memberorcandidatemayaccept orrejectthesanction.If the memberorcandidate choosestoreject thesanction,thematterwill bereferredto adisciplinaryreviewpanel of CFAInstitutemembersforahearing.Sanctionsimposedmayinclude condemnation by the member’s peersorsuspension of candidate’scontinued participationinthe CFA Program
LOS l.b:Statethesixcomponentsof the Code of Ethics and theseven
Standardsof Professional Conduct
CFA®ProgramCurriculum,Volume1,page15
CODEOFETHICS
MembersofCFA Institute[including Chartered FinancialAnalyst®(CFA®)
charterholders]and candidates for the CFA designation (“MembersandCandidates”)
must:1
• Actwith integrity,competence,diligence,respect,andinanethicalmannerwiththe public,clients,prospectiveclients,employers, employees, colleaguesintheinvestmentprofession, and other participantsinthe global capital markets
• Place the integrity of theinvestmentprofession and theinterestsof clients abovetheirownpersonalinterests
• Usereasonablecareandexerciseindependent professional judgment whenconductinginvestmentanalysis, makinginvestment recommendations,takinginvestmentactions,and engaginginother professionalactivities
• Practiceand encourage otherstopracticeinaprofessional and ethicalmannerthatwill reflect creditonthemselves and the profession
• Promotethe integrity and viability of the global capital markets for the ultimatebenefitof society
• Maintainand improve their professionalcompetenceandstrivetomaintainandimprove thecompetenceof otherinvestmentprofessionals
THE STANDARDSOFPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
ProfessionalismIntegrity of Capital MarketsDutiestoClients
DutiestoEmployersInvestmentAnalysis,Recommendations,andActionsConflictsofInterest
Responsibilitiesas aCFAInstituteMemberorCFACandidate
IIIIIIIVVVIVII
1. Copyright2014,CFAInstitute.Reproduced and republished from “The Code ofEthics,”
from StandardsofPractice Handbook,11thEd., 2014,withpermission fromCFAInstitute.
All rights reserved
Trang 15StudySession 1
Cross-Reference to CFA InstituteAssigned Readings#1 & 2- Standardsof Practice Handbook
LOSl.c:Explainthe ethicalresponsibilities required bythe Code and
Standards,includingthe sub-sections of each Standard
CFA®Program Curriculum, Volume1,page 15
STANDARDSOFPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT2
I PROFESSIONALISM
A Knowledge of theLaw.Members and Candidatesmustunderstand and
comply with all applicablelaws, rules,and regulations (including the CFAInstituteCodeofEthics and StandardsofProfessionalConduct)ofany
government,regulatory organization, licensing agency,orprofessionalassociationgoverning theirprofessionalactivities.In theeventofconflict,Members and Candidatesmustcomply with themorestrict law, rule,or
regulation.Members andCandidatesmust notknowinglyparticipateorassist
inanyviolationoflaws, rules, orregulations andmustdisassociate themselvesfromanysuch violation
B Independence and Objectivity Members and Candidatesmust usereasonable
careand judgmenttoachieve andmaintainindependence and objectivityintheir professionalactivities.Members and Candidatesmust notoffer, solicit, or
acceptanygift,benefit,compensation,orconsideration that reasonably could
be expectedtocompromise theirownoranother’s independence andobjectivity
C Misrepresentation Members and Candidatesmust notknowingly makeany
misrepresentations relatingtoinvestmentanalysis,recommendations,actions,
orother professionalactivities
D Misconduct Members and Candidatesmust notengage in anyprofessional
conduct involving dishonesty,fraud,ordeceitorcommit anyactthat reflectsadverselyontheir professional reputation, integrity,orcompetence.
II. INTEGRITYOFCAPITAL MARKETS
A MaterialNonpublic Information Members and Candidates whopossess
material nonpublic information that could affect the value ofan investment
must not act or causeothersto act onthe information
B Market Manipulation Members and Candidatesmust notengageinpractices
that distort pricesorartificially inflate trading volume with theintentto
mislead market participants
III DUTIESTO CLIENTS
A Loyalty,Prudence,and Care Members and Candidates haveaduty of loyalty
totheir clients andmust actwith reasonablecareandexerciseprudentjudgment Members and Candidatesmust actfor the benefit of their clientsand place their clients’interestsbefore their employer’sortheirowninterests
Trang 16Study Session 1
Cross-Reference to CFA InstituteAssigned Readings#1 & 2-Standards of Practice Handbook
E B FairDealing Members and Candidatesmustdeal fairly and objectively with
all clients when providinginvestmentanalysis, makinginvestment
recommendations,takinginvestmentaction, orengaging in otherprofessional
activities.
C Suitability
1 WhenMembersand Candidatesareinanadvisoryrelationship witha
client,theymust:
a. Makeareasonableinquiryinto aclient’sorprospective clients’
investmentexperience, riskandreturnobjectives, andfinancialconstraints priortomakinganyinvestmentrecommendationortakinginvestment actionandmust reassessand update this informationregularly
b Determinethataninvestment issuitabletothe client’s financialsituationandconsistentwith the client’swrittenobjectives,mandates,andconstraintsbefore makinganinvestmentrecommendationor
takinginvestment action.
c. Judge the suitability ofinvestments inthecontextof the client’s totalportfolio
2. WhenMembersand Candidatesareresponsiblefor managingaportfolioto
aspecificmandate,strategy, orstyle, theymustmake onlyinvestmentrecommendationsortakeinvestment actionsthatareconsistentwith thestatedobjectives andconstraintsof theportfolio
D PerformancePresentation.When communicatinginvestmentperformanceinformation,MembersorCandidatesmustmake reasonableeffortsto ensure
thatit is fair,accurate,and complete
E Preservation ofConfidentiality.Membersand Candidatesmustkeepinformation aboutcurrent,former,and prospective clients confidential unless:
1 The informationconcernsillegalactivities onthepartof the clientor
prospective client,
2 Disclosureisrequired bylaw,or
3 Theclientorprospectiveclientpermitsdisclosureof theinformation
IV DUTIESTOEMPLOYERS
A Loyalty.Inmattersrelatedtotheir employment,Membersand Candidates
must actfor the benefit of their employer andnotdeprive their employer of theadvantage of their skills andabilities,divulge confidentialinformation,or
otherwisecauseharmtotheiremployer
B AdditionalCompensationArrangements Members and Candidatesmust not
acceptgifts,benefits,compensation,orconsideration thatcompeteswith,or
Trang 17StudySession 1
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might reasonably be expectedto create aconflictofinterest with,theiremployer’sinterestunless they obtainwrittenconsentfrom all parties involved
C Responsibilities of Supervisors Members and Candidatesmustmake
reasonableeffortstoensurethatanyonesubjecttotheir supervisionorauthority complies with applicablelaws, rules,regulations, and the Code andStandards
V INVESTMENTANALYSIS,RECOMMENDATIONS, ANDACTIONS
A DiligenceandReasonableBasis.Members and Candidatesmust:
1. Exercisediligence, independence, and thoroughnessinanalyzing
investments,makinginvestment recommendations,and takinginvestmentactions
2 Haveareasonable and adequatebasis,supported by appropriate researchand investigation, forany investmentanalysis,recommendation,oraction
B Communication withClients andProspectiveClients Members and
in communicationswith clients and prospective clients
4 Distinguish between fact and opinioninthe presentation ofinvestmentanalysis and recommendations
C RecordRetention.Members and Candidatesmustdevelop andmaintain
appropriate recordsto supporttheirinvestmentanalysis,recommendations,
actions,and other investment-relatedcommunicationswith clients andprospective clients
VI CONFLICTSOFINTEREST
A Disclosure of Conflicts Members and Candidatesmustmake full and fair
disclosureof allmattersthat could reasonably be expectedtoimpair theirindependence and objectivityorinterfere with respective dutiestotheirclients,prospectiveclients,and employer Members and Candidatesmustensurethatsuch disclosuresareprominent,aredeliveredinplainlanguage,and
communicatethe relevant information effectively
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B PriorityofTransactions.Investment transactionsfor clients and employers
musthave priorityoverinvestment transactions inwhichaMemberor
Candidateisthe beneficialowner.
C ReferralFees.Members and Candidatesmustdisclosetotheir employer,clients,and prospectiveclients,asappropriate,anycompensation,consideration,orbenefit receivedfrom,orpaidto,othersfor therecommendationof productsor services
VII RESPONSIBILITIESAS A CFAINSTITUTE MEMBEROR CFACANDIDATE
A ConductasParticipants inCFAInstitutePrograms Members and Candidates
must notengage in anyconduct that compromises the reputationorintegrity
of CFAInstituteorthe CFA designationorthe integrity, validity,orsecurity ofCFAInstituteprograms
B ReferencetoCFAInstitute,theCFADesignation, and the CFA Program
When referringtoCFAInstitute,CFAInstitutemembership, the CFAdesignation,orcandidacyinthe CFAProgram,Members and Candidatesmust
notmisrepresent orexaggeratethe meaningorimplications of membershipinCFAInstitute,holding the CFA designation,orcandidacyinthe CFAProgram
LOS2.a:Demonstratetheapplicationof the Code of Ethics and Standards ofProfessional Conducttosituationsinvolvingissuesofprofessionalintegrity
LOS2.b:Distinguishbetween conduct that conformstothe Code andStandardsand conduct that violates the Code and Standards
LOS2.c:Recommend practices andprocedures designedtopreventviolations
of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
CFA®ProgramCurriculum,Volume1,page21Professionalism
Knowledge of theLaw.Members and Candidatesmustunderstand andcomply with all applicablelaws, rules,and regulations (including the CFAInstituteCode of Ethics and Standards of ProfessionalConduct)ofanygovernment,regulatoryorganization,licensing agency,orprofessionalassociationgoverning their professionalactivities Intheeventofconflict,Members and Candidatesmustcomply with the
morestrict law, rule,orregulation Members and Candidatesmust notknowinglyparticipateorassist in andmustdissociate fromanyviolationof suchlaws, rules,or
regulations
I1(A)
Professor’sNote:Whilewe usetheterm “members”inthefollowing,notethat all
ofthe Standards applytocandidatesaswell
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Guidance—Code and Standardsvs.LocalLaw
Membersmustknow the laws and regulations relatingtotheir professionalactivities in
allcountries inwhich they conduct business Membersmustcomply with applicable
laws andregulations relatingtotheir professional activity.Donotviolate Codeor
Standardsevenif theactivity isotherwise legal Always adheretothemoststrictrules
and requirements(laworCFA Institute Standards)that apply
Guidance—ParticipationorAssociationWith Violations by Others
Members shoulddissociate, orseparatethemselves,fromanyongoing clientoremployee
activitythatisillegalor unethical, evenifitinvolves leavinganemployer(anextreme
case).Whileamembermayconfront the involved individualfirst,hemustapproach
his supervisororcompliance department.Inactionwith continuedassociation maybe
construedasknowing participation
Recommended ProceduresforCompliance—Members
• Members should have procedurestokeepupwith changesinapplicablelaws, rules,
and regulations
• Compliance procedures should be reviewedon anongoing basisto assurethatthey
addresscurrentlaw, CFAI Standards,and regulations
• Members shouldmaintaincurrentreference materials for employeesto accessin
ordertokeep uptodateon laws, rules,and regulations
• Members should seek adviceof counselortheir compliance department whenin
doubt
• Members should documentanyviolations when they disassociate themselves from
prohibited activity and encourage their employerstobringanendtosuch activity
• Thereisnorequirement under the Standardsto reportviolationstogovernmental
authorities,but thismaybe advisablein some circumstancesand required by lawin
others
• Membersarestronglyencouragedto reportother members’ violationsof the Code
and Standards
Recommended ProceduresforCompliance—Firms
Members should encourage their firmsto:
• Develop and/or adoptacode of ethics
• Make availabletoemployees information thathighlightsapplicable laws and
regulations
• Establishwrittenprocedures for reporting suspected violation oflaws,regulations,or
companypolicies
Members who supervise thecreationandmaintenanceofinvestment servicesand
products should beawareof and comply with the regulations and laws regarding such
servicesand products bothintheircountryof origin and thecountrieswhere they will
be sold
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ApplicationofStandard1(A)KnowledgeoftheLaur’
Comment:
Althoughit isrecommended that members and candidates seek the advice of legalcounsel,the relianceonsuch advice doesnotabsolveamemberorcandidatefrom therequirementtocomply with the laworregulation Allen shouldreportthissituationto
his supervisor, seekanindependentlegalopinion, and determine whether theregulatorshould be notifiedof theerror
Example2:
Kamisha Washington’s firm advertisesitspastperformance record by showing theyearreturnofacomposite ofitsclientaccounts However,Washington discovers that thecompositeomitstheperformance ofaccountsthat have left the firm during the10-yearperiod and that thisomissionhas ledtoaninflatedperformance figure Washington
10-isaskedto usepromotional material that includes theerroneousperformance numberwhen soliciting business for the firm
Comment:
Misrepresentingperformanceisaviolationof the Code and Standards Although she did
notcalculate theperformanceherself,Washington would be assistinginviolating thisstandard if shewere to usethe inflatedperformance number when soliciting clients She
mustdissociate herselffrom the activity Shecanbring the misleading numbertotheattentionof thepersonresponsible for calculating performance, her supervisor,orthecompliance departmentather firm If her firmisunwillingtorecalculateperformance,shemustrefrainfrom using the misleading promotional material and should notifythe firmof herreasons.If the firminsiststhat sheusethematerial,she should considerwhether her obligationtodissociate from theactivitywould require hertoseek otheremployment
3 Ibid
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Example 4:
LauraJameson,aU.S.citizen,worksforaninvestmentadvisor basedinthe United
Statesand worksina countrywhereinvestmentmanagersareprohibited from
participatingin IPOsfor theirown accounts.
Comment:
Jamesonmustcomply with thestrictestrequirementsamong U.S law(whereher firm
is based),the CFAInstituteCode andStandards,and the lawsof thecountrywhere she
isdoingbusiness In thiscasethatmeansshemust notparticipatein anyIPOsfor her
personalaccount.
Example 5:
Ajuniorportfoliomanagersuspectsthatabroker responsible fornewbusiness from
aforeigncountryisbeing allocatedaportion of the firm’spaymentsfor third-party
research andsuspectsthatnoresearchisbeing provided.Hebelieves that the research
paymentsmaybe inappropriate and unethical
Comment:
Heshould follow his firm’s procedures for reporting possible unethical behavior andtry
to getbetter disclosureof thenatureof thesepaymentsandanyresearch thatisbeing
provided
1(B) Independence and Objectivity Members and Candidatesmust usereasonable
careand judgmenttoachieve andmaintainindependence and objectivityintheir
professionalactivities Membersand Candidatesmust notoffer, solicit, oracceptany
gift,benefit,compensation,orconsideration that reasonably could be expectedto
compromise theirown oranother’s independence and objectivity
Guidance
Donotlet theinvestment processbe influenced byanyexternalsources.Modestgifts
arepermitted Allocation of sharesinoversubscribed IPOstopersonalaccounts is
NOTpermitted Distinguish between gifts from clients and gifts fromentitiesseeking
influencetothe detrimentof the client Giftsmustbe disclosedtothe member’s
employerin anycase,either priorto acceptanceif possible,orsubsequently
Guidance—InvestmentBanking Relationships
Donotbe pressured by sell-side firmstoissuefavorable researchon currentor
prospective investment-banking clients Itisappropriatetohave analysts work with
investmentbankersin“road shows” only when the conflictsareadequately and
elfectively managed and disclosed.Be surethereareeffective “firewalls” between
research/investmentmanagementandinvestmentbankingactivities
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Guidance—Public CompaniesAnalysts shouldnotbe pressuredtoissuefavorable research by the companies theyfollow.Donotconfine researchtodiscussions with companymanagement,but ratheruseavariety ofsources,including suppliers,customers,and competitors
Guidance—Buy-Side ClientsBuy-side clientsmaytry topressuresell-side analysts Portfolio managersmayhave largepositionsinaparticularsecurity,andarating downgrademayhaveaneffectontheportfolio performance Asaportfolio manager, thereisaresponsibilityto respectandfoster intellectual honesty of sell-side research
Guidance—Fund Manager and Custodial RelationshipsMembers responsible for selecting outsidemanagersshouldnot acceptgifts,
entertainment,ortravel that might be perceivedasimpairing theirobjectivity
Guidance— PerformanceMeasurementandAttributionPerformance analystsmayexperiencepressurefrominvestment managerswho haveproducedpoorresultsoracted outside their mandate Members and candidates whoanalyzeperformancemust notlet such influences affect their analysis
Guidance—Manager SelectionMembers and candidatesmustexerciseindependence andobjectivitywhen they selectinvestment managers.They shouldnot acceptgiftsorother compensation that could
beseenasinfluencingtheirhiringdecisions, norshould they offer compensationwhen seekingtobe hiredasinvestmentmanagers Theresponsibilitytomaintainindependence andobjectivityappliestoallamemberorcandidate’shiringandfiring
decisions,notjust those that involveinvestmentmanagement.
Guidance—Credit Rating AgenciesMembers employed by credit rating firms should makesurethat proceduresprevent
undue influence by the firm issuing thesecurities.Members whousecredit ratingsshould beawareof this potential conflict ofinterestand consider whether independentanalysisiswarranted
Guidance—Issuer-Paid ResearchRemember that thistypeof researchisfraught with potential conflicts Analysts’
compensationfor preparing such research should belimited,and thepreferenceisfora
flatfee,without regardtoconclusionsorthereport’srecommendations
Guidance—TravelBestpracticeisfor analyststopayfor theirowncommercial travel whenattendinginformationeventsortourssponsored by the firm being analyzed
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Recommended ProceduresforCompliance
• Protectthe integrity of opinions—makesuretheyareunbiased
• Createarestricted list and distribute only factual information about companieson
the list
• Restrictspecialcost arrangements—pay for one’sowncommercialtransportation
andhotel;limituseofcorporateaircraftto casesinwhich commercial transportation
isnotavailable
• Limitgifts—tokenitemsonly Customary, business-relatedentertainment isokay
aslongasits purpose isnot toinfluenceamember’s professional independenceor
objectivityFirmsshould impose clear value limitsongifts
• Restrictemployeeinvestments inequity IPOs andprivateplacements Require pre¬
approval ofIPOpurchases
• Reviewprocedures—haveeffective supervisory andreviewprocedures
• Firmsshould have formalwrittenpoliciesonindependence and objectivity of
research
• Firmsshould appointacompliance officer and provide clear procedures for
employee reporting of unethical behavior and violations of applicable regulations
ApplicationofStandard1(B)Independence and Objectivity
Example1:
StevenTaylor,amining analyst withBronson Brokers, isinvited byPrecisionMetalsto
joinagroup of hispeers ina tourof mining facilitiesinseveralwesternU.S.states.The
company arranges for chartered groupflights fromsitetositeandfor accommodations
inSpartanMotels,the only chain with accommodationsnearthemines,for threenights
Taylor allowsPrecisionMetalstopick up histab,asdo the other analysts, withone
exception— JohnAdams, anemployee ofalargetrustcompanywhoinsistsonfollowing
hiscompany’spolicy and paying for his hotelroomhimself
Comment:
The policy of thecompanywhere Adams works complies closely with Standard1(B) by
avoidingeventhe appearance ofaconflictofinterest,but Taylor and the other analysts
werenotnecessarily violating Standard1(B).Ingeneral, when allowing companiestopay
for travel and/or accommodations under thesecircumstances,members and candidates
must usetheir judgment, keepinginmindthat sucharrangements must notimpinge
onamemberorcandidate’s independence and objectivity In this example, the tripwas
strictly for business and Taylorwas notaccepting irrelevantorlavish hospitality The
itineraryrequired chartered flights, for which analystswerenotexpectedtopay.The
accommodationsweremodest Thesearrangements are notunusual and didnotviolate
Standard1(B) solongasTaylor’s independence and objectivitywerenotcompromised
In the final analysis, members and candidates should consider both whether theycan
remainobjective and whether their integrity might be perceived by their clientstohave
been compromised
Example2:
WalterFritz is anequityanalyst with HiltonBrokeragewhocoversthe mining industry
Hehas concluded that the stock of Metals&Miningisoverpricedatitscurrentlevel,
but heisconcerned thatanegative researchreportwill hurt thegoodrelationship
between Metals&Mining and theinvestment-banking division of his firm.In fact,a
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madetoMetals&Miningtounderwriteadebt offering.Fritzneedstoproducea report
rightawayandisconcerned about issuingaless-than-favorable rating
Comment:
Fritz’s analysis of Metals&Miningmustbe objective and based solelyonconsideration
ofcompanyfundamentals Anypressurefrom other divisions of his firmisinappropriate
This conflict could have been eliminatedif, inanticipation of the offering, HiltonBrokerage had placed Metals&Miningon arestricted list foritssalesforce
Example3:
Tom Wayneistheinvestmentmanager of the Franklin City EmployeesPensionPlan
Herecently completedasuccessful search for firmstomanagethe foreign equityallocationof the plan’s diversified portfolio.Hefollowed the plan’s standard procedure
of seeking presentations fromanumberof qualified firms and recommended that hisboard select Penguin Advisors because ofitsexperience, well-definedinvestmentstrategy,
andperformancerecord,whichwascompiled and verifiedinaccordance with theCFAInstituteGlobalInvestmentPerformance Standards Following the plan selection
of Penguin,a reporterfrom the FranklinCityRecord calledtoask if therewasanyconnectionbetween theactionand thefact that Penguinwasoneof thesponsorsofan
“investment fact-finding triptoAsia” that Wayne made earlierintheyear.The tripwas
oneof several conducted by thePensionInvestment Academy, which hadarrangedtheitinerary of meetings witheconomic, government,andcorporateofficialsinmajorcities
inseveralAsian countries.ThePensionInvestmentAcademy obtainssupportfor thecost
of these trips fromanumberofinvestment managers,including PenguinAdvisors;theAcademy thenpaysthe travelexpensesof thevariouspensionplan managersonthe tripand provides all meals and accommodations The president of Penguin Advisorswasone
of the travelersonthe trip
Comment:
Although Waynecanprobablyput togoodusethe knowledge he gained from the trip
inselectingportfoliomanagersandinotherareasof managing the pension plan, hisrecommendationof Penguin Advisorsmaybe tainted by the possible conflict incurredwhen he participatedinatrippaid for partly by Penguin Advisors and when hewasinthe daily company of the president of Penguin Advisors To avoid violating Standard
1(B),Wayne’s basicexpensesfor travel and accommodations should have been paid
by his employerorthe pension plan;contactwith the president of Penguin Advisorsshould have been limitedtoinformationaloreducationaleventsonly; and the trip, theorganizer, and thesponsor should have been madea matterof public record.Evenif hisactions werenotinviolationof Standard1(B),Wayne should have beensensitivetothepublic perception of the trip when reportedinthe newspaper and theextent towhichthe subjective elements of his decision might have been affected by the familiarity thatthe dailycontactof suchatrip would encourage This advantage would probablynotbeshared by competing firms
Example 4:
Ananalystinthecorporatefinance department promisesaclient that her firm willprovide full researchcoverageof the issuingcompanyafter the offering
Comment:
Thisisnot aviolation,but shecannotpromise favorable research coverage Research
mustbe objective and independent
Trang 25Research opinions and recommendationsmustbeobjectiveand arrivedatindependently.
Following the boss’sinstructionswould beaviolation if the analyst determinedabuy
ratingisinappropriate
Example6:
A moneymanagerreceivesagift of significant value fromaclientas areward for good
performanceoverthe prior period and informs her employer of the gift
Comment:
Noviolation here because the giftisfromaclient andis notbasedonperformance going
forward,but thegiftmustbe disclosedtoher employer If the giftwerecontingenton
future performance, themoneymanager would havetoobtain permission from her
employer Thereasonfor both the disclosure and permission requirementsisthat the
employermustensurethat themoneymanager doesnotgiveadvantagetothe client
givingoroffering additional compensation,tothe detriment of other clients
Example7:
Ananalystentersintoa contract towritearesearchreportonacompany,paid for
by that company, foraflat fee plusabonus basedonattractingnewinvestorstothe
security
Comment:
Thisisaviolation because the compensationstructuremakes total compensation depend
onthe conclusions of thereport (afavorablereportwillattractinvestorsandincrease
compensation) Accepting the job foraflat fee that doesnotdependonthereport’s
conclusionsoritsimpactonshare priceispermitted, withproperdisclosure of thefact
that thereportisfundedby the subject company
Example8:
Atrustmanagerat abank selects mutual funds for clientaccountsbasedonthe profits
from “service fees” paidtothe bank by the mutual fund sponsor
Comment:
Thisisaviolation because thetrustmanagerhas allowed thefeestoaffect his objectivity
Example 9:
Ananalystperformingsensitivityanalysis forasecurity doesnot useonlyscenarios
consistentwithrecenttrends and historicalnorms
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hires the member’sfirm,the membercontinuestospend significantamountsonentertainmentfor theunionleader andhisfamily
accountand placingit inadifferent composite Knowing that theinvestmentmanager
isimportanttothe firm andaclose friend of the firm’sCEO,the member doesnot
disclose this changeinherperformancereport.
Comment:
The member violated Standard1(B)by failingtoexerciseindependence and objectivity
inheranalysis Alteringcompositestoconcealpoorperformance also violates StandardIII(D)PerformancePresentationandmayviolate Standard1(C)Misrepresentation
1(C) Misrepresentation.Members and Candidatesmust notknowingly makeanymisrepresentations relatingtoinvestmentanalysis,recommendations,actions,orotherprofessionalactivities
GuidanceTrustisafoundationintheinvestmentprofession.Donotmakeanymisrepresentations
orgive false impressions This includesoral, electronic,and social mediacommunications.Misrepresentations include guaranteeinginvestmentperformanceandplagiarism.Plagiarismencompassesusingsomeoneelse’s work (reports,forecasts,models, ideas, charts,graphs, and spreadsheetmodels)without giving them credit
Knowingly omitting information that could affectaninvestmentdecisionor
performance evaluationisconsidered misrepresentation
Models and analysis developed by othersat amember’s firmarethepropertyof the firmandcanbe used without attribution.Areportwrittenby another analyst employed bythe firmcannotbe releasedasanother analyst’s work
Recommended ProceduresforCompliance
Agoodwaytoavoid misrepresentationisfor firmstoprovide employees who deal withclientsor prospects awrittenlistof the firm’s availableservicesandadescription of thefirm’s qualifications Employeequalifications should be accurately presentedaswell
To avoid plagiarism,maintainrecordsof all materials usedto generate reports orotherfirm products and properlycite sources(quotes andsummaries)inwork products
Informationfrom recognized financial and statistical reportingservicesneednotbecited
Members should encourage their firmstoestablish procedures forverifying marketingclaimsof thirdpartieswhose information the firm providestoclients
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ApplicationofStandardI(C)Misrepresentation
Example1:
AnthonyMcGuire is anissuer-paid analyst hired by publicly traded companiesto
electronicallypromotetheir stocks.McGuirecreates awebsite thatpromoteshis
researcheffortsas aseeminglyindependent analyst.McGuireposts aprofile anda strong
buy recommendation for eachcompanyonthewebsite,indicating that the stockis
expectedtoincrease invalue.Hedoesnotdisclose the contractual relationships with the
companies hecovers onhiswebsite, inthe researchreportsheissues, orinthestatements
he makes about the companiesinInternetchatrooms
Comment:
McGuirehas violated Standard1(C)because theInternet siteand e-mailsaremisleading
topotentialinvestors.Even if therecommendationsarevalid andsupported with
thoroughresearch,hisomissionsregarding thetruerelationship between himself and the
companieshecovers constituteamisrepresentation.McGuirehasalso violated Standard
VI(A)Disclosure of Conflicts bynotdisclosing theexistenceofan arrangementwith the
companiesthroughwhich hereceives compensation inexchange for hisservices
Example2:
Claude Browning,aquantitative analyst for DoubleAlpha,Inc., returnsingreat
excitementfromaseminar.In thatseminar,JackJorrely,awell-publicized quantitative
analystat anational brokeragefirm,discussedoneof hisnewmodelsingreatdetail,
and Browningisintriguedby thenewconcepts.Heproceedsto testthismodel,making
some minormechanical changes but retaining theconcept,until he producessome
verypositive results Browning quicklyannouncestohis supervisorsatDouble Alpha
that he has discoveredanewmodel and that clients and prospective clients alike should
be informed of this positive findingasongoingproof of Double Alpha’s continuing
innovationand abilitytoadd value
Comment:
Although Browning tested Jorrely’s modelonhisownandevenslightly modifiedit,he
muststill acknowledge the originalsourceof the idea Browningcancertainly take credit
for thefinal,practicalresults;hecanalsosupporthis conclusions with hisown test.The
creditfor theinnovativethinking,however,mustbe awardedtoJorrely
Example3:
Paul Ostrowskiruns a2-person investmentmanagementfirm Ostrowski’s firm
subscribesto aservicefromalargeinvestmentresearch firm that provides research
reportsthatcanbe repackaged by smaller firms for those firms’ clients Ostrowski’s firm
distributes thesereports toclientsasits ownwork
Comment:
Ostrowskicanrelyonthird-party research that hasareasonable and adequatebasis,
but hecannotimply that heisthe author of thereport.Otherwise,Ostrowskiwould
misrepresent theextentof his workinawaythat would mislead the firm’s clientsor
prospective clients
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Amember makesan errorinpreparing marketing materials andmisstatestheamountof
assetshisfirmhasunder management.
Comment:
The membermust attempt to stopdistributionof the erroneousmaterialas soon as
theerrorisknown Simply making theerrorunintentionallyisnot aviolation,butcontinuingtodistributematerial knowntocontainasignificantmisstatementof factwould be
Example 5:
Themarketing departmentstatesinsales literaturethatananalyst hasreceivedanMBAdegree, buthehasnot.Theanalyst and othermembersof thefirm have distributedthisdocumentforyears
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Comment:
To theextentthat the candidate used information and interpretation from the financial
publication without citingit,the candidateis inviolationof the Standard The
candidate should either obtain thereportandreferenceitdirectlyor,if he relies solely
onthe financial publication, shouldcitebothsources
Misconduct Members and Candidatesmust notengage inanyprofessionalconduct involving dishonesty,fraud, ordeceitor commitanyactthat reflects
adverselyontheir professional reputation, integrity,or competence.
1(D)
Guidance
CFAInstitutediscourages unethical behaviorinallaspectsof members’ and candidates’
lives.Donotabuse CFA Institute’s Professional Conduct Program by seeking
enforcement of this Standardtosettle personal, political,orother disputes thatarenot
relatedtoprofessional ethics
Recommended ProceduresforCompliance
Firms areencouragedtoadopt these policies and procedures:
• Develop and adoptacodeof ethics and make clear that unethical behavior willnot
be tolerated
• Giveemployeesalist of potential violations andsanctions,includingdismissal
• Checkreferences of potential employees
ApplicationofStandard1(D)Misconduct
Example1:
SimonSasserman isa trustinvestmentofficerat abankinasmall affluenttown.He
enjoyslunchingeveryday with friendsatthecountryclub,where his clients have
observed him havingnumerousdrinks Backatworkafterlunch,he clearlyisintoxicated
while makinginvestmentdecisions.Hiscolleagues makeapoint of handlingany
business with Sassermaninthe morning because they distrust his judgment after lunch
Comment:
Sasserman’sexcessivedrinkingatlunch and subsequentintoxicationatworkconstitute
aviolationof Standard1(D)because this conduct has raised questions about his
professionalism andcompetence.Hisbehavior thusreflects poorlyon him,his employer,
and theinvestmentindustry
Example2:
CarmenGarciamanagesamutual fund dedicatedtosocially responsible investing Sheis
alsoanenvironmentalactivist.Asthe resultof her participationatnonviolentprotests,
Garciahasbeenarrestedon numerousoccasionsfor trespassingonthepropertyofa
large petrochemical plant thatisaccusedof damaging theenvironment
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Comment:
Generally, Standard1(D) isnot meant to coverlegal transgressions resulting fromacts
of civil disobedienceinsupportof personal beliefs because such conduct doesnotreflectpoorlyonthe memberorcandidate’s professional reputation, integrity,or competence.
II Integrity ofCapitalMarkets
11(A) MaterialNonpublicInformation.Members and Candidates whopossessmaterial nonpublic information that could affect the value ofan investmentmust not act or causeothersto act onthe information
GuidanceInformationis“material” ifitsdisclosure would impact the price ofasecurityorifreasonableinvestorswouldwantthe information before makingan investmentdecision
Ambiguousinformation,asfarasitslikely effectonprice,maynotbe consideredmaterial Informationis“nonpublic” untilithas been made availabletothe marketplace
Ananalyst conference callisnotpublic disclosure Selectively disclosing information bycorporationscreatesthe potential for insider-trading violations The prohibition againstactingonmaterial nonpublic information extendstomutual funds containing thesubjectsecuritiesaswellasrelated swaps and optionscontracts.
Somemembers and candidatesmaybe involvedin transactionsduring which theyreceivematerial nonpublic information provided by firms (e.g.,investmentbanking
transactions).Members and candidatesmayusetheprovided nonpublic information foritsintendedpurpose,butmust not usethe informationforanyotherpurposeunlessitbecomes public information
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Guidance—MosaicTheory
Thereisnoviolation whenaperceptive analyst reachesaninvestmentconclusion about
a corporateactionoreventthroughananalysis of public information together with
itemsof nonmaterial nonpublic information
Guidance—Social Media
When gathering information frominternet orsocial mediasources,members and
candidates needtobeawarethatnotall ofit isconsidered public information Members
andcandidates should confirm thatanymaterial informationtheyreceivefrom these
sources isalso availablefrom publicsources,suchascompany press releasesorregulatory
filings
Guidance—Industry Experts
Members and candidatesmayseek insight from individuals who have specialized
expertisein anindustry.However,theymaynot act or causeothersto act onany
material nonpublic information obtained from theseexpertsuntil that information has
been publicly disseminated
RecommendedProceduresforCompliance
Make reasonableeffortstoachieve public dissemination of the information Encourage
firmstoadopt proceduresto preventmisuseof material nonpublic information.Usea
“firewall” within thefirm,with elements including:
• Substantial controlof relevant interdepartmentalcommunications,througha
clearanceareasuchasthe complianceorlegaldepartment
• Reviewemployee trades—maintain “watch,” “restricted,”and“rumor” lists
• Monitorandrestrictproprietary trading whileafirmis inpossession of material
nonpublic information
Prohibitionof all proprietary trading whileafirmis in possessionof material nonpublic
informationmaybe inappropriate becauseitmaysendasignaltothe market.Inthese
cases,firms should take thecontraside of only unsolicitedcustomertrades
ApplicationofStandard11(A)Material NonpublicInformation
Example1:
SamuelPeter,ananalyst with Scotland andPierce, Inc.,isassisting his firm witha
secondaryofferingforBrightIdeas Lamp Company Peter participates,viatelephone
conferencecall, inameeting with Scotland andPierceinvestment-banking employees
andBrightIdeas’ CEO Peterisadvised that the company’s earnings projections for
thenextyearhave significantly dropped Throughout the telephone conferencecall,
several Scotland andPiercesalespeople and portfolio managers walkinandoutof
Peter’soffice,where the telephone callistaking place Asaresult,theyare awareof the
dropinprojectedearnings forBrightIdeas Before theconference callis concluded,
the salespeople trade the stock of the companyonbehalfof the firm’sclients,and other
firm personnel trade the stockinafirm proprietaryaccountandinemployee personal
Trang 32Elizabeth LevensonisbasedinTaipei andcoversthe Taiwanese marketfor herfirm,whichisbasedinSingapore Sheisinvitedto meetthe finance directorofa
manufacturingcompany,alongwith the othertenlargestshareholdersof thecompany
During the meeting, the finance directorstatesthat the companyexpectsitsworkforce
tostrikenextFriday, which will cripple productivity and distribution Can Levensonuse
this informationas abasistochange her ratingonthe company from “buy”to“sell”?
Jagdish Tejaisabuy-side analyst covering the furniture industry Looking foran
attractivecompanytorecommendas abuy, he analyzed several furniture makers bystudying their financialreportsand visiting their operations.Healso talkedto some
designers and retailerstofindoutwhich furniture stylesaretrendy and popular
Althoughnoneof the companies that he analyzed turnedout tobeaclear buy, hediscovered thatoneofthem,SwanFurnitureCompany(SFC),might beintrouble
Swan’sextravagant newdesignswereintroducedatsubstantialcosts.Eventhoughthesedesignsinitially attractedattention,inthelongrun,the publicisbuyingmoreconservativefurniturefrom other makers Basedonthat andonP&Lanalysis, Tejabelieves that Swan’snext-quarterearnings will drop substantially He thenissuesasellrecommendationfor SFC Immediately after receiving thatrecommendation, investmentmanagersstartreducing the stockintheirportfolios
Example 4:
Amember’sdentist,whoisanactiveinvestor,tells the member that basedonhisresearch he believes thatAcme,Inc.,will be boughtoutinthenearfuture byalargerfirminthe industry The member investigates and purchases shares ofAcme
Comment:
Thereis noviolation here because the dentist hadnoinside information but hasreached the conclusiononhisown.The information hereisnotmaterial because there
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isno reasonto suspectthatan investorwould wishtoknow what the members dentist
thought before investinginsharesof Acme
Example5:
Amember receivedanadvance copy ofastock recommendation that will appearina
widely read nationalnewspapercolumn thenextday and purchases the stock
Comment:
Arecommendationinawidely read newspaper column will likelycausethe stock
priceto rise, sothisismaterial nonpublic information The member has violated the
Standard
Example 6:
A member trades basedoninformation hegetsby seeinganadvance copy ofanarticle
thatwill be publishedinaninfluential magazinenextweek
Comment:
Thisisaviolationasthisisnonpublic information until the article has been published
11(B) MarketManipulation Members and Candidatesmust notengagein practices
that distort pricesorartificially inflate trading volume with theintenttomislead
market participants
Guidance
This Standard appliestotransactionsthat deceive the market by distorting the price¬
setting mechanism of financialinstrumentsorby securingacontrolling positionto
manipulate the price ofarelated derivative and/ortheassetitself Spreading falserumors
isalso prohibited
ApplicationofStandard11(B)Market Manipulation
Example1:
Matthew Murphyis ananalystatDivisaderoSecurities & Co.,which hasasignificant
numberof hedge fundsamong itsmostimportant brokerage clients Two trading days
before the publication of the quarter-endreport,Murphy alerts his sales force that he
isabouttoissuearesearchreportonWirewolfSemiconductor,which will include his
opinion that:
• Quarterlyrevenuesarelikelytofall short of management’s guidance
• Earnings will beasmuchas5centspershare(ormorethan10%)belowconsensus
• Wirewolf’shighlyrespected chief financial officermaybe abouttojoin another
company
Knowing that Wirewolf hadalready entereditsdeclared quarter-end “quiet period”
before reporting earnings(andthus would bereluctanttorespondto rumors,etc.),
Murphytimesthe releaseof his researchreportspecificallytosensationalize the negative
aspectsof the messageto createsignificant downward pressureonWirewolf’sstockto
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basedonspeculation,notonfact Thenextday, the researchreportisbroadcasttoall ofDivisadero’s clients andto the usualnewswire services
Before Wirewolfsinvestorrelations departmentcan assessitsdamageonthe finaltrading day of thequarterandrefute Murphysreport,itsstockopenstrading sharplylower,allowing Divisadero’s clientstocovertheir short positionsatsubstantial gains
Comment:
Murphy violated Standard11(B)by tryingto createartificial price volatility designedto
have material impactonthe price ofanissuer’sstock.Moreover,bylackinganadequatebasisfor therecommendation,Murphy also violated StandardV(A)
Example2:
ACMEFuturesExchangeislaunchinga newbondfuturescontract.Toconvince
investors,traders,arbitragers, hedgers, andso on, to useitscontract,the exchange
attempts todemonstrate thatithas the best liquidity To doso,itentersintoagreements
with memberssothat theycommitto asubstantialminimumtrading volumeonthenewcontract over aspecific periodinexchange for substantial reductionsontheirregularcommissions
Comment:
The formal liquidity ofamarketisdetermined by the obligationsset onmarketmakers,but the actualliquidity ofamarketisbetter estimated by the actual trading volumeand bid-ask spreads Attemptstomislead participantsonthe actual liquidity of themarketconstituteaviolationof Standard11(B).Inthis example,investorshave beenintentionally misledtobelieve they chose themostliquidinstrumentforsomespecificpurposeand could eventuallyseethe actual liquidity of thecontractdryupsuddenlyafter thetermof theagreementif the “pump-priming”strategyfails.If ACME fullydisclosesitsagreementwith memberstoboosttransactionsover someinitial launchperiod,itdoesnotviolate Standard11(B).ACME’sintent isnot toharminvestorsbutonthecontrary togive themabetterservice.For thatpurpose, it mayengageinaliquidity¬
pumpingstrategy,butitmustbe disclosed
Example 3:
Amemberisseekingtosellalargepositioninafairly illiquid stock fromafund hemanages.Hebuys and sells shares of the stock between that fund and another he alsomanagesto create anappearanceof activity and stock price appreciation,sothat the sale
of the whole position will have less market impact and he will realizeabetterreturnforthe fund’s shareholders
Comment:
The tradingactivity ismeant tomislead market participants andis,therefore,aviolation
of the Standard The fact that his fund shareholders gain by thisactiondoesnotchangethefact thatit isaviolation
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Example 4:
Amemberpostsfalse information aboutafirmoninternetbulletin boards and stock
chat facilities in anattempt to causethe firm’s stocktoincrease in price
Comment:
Thisisaviolationof the Standard
DutiestoClientsIII
III(A) Loyalty,Prudence,andCare.Members and Candidates haveaduty of loyalty
totheir clients andmust actwithreasonablecareandexerciseprudent judgment
Members and Candidatesmust actfor the benefit of their clients andplacetheir
clients’interestsbefore theiremployer’sortheirown interests.
Guidance
Clientinterestsalwayscomefirst Although this Standard doesnotimposeafiduciary
dutyonmembersorcandidateswhereonedidnotalreadyexist, itdoes require members
and candidatesto actintheir clients’ bestinterestand recommend products thatare
suitable giventheir clients’investmentobjectives andrisk tolerances
• Exercisethe prudence,care,skill,and diligence under thecircumstancesthata
personactinginalike capacity and familiar with suchmatterswould use.
• Managepoolsof clientassetsin accordance with thetermsof the governing
documents,suchas trustdocumentsorinvestmentmanagement agreements.
• Makeinvestmentdecisionsinthecontextof the total portfolio
• Inform clients ofanylimitationsinanadvisory relationship (e.g.,anadvisor who
mayonlyrecommend herownfirm’sproducts)
• Vote proxies inaninformed and responsiblemanner.Dueto costbenefit
considerations, it maynotbe necessaryto voteall proxies
• Client brokerage,or“soft dollars”or“softcommissions”mustbe usedtobenefit the
client
• The “client” may be the investingpublicas awhole rather thanaspecificentityor
person
Recommended ProceduresofCompliance
Submittoclients,atleast quarterly, itemizedstatementsshowingall securities incustody
andalldebits,credits,andtransactions
Encourage firmstoaddress these topics when drafting policies and procedures regarding
fiduciary duty:
• Follow applicable rules and laws
• Establishinvestmentobjectives ofclient.Consider suitability of portfolio relativeto
client’s needs andcircumstances,theinvestment’s basic characteristics,orthebasic
characteristicsof the totalportfolio
• Diversify
• Deal fairly with all clientsinregardstoinvestment actions
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• Voteproxiesinthe bestinterestof clients and ultimate beneficiaries
• Maintainconfidentiality
• Seek bestexecution
• Place clientinterestsfirst
ApplicationofStandard111(A)Loyalty,Prudence,and CareExample1:
FirstCountry Bankserves as trusteefor the MillerCompany’spensionplan Miller
isthetargetofahostile takeoverattemptbyNewton,Inc Inattemptingtowardoff
Newton,Miller’smanagerspersuadeJulianWiley,aninvestment manageratFirstCountryBank,topurchase Millercommonstockinthe open market for the employeepensionplan Miller’s officials indicate that suchactionwould be favorably received andwould probably resultinotheraccountsbeing placed with the bank.AlthoughWileybelieves the stocktobe overvalued and wouldnotordinarily buyit,he purchases thestockto supportMiller’s managers,tomaintainthecompany’s goodfavor,andtorealizeadditionalnewbusiness The heavy stock purchasescauseMiller’s market pricetoriseto
suchalevel that Newtonretractsitstakeover bid
Comment:
Standard111(A)requires thatamemberorcandidate, inevaluatingatakeoverbid,act
prudently and solelyintheinterestsof plan participants and beneficiaries Tomeetthisrequirement,amemberorcandidatemustcarefully evaluate the long-termprospectsofthecompanyagainst the short-termprospectspresented by the takeover offer and bythe abilitytoinvestelsewhere.Inthisinstance,Wiley, actingonbehalfof his employer,thetrustee,clearly violated Standard111(A)by using the pensionplanto perpetuate
existingmanagement,perhapstothe detrimentof plan participants and thecompany’s
shareholders,andtobenefit himself Wiley’s responsibilitiestothe plan participantsand beneficiaries should take precedenceoverany tiesto corporatemanagers and self-interest Adutyexiststoexaminesuchatakeover offeronits own meritsandtomake
anindependent decision The guiding principleisthe appropriateness of theinvestmentdecisiontothe pension plan,notwhether the decision benefits Wileyorthecompanythat hired him
Example2:
EmilieRome isa trustofficerfor PagetTrustCompany Rome’s supervisorisresponsiblefor reviewing Rome’strust accounttransactionsand her monthlyreportsof personalstocktransactions.Romehas been using Nathan Gray,abroker,almost exclusively for
trust accountbrokeragetransactions.Where Gray makesamarketin stocks,he has beengivingRomealower price for personal purchases andahigher price for sales than hegivestoRome’strust accountsand otherinvestors
Comment:
Rome isviolating her duty of loyaltytothe bank’strust accountsby using Gray forbrokeragetransactionssimply because Gray trades Rome’s personalaccountonfavorable
terms.
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Example3:
Amemberuses abrokerfor client-account trades that has relatively high prices and
averageresearch andexecution Inreturn,thebroker pays fortherentandother
overheadexpensesfor the member’s firm
Comment:
Thisis aviolationof theStandardbecausethe memberusedclientbrokerageforservices
that do notbenefit clients and failedto getthe best price andexecutionfor his clients
Example 4:
Inreturnforreceivingaccount managementbusinessfrom BrokerX, amember directs
tradestoBroker Xontheaccountsreferredtoher by BrokerX, aswellas onother
accounts as anincentivetoBroker Xtosend hermore accountbusiness
Comment:
Thisis aviolation ifBroker Xdoesnotofferthebest priceandexecutionorifthe
practice of directing tradestoBrokerX isnotdisclosedtoclients Theobligationtoseek
best priceandexecutionisalways required unless clients provideawrittenstatementthat
the memberisnot toseek best price andexecutionand that theyare awareoftheimpact
of thisdecisionontheiraccounts.
Example 5:
Amember doesmoretradesinclientaccountsthanarenecessarytoaccomplish client
goals becauseshedesiresto increasehercommission income.
Comment:
The memberisusing clientassets(brokeragefees)tobenefit herself and has violatedthe
Standard
III(B) FairDealing Members and Candidatesmustdeal fairly and objectivelywith
all clients whenprovidinginvestmentanalysis, makinginvestment recommendations,
takinginvestment action, orengaging in otherprofessionalactivities.
Guidance
Donotdiscriminate againstany clientswhen disseminating recommendationsortaking
investment action.Fairly doesnot meanequally In thenormalcourseofbusiness,
there willbedifferencesinthetimee-mails,faxes,etc., arereceived by different clients
Differentservicelevelsareokay, but theymust notnegatively affectordisadvantage
anyclients.Disclose thedifferentservicelevelstoall clients andprospects,andmake
premium levels ofserviceavailabletoall who wishtopayfor them
Guidance—InvestmentRecommendations
Giveall clientsafair opportunityto actupon everyrecommendation.Clientswho
are unawareofachangeinarecommendation should be advised before the orderis
accepted
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Guidance—Investment ActionsTreat clients fairlyinlight of theirinvestmentobjectives andcircumstances.Treatbothindividual and institutional clientsinafairand impartialmanner.Membersandcandidates shouldnottakeadvantage oftheirpositionin theindustrytodisadvantageclients (e.g.,inthecontextofIPOs).
E Recommended ProceduresforCompliance
Encourage firmstoestablish compliance procedures requiringproperdisseminationofinvestmentrecommendations andfairtreatmentof allcustomersandclients.Considerthese points when establishing fair dealing compliance procedures:
• Limitthenumberofpeoplewhoare awarethatachangein recommendationwill bemade
• Shorten thetimeframe between decision and dissemination
• Publish personnel guidelinesforpre-dissemination—haveinplace guidelinesprohibiting personnelwho have priorknowledgeofarecommendationfromdiscussingitortakingaction onthe pending recommendation
• Simultaneous disseminationofnew orchanged recommendationstoall clients whohave expressedaninterestorfor whomaninvestment issuitable
• Maintainlistof clients andholdings—use toensure that allholdersaretreated fairly
• Developwrittentrade allocation procedures—ensure fairnesstoclients,timely andefficient orderexecution,andaccuracy ofclientpositions
• Disclose trade allocation procedures
• Establish systematicaccount review—ensurethatnoclientisgivenpreferred
treatmentandthatinvestment actions are consistentwith theaccount’s objectives
• Disclose available levelsof service
ApplicationofStandardIII(B) FairDealingExample1:
BradleyAmes, awell-known and respected analyst, follows thecomputerindustry Inthe courseofhis research, hefinds thatasmall,relatively unknowncompanywhosesharesaretraded overthecounterhas justsignedsignificantcontractswithsomeof thecompanies hefollows.Afteraconsiderableamountofinvestigation,Amesdecidesto
writearesearchreport onthe company and recommendpurchase.While thereport is
being reviewed bythe company forfactualaccuracy, Amesschedulesaluncheon withseveralofhisbestclientstodiscussthecompany At the luncheon, he mentions thepurchase recommendation scheduledtobesentearly the followingweektoall the firm’sclients
Comment:
Amesviolated StandardIII(B)by disseminatingthepurchase recommendationtotheclients with whom he had lunchaweek before the recommendationwas sent toallclients
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fewyears later, Riverscomparesthe results of his pension fund with those of the bank’s
commingled fund.Heisstartledtolearn that,eventhoughthetwo accountshave the
sameinvestmentobjectives and similarportfolios, his company’s pension fund has
significantlyunderperformedthe bank’scommingled fund Questioningthisresultat
hisnextmeeting with thepension fund’smanager, Rivers istoldthat,as a matterof
policy,whena newsecurityisplacedontherecommendedlist,MorganJackson,the
pensionfundmanager,firstpurchases thesecurity forthe commingledaccountandthen
purchasesiton aproratabasisforallother pensionfundaccounts.Similarly,whena
saleis recommended,thesecurity issold first from the commingledaccountand then
soldon aproratabasisfromallotheraccounts.Riversalsolearnsthatifthebankcannot
getenough shares (especially the hotissues)tobe meaningfultoall theaccounts,its
policyis toplacethenew issuesonlyin thecommingledaccount.
Seeingthat Riversisneither satisfiednorpleased bytheexplanation,Jacksonquickly
addsthatnondiscretionarypensionaccountsand personaltrust accountshavealower
priorityonpurchase andsalerecommendationsthandiscretionarypensionfund
accounts.Furthermore,Jacksonstates,the company’spensionfund had the opportunity
toinvest upto5% in thecommingled fund
Comment:
The bank’spolicy didnot treatallcustomersfairly, andJacksonviolatedherdutyto
her clientsby giving prioritytothe growth-oriented commingled fundoverall other
funds andtodiscretionaryaccountsovernondiscretionaryaccounts.Jacksonmust
executeorderson asystematicbasisthatisfairtoall clients.In addition,trade allocation
procedures shouldbedisclosedtoall clients from thebeginning.Ofcourse,in thiscase,
disclosureof the bank’s policy wouldnotchange the fact that the policyisunfair
Example 3:
A membergetsoptions for hispartinanIPOfrom thesubjectfirm The IPOis
oversubscribed and the member fills hisownand other individuals’ orders but hasto
reduceallocationstohisinstitutionalclients
Comment:
The memberhas violatedtheStandard.Hemustdisclosetohisemployer andtohis
clientsthathe has accepted options for putting together theIPO.Heshouldnottake
any shares ofahotIPOfor himselfand should have distributedhisallocatedsharesof
theIPOtoall clientsinproportiontotheir original orderamounts.
Example 4:
A memberisdelayedinallocatingsometradestoclientaccounts.When she allocates the
trades,sheputs somepositions that haveappreciatedinapreferred client’saccountand
putstradesthat havenotdoneaswellin other clientaccounts.
Comment:
Thisisaviolationof the Standard The member should have allocated the tradesto
specificaccountspriorto thetradesorshouldhaveallocatedthetrades proportionallyto
suitableaccountsinatimely fashion
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CD
Sinceshe hasa reason (minimumlotsize) todeviatefroma strictprorataallocationto
herclients,thereisnoviolationofFairDealing
Makeareasonable inquiryinto aclient’sorprospective clients’
investment experience, riskandreturnobjectives, andfinancialconstraintspriortomakingany investmentrecommendationortakinginvestment actionandmust reassessandupdatethisinformationregularly
a.
Determinethataninvestmentissuitabletotheclient’sfinancialsituation
andconsistentwith the client’swrittenobjectives,mandates,andconstraints beforemakingan investmentrecommendationortakinginvestment action
b
Judge the suitability ofinvestments in thecontextof the client’s totalportfolio
c.
2 WhenMembersandCandidatesareresponsible for managingaportfolio
to aspecificmandate,strategy,orstyle, theymustmakeonlyinvestmentrecommendationsortakeinvestment actionsthatare consistentwith the statedobjectives andconstraintsof theportfolio
Guidance
Inadvisory relationships,be suretogatherclient informationatthebeginningof therelationship,in theform ofaninvestmentpolicystatement(IPS).Consider clients’
needs andcircumstances andthus their risk tolerance.Considerwhetheror nottheuse
of leverageissuitablefor the client
Ifamember isresponsible for managingafundto anindexorotherstatedmandate, be
sureinvestmentsareconsistentwith the stated mandate
Guidance—Unsolicited TradeRequests
Aninvestmentmanagermightreceive aclientrequest topurchaseasecurity that themanagerknowsis unsuitable,giventheclient’sinvestmentpolicystatement.Thetrademayormaynothaveamaterialeffectonthe risk characteristicsof the client’s total