Ethics, Codes & Standards

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct (Code and Standards) are the ethical benchmark for investment professionals around the globe.

CFA Institute members, CFA Program Candidates and CIPM Program Candidates are required to follow the Code and Standards. Members and Candidates commit to uphold the Code and Standards annually by completing a Professional Conduct Statement as part of their membership renewal process.

Asset Manager Code

The CFA Institute Asset Manager Code (the Code) outlines the ethical and professional responsibilities of organisations that manage assets on behalf of clients. Access tools and resources to assist you in reviewing and mapping your existing policies to the principles of the Asset Manager Code.

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GIPS

The CFA Institute Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) are globally accepted standards considered industry best practice for investment performance reporting and presentation. Find out how the GIPS standards can help your institution improve performance reporting, increase transparency, and enhance credibility.

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ESG Standards

CFA Institute is developing a voluntary, global industry standard to provide greater product transparency and comparability for investors by enabling asset managers to communicate the ESG-related features of their investment products. Access consultation papers and discussion on the ESG standards development.

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Ethics for the Investment Management Profession

Ethics in the CFA Program

A candidate’s ethics education begins with the CFA Program. Ethical principles and their application in the investment profession are fundamental in all three levels of the CFA Program curriculum.

Annual Commitment to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

All CFA charterholders, members, and candidates worldwide are required to annually attest to compliance with the CFA Institute Code and Standards. The Code and Standards are updated regularly, ensuring they remain the ethical benchmark for the investment profession globally.

Ethics Education

CFA Institute offers learning resources to help guide ethical behaviour and practices throughout a professional’s career. Learn more about the CFA Institute Ethical Decision-Making Programs and Framework, both online and in-person, and Giving Voice to Values, an innovative approach to learning how to effectively act on your values.

Ethics Microlearning

Expertise is honed through practical application. CFA Institute offers regular opportunities, such as through the Ethics in Practice series, for charterholders to practice ethical decision-making skills, expand their knowledge, and share best practices among the global CFA Institute community. Download the Ethics in Practice casebook of 100 cases to ready, study, and learn.

How we live and breathe Ethics

Ethical Decision-Making Workshop for your Organisation

We facilitate Ethical Decision-Making Workshops, designed to help organisations set high ethical standards and raise employee confidence in resolving ethical dilemmas.

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Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Identify. Consider. Act. Reflect.

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Global Ethics Day

Global Ethics Day is a global teach-in designed as an opportunity for institutions to explore the role of ethics in a globalised world.

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Need help applying the Code and Standards?

Guidance for applying the Code and Standards is available. We offers real-world examples of how to apply the Code and Standards to ethical dilemmas that can occur in the day to day professional activities of members. Contact Us to learn how.