Codes, Standards, and Guidelines for the Investment Management Industry
An integral part of the CFA Institute mission is to develop and administer codes, best practice guidelines, and standards that guide the investment industry and help ensure all investment professionals place client interests first.
Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
The foundation of our work is the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. We refer to it as the Code and Standards. We expect all CFA Institute members and candidates to sign the statement and adhere to this code.
Learn more about the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
Global Investment Performance Standards
The GIPS® standards are a set of industry-wide principles that guide investment firms on how to calculate and report their investment results to prospective clients. We encourage firms to voluntarily adopt these standards.
Learn more about the Global Investment Performance Standards
Asset Manager Code
We offer the voluntary CFA Institute Asset Manager Code to help asset managers practice ethical principles that put client interests first. By helping investors identify asset managers who have committed to high standards of professional conduct, we are building the integrity of the investment industry.
Pension Trustee Code
We encourage pension plans to adopt the CFA Institute Code of Conduct for Members of a Pension Scheme Governing Body.
Endowments Code of Conduct
The CFA Institute Investment Management Code of Conduct for Endowments, Foundations, and Charitable Organizations outlines ethical responsibilities for the sound management of longer-term financial assets.
Analyst Issuer Guidelines
The CFA Institute Analyst/Issuer Guidelines promote higher standards for relations between corporate issuers (corporations that issue publicly traded securities) and the analysts who cover them.
Soft Dollar Standards for Client Brokerage
Soft dollar (or soft commission) practices involve using client brokerage commissions to purchase research that helps managers to make investment decisions.
Research Objectivity Standards
The CFA Institute Research Objectivity Standards help sell-side investment firms and professionals develop objective and independent research reports.
Trade Management Guidelines
The CFA Institute Trade Management Guidelines help investment firms, investment professionals, and investors better understand the complexities of "best execution," the trading process that maximizes the value of a client's portfolio.