Many professions define a code of ethics aimed at outlining cultural values within that profession. For the investment industry, ethics are defined as a standard of conduct valued by the financial sector. These can be expressed via concrete rules of behavior as defined by law, or through abstract concepts meant to define the spirit of organizational conduct. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute has outlined six components to its code of ethics. Members of the CFA Institute must:
- Act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with the public, clients, prospective clients, employers, employees, colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets.
- Place the integrity of the investment profession and the interests of clients above their own personal interests.
- Use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment when conducting investment analysis, making investment recommendations, taking investment actions, and engaging in other professional activities.
- Practice and encourage others to practice professionally and ethically in a way that will reflect credit on themselves and the profession.
- Promote the integrity of, and uphold the rules governing, capital market.
- Maintain and improve their professional competence and strive to maintain and improve the competence of other investment professionals.