Concepts of the GIPS Standards for Firms
The following are the key concepts of the GIPS standards that apply to... Read More
Members and Candidates are in charge of managing a portfolio according to a specified mandate, strategy, or style; they must only make investment recommendations or conduct investment actions that are compatible with the portfolio’s stated objectives and limits. They should also make sure the investment is appropriate for the client’s financial circumstances and goals and mandates. Members and candidates should inquire about their investment experience, risk, and return objectives to establish a client’s suitability for a particular investment.
Joseph Layfield has a financial portfolio worth USD 100,000. His father passed away and left him with a USD 5 Million inheritance. Over two years, Umar Farheed, his investment adviser, has not made any changes to his IPS. Farheed manages Layfield’s portfolio with the same objectives and constraints listed in his initial IPS.
Has Farheed violated Standard III(C) – Suitability?
Solution
The correct answer is B.
Layfield receiving his inheritance would be considered a material change in his circumstances. Layfield can assume more risk and can broaden his investment holdings. Farheed has violated Standard III(C) – Suitability by failing to update Layfield’s IPS to reflect his significant change in circumstance.
Travis Green is a portfolio manager responsible for InvesTank’s high-growth fund. He purchases high-income (low growth) stocks of several utility firms. He believes that these stocks are significantly undervalued and would provide a positive return for the fund.
Would Green’s purchase of high-income stocks violate Standard III(C) – Suitability?
Solution
The correct answer is A.
Green has violated Standard III(C) – Suitability. The purchase of the high-income stocks does not fit the investment mandate (high-growth fund) that Green manages. Green must manage the fund according to the investment mandate of the fund.
Jackson Howard, CFA, is a fund manager at BVG Inc. Jackson manages several pension funds. Recently, cryptocurrency has gained higher returns, as reported by a popular online crypto analyzer. Jackson recommends cryptocurrencies to several pension plans. Under the CFA Institute Code and Standards, Jackson’s actions:
Solution
The correct answer is A.
For Jackson to recommend a security to its clients, it should ensure the investment is appropriate for the client’s financial circumstances and goals and mandates. Pensions are not allowed to take on a lot of risks, while cryptocurrency is considered very risky and would not fit into a pension fund’s portfolio.