Standard VII(B) – Reference to CFA Institute, the CFA Designation, and the CFA Program

Application 1: Stating Facts About the CFA® Designation and CFA® Program

Dorothy Chen, CFA, is in conversation with one of her mentees – Hannah Blake. Blake is considering sitting the CFA Level I exam and is asking Chen for her advice. Chen states that going through the CFA® Program enhanced her knowledge of the investment industry and profession. Additionally, she praises the rigor and high ethical standards emphasized by the CFA Program. Chen informs Blake that she passed all three exams in three consecutive years.

Chen’s LinkedIn profile states that she is an active member of the CFA Institute. However, she is yet to pay her current annual membership dues.

Which of Chen’s statements would most likely be considered a violation of Standard VII(B) – Reference to CFA Institute, CFA Designation, and the CFA® Program?

1. The CFA® Program enhanced her knowledge of investment, industry, and profession.
2. Informing Blake that she passed all three exams in three consecutive years.
3. Her LinkedIn profile states that she is an active member of the CFA Institute.

Solution

The correct answer is C.

Chen has violated Standard VII(B) – Reference to CFA Institute, CFA® Designation, and the CFA®Program by implying that she is a CFA Institute member in her LinkedIn profile without paying her annual membership dues. Her statement regarding passing all three exams in three consecutive years is a fact and is therefore not a violation of Standard VII(B).

Application 2: Improper Reference to The CFA® Program and Designation

Which of the following is an improper reference to the CFA® Program and/or designation?

1. “Enrolling in the CFA® program has made me a better equity valuation analyst than my peers.”
2. “I am February 2021 CFA Level I candidate.”
3. “I have passed all three levels of the CFA® Program and may be eligible for the charter subject to the completion of the required work experience.”

Solution

The correct answer is A.

Answers B and C make correct reference to the CFA® Program and Designation. Implying that passing all three levels of theCFA® Program makes an individual a better analyst is a violation of Standard VII(B) – Reference to CFA Institute, CFA® Designation, and the CFA®Program. Claiming superior ability by obtaining the designation or passing the examinations is strictly prohibited under Standard VII(B).

LOS 7(a): Evaluate practices, policies, and conduct relative to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

LOS 7(b): Explain how the practices, policies, or conduct does or does not violate the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.