Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professionalism Flashcards
What are the five rules of conduct?
1) Members and firms must be honest, act with integrity and comply with their personal obligations to RICS.
2) Members and firms must maintain their professional competency and ensure that services are provided by competent individuals who have the necessary expertise.
3) Members and firms must provide good quality and diligent service.
4) Members and firms must treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion.
5) Members and firms must act in the public interest, take responsibility for their actions and act to prevent harm and maintain public confidence in their profession.
Money laundering Act?
Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017
When were the 5 rules of conduct implemented?
October 2021
What is a bribe?
Money or tribute to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust
What are the 3 types of conflict of interest?
Party conflict
Own interest conflict
Confidential information conflict
What defines prior engagement?
Any engagement within the previous 2 years
How did you carry out a COI check?
I submitted checks on the property and the client on my firm’s internal database, sent a companywide email
- What AML procedures would you follow if you were dealing with a Special Interest Person?
enhanced DD, further scrutiny on accounts, can try get references for the client, try and do business face to face, monitor closely, greater understanding of source of funds and transaction history.
- Are there any repercussions for suspecting money laundering and failing to report it?
Not reporting bribery is part of the act and you should fill out a suspicious Activity Report (or your compliance officer), pretty sure you can get max 5 years in prison and a fine dependant on the situation
How do you become FRICS?
5+ years at MRICS
Leadership role
Professional/Technical Achievement
Raised profile of RICS
Role of RICS?
- Maintain the highest standards of education and training
- Protect consumers through strict regulation of professional standards
- Be the leading source of information and independent advice on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues
Current structure of RICS?
Governing Council - 25 members
Standards and Regulations Board / Management Board and other committees
17 specialist professional groups across land, property, construction
What was Levitt Review?
2021 - Independent review to see if Treasury audit was repressed and dismissed. Alison Levitt called for full independent review of ‘purpose, governance and strategy’ of the RICS
Bichard Review 2022?
36 recommendations, 7 key areas.
1. Renewed focus on public interest remit of RICS
2. Greater self regulation through independence for regulatory functions
3. Increased focus on D&I in profession and in RICS
4. Increased focus on regionals and youth
5. Undertaking review of RICS governance and effectiveness every 5 years
6. New simplified governance structure
7. greater leadership on sustainability and climate change
4 benefits of being member of RICS?
Status/recognition, market advantage, knowledge, network
3 main benefits of being RICS regulated firm?
Confidence, professionalism, security. CPS
What are some examples of the RICS Bye-Laws?
- Bye Law 1 – Applications and definitions
- Bye Law 2 – Membership and registration
- Bye Law 3 – Designations
- Bye Law 4 – Contribution to funds i.e. fees
What are the FIVE principles of RICS Regulation for Members and Firms and what are their purpose?
- Provide a framework for members and firms to ensure they meet the requirements of the Rules of Conduct.
1) PROPORTIONALITY – making penalty proportional to the breach
2) ACCOUNTABILTIY – to all members and the public (to promote fairness)
3) CONSISTENCY – treating all members the same
4) TARGETING – serious breaches
5) TRANSPARENCY – to all members, clients and the public
P – A – C – T – T
What is included in an annual return?
- Type of business
- Statutory regulated activities which the firm carries out
- Nature of clients
- Complaints handling procedures and records
- PII details
- Whether firm holds client money
What does RICS Rules of Conduct 2021 replace?
Rules of Conduct and Global Professional and Ethical Standards
What is the process prior to accepting an instruction
Competence
Independence
Terms of Engagement
Taking the above into account, some other reasons why you might decline work would be:
- Failing or refusal to take part in AML or CDD process
- Not content for actions to be made public (RICS Ethics Tree)
- PII liability cap not agreed, or PII does not apply
RICS Global Professional Statement on Conflicts of Interest (2017)
members must not advise/represent a client if a (risk of) conflict of interest unless those involved have provided their informed consent’
How would you deal with a conflict?
- Conflict avoidance – after full receipt of facts, consider if it is manageable or is unresolvable
- Written advice to both parties: 1) disclose nature of conflict and propose how to deal with it, 2) clear messaging to ensure parties can make an informed decision, 3) request written confirmation of their informed consent
- Conflict management – once written consent is received, an information barrier can be put in place in accordance with what has been agreed
Complaints Handling Procedures – RICS Guidance Note on Complaints Handling, 2016
- As part of being an RICS-regulated firm, the CHP must be approved by the RICS
- PII insurers should be notified when a complaint is made as there could be a negligence claim
- CHP should be detailed in TOEs
- Complaint log must be maintained – details, progress and outcome needed
- CHP must also contain and RICS-approved ADR mechanism
What are 2 stages for CHP?
- In house
- ADR
WHat are PII limitations?
Firm’s turnover in the preceding year Minimum level of indemnity required for each claim
£0-£100,000 £250,000
£100,001-£200,000 £500,000
£200,001+ £1,000,000
Negligence?
- Duty of care to clients and third parties – when breached and there is a loss, a claim for damages can arise.
How can you avoid negligence
- Understand the client’s objectives and clearly state the instructions in writing in TOEs
- Ensure you are competent
- Follow RICS Guidance Notes and Professional Statements * Keep detailed notes and audit trails
- Keep up to date with current market knowledge and new legislation
- Ensure that the professional liability excess on your PII policy is capped in your TOE
What is the RICS statement to handling client money?
RICS Professional Statement - Client Money Handling 2019
What does the RICS Professional Statement - Client Money Handling set out?
- Client accounts must be kept separate and clearly identified
- Clients must be able to have their monies on demand
- Accurate records are kept with a running balance * Annual audit and reporting obligations are handled by qualified accountants
- All firms handling client money need to display their procedures document on their website
What is RICS compliance for starting a new firm?
- Firm Detail Form – inform RICS of your new practice
- Appoint a Responsible Principle – RICS liaison
- Arrange PII and send details to RICS 4. Client Money Handling procedure in place
- Install CHP, seek RICS approval and appoint a CHO
- Ensure completion of Annual Return