Reading 2 Flashcards
Smith, a research analyst with a brokerage firm, decides to change his recommendation for the common stock of Green Company, Inc., from a “buy” to a “sell.” He mails this change in investment advice to all the firm’s clients on Wednesday. The day after the mailing, a client calls with a buy order for 500 shares of Green Company. In this circumstance, Smith should:
A. Accept the order.
B. Advise the customer of the change in recommendation before accepting the order.
C. Not accept the order because it is contrary to the firm’s recommendation.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question involves Standard III(B)–Fair Dealing. Smith disseminated a change in the stock recommendation to his clients but then received a request contrary to that recommendation from a client who probably had not yet received the recommendation. Prior to executing the order, Smith should take additional steps to ensure that the customer has received the change of recommendation. Answer A is incorrect because the client placed the order prior to receiving the recommendation and, therefore, does not have the benefit of Smith’s most recent recommendation. Answer C is also incorrect; simply because the client request is contrary to the firm’s recommendation does not mean a member can override a direct request by a client. After Smith contacts the client to ensure that the client has received the changed recommendation, if the client still wants to place a buy order for the shares, Smith is obligated to comply with the client’s directive.
Which statement about a manager’s use of client brokerage commissions violates the Code and Standards?
A. A client may direct a manager to use that client’s brokerage commissions to purchase goods and services for that client.
B. Client brokerage commissions should be used to benefit the client and should be commensurate with the value of the brokerage and research services received.
C. Client brokerage commissions may be directed to pay for the investment manager’s operating expenses.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question involves Standard III(A)–Loyalty, Prudence, and Care and the specific topic of soft dollars or soft commissions. Answer C is the correct choice because client brokerage commissions may not be directed to pay for the investment manager’s operating expenses. Answer B describes how members and candidates should determine how to use brokerage commissions—that is, if the use is in the best interests of clients and is commensurate with the value of the services provided. Answer A describes a practice that is commonly referred to as “directed brokerage.” Because brokerage is an asset of the client and is used to benefit the client, not the manager, such practice does not violate a duty of loyalty to the client. Members and candidates are obligated in all situations to disclose to clients their practices in the use of client brokerage commissions.
Jamison is a junior research analyst with Howard & Howard, a brokerage and investment banking firm. Howard & Howard’s mergers and acquisitions department has represented the Britland Company in all of its acquisitions for the past 20 years. Two of Howard & Howard’s senior officers are directors of various Britland subsidiaries. Jamison has been asked to write a research report on Britland. What is the best course of action for her to follow?
A. Jamison may write the report but must refrain from expressing any opinions because of the special relationships between the two companies.
B. Jamison should not write the report because the two Howard & Howard officers serve as directors for subsidiaries of Britland.
C. Jamison may write the report if she discloses the special relationships with the company in the report.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question involves Standard VI(A)–Disclosure of Conflicts. The question establishes a conflict of interest in which an analyst, Jamison, is asked to write a research report on a company that is a client of the analyst’s employer. In addition, two directors of the company are senior officers of Jamison’s employer. Both facts establish that there are conflicts of interest that must be disclosed by Jamison in her research report. Answer B is incorrect because an analyst is not prevented from writing a report simply because of the special relationship the analyst’s employer has with the company as long as that relationship is disclosed. Answer A is incorrect because whether or not Jamison expresses any opinions in the report is irrelevant to her duty to disclose a conflict of interest. Not expressing opinions does not relieve the analyst of the responsibility to disclose the special relationships between the two companies.
Which of the following statements clearly conflicts with the recommended procedures for compliance presented in the CFA Institute Standards of Practice Handbook?
A. Firms should disclose to clients the personal investing policies and procedures established for their employees.
B. Prior approval must be obtained for the personal investment transactions of all employees.
C. For confidentiality reasons, personal transactions and holdings should not be reported to employers unless mandated by regulatory organizations.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question asks about compliance procedures relating to personal investments of members and candidates. The statement in answer C clearly conflicts with the recommended procedures in the Standards of Practice Handbook. Employers should compare personal transactions of employees with those of clients on a regular basis regardless of the existence of a requirement by any regulatory organization. Such comparisons ensure that employees’ personal trades do not conflict with their duty to their clients, and the comparisons can be conducted in a confidential manner. The statement in answer A does not conflict with the procedures in the Handbook. Disclosure of such policies will give full information to clients regarding potential conflicts of interest on the part of those entrusted to manage their money. Answer B is incorrect because firms are encouraged to establish policies whereby employees clear their personal holdings and transactions with their employers.
Bronson provides investment advice to the board of trustees of a private university endowment fund. The trustees have provided Bronson with the fund’s financial information, including planned expenditures. Bronson receives a phone call on Friday afternoon from Murdock, a prominent alumnus, requesting that Bronson fax him comprehensive financial information about the fund. According to Murdock, he has a potential contributor but needs the information that day to close the deal and cannot contact any of the trustees. Based on the CFA Institute Standards, Bronson should:
A. Send Murdock the information because disclosure would benefit the client.
B. Not send Murdock the information to preserve confidentiality.
C. Send Murdock the information, provided Bronson promptly notifies the trustees.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question relates to Standard III(A)–Loyalty, Prudence, and Care and Standard III(E)–Preservation of Confidentiality. In this case, the member manages funds of a private endowment. Clients, who are, in this case, the trustees of the fund, must place some trust in members and candidates. Bronson cannot disclose confidential financial information to anyone without the permission of the fund, regardless of whether the disclosure may benefit the fund. Therefore, answer A is incorrect. Answer C is incorrect because Bronson must notify the fund and obtain the fund’s permission before publicizing the information.
Miller heads the research department of a large brokerage firm. The firm has many analysts, some of whom are subject to the Code and Standards. If Miller delegates some supervisory duties, which statement best describes her responsibilities under the Code and Standards?
A. Miller’s supervisory responsibilities do not apply to those subordinates who are not subject to the Code and Standards.
B. Miller no longer has supervisory responsibility for those duties delegated to her subordinates.
C. Miller retains supervisory responsibility for all subordinates despite her delegation of some duties.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. Under Standard IV(C)–Responsibilities of Supervisors, members and candidates may delegate supervisory duties to subordinates but such delegation does not relieve members or candidates of their supervisory responsibilities. As a result, answer B is incorrect. Moreover, whether or not Miller’s subordinates are subject to the Code and Standards is irrelevant to her supervisory responsibilities. Therefore, answer A is incorrect.
Willier is the research analyst responsible for following Company X. All the information he has accumulated and documented suggests that the outlook for the company’s new products is poor, so the stock should be rated a weak “hold.” During lunch, however, Willier overhears a financial analyst from another firm whom he respects offer opinions that conflict with Willier’s forecasts and expectations. Upon returning to his office, Willier releases a strong “buy” recommendation to the public. Willier:
A. Violated the Standards by failing to distinguish between facts and opinions in his recommendation.
B. Violated the Standards because he did not have a reasonable and adequate basis for his recommendation.
C. Was in full compliance with the Standards.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question relates to Standard V(A)–Diligence and Reasonable Basis. The opinion of another financial analyst is not an adequate basis for Willier’s action in changing the recommendation. Answer C is thus incorrect. So is answer A because, although it is true that members and candidates must distinguish between facts and opinions in recommendations, the question does not illustrate a violation of that nature. If the opinion overheard by Willier had sparked him to conduct additional research and investigation that justified a change of opinion, then a changed recommendation would be appropriate.
An investment management firm has been hired by ETV Corporation to work on an additional public offering for the company. The firm’s brokerage unit now has a “sell” recommendation on ETV, but the head of the investment banking department has asked the head of the brokerage unit to change the recommendation from “sell” to “buy.” According to the Standards, the head of the brokerage unit would be permitted to:
A. Increase the recommendation by no more than one increment (in this case, to a “hold” recommendation).
B. Place the company on a restricted list and give only factual information about the company.
C. Assign a new analyst to decide if the stock deserves a higher rating.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question relates to Standard I(B)–Independence and Objectivity. When asked to change a recommendation on a company stock to gain business for the firm, the head of the brokerage unit must refuse in order to maintain his independence and objectivity in making recommendations. He must not yield to pressure by the firm’s investment banking department. To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, the firm should discontinue issuing recommendations about the company. Answer A is incorrect; changing the recommendation in any manner that is contrary to the analyst’s opinion violates the duty to maintain independence and objectivity. Answer C is incorrect because merely assigning a new analyst to decide whether the stock deserves a higher rating will not address the conflict of interest.
Albert and Tye, who recently started their own investment advisory business, have registered to take the Level III CFA examination. Albert’s business card reads, “Judy Albert, CFA Level II.” Tye has not put anything about the CFA designation on his business card, but promotional material that he designed for the business describes the CFA requirements and indicates that Tye participates in the CFA Program and has completed Levels I and II. According to the Standards:
A. Albert has violated the Standards, but Tye has not.
B. Tye has violated the Standards, but Albert has not.
C. Both Albert and Tye have violated the Standards.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is A. Standard VII(B)–Reference to CFA Institute, the CFA Designation, and the CFA Program is the subject of this question. The reference on Albert’s business card implies that there is a “CFA Level II” designation; Tye merely indicates in promotional material that he is participating in the CFA Program and has completed Levels I and II. Candidates may not imply that there is some sort of partial designation earned after passing a level of the CFA exam. Therefore, Albert has violated Standard VII(B). Candidates may communicate that they are participating in the CFA Program, however, and may state the levels that they have completed. Therefore, Tye has not violated Standard VII(B).
Scott works for a regional brokerage firm. He estimates that Walkton Industries will increase its dividend by US$1.50 a share during the next year. He realizes that this increase is contingent on pending legislation that would, if enacted, give Walkton a substantial tax break. The US representative for Walkton’s home district has told Scott that, although she is lobbying hard for the bill and prospects for its passage are favorable, concern of the US Congress over the federal deficit could cause the tax bill to be voted down. Walkton Industries has not made any statements about a change in dividend policy. Scott writes in his research report, “We expect Walkton’s stock price to rise by at least US$8.00 a share by the end of the year because the dividend will increase by US$1.50 a share. Investors buying the stock at the current time should expect to realize a total return of at least 15% on the stock.” According to the Standards:
A. Scott violated the Standards because he used material inside information.
B. Scott violated the Standards because he failed to separate opinion from fact.
C. Scott violated the Standards by basing his research on uncertain predictions of future government action.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question relates to Standard V(B)–Communication with Clients and Prospective Clients. Scott has issued a research report stating that he expects the price of Walkton Industries stock to rise by US$8 a share “because the dividend will increase” by US$1.50 per share. He has made this statement knowing that the dividend will increase only if Congress enacts certain legislation, an uncertain prospect. By stating that the dividend will increase, Scott failed to separate fact from opinion.
The information regarding passage of legislation is not material nonpublic information because it is conjecture, and the question does not state whether the US representative gave Scott her opinion on the passage of the legislation in confidence. She could have been offering this opinion to anyone who asked. Therefore, statement A is incorrect. It may be acceptable to base a recommendation, in part, on an expectation of future events, even though they may be uncertain. Therefore, answer C is incorrect.
Which one of the following actions will help to ensure the fair treatment of brokerage firm clients when a new investment recommendation is made?
A. Informing all people in the firm in advance that a recommendation is to be disseminated.
B. Distributing recommendations to institutional clients prior to individual accounts.
C. Minimizing the time between the decision and the dissemination of a recommendation.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question, which relates to Standard III(B)–Fair Dealing, tests the knowledge of the procedures that will assist members and candidates in treating clients fairly when making investment recommendations. The step listed in C will help ensure the fair treatment of clients. Answer A may have negative effects on the fair treatment of clients. The more people who know about a pending change, the greater the chance that someone will inform some clients before the information’s release. The firm should establish policies that limit the number of people who are aware in advance that a recommendation is to be disseminated. Answer B, distributing recommendations to institutional clients before distributing them to individual accounts, discriminates among clients on the basis of size and class of assets and is a violation of Standard III(B).
The mosaic theory holds that an analyst:
A. Violates the Code and Standards if the analyst fails to have knowledge of and comply with applicable laws.
B. Can use material public information and nonmaterial nonpublic information in the analyst’s analysis.
C. Should use all available and relevant information in support of an investment recommendation.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question deals with Standard II(A)–Material Nonpublic Information. The mosaic theory states that an analyst may use material public information and nonmaterial nonpublic information in creating a larger picture than shown by any individual piece of information and the conclusions the analyst reaches become material only after the pieces are assembled. Answers A and C are accurate statements relating to the Code and Standards but do not describe the mosaic theory.
Jurgen is a portfolio manager. One of her firm’s clients has told Jurgen that he will compensate her beyond the compensation provided by her firm on the basis of the capital appreciation of his portfolio each year. Jurgen should:
A. Turn down the additional compensation because it will result in conflicts with the interests of other clients’ accounts.
B. Turn down the additional compensation because it will create undue pressure on her to achieve strong short-term performance.
C. Obtain permission from her employer prior to accepting the compensation arrangement.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question involves Standard IV(B)–Additional Compensation Arrangements. The arrangement described in the question—whereby Jurgen would be compensated beyond the compensation provided by her firm, on the basis of an account’s performance—is not a violation of the Standards as long as Jurgen discloses the arrangement in writing to her employer and obtains permission from her employer prior to entering into the arrangement. Answers A and B are incorrect; although the private compensation arrangement could conflict with the interests of other clients and lead to short-term performance pressures, members and candidates may enter into such agreements as long as they have disclosed the arrangements to their employer and obtained permission for the arrangement from their employer.
One of the discretionary accounts managed by Farnsworth is the Jones Corporation employee profit-sharing plan. Jones, the company president, recently asked Farnsworth to vote the shares in the profit-sharing plan in favor of the slate of directors nominated by Jones Corporation and against the directors sponsored by a dissident stockholder group. Farnsworth does not want to lose this account because he directs all the account’s trades to a brokerage firm that provides Farnsworth with useful information about tax-free investments. Although this information is not of value in managing the Jones Corporation account, it does help in managing several other accounts. The brokerage firm providing this information also offers the lowest commissions for trades and provides best execution. Farnsworth investigates the director issue, concludes that the management-nominated slate is better for the long-run performance of the company than the dissident group’s slate, and votes accordingly. Farnsworth:
A. Violated the Standards in voting the shares in the manner requested by Jones but not in directing trades to the brokerage firm.
B. Did not violate the Standards in voting the shares in the manner requested by Jones or in directing trades to the brokerage firm.
C. Violated the Standards in directing trades to the brokerage firm but not in voting the shares as requested by Jones.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question relates to Standard III(A)–Loyalty, Prudence, and Care—specifically, a member’s or candidate’s responsibility for voting proxies and the use of client brokerage. According to the facts stated in the question, Farnsworth did not violate Standard III(A). Although the company president asked Farnsworth to vote the shares of the Jones Corporation profit-sharing plan a certain way, Farnsworth investigated the issue and concluded, independently, the best way to vote. Therefore, even though his decision coincided with the wishes of the company president, Farnsworth is not in violation of his responsibility to be loyal and to provide care to his clients. In this case, the participants and the beneficiaries of the profit-sharing plan are the clients, not the company’s management. Had Farnsworth not investigated the issue or had he yielded to the president’s wishes and voted for a slate of directors that he had determined was not in the best interest of the company, Farnsworth would have violated his responsibilities to the beneficiaries of the plan. In addition, because the brokerage firm provides the lowest commissions and best execution for securities transactions, Farnsworth has met his obligations to the client in using this brokerage firm. It does not matter that the brokerage firm also provides research information that is not useful for the account generating the commission because Farnsworth is not paying extra money of the client’s for that information.
Brown works for an investment counseling firm. Green, a new client of the firm, is meeting with Brown for the first time. Green used another counseling firm for financial advice for years, but she has switched her account to Brown’s firm. After spending a few minutes getting acquainted, Brown explains to Green that she has discovered a highly undervalued stock that offers large potential gains. She recommends that Green purchase the stock. Brown has committed a violation of the Standards. What should she have done differently?
A. Brown should have determined Green’s needs, objectives, and tolerance for risk before making a recommendation of any type of security.
B. Brown should have thoroughly explained the characteristics of the company to Green, including the characteristics of the industry in which the company operates.
C. Brown should have explained her qualifications, including her education, training, and experience and the meaning of the CFA designation.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is A. In this question, Brown is providing investment recommendations before making inquiries about the client’s financial situation, investment experience, or investment objectives. Brown is thus violating Standard III(C)–Suitability. Answers B and C provide examples of information members and candidates should discuss with their clients at the outset of the relationship, but these answers do not constitute a complete list of those factors. Answer A is the best answer.
Grey recommends the purchase of a mutual fund that invests solely in long-term US Treasury bonds. He makes the following statements to his clients:
I. “The payment of the bonds is guaranteed by the US government; therefore, the default risk of the bonds is virtually zero.”
II. “If you invest in the mutual fund, you will earn a 10% rate of return each year for the next several years based on historical performance of the market.”
Did Grey’s statements violate the CFA Institute Code and Standards?
A. Neither statement violated the Code and Standards.
B. Only statement I violated the Code and Standards.
C. Only statement II violated the Code and Standards.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question involves Standard I(C)–Misrepresentation. Statement I is a factual statement that discloses to clients and prospects accurate information about the terms of the investment instrument. Statement II, which guarantees a specific rate of return for a mutual fund, is an opinion stated as a fact and, therefore, violates Standard I(C). If statement II were rephrased to include a qualifying statement, such as “in my opinion, investors may earn . . . ,” it would not be in violation of the Standards.
Anderb, a portfolio manager for XYZ Investment Management Company—a registered investment organization that advises investment firms and private accounts—was promoted to that position three years ago. Bates, her supervisor, is responsible for reviewing Anderb’s portfolio account transactions and her required monthly reports of personal stock transactions. Anderb has been using Jonelli, a broker, almost exclusively for brokerage transactions for the portfolio account. For securities in which Jonelli’s firm makes a market, Jonelli has been giving Anderb lower prices for personal purchases and higher prices for personal sales than Jonelli gives to Anderb’s portfolio accounts and other investors. Anderb has been filing monthly reports with Bates only for those months in which she has no personal transactions, which is about every fourth month. Which of the following is most likely to be a violation of the Code and Standards?
A. Anderb failed to disclose to her employer her personal transactions.
B. Anderb owned the same securities as those of her clients.
C. Bates allowed Anderb to use Jonelli as her broker for personal trades.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is A. This question involves three of the Standards. Anderb, the portfolio manager, has been obtaining more favorable prices for her personal securities transactions than she gets for her clients, which is a breach of Standard III(A)–Loyalty, Prudence, and Care. In addition, she violated Standard I(D)–Misconduct by failing to adhere to company policy and by hiding her personal transactions from her firm. Anderb’s supervisor, Bates, violated Standard IV(C)–Responsibilities of Supervisors; although the company had requirements for reporting personal trading, Bates failed to adequately enforce those requirements. Answer B does not represent a violation because Standard VI(B)–Priority of Transactions requires that personal trading in a security be conducted after the trading in that security of clients and the employer. The Code and Standards do not prohibit owning such investments, although firms may establish policies that limit the investment opportunities of members and candidates. Answer C does not represent a violation because the Code and Standards do not contain a prohibition against employees using the same broker for their personal accounts that they use for their client accounts. This arrangement should be disclosed to the employer so that the employer may determine whether a conflict of interest exists.
Which of the following is a correct statement of a member’s or candidate’s duty under the Code and Standards?
A. In the absence of specific applicable law or other regulatory requirements, the Code and Standards govern the member’s or candidate’s actions.
B. A member or candidate is required to comply only with applicable local laws, rules, regulations, or customs, even though the Code and Standards may impose a higher degree of responsibility or a higher duty on the member or candidate.
C. A member or candidate who trades securities in a securities market where no applicable local laws or stock exchange rules regulate the use of material nonpublic information may take investment action based on material nonpublic information.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is A because this question relates to Standard I(A)–Knowledge of the Law—specifically, global application of the Code and Standards. Members and candidates who practice in multiple jurisdictions may be subject to various securities laws and regulations. If applicable law is more strict than the requirements of the Code and Standards, members and candidates must adhere to applicable law; otherwise, members and candidates must adhere to the Code and Standards. Therefore, answer A is correct. Answer B is incorrect because members and candidates must adhere to the higher standard set by the Code and Standards if local applicable law is less strict. Answer C is incorrect because when no applicable law exists, members and candidates are required to adhere to the Code and Standards, and the Code and Standards prohibit the use of material nonpublic information.
Ward is scheduled to visit the corporate headquarters of Evans Industries. Ward expects to use the information he obtains there to complete his research report on Evans stock. Ward learns that Evans plans to pay all of Ward’s expenses for the trip, including costs of meals, hotel room, and air transportation. Which of the following actions would be the best course for Ward to take under the Code and Standards?
A. Accept the expense-paid trip and write an objective report.
B. Pay for all travel expenses, including costs of meals and incidental items.
C. Accept the expense-paid trip but disclose the value of the services accepted in the report.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. The best course of action under Standard I(B)–Independence and Objectivity is to avoid a conflict of interest whenever possible. Therefore, for Ward to pay for all his expenses is the correct answer. Answer C details a course of action in which the conflict would be disclosed, but the solution is not as appropriate as avoiding the conflict of interest. Answer A would not be the best course because it would not remove the appearance of a conflict of interest; even though the report would not be affected by the reimbursement of expenses, it could appear to be.
Which of the following statements is correct under the Code and Standards?
A. CFA Institute members and candidates are prohibited from undertaking independent practice in competition with their employer.
B. Written consent from the employer is necessary to permit independent practice that could result in compensation or other benefits in competition with a member’s or candidate’s employer.
C. Members and candidates are prohibited from making arrangements or preparations to go into a competitive business before terminating their relationship with their employer.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. Under Standard IV(A)–Loyalty, members and candidates may undertake independent practice that may result in compensation or other benefit in competition with their employer as long as they obtain consent from their employer. Answer C is not consistent with the Standards because the Standards allow members and candidates to make arrangements or preparations to go into competitive business as long as those arrangements do not interfere with their duty to their current employer. Answer A is not consistent with the Standards because the Standards do not include a complete prohibition against undertaking independent practice.
Smith is a financial analyst with XYZ Brokerage Firm. She is preparing a purchase recommendation on JNI Corporation. Which of the following situations is most likely to represent a conflict of interest for Smith that would have to be disclosed?
A. Smith frequently purchases items produced by JNI.
B. XYZ holds for its own account a substantial common stock position in JNI.
C. Smith’s brother-in-law is a supplier to JNI.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. This question involves Standard VI(A)–Disclosure of Conflicts—specifically, the holdings of an analyst’s employer in company stock. Answers A and C do not describe conflicts of interest that Smith would have to disclose. Answer A describes the use of a firm’s products, which would not be a required disclosure. In answer C, the relationship between the analyst and the company through a relative is so tangential that it does not create a conflict of interest necessitating disclosure.
Michelieu tells a prospective client, “I may not have a long-term track record yet, but I’m sure that you’ll be very pleased with my recommendations and service. In the three years that I’ve been in the business, my equity-oriented clients have averaged a total return of more than 26% a year.” The statement is true, but Michelieu only has a few clients, and one of his clients took a large position in a penny stock (against Michelieu’s advice) and realized a huge gain. This large return caused the average of all of Michelieu’s clients to exceed 26% a year. Without this one investment, the average gain would have been 8% a year. Has Michelieu violated the Standards?
A. No, because Michelieu is not promising that he can earn a 26% return in the future.
B. No, because the statement is a true and accurate description of Michelieu’s track record.
C. Yes, because the statement misrepresents Michelieu’s track record.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is C. This question relates to Standard I(C)–Misrepresentation. Although Michelieu’s statement about the total return of his clients’ accounts on average may be technically true, it is misleading because the majority of the gain resulted from one client’s large position taken against Michelieu’s advice. Therefore, this statement misrepresents the investment performance the member is responsible for. He has not taken steps to present a fair, accurate, and complete presentation of performance. Answer B is thus incorrect. Answer A is incorrect because although Michelieu is not guaranteeing future results, his words are still a misrepresentation of his performance history.
An investment banking department of a brokerage firm often receives material nonpublic information that could have considerable value if used in advising the firm’s brokerage clients. In order to conform to the Code and Standards, which one of the following is the best policy for the brokerage firm?
A. Permanently prohibit both “buy” and “sell” recommendations of the stocks of clients of the investment banking department.
B. Establish physical and informational barriers within the firm to prevent the exchange of information between the investment banking and brokerage operations.
C. Monitor the exchange of information between the investment banking department and the brokerage operation.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. The best policy to prevent violation of Standard II(A)–Material Nonpublic Information is the establishment of firewalls in a firm to prevent exchange of insider information. The physical and informational barrier of a firewall between the investment banking department and the brokerage operation prevents the investment banking department from providing information to analysts on the brokerage side who may be writing recommendations on a company stock. Prohibiting recommendations of the stock of companies that are clients of the investment banking department is an alternative, but answer A states that this prohibition would be permanent, which is not the best answer. Once an offering is complete and the material nonpublic information obtained by the investment banking department becomes public, resuming publishing recommendations on the stock is not a violation of the Code and Standards because the information of the investment banking department no longer gives the brokerage operation an advantage in writing the report. Answer C is incorrect because no exchange of information should be occurring between the investment banking department and the brokerage operation, so monitoring of such exchanges is not an effective compliance procedure for preventing the use of material nonpublic information.
Stewart has been hired by Goodner Industries, Inc., to manage its pension fund. Stewart’s duty of loyalty, prudence, and care is owed to:
A. The management of Goodner.
B. The participants and beneficiaries of Goodner’s pension plan.
C. The shareholders of Goodner.
Institute, CFA. 2015 CFA Level I Volume 1 Ethical and Professional Standards and Quantitative Methods.
The correct answer is B. Under Standard III(A)–Loyalty, Prudence, and Care, members and candidates who manage a company’s pension fund owe these duties to the participants and beneficiaries of the pension plan, not the management of the company or the company’s shareholders.
