To fulfill the basic provisions of Standard IV (B.2), a member should ________.
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A. B. C. D. E.B
In formulating an investment policy for the client, the member should take into consideration client identification, investor objectives, and investor constraints.
Standard IV (B.2) of the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct addresses the obligation of CFA Institute members to disclose conflicts of interest to their clients. In order to fulfill the basic provisions of this standard, a member should select the most appropriate course of action among the given choices. Let's evaluate each option:
A. Stay free of all conflicts of interest: While it is ideal for a member to avoid conflicts of interest, it may not always be possible in practice. The CFA Institute recognizes that conflicts of interest can arise in the investment industry, and the primary focus is on disclosure and managing these conflicts appropriately. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate answer.
B. Develop an investment policy statement for each client: Although developing an investment policy statement is an essential step in the investment management process, it specifically addresses Standard III (A) - Loyalty, Prudence, and Care. It does not directly fulfill the provisions of Standard IV (B.2), which deals with disclosing conflicts of interest. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate answer.
C. Discuss the proxy voting policy with management: This option is not directly related to fulfilling the provisions of Standard IV (B.2). Discussing the proxy voting policy with management falls under Standard II (A) - Material Nonpublic Information, which addresses the appropriate handling of such information. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate answer.
D. Disclose to clients all additional compensation agreements: This option directly addresses the provisions of Standard IV (B.2). CFA Institute members must disclose to their clients all additional compensation arrangements they have with third parties that may influence their professional judgment. This includes any compensation that is separate from the client's payment for services rendered. By disclosing these arrangements, the member ensures transparency and allows the client to make informed decisions. Therefore, this option is the most accurate answer.
E. Disclose all soft dollar arrangements: Soft dollar arrangements refer to the use of client brokerage commissions to pay for research or other services. While disclosing soft dollar arrangements is important, it is not the most accurate answer in the context of fulfilling the provisions of Standard IV (B.2). Soft dollar arrangements are specifically addressed in Standard III (D) - Responsibilities of Supervisors, where members are required to make a reasonable allocation of client transactions. Therefore, this option is not the most accurate answer.
In summary, to fulfill the basic provisions of Standard IV (B.2) regarding conflicts of interest, the most accurate course of action is to disclose to clients all additional compensation agreements (Option D).