Guidance for Standard I: Professionalism

Free CFA Level I lesson in Ethical and Professional Standards. 17 min read, ~2,595 words.

Standard I has four sub-standards: I(A) Knowledge of the Law, I(B) Independence and Objectivity, I(C) Misrepresentation, I(D) Misconduct. When laws conflict, follow the stricter standard. The Code is the floor when local law is weaker. You must dissociate from ongoing violations (escalate, refuse to sign, ultimately resign). Reporting to outside...

What this lesson covers

• Content
• Example 1
• Example 2
• Common Mistakes
• Key Takeaways
• Exam Shortcuts

Learning objectives

• ethics and trust
• code of ethics and standards
• standard I professionalism
• standard II integrity of capital markets
• standard III duties to clients
• standard IV duties to employers
• standard V investment analysis
• standard VI conflicts of interest
• standard VII responsibilities as member or candidate
• application of code and standards

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