QAFP Professional Code of Ethics

 
 
 

Principles of the Code of Ethics

*To view the full standards of proffesional responsibility document visit https://www.fpcanada.ca/docs/default-source/standards/standards-of-professional-responsibility.pdf

Principle 1: Duty of Loyalty to the Client The Duty of Loyalty encompasses: • The duty to act in the client’s interest by placing the client’s interests first. Placing the client’s interests first requires the Certificant place the client’s interests ahead of their own and all other interests; • The obligation to disclose conflicts of interest and to mitigate conflicts in the client’s favour; and • The duty to act with the care, skill and diligence of a prudent professional.

Principle 2: Integrity A Certificant shall always act with integrity. Integrity means rigorous adherence to the moral rules and duties imposed by honesty and justice. Integrity requires the Certificant to observe both the letter and the spirit of the Code of Ethics.

Principle 3: Objectivity A Certificant shall be objective when providing advice and/or services to clients. Objectivity requires intellectual honesty, impartiality and the exercise of sound judgment, regardless of the services delivered or the capacity in which a Certificant functions.

Principle 4: Competence A Certificant shall develop and maintain the abilities, skills and knowledge necessary to competently provide advice and/or services to clients. Competence requires attaining and maintaining a high level of knowledge and skill, and applying that knowledge effectively in providing advice and/or services to clients.

Principle 5: Fairness A Certificant shall be fair and open in all professional relationships. Fairness requires providing clients with what they should reasonably expect from a professional relationship, and includes honesty and disclosure of all relevant facts, including conflicts of interest.

Principle 6: Confidentiality A Certificant shall maintain confidentiality of all client information. Confidentiality requires that client information be secured, protected and maintained in a manner that allows access only to those who are authorized. A relationship of trust and confidence with the client can be built only on the understanding that personal and confidential information will be collected, used and disclosed only as authorized.

Principle 7: Diligence A Certificant shall act diligently when providing advice and/or services to clients. Diligence is the degree of care and prudence expected from Certificants in the handling of their clients’ affairs. Diligence requires fulfilling professional commitments in a timely and thorough manner and taking due care in guiding, informing, planning, supervising, and delivering financial advice and/or services to clients.

Principle 8: Professionalism A Certificant shall act in a manner reflecting positively upon the profession. Professionalism refers to conduct that inspires confidence and respect from clients and the community, and embodies all of the other principles within the Code of Ethics.