Professional Code

Professional Code

Professionals within the securities and investment industry owe important duties to their clients, to the market, the industry and to society at large. Where these duties are set out in law or in regulation, the professional must always comply with the requirements in an open and transparent manner.

Membership of the Securities & Investment Institute requires members to meet the standards set out within the Institute’s Principles. These principles impose upon members an obligation to act in a way that moves beyond mere compliance and supports the underlying values of the Institute.

The Professional Code of conduct is one of the responsibilities of the SII's Integrity & Ethics Committee.

As a guide, the Principles are shown below, with a column indicating the main stakeholder in connection with application of the relevant Principle. However, members should be aware that the list is not exclusive and it is recognised that in some instances, the principles are applicable to more than one stakeholder.

The Principles Stakeholder

1. To act honestly and fairly at all times when dealing with clients, customers and counterparties and to be a good steward of their interests, taking into account the nature of the business relationship with each of them, the nature of the service to be provided to them and the individual mandates given by them Client

2. To act with integrity in fulfilling the responsibilities of your appointment and seek to avoid any acts, omissions or business practices which damage the reputation of your organisation or which are deceitful, oppressive or improper and to promote high standards of conduct throughout your organisation. Firm

To observe applicable law, regulations and professional conduct standardswhen carrying out financial service activities and to interpret and apply them to the best of your ability according to principles rooted in trust honesty and integrity Regulator

When executing transactions or engaging in any form of market dealings, to observe the standards of market integrity, good practice and conduct required by, or expected of participants in that market. Market Participant

To manage fairly and effectively and to the best of your ability any relevant conflict of interest, including making any disclosure of its existence where disclosure is required by law or regulation or by your employing organisation.* Conflict of Interest

To attain and actively maintain a level of professional competence appropriate to your responsibilities and commit to continued learning and the development of others. Self

To strive to uphold the highest personal standards including rejecting short-term profits which may jeopardize your reputation and that of your employer, the Institute and the industry. Self

A material breach of the Principles would be incompatible with continuing membership of the Securities & Investment Institute.

Members who find themselves in a position which might require them to act in a manner contrary to the Principles are encouraged to:

1. Discuss their concerns with their line manager

2. Seek advice from their internal compliance department

3. Approach their firm’s non-executive directors or audit committee

4. If unable to resolve their concerns and, having exhausted all internal avenues, contact the Securities & Investment Institute for advice (email: principles@sii.org.uk)

For an Arabic version of the Professional Code of Conduct, please click here.

The Principles	Stakeholder
1. To act honestly and fairly at all times when dealing with clients, customers and counterparties and to be a good steward of their interests, taking into account the nature of the business relationship with each of them, the nature of the service to be provided to them and the individual mandates given by them	Client
2. To act with integrity in fulfilling the responsibilities of your appointment and seek to avoid any acts, omissions or business practices which damage the reputation of your organisation or which are deceitful, oppressive or improper and to promote high standards of conduct throughout your organisation.	Firm
To observe applicable law, regulations and professional conduct standardswhen carrying out financial service activities and to interpret and apply them to the best of your ability according to principles rooted in trust honesty and integrity	Regulator
When executing transactions or engaging in any form of market dealings, to observe the standards of market integrity, good practice and conduct required by, or expected of participants in that market.	Market Participant
To manage fairly and effectively and to the best of your ability any relevant conflict of interest, including making any disclosure of its existence where disclosure is required by law or regulation or by your employing organisation.*	Conflict of Interest
To attain and actively maintain a level of professional competence appropriate to your responsibilities and commit to continued learning and the development of others.	Self
To strive to uphold the highest personal standards including rejecting short-term profits which may jeopardize your reputation and that of your employer, the Institute and the industry.	Self