The Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has organized a two-day public education lecture on "The Professional Ethics of the Financial Sector". Mr. Charles Cronin, CFA Head, Standards and Financial Market Integrity – Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region, and Mr. Zouheir Tamim Jarkas, Head of the Training Department of Mubadala Development Co., delivered the lectures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The lecturers outlined a number of important issues related to professional ethics in the financial sector, focusing on the standards of professional ethics catalogued by the CFA Institute.
Topics outlined in the lectures include, the definition of ethics, professional ethics standards, high standards in education, fairness and professional excellence according to the institute's values and principles.
The lecturers outlined the ethical covenant which CFA members must uphold, including competence and sound practices, placing the interest of client before a member's personal interest and making independent decision on issues related to investment analysis.
Other major professional conducts highlighted during the lectures include professionalism in the discharge of duties, equity and fair-play on the financial markets, duties and responsibilities towards clients and proprietors and points that must be taken into consideration during investment analysis, making recommendations, the significance of exposing conflict of interest and the responsibilities of those holding the CFA Certificate.
The lectures attracted a large number of major players on the financial sector, including, investors, financial analysts, personnel from banks, auditing and brokerage companies and other interested groups.