Clever Advice - Banche & Finanza - Ethics and Professional Conduct

Professionals shall operate exclusively in the client's interests
When carrying out assignments professionals shall maintain dignity, independence and objectivity deemed necessary for the professional practice of the consulting activity and ensure that these same qualities are upheld by their team members
Professionals shall not accept assignments for which they are not qualified; they will assign the whole or part of such projects to personnel capable of carry them out in the best possible way and seek to achieve a high-quality level of performance

Before accepting an assignment whose operating circumstances, financial, supply or other conditions could be considered to be prejudicial, either in form or in substance, to his independent judgment and objectivity, professionals will inform the client of such circumstances in advance and in writing. Confirmation of the assignment, in such circumstances, will not exonerate professionals from performing his work with the utmost professional correctness.

Client’s activity-related information acquired during the course of the operations carried out, shall be considered confidential and protected by professional secrecy; for this reason it may not be disclosed unless specific written authorization is obtained from the client and may not, under any circumstances, be used to the advantage of the professional concerned or that of third parties
Professionals shall not accept consulting assignments of the same type on behalf of competing clients at the same time without duly informing the clients involved of such circumstance.
The observance of the professional code of conduct described in the previous paragraphs also extends to employees, both full time and part-time.

Professionals shall work so as to obtain permanent benefits for the client and to facilitate the practical implementation of the principles and techniques suggested. In addition, professionals shall carry out their commitments in a spirit of strong cooperation.

Professionals shall not to offer employment, either directly or on behalf of third parties, to client’s personnel. Candidates presenting themselves spontaneously (e.g. in response to advertisements) shall be evaluated on an individual basis depending on the circumstances, according to this code of ethics and professional conduct
Professionals shall not accept or allow their employees to accept commissions or compensation of any kind whatsoever from suppliers of goods and services, the services of whom they themselves have recommended or might recommend to the client.

Professionals shall not attempt to influence third parties or personnel of potential clients with commissions or compensation of any kind with the intention of obtaining assignments from them.

Professionals shall keep promotional and public relations activities within professional correctness and ethics in both form and content.

Professionals shall apply fees in accordance to the nature, complexity and timing of the assignment. Professional fees will either reflect prevailing market fees or be below them
Technical and economic details regarding the assignment shall be detailed in a quotation to be submitted for the client’s approval before staring the actual work.