2015 Code of Ethics Training

Slides:



Advertisements
Similar presentations
The PERE Real Estate CFOs Forum Regulation Coming? October 7, 2009 New York R. Eric Emrich Chief Financial Officer Lubert-Adler Partners, LP.
Advertisements

Conflict of Interest, Conflict of Commitment, and Outside Activities UTSA HOP 1.33 Non-covered UTSA staff 1.
ETHICS. Business Conduct  The Agent agrees to conform to all applicable federal, state and local laws in conducting business under this agreement.
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
INDEPENDENCE AICPA Code of Professional Conduct (Article IV):
REGULATIONS ON INVESTMENT ADVISERS
1 Practical Ethics: Following the MTA’s Code of Ethics in the Real World A Webinar Presentation March 13, 2007 – Charles Comer, CMT.
Sizewise Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest and Disclosure HR-CECID.
Role of and Duties of Plan Commission Members Ralph E. Booker.
Ethics and Disclosure Act W.S et. seq. Who does the act apply to All public officials, public members and public employees which includes District.
MSRB Proposed Rules and Interpretations NALHFA 2011 Annual Educational Conference May 20, 2011.
The AMA Code of Ethics Could Egyptian Marketing Professionals Agree on a List of Rules, Perhaps Similar to This? The IMI Journal. Members of the AMA are.
1 Overview of Ethics Requirements for Employees of Montgomery County This is a summary to help identify issues; it is not the law. Please address ethics.
ELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS OF DIRECTORS Robert D. Strahota, Assistant Director * SEC Office of International Affairs Prepared for the panel on Improving.
Congress and Contractor Personal Conflicts of Interest May 21, 2008 Jon Etherton Etherton and Associates, Inc.
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Stockholder Rights and Corporate Governance Stockholders Corporate Governance Executive Compensation: A Special Issue Shareholder Activism Government.
1. 2 CVM’s OBJECTIVES u to stimulate the creation of savings and their investment in securities; u to promote the expansion and regular and efficient.
Five Activities Contracting Officers and Government Contractors Should Avoid Presented by: James F. Moseley, Jr. of Moseley, Prichard, Parrish, Knight,
The Many Faces of Disclosure
Governing a Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Corporation The Basics MPCC December 16, 2010.
Fiduciary Standard Implications Regulatory Reform and Implications for the Municipal Bond Market Webinar Sponsored by the Regional Bond Dealers Association.
Four tips to mitigate Mobile fraud in the future.
Ethics and professional Conducts for Civil engineers
FIRMA National Risk Management Training Conference A New Look at Conflicts of Interest By Regina D. Stover Senior Vice President Pittsburgh, PA April 10,
WHERE CAN WE GO? BEST PRACTICES FROM THE ARAB WORLD Civil Society Laws: Experiences and Expertise May 2008 The International Center for Not-for-Profit.
Engineering Ethics.
Sunshine Law, Public Records and Ethics. Discussion Topics Government in the Sunshine Public Records Code of Ethics The Bluewater Bay MSBU Board has a.
Training Module 11 – Version 1.1 For Internal Use Only Communication Policy ® Corporate Communications, Disclosure and Insider Trading Policy 
 What is conflict of interest and how can it be avoided  What factors should be considered when determining a “ fair wage “
Online banking security best practices Access via ‘transaction devices’
Chapter 19: Ethical Responsibilities Chapter 19 Ethical Responsibilities.
Ethics: How Things Work
February 16, The Gift Ban Revolving Door Political Activities Ex Parte Communications.
McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2011 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 16 Regulation of Securities, Corporate Governance, and.
Chapter 41 Corporations: Securities and Investor Protection McGraw-Hill/Irwin Copyright © 2012 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Oregon Government Ethics Commission Oregon Government Ethics Commission An Overview of Oregon Government Ethics Law An Overview of Oregon Government Ethics.
1 Ethics CLARK COUNTY M-PLAN TRAINING. 2 Sources of Ethical Standards Ethics standards for management staff are derived from the following sources. They.
© Goulston & Storrs, 2004 The Investment Advisers Act and Its Impact on “Real Estate Only” Investment Advisers Rebecca O’Brien Radford Goulston & Storrs,
Legislative Origins Federal Ethics in Government Act enacted following the Nixon Watergate scandal States also enacted laws applying to state and.
1 The Nature of Ethics Ethics is generally concerned with rules or guidelines for morals and/or socially approved conduct Ethical standards generally apply.
Objectives Understanding What Generally Constitutes a Conflict- of-Interest Understanding of What Generally Can and Cannot be Done When Conflict-of-Interest.
Overview of DOL Fiduciary Rule
Teams.
Regulation and Supervision of Pension Plans in the USA
Technology Transfer and
Securities Regulation
Agenda What is Corporate Governance?
Providence Code of Ethics Rhode Island Code of Ethics in Government
Michael P. Kreps Thomas Roberts
Procurement Lobbying Legislation New York State Bar Association
Affiliate Rules/Code of Conduct
Business Brokers in Texas:
Chapter 40: Corporate Directors, Officers, and Shareholders
A Accounting for Investments Principles of Accounting 12e APPENDIX
Companies Act 1990 Next slide.
Corporations: Securities and Investor Protection
Current Legal and Regulatory Issues
Compliance Program 2018.
NEW YORK STATE ETHICS LAW
Investor protection and MIFID
Chapter 40 Corporate Directors, Officers and Shareholders
Essentials of the legal environment today, 5e
Chapter 46 SECURITIES REGULATION
Joint Ethics Regulation DOD R
Government Data Practices & Open Meeting Law Overview
Conflicts of Interest and Management Plans
Government Data Practices & Open Meeting Law Overview
Solving the Ethics Puzzle: An Overview of the Code of Ethics
Booster Club Training
Presentation transcript:

2015 Code of Ethics Training Place of Traing Date of Training

FIRM Code of Ethics FIRM (“FIRM”) has adopted a Code of Ethics (“Code”) to set forth requirements relating to personal trading and define requirements and expectations for business conduct of all its Access Persons. The Code does not and cannot address every situation that could arise in our day-to- day business. FIRM is a fiduciary under the securities laws, and overall principals of fairness and fiduciary duties should guide you in your day-to-day activities. The Code is intended as a complement to other compliance policies and procedures manuals of FIRM and its affiliates. All Access Persons are expected to adhere to the FIRM’ Mission and Values Statement and Code of Professional Conduct. The Code generally requires that all aspects of FIRM’s business be conducted in an ethical and legal manner.

FIRM Code of Ethics FIRM is a fiduciary and the interests of our clients always comes first. All personal securities transactions are to be conducted in such a manner as to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest or abuse by FIRM Access Persons with knowledge of customer information or customer transactions. FIRM personnel should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions--information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients is confidential.

DEFINITIONS The FIRM Code of Ethics defines various categories of persons: “Supervised Persons” are those individuals who provide advice on behalf of FIRM and are subject to the supervision and control of FIRM. “Access Persons” are generally defined as Supervised Persons who have access to nonpublic information about client purchases or sales of securities, about the portfolio holdings of FIRM funds or other reportable funds and who are involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic; and such other persons as the Legal and Compliance Department shall designate, including certain employees of FIRM Inc. who, in connection with their regular functions or duties, make, participate in, or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by any FIRM-advised mutual fund. “Investment Persons” which are all persons who manage client portfolios and the FIRM funds. All FIRM Investment Persons are currently located in Houston.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT All Access Persons must comply with applicable federal and state securities laws at all times. A. Access Persons are responsible for: following the Code of Ethics; obtaining any necessary approvals for personal trading and other issues; and reporting any suspected fraudulent or illegal activity to the Chief Compliance Officer. B. Conflicts of Interest Conflicts of interest should be carefully managed or eliminated. Conflicts oftentimes arise in situations where private, personal or outside interests or the interests of FIRM interfere with duties and responsibilities to clients. Common conflicts are: Conflicts Among Client Interests. Each client must be treated fairly, and one client should not be favored over another. Conflicts with FIRM Interests. Client interests should not be placed behind the interests of the firm (or firm affiliates). Competing with Client Trades. You should not use knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (Cont’d) C. Inside Information and Insider Trading You must not reveal or trade on any material non-public information. If at any time you believe that you have come into possession of material non-public information, notify the Legal Department immediately. The FIRM Inc. Compliance Manual has procedures designed to better control sensitive information and to deter potential insider trading. We utilize: The Compliance Restriction List -which requires Access Persons not to trade in securities on this list for any account (affiliated or otherwise) until the security is removed. The Research Restriction List -which requires Access Persons not to trade in any security consistent with a FIRM research recommendation on this list for any: employee, officer related or related party account However, if the trade is “against” the research recommendation, it is allowable. FIRM may trade in securities on this list for other client accounts. Securities are generally included on this list for a period of two business days following the activity.

Personal Transactions All personal securities transactions of Access Persons should: be consistent with the Code of Ethics; avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest; avoid the abuse of job knowledge or responsibilities; and avoid taking inappropriate advantage of your position with FIRM.

Personal Transactions (cont’d) Trading Restrictions for Personal Transactions Accounts must be maintained at FIRM unless approved to be outside. We must receive statements. Accounts Include the Accounts of Certain Family Members and Other Accounts. Private Placements-must be pre-cleared by Access Persons. Access Persons may not invest in Initial Public Offerings.

Personal Transactions (Cont’d) 2. Additional Restrictions for Investment Persons: “Investment Persons” are those individuals who determine the securities to buy or sell in client accounts or who have knowledge of transactions. All persons in Houston are classified as Investment Persons. (a) Preclearance Investment persons must preclear trades with the Preclearance Officer except for transactions that do not exceed $15,000 and involve the common stock of an issuer with a market capitalization in excess of $20 billion. A series of smaller trades may not be engaged in to rely on this exemption. Preclearance is effective for the day of approval only.

Personal Transactions (Cont’d) (b) Holding periods: Short term trading is discouraged. Senior officers of FIRM and all Investment Persons may not purchase and subsequently sell (or sell and purchase) the same security within any 60-day period, unless the transaction is approved by the Preclearance Officer. (c) Blackout periods and other restrictions: Investment Persons may not buy or sell a security within 7 calendar days before or after a purchase or sale of the same or related security by a fund or advised account; buy or sell any security which to the Investment Person’s knowledge is being considered for purchase or sale by any account managed by FIRM.

Personal Transactions (Cont’d) (3) Exceptions to preclearance, holding and blackout periods: Securities that are not reportable securities (direct obligations of the US Government, banker’s acceptances, CD’s commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments) Shares of money market funds Shares of open-end funds other than Reportable funds (advised by FIRM); and Exchange traded open-end funds

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT E. Gifts and Entertainment FIRM employees may not solicit gifts $100 per year limitation on giving or receiving Cannot give or receive cash Entertainment must not be extravagant or excessive F. Political Contributions SEC’s IA Pay-to-Play rule restricts political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining investment advisory business with states and municipalities. FIRM policy applies all political contributions by FIRM employees (“covered associates” and “restricted persons”). FIRM policies do not apply to spouses and family members but employees cannot “do indirectly what they cannot do directly” such as requesting spouses give contributions. All fundraising and volunteer activity must be preapproved. Initial and Quarterly Certifications are required.

Standards of Conduct Political Contributions (continued) “Contribution” means anything of value including in-kind services such as use of facilities, personnel or resources The Rule also applies to state and local officials running for a Federal Office (Governor running for President). If we violate the SEC’s Political Contribution Rule, we would not be allowed to receive an investment advisory fee for two years for managing any business for a governmental plan the candidate or official could influence (including appointing board members). The Rule also restricts political contributions in those jurisdictions where a government plan has selected FIRM advised funds as a choice in their plan. FIRM’s policy allows $350 per election to a candidate you can vote for and $150 to a candidate you cannot vote for.

Standards of Conduct Political Contributions (continued) Preapproval is required for all political contributions. Ask for approval! FIRM has chosen to give political contributions to officials in the states of XYZ which limit FIRM’s ability to be compensated for investment advisory services to governmental entities in those jurisdictions for two years.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (Cont’d) G. Confidentiality client information is proprietary and confidential and must be protected H. Service as a Director No service on boards without prior approval Boards of public companies present special issues Outside Business Activities and Outside Employment must be approved in advance J. Undue Influence must not be used to cause FIRM to purchase securities which benefit FIRM, FIRM or affiliates K. Proxy Voting Decisions must not be influenced by interest of FIRM or affiliates

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING PROCEDURES Reporting Requirements 1. Initial, Quarterly and Annual disclosure-is required of Personal Holdings by Access Persons. 2. Transactions and Periodic Statement Reporting Requirements Access Persons must arrange for the FIRM Compliance Department to receive copies of: statements of all securities accounts in which the Access Person has Beneficial Ownership. any 401(k) or other retirement plan record keeper that maintains an account holding any Reportable Security in which such person has a Beneficial Ownership

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING PROCEDURES (Cont’d) Reporting Exemptions. You need not report: a. securities transactions in accounts over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control; b. transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan such as a dividend reinvestment plan

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS A. Duty To Report Supervised Persons must report violations, including apparent or suspected violations of the FIRM Code of Ethics, promptly to the FIRM Chief Compliance Officer. Reports may be submitted anonymously and will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law. B. Sanctions Violations of the Code of Ethics or applicable rules and regulations shall result in sanctions which may include, but are not limited to, fines, suspension from employment, a letter of censure, restitution to any client account of an amount equal to the advantage gained by reason of such violation, and/or termination.

Other Compliance Matters Form U-4 must be kept up to date Living Document Current Address Certain events require immediate disclosure

Other Compliance Matters-Directing Commissions We are prohibited from directing portfolio transactions to broker-dealers in exchange for their promotion or sale of our mutual funds

Money Laundering Remains an important emphasis of Federal Regulators Know your customer is our best defense Report anything that seems suspicious

Questions and Discussion FIRM Code of Ethics Questions and Discussion