Overview

The Ethics Challenge is a competition between university-sponsored teams that analyze a case which contains a variety of ethical dilemmas. The case is developed by the CFA society India in conjunction with CFA Institute and incorporates common ethical issues and the application of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Teams of three to five undergraduate and/or graduate students create a presentation based on their analysis and present it to a panel of judges. The presentation primarily focuses on violations of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and recommendations about how these violations should be addressed.

The Ethics Challenge is developed and implemented independently by CFA society in conjunction with Institute.

Purpose

The mission of CFA Institute is to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society. The Ethics Challenge fulfills this mission by promoting best practices in the investment profession and preparing students for the ethical dilemmas they may face in their careers.

Benefits of Participation

• Promotes the importance of ethics and ethical behavior to new entrants into the investment management profession;
• Increases awareness of real-world ethical dilemmas;
• Provides an opportunity to develop/hone ethical-decision making skills;
• Improves presentation and teamwork skills; and
• Provides an opportunity for professional networking.

Components of the Competition

Exposure to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

Teams are provided with a link to the Code and Standards. Teams must be able to identify violations of the Code and Standards, explain why they are violations, and suggest solutions or approaches to resolving the violations.

Analysis of a Case

Each team evaluates an assigned case, highlighting violations to the Code and Standards, and making recommendations for actions.

Presentation to Panel of Industry Judges

Teams present their analysis and recommendation to a panel of judges selected by the society. Judges ask questions and then deliberate, finalize scores and select a winning team.