Lesson 5 of 34 · All lessons in this module
  1. Standard I: ProfessionalismVideo lesson
  2. Standard I cases: knowledge of the law and dissociation
  3. Standard I cases: pressure on analysts and performance staff
  4. Standard I cases: gifts, travel, manager selection and paid research
  5. Standard I cases: misrepresenting services, products and results
  6. Standard I cases: plagiarism, third-party material and online content
  7. Standard I cases: misconduct and competence
  8. Standard II: Integrity of Capital MarketsVideo lesson
  9. Standard II(A) cases: material, nonpublic or mosaic?
  10. Standard II(A) cases: tipping, experts and firm controls
  11. Standard II(B) cases: rumours, trades and intent
  12. Standard II cases: extra 2026 examples and procedures
  13. Standard III(A)–(B): Loyalty, Prudence, Care and Fair DealingVideo lesson
  14. Standard III(A) cases: client identity, loyalty and brokerage
  15. Standard III(B) cases: dissemination, allocation and priority
  16. Standard III(C)–(E): Suitability, Performance Presentation and ConfidentialityVideo lesson
  17. Standard III(C) cases: IPS, total portfolio and mandates
  18. Standard III(D) cases: fair, accurate and complete performance
  19. Standard III(E) cases: exceptions, channels and firm limits
  20. Standard IV: Duties to EmployersVideo lesson
  21. Standard IV(A) cases: loyalty, outside work and leaving
  22. Standard IV(B) and IV(C) cases: outside pay and supervision
  23. Standard V: Investment Analysis, Recommendations, and ActionsVideo lesson
  24. Standard V(A) cases: reasonable basis and outside research
  25. Standard V(A) cases: models, advisers and providers
  26. Standard V(B) cases: services, costs and process changes
  27. Standard V(B) cases: risks, limitations, facts and opinions
  28. Standard V(C) cases: records and retention
  29. Standard VI: Conflicts of InterestVideo lesson
  30. Standard VI(A) cases: avoiding and disclosing conflicts
  31. Standard VI(B) and VI(C) cases: who trades first and who gets paid
  32. Standard VII: Responsibilities as a CFA Institute Member or CFA CandidateVideo lesson
  33. Standard VII(A) cases: exams, confidentiality and volunteering
  34. Standard VII(B) cases: using the designation, membership and candidacy

Lesson 5 of 34 · 15 min

Standard I cases: misrepresenting services, products and results

A statement misrepresents when it leaves a reasonable client with a false picture, whether through a false fact, a true number picked selectively, an omitted risk or an error left uncorrected.

In short

  • Misrepresentation is an untrue statement, an omission of a fact, or any statement that is otherwise false or misleading. 'Knowingly' includes 'should have known'.
  • Honest errors are not violations, but once found you must stop distribution and correct the record with those who received it. Leaving a known error in place is a violation.
  • No guarantees of return or capital on risky investments. A guarantee built into a product, or covered by an institution or deposit insurance, may be described accurately and within its limits.
  • Performance: use a comparable benchmark on a comparable basis. No benchmark is acceptable when none fits, but an unusual reference index needs reasons. Never cherry-pick a composite or shop for valuations.
  • Third parties: ratings, marketing material and managers you rely on become your responsibility, and use of external managers must be disclosed, not passed off as your own.
  • Whole picture: one standout fund does not describe a firm.

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