The Canadian Securities Institute^® (CSI) is the most experienced and trusted financial educator endorsed by regulatory authorities across Canada.

When investors choose to work with a CIM^®, they can feel confident knowing these professionals are held to high standards enforced through CSI’s rigorous process.

CODE OF ETHICS

All CIM^® designation holders agree to abide by the CIM^® Code of Ethics, both when applying for the designation and when renewing it annually. Abiding by the Code means a CIM^® commits to maintaining a high level of professionalism when dealing with the public.

CSI is committed to overseeing the ethical standards it requires of its designation holders. We monitor adherence to the CIM^® Code of Ethicsthrough reviews, periodic audits of the designation holder’s annual commitment and declaration requirements, handling public complaints and tracking news and regulatory reports.

All CIM^® designation holders agree to abide by the CIM^® Code of Ethics., both when applying for the designation and when renewing it annually. Abiding by the Code means a CIM^® commits to maintaining a high level of professionalism when dealing with the public.

CSI is committed to overseeing the ethical standards it requires of its designation holders. We monitor adherence to the CIM^® Code of Ethics. through reviews, periodic audits of the designation holder's annual commitment and declaration requirements, handling public complaints and tracking news and regulatory reports.

All candidates are required to declare any legal action, allegations or complaints prior to being granted a designation and also each year upon renewal of that designation. Beginning February 2019, ,this declaration has been adjusted to clarify the information to be declared and a “Fit and Proper Requirement” is now a component of the application. The requirement sets out the following situations for self-declaration:

• Any accusations of professional misconduct, disciplinary or reprimands or license suspensions or revocations by an employer, professional association or administrative or regulatory authority
• Currently bankrupt or in the past 5 years been adjudged bankrupt
• Convicted of a criminal offence in any jurisdiction for which a record suspension or a pardon has not been granted
• Convicted of an offense under any financial services or consumer protection legislation in any jurisdiction

Any information provided with be collected, stored and used in accordance with applicable law and our privacy policy and will be shared with the Designation Ethics Committee to determine your suitability for the Fellowship.

Declaring these situations will not necessarily impact certification or renewal. The Ethics Committee will review each situation individually.

ETHICAL MISCONDUCT PROCESS

Before filing a formal complaint with CSI, we strongly recommend trying to resolve the issue by speaking directly with the CIM^® in question.

Those who cannot come to a resolution should contact CSI at our special CIM^® complaints email address. Complaint submissions should include:

• Details of the alleged Code of Ethics violation
• Sufficient background information/documentation to support the allegation
• Name and contact details of the complainant

CSI does not recommend sharing confidential financial information through email.

Allegations of violation of the CIM^® Code of Ethics are dealt with by the Designation Ethics Committee according to the CSI Ethical Misconduct Process. If the Committee determines a violation occurred, a disciplinary sanction is recommended. The CIM^® holder may accept the recommended sanction or request a hearing.

Disciplinary sanctions could include:

• Notifying the appropriate regulatory body for possible further investigation
• Publicizing the violation on the CIM^® public website
• Recording the violation in the CIM^® designation holder’s record
• Requiring the CIM^® to complete a supplementary ethics course(s)
• Requiring the CIM^® to complete an additional professional development course(s)
• Suspending the CIM^®’s licence and use of the CIM^® Certification Mark (for a specific period, indefinitely with conditions for reinstatement, or permanently)
• Imposing other measures deemed appropriate by the Designation Ethics Committee