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CFA Level I · CFA Level I Exam · Guidance for Standard III: Duties to Clients

An adviser, Grace Mwangi, wants to work from home on a client's financial plan. Her employer's policy forbids storing client data on personal devices. Which action is most appropriate under Standard III(E)?

Mwangi should follow her employer's policy on secure handling of client data. Standard III(E) asks members to understand and apply employer policies on protecting confidential electronic information, but it does not require them to be information security experts.

  1. ASave the files to her personal laptop, since she is responsible only for the advice itself
  2. BFollow the employer's policy on secure electronic handling, even though she is not required to be an information security expertCorrect
  3. CBecome an information security expert before handling any electronic client data

Explanation

The guidance says members must be aware of accidental disclosure risks and should thoroughly understand their employer's policies for securing confidential information. Standard III(E) does not require expertise in information security technology. Saving to a personal laptop breaches policy, and requiring expertise overstates the standard.

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