Views on improving the integrity of global capital markets

Alexander Flatscher, CFA

20 Posts

Biography

Alexander Flatscher, CFA, is a former director of professional standards at CFA Institute. He was responsible for promoting the ethical standards, policies, and positions of CFA Institute in the Asia-Pacific region.

Author's Posts
The Role of Ethics in Shaping the Future of Hong Kong’s Investment Industry

The view that a corporate culture promoting ethical behavior represents a competitive advantage for asset managers is gaining momentum in Asia.

How to Build Investor Trust in 2014

For asset managers there are many effective ways to raise the level of trust by increasing ethical behavior firm-wide. One way to accomplish this is proper, fair, and uniform presentation of investment performance.

Interpreting Client Entertainment as Part of the Pension Trustee Code

The Financial Services Authority in Japan is currently investigating a variety of financial institutions, and its interest appears to be client entertainment practices at financial firms.

Asset Manager Code of Professional Conduct: Benefits for Investment Professionals

A plan sponsor and investment managers discuss the benefits of the CFA Institute Asset Manager Code of Professional Conduct.

Asia-Pacific Asset Managers: No Compliance with CFA Institute Asset Manager Code Is Red Flag

MassPRIM CIO touts benefits of CFA Institute Asset Manager Code of Professional Conduct to investment managers and regulators in the Asia-Pacific region.

MRI International Scandal: Another Reason Ethical Behavior is Needed in the Marketplace

Retail investors may have been victims of another Madoff-style scam—this time with a Las Vegas-based company MRI International. There are signs that suggest the Japanese subsidiary of MRI International had sold around US $1.3 billion worth of investment products that were meant to provide income on U.S. medical fee receivables to Japanese retail investors.

Using the Asset Manager Code to Distinguish between Ethical Investment Advisers and Magicians

What do magicians and the black sheep among investment advisers have in common? Well, for the purpose of this blog, a lot. Both magicians and notorious investment advisers make their money by selling illusions.

Mis-selling: An Ethical Issue Facing Asia-Pacific Markets

Mis-selling was highlighted as one of the most serious ethical issues in the recent CFA Institute Global Market Sentiment Survey. When asked to select among six options, 25% of Asia-Pacific respondents chose mis-selling as the number one ethical issue facing their local markets in the coming year.

U.S. SEC Tough on Asian Disclosure, Accounting Abuses as Investment Professionals Demand Progress

Fraudulent financial reporting is such a major concern in Asia that U.S. regulators are now getting involved — a reminder to investors of the potential perils posed by companies that are listed in foreign countries, whether through a reverse merger or IPO.

Insider Trading: Does It Make You an Outsider?

Given our intense interest in high professional standards of conduct in the investment profession, we still find it disappointing when we come across the never-ending stream of news about market participants who do not behave according to the rules.

Southeast Asia’s Emerging Securities Market Breaks Down Barriers for Investors but Presents Own Challenges

Although the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region still goes somewhat unnoticed outside of Asia, these days a lot is brewing for investors in the region.

CFA Institute: Market Fraud, Mis-selling Concerns Cloud Asia-Pacific Outlook

Following the big interest in last year’s CFA Institute Global Financial Market Sentiment Survey (GMSS), the results of the 2013 survey — shaped by input from the nearly 6,800 CFA charterholders worldwide — are sure to raise some eyebrows.

Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund, Among Others, Forced Away from Fixed Income

Due to Japan's suffering economy and the problem arising from underfunded pension funds, large funds in Japan are being forced to rethink their portfolio management approach.

Financial Sector Regulation Heats up in India amid Sahara Case

An interesting case in India involving the sale of an investment product based on one company’s interpretation of law and regulations, which conflicts with that of the Supreme Court of India, is currently the subject of legal proceedings, and it highlights potentially wide-reaching issues for investors.

Corporate Governance in Asia: Regulatory Landscape Urges Better Shareowner Communications

Given recent regulatory improvements in Asia, there is hope that more listed companies in the region will place greater importance on shareholder communication. And as a result, more boards of Asian companies might be of the “visionary” kind, with a long-term investor base to reflect that strategy.



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