Carol Hull, CFA, is an investment advisor whose prospective client, Frank Peters, presents special requirements. To construct an investment policy statement for Peters, Hull inquires about Peters investment experience, risk and return objectives, and financial constraints. Peters states that he has a great deal of investment experience in the capital markets and does not wish to answer questions about his tolerance for risk or his other holdings. Under Standard III(C), Suitability, Hull: A) | must decline to enter into an advisory relationship with Peters. |
| B) | is permitted to manage Peters account without any knowledge of his risk preferences. |
| C) | is required to act as if Peters risk tolerance is average. |
| D) | may accept Peters account but may only manage his portfolio to a benchmark or index. |
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Answer and Explanation
Hull would not violate Standard III(C), Suitability, by managing Peters account without knowledge of his risk preferences. She made a reasonable inquiry into Peters investment experience, risk and return objectives, and financial constraints, as the Standard requires. If a client chooses not to provide some of this information, the member or candidate can only be responsible for assessing the suitability of investments based on the information the client does provide.
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