- CFA Exams
- CFA Level I Exam
- Topic 10. Ethical and Professional Standards
- Learning Module 71. Guidance for Standards I-VII
- Subject 9. Standard III (C) Suitability
CFA Practice Question
Jake Hamilton, CFA, is an investment advisor for a national social security fund in a frontier market with a very limited and illiquid capital market and a very young labor force, with an investment time horizon of 25 - 30 years. He has been asked to suggest ways to increase the investment return of the overall portfolio. After careful assessment of the fund's previous investment history and available asset classes, he considers investment in private equity. What is Hamilton's lowest priority in avoiding any standards violations prior to making this investment recommendation?
A. assess the risk tolerance of the fund
B. analyze the expected returns of private equity in the market
C. determine if the Investment Policy Statement allows for alternative investments
Explanation: Prior to undertaking analysis with regard to expected returns, an advisor must determine the suitability of an investment class, including whether it fits within the client's risk tolerance and if it is an allowable asset class as per the client's Investment Policy Statement. Only once these factors have been determined should she proceed, if appropriate, to analyze expected returns to determine a particular investment recommendation.
User Contributed Comments 2
User | Comment |
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darin3200 | Why not C. The question says he's done a careful analysis of the funds investment history and available asset classes. Doesn't that imply he already determine that the fund can do alternative investments? |
hon132 | lowest priority for this answer; if he decides p/e is the best choice, he has to make sure the investment strategy allows it before additional research |