The Code of Conduct of the Institute of Certified Executor Advisors (ICEA) outlines the principles and expectations that govern the behavior of its members.

Understanding and accepting this code is a requirement for membership in ICEA.

ICEA maintains the right and responsibility to investigate allegations against its members and take appropriate action (as described below) while ensuring a fair and due process for its members.

Rules of Conduct

1. Integrity

   Certified Executor Advisors:

   1. 1.1. Must consistently behave ethically.
   2. 1.2. Shall not engage in any illegal activities or actions that could harm the best interests of the public, the institute, its members, or affiliates.
   3. 1.3. Are obligated to provide thorough due diligence without omitting, misleading, or providing false information.
   4. 1.4. Must always act objectively to the best of their ability, prioritizing the client's best interests.

2. Confidentiality

   Certified Executor Advisors:

   1. 2.1. Are required to safeguard client information rigorously. If there is any uncertainty regarding the confidentiality of shared information, it must be treated as confidential until any doubts are resolved.
   2. 2.2. May only disclose their client's personal information to third parties with the client's consent or as mandated by the law. In such cases, they should take all reasonable steps to inform clients of the imposed breach.
   3. 2.3. Must refrain from public discussions or comments about clients that could reasonably be perceived as revealing confidential or identifying information.

3. Competency

   Certified Executor Advisors:

   1. 3.1. Are allowed to perform only those services for which they possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.
   2. 3.2. Must refer clients to competent professionals in other fields when necessary preferably using the Find-A-CEA directory to locate CEAs by occupation and geographical region as they have agreed to this same Code of Conduct.

4. Communication

   Certified Executor Advisors:

   1. 4.1. Must offer timely communication through the preferred means of the client, considering the urgency perceived by them.
   2. 4.2. Are obligated to provide clients with the information needed to make informed decisions, including disclosing any conflicts of interest, and answering their questions to the best of their ability.
   3. 4.3. Must fully cooperate with the institute and provide accurate and timely information as requested.

Disciplinary Action

Certified Executor Advisors who are reported to be or perceived to be conducting themselves dishonorably or questionably may face disciplinary action by the ICEA.

All informal disciplinary actions are considered personal information and as such, kept private. Therefore, information is typically only provided to the involved parties. Informal disciplinary actions can range from counseling to reprimands.

When informal discipline proves inadequate, a formal disciplinary committee will be convened to assess the information provided by the complainant and the member, ensuring a fair and due process. Formal disciplinary actions may include reprimand, suspension, or expulsion.

Conclusion

The Code of Conduct is in place to safeguard the public, the institute, its members, and affiliates. Adherence to the code benefits everyone by ensuring the highest level of care for clients and maintaining strong reputations and ethical business practices.