CSI Updated IFC Exam Questions and Answers by ronald

Gifts and benefits may be provided to a client if your employer is aware of the benefits and has given approval. This is one of the rules concerning conflicts of interest set by the MFDA. A conflict of interest is a situation where a person’s personal interests conflict with their professional obligations or duties. Gifts and benefits may create a conflict of interest if they influence or appear to influence the person’s judgment or actions. Therefore, the MFDA requires that any gifts and benefits given or received by a mutual fund dealer or its representatives must be disclosed to and approved by the dealer, and must not compromise or appear to compromise the dealer’s or representative’s integrity or objectivity. References: MFDA Bulletin #0756-P - Conflicts of Interest

Kiri has correctly fulfilled his suitability obligation by matching the risk-return profile of the fund with the personal circumstances of his client. The Conservative Bond Fund is a low-risk, low-return fund that pays regular interest income to investors. Myrtle’s investment objective is “income”, which means she wants to receive steady income from her investments and preserve her capital. Therefore, Kiri’s recommendation is reasonably suitable for Myrtle in all the circumstances. (Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3)

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2, Section 2.3: Conflicts of Interest

IFSE Institute: Suitability Obligations1

SFC: Frequently Asked Questions on Compliance with Suitability Obligations2

Orel’s goal is to build emergency savings, which means he needs a flexible and accessible account that does not penalize withdrawals. A TFSA is more suitable for this purpose, as it allows tax-free withdrawals at any time and does not affect other income-tested benefits. An RRSP, on the other hand, is designed for long-term retirement savings, and withdrawals are subject to income tax and withholding tax. Moreover, RRSP withdrawals reduce the contribution room permanently, and may affect eligibility for government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.1: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)1 and Section 3.2: Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)2

1: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf 2: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf

A put option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell a certain amount of an underlying security at a specified price within a specified time frame. A put option increases in value as the price of the underlying security decreases, and vice versa. Therefore, buying a put option can be used as a hedging strategy to protect against downside risk or loss in the value of the underlying security. In this case, Maxine is using a put option to hedge against the potential drop in the market value of Never2Tacky due to the regulatory changes. If the price of Never2Tacky falls below $95, she can exercise the put option and sell her shares at $95, limiting her loss. If the price of Never2Tacky stays above $95, she can let the put option expire and keep her shares, paying only the premium for the option. Buying a put option is not speculating, as it does not involve taking a high-risk position in anticipation of a favorable outcome. It is also not related to modern portfolio theory or passive management, which are different concepts in investment analysis. References: Put Option: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Trade Them, Put Options: What They Are and How They Work, Put: What It Is and How It Works in Investing, With Examples