Rule 1 – Professional Integrity

A member shall act honestly, with integrity and competence, and in a manner to fulfil the profession’s responsibility to the public and to uphold the reputation of the actuarial profession.

A cornerstone of any profession

Having high standards of conduct and acting in the best interests of the public are hallmarks of well-regarded professions. Rule 1 expects members to always act with integrity and to use their actuarial training, knowledge and expertise responsibly to benefit the public.

Why Rule 1 is important

Sets a high standard of conduct

This lets actuaries and the public know members are expected to hold themselves to a high standard of conduct at all times.

Builds trust

Acting with integrity and being responsible to the public builds trust with employers, clients, other professionals and all Canadians.

Upholds the profession’s reputation
Reducing the risks of legal, financial or other harms protects the reputation of the entire profession.

Demonstrates ethical standards

The emphasis placed on this rule underscores the profession’s commitment to ethical behaviour.

Helps ensure honesty underpins professionalism
Upholding honesty and competence means making decisions based on complete, accurate, and up-to-date information.

What Rule 1 means for members

Act with integrity at all times

You must act in an ethical and professional manner – even if under pressure to do otherwise.

Be straightforward and honest
You are expected to be open, honest and fair at all times to uphold the reputation of the actuarial profession.

Protect the reputation of actuaries
Before acting, always consider if a course of action will reflect negatively on the profession.

A man and a woman chatting in a work meeting.

Use reasonable judgment
The public is relying on your professional expertise and judgment when you are identifiable as a member, or have weight added to your opinion because of your qualifications or membership.