Professionalism and Ethics in Financial Planning

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the analytical framework and methodology of a proposed study of the ethical reasoning of financial planners and the cognitive frameworks used to make ethical decisions in the provision of financial planning advice. The framework will draw on previous studies of individual characteristics such as ethical reasoning and the values and ethical development of a financial planner and consider the influence of situational and contextual factors such as organisational ethical climate and culture and the formal and informal control systems within an organisation. This is a significant study because the relationships financial planners have with their clients and the ethical framework that underpins them are pivotal to the ability of the financial planner to provide professional and effective independent advice.