Q & A Database

The GIPS Standards Q&A database contains questions and answers (Q&As) on various searchable topics that provide additional interpretation on an issue. Q&As are considered to be authoritative guidance and must be followed in order to claim compliance with the GIPS standards.

Content from prior Q&As was included in the GIPS Standards Handbook as much as possible and many Q&As were archived. Change the Status drop-down filter to "Archived" to see the archived Q&As.

The GIPS Standards Helpdesk is available for individual questions and typically responds to inquiries within 3 business days.

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1 Result
  • Archived

    Effective: 1 January, 2014 - 31 December, 2019
    Categories: Benchmarks
    Source: GIPS Executive Committee

    According to the GIPS standards, “the total return for the benchmark that reflects the investment mandate, objective, or strategy represented by the composite must be presented for each annual period for which the composite return is presented.” If the firm does not believe that the presentation of a benchmark is appropriate, can the firm disclose this reasoning and satisfy the requirement?

    Yes. This requirement leaves the choice and selection of an appropriate benchmark to the firm. If the firm determines that no benchmark is appropriate, the firm must disclose why no benchmark is presented.

    Please also see original Q&A