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 June, 2005 - 30 November, 2013
    Categories: Composite Construction, List of Composite Descriptions
    Source: Investment Performance Council (IPC)

    From time to time our firm does not have an appropriate composite that specifically meets the investment strategy a prospective client would like our firm to present. What information is our firm required to provide?

    If the firm does not have a composite appropriate to present to a prospective client, the firm is exempt from this requirement. However, the firm must disclose that it does not currently
    manage the specific style or strategy appropriate for the prospective client. The firm must be able to clearly demonstrate the strategies and investment products the firm currently manages and must make a list and description of all firm composites available to the prospective client. The firm is not prohibited from providing any information the prospective client specifically requests. Also, supplemental information can always be provided in addition to the firm’s existing composites.

    Please also see updated Q&A