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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Effective

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1 Result

Archived

Effective: 1 November, 2004 - 30 April, 2013

Categories: Verification

Source: Investment Performance Council (IPC)

Although in the past we have claimed compliance with the GIPS standards and were verified, we no longer present our performance history in compliance with the GIPS standards and have removed a claim of compliance from our marketing material. However, because we have been compliant, can we continue to claim compliance on RFP’s?

No. A firm can only claim compliance with the GIPS standards if it is currently in compliance with the GIPS standards. This claim includes oral claims, responses to RFP’s, or claims included with performance material. When a claim of compliance is made, it must be made using the statement set forth in the GIPS standards. This is one of two methods that CFA Institute permits others to legally use its GIPS registered trademark. (The other method is to follow the GIPS Advertising Guidelines.) A firm has two choices: (i) it does not comply with all of the applicable requirements of the GIPS standards on a firmwide basis and makes no mention of GIPS in any response, or (ii) it does comply and can only claim compliance through use of the Compliance Statement. A firm does not have the flexibility to decide to refer to a prior claim of compliance in response to an RFP if it is not currently in compliance with the GIPS standards.

Please also see updated Q&A