IAE · International Association of Experts, Inc. · Code of Ethics
IAE Code of Ethics
IAE Code of Ethics
Professional standards of conduct that are binding on all IAE members. The Code establishes the values that distinguish an IAE-verified professional and protect trust in the profession as a whole.
Integrity and Objectivity
I
Professional Competence
II
Independence and Impartiality
III
Confidentiality
IV
Respect for the Profession and Colleagues
V
Compliance with Applicable Law
VI
The work of an expert influences decisions made by courts, arbitral tribunals, government authorities, and private individuals. Errors or misconduct in this field may have irreversible consequences for individuals and organizations.
The IAE Code of Ethics establishes the minimum mandatory standard of conduct that every member of the Association must follow, regardless of jurisdiction, specialization, or form of professional practice. The Code does not prevent the application of stricter professional or national standards. It establishes a minimum threshold, not a maximum standard.
By accepting IAE membership, a professional agrees to comply with this Code. A violation of the Code constitutes grounds for disciplinary proceedings.
The IAE Code of Ethics establishes the minimum mandatory standard of conduct that every member of the Association must follow, regardless of jurisdiction, specialization, or form of professional practice. The Code does not prevent the application of stricter professional or national standards. It establishes a minimum threshold, not a maximum standard.
By accepting IAE membership, a professional agrees to comply with this Code. A violation of the Code constitutes grounds for disciplinary proceedings.
- All current IAE members: Senior Members, CIEs, F.IAE members, and Prof.IAE, h.c. titleholders
- A member’s professional activities in every jurisdiction
- The use of any IAE post-nominal designation
- Public statements made in a professional capacity
- Dealings with clients, courts, tribunals, and professional colleagues
- The Code does not displace applicable national professional standards. Where several standards apply, the stricter requirement must be followed.
Scope
Why is the
Code needed?
Preamble
Each principle is accompanied by specific standards of conduct set out in the sections below.
Core Principles
Six Principles
Integrity and Objectivity
An expert must present facts, findings, and opinions accurately and without distortion. The expert must not: exaggerate findings, withhold material information, alter conclusions because of pressure from a party, allow other improper considerations to influence professional judgment.
Professional Competence
An expert must accept only those engagements for which they possess the necessary qualifications. The expert must: maintain and develop their professional knowledge, apply current methods, recognize the limits of their competence.
Confidentiality
An expert must preserve the confidentiality of information obtained during professional activities. The expert must not: use confidential information for personal benefit, disclose it without a lawful basis, disclose it without the client’s authorization.
Respect for the Profession and Colleagues
An expert must conduct themselves in a manner that protects the reputation of the profession and the Association. The expert must refrain from statements or actions that discredit colleagues, the profession, or IAE unless those statements or actions are based on reasonable and documented grounds.
Compliance with Applicable Law
An expert must comply with: applicable legislation, professional regulatory requirements, IAE requirements. Where applicable rules conflict, the stricter applicable requirement must be followed.
Independence and Impartiality
An expert must act independently of the parties to a dispute. The expert’s opinion must reflect professional judgment rather than the interests of the party that engaged them. The expert must disclose any circumstances that could reasonably call their independence into question.
The general principles are reflected in duties that apply to everyday professional practice. The following list is not exhaustive. The spirit of the Code extends beyond its literal wording.
What an IAE Member Is Required to Do?
Specific Obligations
- Accept an engagement only when they possess the competence and resources required to perform it properly
- Clearly define and document the scope and terms of the engagement before accepting it
- Promptly inform the client of any conflict of interest, including a conflict arising during the engagement
- Complete the engagement within a reasonable timeframe and provide advance notice of possible delays
- Refuse engagements requiring a predetermined conclusion specified by the client
In Relation to Clients and Engagements
- Remember that an expert witness’s duty is to assist the court, not the party that retained the expert
- Amend or withdraw an opinion when new information or a material error becomes known
- Acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties of their conclusions
- Avoid overstating the reliability of their conclusions
- Remain within the limits of their expertise when giving testimony or preparing an opinion
In Relation to Courts and Tribunals
- Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development
- Promptly notify the IAE Secretariat of any criminal conviction or professional disciplinary sanction
- Use IAE post-nominal designations only in accordance with the Style Guide and while membership remains active
- Cooperate with the Superior Credentialing Council during disciplinary proceedings
In Relation to the Profession and IAE
The following actions constitute serious violations of the Code and will generally result in the immediate suspension of membership and the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.
Conduct That Is Expressly Prohibited
Prohibitions
False Expert Opinions
Preparing or presenting an expert opinion known to be false, unreliable, or misleading, regardless of client instructions or other pressure.
Concealing a Conflict of Interest
Intentionally failing to disclose a personal, financial, or professional interest that could affect the expert’s independence or impartiality.
Unauthorized Use of IAE Designations
Using IAE post-nominal designations—SM, CIE, F.IAE, or Prof.IAE, h.c.—after membership has ended or without complying with the Style Guide.
Breach of Confidentiality
Disclosing confidential information obtained through professional activities without: a lawful basis, the client’s written consent.
Discrediting IAE or Professional Colleagues
Making public statements or taking actions that damage the reputation of the Association or professional colleagues without reasonable and documented grounds.
Misrepresentation of Qualifications
Making false or misleading claims regarding: qualifications, experience, academic degrees, professional memberships. This prohibition also applies to the marketing of professional services.
A conflict of interest is not necessarily a violation. The violation consists of concealing the conflict or continuing to work in a conflicted situation without properly addressing it.
A conflict may arise not only from a direct financial interest but also from personal, professional, or reputational relationships capable of influencing independent judgment.
A conflict may arise not only from a direct financial interest but also from personal, professional, or reputational relationships capable of influencing independent judgment.
How to Address a Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest
Identify
Before accepting an engagement, check for any personal, financial, or professional relationship involving:any party, the subject matter of the dispute, the decision-makers involved.
Disclose
Promptly inform all relevant persons—including the client, court, or tribunal—of any actual or potential conflict. Disclosure must be: complete, made before work begins.
Assess
Determine whether the conflict can be properly addressed. Where a conflict is material and cannot be resolved with the informed consent of all parties, the expert must decline the engagement.
Proceed or Decline
Where a conflict is immaterial, the expert may continue, provided that it is disclosed in the expert opinion. Where the conflict is material, the expert must decline the engagement and may, where appropriate, recommend an alternative expert.
Document
Record: the identified conflict, the decision made, the reasons supporting that decision. The documentation must be retained in the professional’s working file.
The Superior Credentialing Council determines the appropriate sanction after considering: the nature of the violation, its seriousness, its consequences, the member’s conduct during the proceedings.
Possible
Disciplinary Measures
Sanctions
Corrective Order
An official notice of a violation requiring corrective action. It may include a requirement to complete additional professional training.
Warning
A formal written warning recorded in the member’s file and considered in the event of repeated violations.
Suspension
Temporary suspension of: membership, the right to use IAE post-nominal designations. The period of suspension is determined by the Council.
Termination of Membership
Permanent termination of membership and removal from the IAE Registry. This sanction applies to serious or repeated violations.
Any sanction may be imposed only following a fair disciplinary process incorporating all ten procedural safeguards set out below.
Written Charges
Proceedings may begin only on the basis of written charges specifying: the alleged conduct, the provisions allegedly violated.
Fifteen Days’ Notice
The member must receive written notice of the charges at least 15 days before the hearing. The notice must include copies of all materials relied upon. Notice sent by mail must be delivered by registered or first-class mail to the member’s most recent address in the Association’s records.
Recusal for Conflicts of Interest
Any Council member with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves and may not participate in: deliberations, voting.
Standard of Proof
Findings must be based on the preponderance of the evidence.
Interim Suspension
Where necessary to protect the public or the integrity of the Association, the Council may impose an interim suspension before the final decision. The member must receive: immediate written notice, an expedited opportunity to be heard.
Response and Right to Be Heard
The member has the right to: submit a written response, present evidence, be heard in person, be heard remotely. The matter is heard by the Superior Credentialing Council or a panel appointed by it.
Written Decision
Every decision must be issued in writing and state: the findings, the reasons for the decision, any sanction imposed.
Appeal Within 30 Days
The member may appeal the decision to an appellate panel of the Board of Directors. Any director with a conflict of interest must be excluded. Where fewer than two non-conflicted directors are available, independent appellate decision-makers with no connection to the Association must be appointed. The appellate panel’s decision is final.
Reinstatement
A person whose membership has been terminated may apply for reinstatement in accordance with criteria adopted by the Council.
Confidentiality and Publication
Disciplinary records are confidential. The Association may publish only: the existence of a final sanction, the nature of the final sanction. Publication must be limited to what is reasonably necessary to protect the public and preserve the integrity of the status.
Disciplinary measures, suspension, and termination of membership may be imposed only through fair and reasonable procedures, applied in good faith and with full procedural protections for the member.
Disciplinary Procedure:
Ten Safeguards
Procedural guarantees
Current IAE members and third parties who possess information concerning a possible violation by a current member may submit a report to the Secretariat. All reports are handled confidentially.
How to Report a Violation of the Code
Сообщить о нарушении
- Send a written report to info@iaexperts.com, describing the alleged violation and attaching supporting materials where available
- The Secretariat normally confirms receipt within 1–3 business days and may request additional information
- The Superior Credentialing Council, or a panel appointed by it, conducts a preliminary assessment and decides whether disciplinary proceedings should be commenced
- The reporting person is informed of the existence and outcome of the review to the extent permitted by the confidentiality requirements governing disciplinary proceedings
- Anonymous reports are accepted, but limited information may prevent a complete investigation
Review Procedure
Programs
Documents
Journal
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