Conduct
Recognize prohibited conduct by the duty it breaks
Study manipulation, material nonpublic information, customer funds and communication failures through clear boundaries.
Ask whose interest is being harmed
Manipulation distorts the market, misuse of material nonpublic information undermines fairness, and mishandling customer assets violates custody and trust boundaries. The violated duty often identifies the answer.
Separate knowledge from action
A scenario may test possession of information, its materiality, whether it is public, and what a person does with it. Do not jump to a label before checking each element.
Protect customer assets and information
Review commingling, borrowing, guarantees, privacy, cybersecurity awareness, AML escalation and suspicious-activity concepts at the level in the outline.
Read communications in context
Claims, omissions, projections and approval requirements depend on the audience and medium. Look for balanced presentation and prohibited assurances.
Official sources
Confirm current fees, enrollment, accommodations, provider instructions and registration requirements before acting.