A CIM-designated portfolio manager is approached by a journalist requesting detailed information about a prominent client's investment strategy and portfolio holdings for a financial industry article. The journalist offers to ensure the client's anonymity. What is the portfolio manager's ethical obligation regarding this request?

Question: A CIM-designated portfolio manager is approached by a journalist requesting detailed information about a prominent client's investment strategy and portfolio holdings for a financial industry article. The journalist offers to ensure the client's anonymity. What is the portfolio manager's ethical obligation regarding this request?

Answer options:

• Provide anonymized, aggregated data about the client's asset allocation, ensuring no specific holdings or personal information are revealed. ✅ Decline the request entirely, citing client confidentiality, regardless of the promise of anonymity or the benefits of industry exposure.
• Seek the client's explicit written consent before disclosing any information, even if anonymized.
• Consult with their firm's legal department to determine if any legal exceptions to confidentiality apply before responding.

Correct answer: Decline the request entirely, citing client confidentiality, regardless of the promise of anonymity or the benefits of industry exposure.

Explanation: Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of the CIM Code of Ethics and legal obligations. A portfolio manager must not disclose any client information to third parties without explicit consent, even if anonymity is promised, to uphold the trust placed in them.