Advertising and Solicitation : Some Ethical Problems with the Ifac Code of Ethics

While most of the IFAC Code of Ethics provisions make a good attempt at protecting the public, the section on advertising and solicitation does just the opposite. It is blatantly self-serving and protectionist. It is anticompetitive and serves the private interests of accountants at the expense of that segment of the public that might want to use accounting services. Although the IFAC Code of Ethics contains many useful provisions that provide guidance on a number of issues, its provision relating to advertising and solicitation is blatantly anti-consumer and self-serving. Allowing such a provision to continue to exist amounts to an act discreditable to the profession. It is downright embarrassing for an accounting code of ethics to contain a provision that is so blatantly self-serving and anti-public interest. The rules on advertising and solicitation should either be repealed outright or revised to recognize the basic rights of free speech and free press. They should be consumer oriented, not self-serving and anticompetitive