Global Advisory Alliance
Advisor Code of Conduct
Our commitment
The Global Advisory Alliance (GAA) is the first global alliance for boutique firms and senior independent professionals serving the governance, sustainability, and digital transformation agenda. The GAA brings together independent practitioners and alliance member firms under one recognised brand, united by shared standards, shared infrastructure, and a shared commitment to client outcomes.
This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals operating within the GAA - whether as independent advisors operating under their own name, or as employees and principals of independently owned boutique firms that are alliance members. Every person delivering work under the GAA banner, or representing the GAA in any capacity, is bound by this Code. All advisors and firm members uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in all client and peer engagements.
Ethical conduct
- Act with honesty, integrity, and transparency.
- Obey all applicable laws in every jurisdiction you operate.
- Decline work that compromises independence or objectivity
- No bribery, facilitation payments, or improper influence.
- Declare and manage conflicts early; ring-fence or step back where needed.
Confidentiality and privacy
- Treat all client information, project data, and internal GAA materials as confidential.
- Use information only for its intended purpose and only on approved systems.
- Limit access to a strict need-to-know basis.
- Report suspected data loss or breach to GAA within 24hours.
- Follow data-retention and deletion rules; respect local and cross-border data laws.
Core principles and values
- Model good governance, accountability, and sustainability in your work.
- Collaborate, don’t compete, within GAA; share opportunities and ideas.
- Respect cultural diversity; act fairly and without discrimination.
Use of GAA brand, IP, and tools
- Use GAA brand assets, templates, website, CRM, and channels only for GAA-aligned work.
- Do not imply employment by GAA; accurately represent your status - whether as an independent advisor or as an employee of an alliance member firm.
- Keep shared templates current; do not create off-brand or misleading materials.
- Obtain approval before making public statements on behalf of GAA.
Quality, competence, and engagement acceptance
- Accept only work you are competent to deliver; bring in peers when needed.
- Apply diligence, accuracy, and professional care in all outputs.
- Disclose capacity limits and timelines honestly.
- Keep adequate engagement records and audit trails.
Fair competition and market conduct
- Compete fairly; do not seek or use others’ confidential information.
- Do not discuss or coordinate pricing, client allocation, or bids with competitors.
- Respect third-party IP; attribute sources; secure permissions before reuse.
Sanctions, AML, and integrity checks
- Do not support activities that breach sanctions or assist clients in doing so.
- Apply reasonable KYC checks for new mandates routed via GAA.
- Escalate red flags before accepting work.
Information security and responsible tech use
- Use strong access controls and approved cloud/AI tools only.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for client work; encrypt devices; shred/secure print.
- Do not feed confidential data into unapproved AI systems.
- Preserve records if litigation or investigation is anticipated.
Speaking up, non-retaliation, and resolution
- Raise concerns promptly via email: team @ globaladvisoryalliance.com
- No retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith
- Alleged breaches are investigated fairly; outcomes recorded.
- Remedies may include retraining, supervision, suspension, or termination of membership.
Cross-border collaboration
- Clarify roles, responsibilities, and lead advisor on multi-jurisdiction projects.
- Align on client consent, data transfers, and billing arrangements upfront.
- Respect local legal and cultural norms while meeting GAA standards.
Marketing and media
- Use approved bios, case formats, and claims; no client names without consent.
- Separate personal opinions from GAA positions in public forums.
- Disclose paid partnerships or endorsements where applicable.
- Preserve records if litigation or investigation is anticipated.
Participation and enforcement
Participation in the GAA - whether as an independent advisor or as a member of an alliance firm - is by invitation only.
Continued participation depends on adherence to this Code. Where the individual in breach is an employee of an alliance member firm, the GAA reserves the right to require the firm to remedy the situation as a condition of the firm's continued membership.
Serious breaches may result in immediate suspension pending review.
Advisor pledge
"As an advisor operating within the Global Advisory Alliance - whether independently or as part of an alliance member firm - I commit to uphold this Code in all my professional activities. I will protect confidentiality, avoid conflicts, use GAA assets responsibly, and collaborate to deliver measurable value to clients and our network."
