01
Integrity
Act with honesty, fairness, and probity in every professional engagement. Avoid deception, conflicts of interest, and any act that diminishes confidence in CRMI or the chartered designation.
The six principles
Standards binding on every member.
Adopted by Council and re-issued to every conferred member, the six principles are the basis on which any conduct review is conducted.
02
Competence
Practise only within areas of demonstrated technical competence. Maintain currency through CPD. Decline assignments outside your expertise and refer them to colleagues better placed.
03
Confidentiality
Hold client, employer, and member information in strict confidence. Use it only for the purposes for which it was given. Do not disclose without express authorisation or legal compulsion.
04
Objectivity
Exercise professional judgement free of undue influence, bias, or self-interest. Decline gifts, fees, or favours that would impair independence. Disclose conflicts as soon as they arise.
05
Professional behaviour
Comply with relevant laws and regulations, including the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and CBN regulatory codes. Conduct yourself in a manner that maintains public trust in the profession.
06
Continuing development
Maintain professional currency. Accumulate the required CPD hours each year. Engage with the chartered programme. Mentor and develop those entering the profession.
If a breach is alleged
The disciplinary process.
Conduct concerns are reviewed by the Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee under a defined four-step process. Members are presumed in good standing throughout.
01
5 days
Complaint received
A written complaint is filed with the secretariat and acknowledged within five business days. Complaints can be filed by members, employers, regulators, or the public.
02
14 days
Officer review
A Committee Officer reviews the complaint, requests supporting evidence, and decides whether the matter warrants formal investigation or can be dismissed at gateway.
03
30–60 days
Committee hearing
The Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee convenes a hearing. The member is invited to respond. Both sides may present evidence and witnesses.
04
Quarterly
Council ratification
The Committee's recommendation is forwarded to the Governing Council for ratification. Sanctions take effect upon ratification.
Sanctions ladder
Four levels of response.
The Committee may recommend any of four sanctions depending on the gravity of the breach. The member may appeal Council's decision within 30 days of ratification.
1
Level 1
Caution
A formal written caution placed on the member's record. No public disclosure. Typically reserved for first-instance minor breaches.
2
Level 2
Reprimand
A formal reprimand recorded against the member, with a private notification copied to the member's employer (if applicable). May include a remedial CPD requirement.
3
Level 3
Suspension
Temporary suspension of membership rights for a defined period (typically 3–12 months). Loss of voting rights, committee service, and use of the post-nominal letters during the suspension period.
4
Level 4
Expulsion
Permanent removal from the Institute. Right to use the chartered designation is revoked. The expulsion is published in the public register and notified to relevant regulators.
Report a breach
Concerned about a member's conduct?
Conduct complaints can be filed by any member, employer, regulator, or member of the public. Submissions are reviewed in confidence by the Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee.
What to include
- The member's full name and CRMI member number (if known)
- A factual account of the conduct in question
- Dates, locations, and any witnesses
- Supporting evidence (documents, screenshots, recordings)
- Your contact details for follow-up