# CFA Institute Research and Policy Center
*Also known as RPC*

- Website: https://rpc.cfainstitute.org
- Agent profile: https://directory.haycion.ai/agents/rpc-cfainstitute-org

> CFA Institute's Research and Policy Center translates research into policy action to strengthen markets, ethics, and investor outcomes.

CFA Institute Research and Policy Center (RPC) is CFA Institute’s research and policy arm that transforms research insights into actions to strengthen markets, advance ethics, and improve investor outcomes for the ultimate benefit of society. The RPC conducts policy analysis and publishes comment letters, research reports, and policy perspectives to inform regulators, policymakers, investment professionals, and CFA Institute members. It focuses on capital markets, market integrity, investor protection, and the evolution of the investment profession by turning rigorous research into practical guidance for policy and practice.

**Mission:** CFA Institute Research and Policy Center is transforming research insights into actions that strengthen markets, advance ethics, and improve investor outcomes for the ultimate benefit of society.

## Products & Services

### [Global ESG Disclosure Standards for Investment Products](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/esg-standards)
*Product*
Standardizes ESG disclosures to improve clarity and reduce greenwashing in investment products.

- **Global ESG Disclosure Scope** — Establishes Global Standards
- **Official Handbook** — Access Official Handbook
- **Procedural Guidance** — Follow Clear Steps
- **Harmonized Disclosure** — Reduces Greenwashing
- **Supporting Guidance** — Receive Implementation Support
- **Flexible Application** — Accommodates Various ESG Approaches
- **Interpretive Guidance** — Gain Deeper Insights
- **Investor Guidance** — Enhances Investor Decision-Making

### [Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS Standards)](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/gips-standards)
*Product*
Enhances transparency in investment performance reporting through ethical standards.

- **Fair Representation and Disclosure** — Ensures Transparent Reporting
- **Global Adoption** — Widely Recognized
- **Support for Verification** — Enhances Credibility
- **Ongoing Updates** — Stays Relevant
- **Voluntary Ethical Standard** — Promotes Ethical Practices
- **Differentiates Asset Managers and Owners** — Tailored Standards

### [Asset Manager Code (AMC)](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/codes-and-standards/asset-manager-code)
*Product*
Supports ethical asset management for enhanced client trust and industry integrity.

- **Client Benefit** — Prioritize Client Interests
- **Independence and Objectivity** — Maintain Integrity
- **Professional and Ethical Conduct** — Uphold Standards
- **Client Communication** — Enhance Client Engagement
- **Regulatory Compliance** — Ensure Legal Adherence
- **Skill and Diligence** — Demonstrate Competence

### [Pension Trustee Code of Conduct](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/codes-and-standards/pension-trustee-code)
*Product*
Enhances ethical governance for pension plan trustees.

- **Pension Trustee Ethical Standards** — Promotes Ethical Conduct
- **Ten Fundamental Principles** — Defines Core Responsibilities
- **Voluntary Compliance Framework** — Adopts Flexible Guidelines

### [Endowment Code of Conduct](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/codes-and-standards/endowments)
*Product*
Establishes an ethical framework for managing endowments, enhancing stakeholder trust.

- **Endowment Governance Ethics** — Promotes Ethical Management
- **Adoption Guide** — Facilitates Compliance Process
- **Applicable Organizations** — Targets Multiple Entities
- **Regular Strategy Review** — Supports Continuous Improvement

### [Private Markets Certificates](https://www.cfainstitute.org/programs/private-markets)
*Service*
Enhance your expertise in private markets and advance your investment career with our self-paced certificates.

- **Career Advancement** — Enhances Career Opportunities
- **Focus on Private Markets** — Deepens Knowledge
- **Industry Relevance** — Targets Industry Needs
- **Self-Paced Certificate Program** — Flexible Learning
- **Practical Guidance** — Applies Real-World Knowledge

### [Private Credit: Market Structure, Fund Design, and Retail Access](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/research/reports/2026/private-credit-market-structure-fund-design-retail-access)
*Product*
Explore the structural evolution of private credit and its implications for investor access and portfolio strategies.

- **Evolution of Private Credit** — Understand Transition
- **Fund Design Implications** — Assess Structures
- **Ecosystem Framework** — Map Relationships
- **Retailization Analysis** — Expand Access
- **Structural Risks** — Identify Risks
- **Portfolio Framework** — Enhance Portfolio

### [Investment Data Alliance](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/investment-data-alliance)
*Platform*
Gain Access to Comprehensive Investment Data and Tools.

- **MSCI Index Data Access** — Review MSCI Index Performance
- **ESG Data Access** — Utilize ESG Insights
- **Calcbench Access** — Access Calcbench Premium Plan
- **Smartkarma Access** — Leverage Smartkarma Solutions
- **Vendor Data Integration** — Integrate Vendor Data

### [Valuation Handbook – International Guide to Cost of Capital: 2023 Summary Edition](https://sites/default/files/-/media/documents/article/rf-brief/2023-international-valuation-guide-to-cost-of-capital.pdf)
*Product*
Offers crucial international cost of capital data for informed investment decisions.

- **Cost of Capital Data** — Provides Essential Data
- **Global Scope** — Facilitates Cross-Border Investments
- **Practical Reference** — Acts as an Investment Guide

### [SBBI – Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation (SBBI) Summary Edition](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/research/foundation/2020/sbbi-2020-summary-edition)
*Product*
Access comprehensive long-term asset class return data for informed investment decisions.

- **Long-Term Asset Class Data** — Provides Historical Performance Data
- **Educational Reference** — Supports Investment Decisions
- **Comprehensive Analytical Insights** — Enhances Understanding of Market Dynamics

### [Research Foundation Publications](https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/research-foundation/publications)
*Product*
Provides insightful research to empower investment professionals.

- **Books** — Delivers In-Depth Analysis
- **Multimedia Content** — Enhances Learning Experience
- **Briefs** — Offers Concise Insights
- **Literature Reviews** — Facilitates Further Research

## Market Segments

- **Investment performance reporting** (market size $4.0B, CAGR 8%): Standards, benchmarks, and guidance for calculating, presenting, and independently verifying investment performance to ensure fair representation and transparency for investors and regulators.
- **ESG communications and disclosure readiness** (market size $8.1B, CAGR 16.5%): Support to prioritize reporting frameworks, align disclosures, improve ESG ratings and communicate responsible business performance to stakeholders and regulators.
- **Fiduciary conduct and governance** (market size $1.0B, CAGR 10%): Codes and voluntary frameworks defining fiduciary duties, ethical conduct, and governance practices for asset managers, endowments, pension trustees, and institutional stewards.
- **Private company research and investor education** (market size $20.0B, CAGR 12%): Capabilities that provide market insights, company research tools, and educational resources to help investors evaluate and navigate private-market opportunities.
- **Market data integrations and APIs** (market size $20.0B, CAGR 13.6%): Programmatic access and enterprise-grade data feeds and connectors that deliver firmographics, funding, revenue, and real-time market signals into data warehouses and business systems.