NEW MOTTO FOR CHARTERED INSTITUTE FOR SECURITIES & INVESTMENT

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has officially adopted the motto “My Word is My Bond” which will feature in its newly commissioned coat of arms.

The motto, which is the English translation of the London Stock Exchange's Latin motto ‘Dictum Meum Pactum' confirms the CISI's position as promoter of the highest standards of integrity and ethics within the securities and investment industry.

All CISI members are required to abide by its Code of Conduct and therefore observe the tenets associated with “My Word is My Bond”.

The CISI was formed in 1992 from the London Stock Exchange, as the Securities Institute, and received its Royal Charter in October 2009. The Board of CISI delegated the authority to approve the Coat of Arms and a final version has now been produced by the College of Arms (see below and attached).

Official approval is now underway through the Earl Marshall of England, an hereditary title currently held by Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk. When it is received, the Earl Marshall's warrant, which formally acknowledges the CISI's right to the coat of arms, will be displayed in the head office in London. It takes the form of the formal heraldic description and a representation of the arms, painted onto vellum with the seals of the Earl Marshall and Kings of Arms attached.

The expectation is that the arms will be featured on the CISI's formal invitations, regional president's regalia and appropriate marketing collateral.

In producing the CISI coat of arms the Institute has worked closely with the College of Arms and the Lancaster Herald, Mr Robert Noel to ensure that the final article best represents the history, development and forward looking nature of the CISI's work for its members.

For example, the two griffins which feature on the arms have a combined total of 23 points on their wings, as this represents the fact that the original resolution to form the Securities Institute was taken on the 23rd floor of the London Stock Exchange.

The mural crowns allude to the CISI's work abroad and represent cities, with the seven blocks on the crown representing the continents Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antartica.

The scroll suggests achievement and is intended to portray the CISI's examinations, while the ship represents the international aspects of CISI's work and the scales represent justice and through that integrity and ethical behaviour.

Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI, CEO of the CISI said: “Our adoption of the motto “My Word is My Bond” is a natural progression of our work for our members in the important area of integrity and ethics. It reflects our origins with the London Stock Exchange but demonstrates extra pertinence and relevance for our members working in the securities and investment industry, both in the UK and overseas, now and for the future.

“Our members and firms may find themselves regularly challenged in their business lives in terms of ethical dilemmas and the last year has been particularly difficult for the industry. Upholding standards of professionalism and competence is more important than ever and “My Word is My Bond” is as relevant now as it was when we were set up back in 1992.”