Under the Duties to Employers standard, when may a member accept compensation that competes with their employer's interest?

• A. It is allowed without any consent.
• B. With written consent from the employer only.
• C. Only if the compensation is negligible.
• D. With written consent from all parties involved.

Answer: (D)

When a member contemplates accepting compensation that could compete with their employer’s interests, the obligation is to protect loyalty and avoid conflicts of interest. The outside compensation can be accepted only if there is written consent from all parties who could be affected by the arrangement. This ensures that the employer’s interests aren’t undermined and that any potential conflict is disclosed and managed with the involved parties’ awareness and agreement.

For example, if a member is offered outside pay from a firm that competes with their employer, they should obtain written permission not just from the employer but also from the clients or other stakeholders who would be affected before accepting the compensation. Without such consent, the arrangement would breach the duties to the employer.