The IAPDA Code of Ethics

Preamble and Applicability

This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been adopted by IAPDA to provide principles and rules to all persons whom it has recognized and certified to use the "CDS", "Certified Debt Specialist" and "CCCS" "Certified Credit Counseling Specialist" designations. These designations are owned by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators ("IAPDA"), and IAPDA is the sole organization authorized to award them. IAPDA determines who is recognized and certified to use these designations. Implicit in IAPDA's acceptance of this authorization is an obligation not only to ensure compliance with the mandates and requirements of all applicable laws and regulations, but also to require its CDS and CCCS designated professionals to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner becoming of the debt settlement profession.

For purposes of this Code, a person recognized and certified by IAPDA to use the designations is called a CDS and CCCS professional. This Code applies to CDS and CCCS professionals actively involved in the practice of debt relief. In addition, some principles, specifically Principle 1 and Principle 6, also apply more generally to the activities of CDS and CCCS professionals even when acting outside the scope of their capacity as debt relief practitioners.

Composition and Scope

The Code consists of two parts: Part 1 - Principles and Part II - Rules. The Principles are statements expressing in general terms the ethical and professional ideals of CDS and CCCS professionals, ideals they should strive to display in their professional activities. As such the Principles are intended to be a source of guidance for CDS and CCCS professionals. The comments following each Principle further explain the meaning of the Principle. The Rules provide practical guidelines derived from the tenets embodied in the Principles. As such, the Rules set forth the standards of ethical and professional conduct expected to be followed in particular situations. This Code does not undertake to define standards of professional conduct of CDS and CCCS professionals for purposes of civil liability.

The Code is structured so that the presentation of the Rules parallels the presentation of the Principles. For example, the Rules which relate to Principle 1 (Integrity) are numbered in the 100 to 199 series while those Rules relating to Principle 2 (Objectivity) are numbered in the 200 to 299 series.

Compliance

The IAPDA requires adherence to this Code by all those it recognizes and certifies to use its designations. Compliance with the Code, individually and by the profession as a whole, depends on each CDS and CCCS professional's knowledge of and adherence to the Principles and applicable Rules, the influence of fellow professionals and public opinion, and disciplinary proceedings, when necessary, involving CDS and CCCS professionals who fail to comply with the applicable provisions of the Code.

Part I - Principles
Introduction
These Principles of the Code recognize the individual CDS and CCCS professional's responsibilities to the public, clients, colleagues, employers and to the profession. They apply to all CDS and CCCS professionals in all aspects of their work, and provide specific guidance to them in the performance of debt settlement.