Ethics and Conduct Standards

NYSTRS strives to model strong ethical values within the pension industry. Our Board and staff take their fiduciary responsibility seriously and are committed to the highest standards of conduct.

To this end, the System has in place several manuals and policies designed to ensure our values-based foundation remains strong, including the Internal Asset Management Code of Professional Conduct, which is found in the Investment Policy Manual. Our belief is the existence of, and adherence to, such policies further strengthens public confidence in NYSTRS.

In addition to the above, these manuals and policies include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Board Governance Manual
• Investment Policy Manual
• Ban on Placement Agent Contacts
• NYSTRS Code of Ethics
• Policy Governing Receipt of Gifts

The System also serves as an ethical watchdog for both internal and external stakeholders. The Internal Audit department, for example, has among its job duties to identify and rectify cases of fraud. As such, employees, employers and the general public are encouraged to report suspected fraud or misuse of System assets. Several reporting avenues exist; learn more about reporting fraud.

Tangentially, NYSTRS' Risk Management department provides a coordinated framework for identifying, mitigating and reporting risks that could impede the System from meeting its strategic objectives.