Which canon or principle is associated with placing the client’s interests before the agent’s own interests?

• A. Canon of Fidelity
• B. Canon of Diligence
• C. Canon of Loyalty
• D. Canon of Disclosure

Answer: (A)

Placing the client’s interests ahead of the agent’s is a core fiduciary duty. The canon that embodies this obligation is fidelity. Fidelity means being faithful to the client: acting loyally, avoiding conflicts of interest, and putting the client’s needs first in all decisions and actions. It also underpins duties like confidentiality, full disclosure of material facts, and avoiding undisclosed profits.

Other canons relate to related duties: diligence focuses on careful, prompt performance of duties; loyalty is about allegiance to the client but is encompassed within fidelity; disclosure concerns informing the client about known material facts. But the term that most directly captures the obligation to prioritize the client above the agent’s own interests is fidelity.