Ethical and Compliance Policy
Last Updated: 01.01.2026
The International Autograph Authentication Board (“IAAB”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical, professional, and compliance standards in the authentication, handwriting examination, and forensic document analysis industry.
This Ethical and Compliance Policy outlines IAAB’s principles, responsibilities, and operational safeguards designed to protect clients, experts, institutions, and the integrity of authentication services.
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1. PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY
IAAB operates according to the following fundamental principles:
• Independence of expert judgment
• Methodology-based analysis
• Transparency in service limitations
• Confidential handling of client information
• Compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks
• Prevention of fraud and illicit activity
• Preservation of professional and scientific credibility
IAAB requires all affiliated experts to adhere to recognized professional standards within the field of handwriting and forensic document examination.
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2. EXPERT INDEPENDENCE AND OBJECTIVITY
All IAAB experts operate as independent professionals and are required to maintain full analytical independence.
Experts must:
• Conduct examinations without external influence
• Base conclusions solely on professional methodology and evidence
• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Disclose any professional or personal relationship that could compromise impartiality
IAAB does not permit clients, dealers, auction houses, collectors, or institutions to influence authentication outcomes.
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3. PROVENANCE AND LAWFUL OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Clients submitting materials represent and warrant that:
• They are the lawful owner or authorized representative of submitted materials
• Materials have not been obtained through theft, fraud, illegal trade, or unlawful acquisition
• Submitted materials are not subject to active legal disputes, unless disclosed in advance
IAAB reserves the right to request supporting documentation regarding ownership, provenance, or chain of possession.
IAAB may refuse or suspend services if ownership legitimacy cannot be reasonably established.
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4. STOLEN PROPERTY AND ILLICIT MATERIALS POLICY
IAAB strictly prohibits authentication services for materials reasonably suspected to be:
• Stolen property
• Illegally trafficked cultural property
• Counterfeit or fraudulent materials submitted with intent to deceive
• Materials associated with criminal investigations or unlawful activities
Where legally required or ethically justified, IAAB reserves the right to:
• Refuse services
• Retain relevant documentation
• Cooperate with law enforcement authorities
• Report suspicious activities in compliance with applicable laws
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5. ANTI-FRAUD AND MISREPRESENTATION PREVENTION
IAAB actively implements safeguards to detect and prevent fraudulent or misleading submissions.
Clients agree not to:
• Submit altered or manipulated materials intended to influence examination outcomes
• Provide false information regarding provenance or ownership
• Use IAAB reports or certificates for deceptive commercial practices
IAAB reserves the right to revoke verification or refuse future services where fraudulent behavior is identified.
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6. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
While IAAB does not operate as a financial institution, IAAB maintains reasonable safeguards to prevent services from being used to facilitate money laundering, illicit trade, or financial crime.
IAAB reserves the right to:
• Refuse services involving suspicious high-value items
• Request additional documentation where provenance or legitimacy concerns arise
• Suspend services pending compliance verification
• Cooperate with regulatory or law enforcement authorities when legally required
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7. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND METHODOLOGY COMPLIANCE
IAAB requires that all examinations be conducted according to recognized professional handwriting and forensic document examination methodologies.
Experts must:
• Apply recognized analytical frameworks
• Maintain documentation supporting conclusions
• Use appropriate comparative reference materials
• Maintain professional recordkeeping standards
IAAB promotes continuous education and methodological awareness among affiliated experts.
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8. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC AND ANALYTICAL CERTAINTY
Handwriting and document examination involve professional interpretation and analytical evaluation rather than absolute scientific certainty.
IAAB acknowledges that:
• Analytical techniques evolve over time
• New technologies may influence future interpretations
• Reasonable professional disagreement between experts may occur
IAAB and its experts provide professional opinions based on available evidence at the time of examination.
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9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND ETHICAL DATA HANDLING
IAAB and affiliated experts must maintain strict confidentiality regarding:
• Client identity
• Submitted materials
• Examination results
• Communication records
Information may only be disclosed when required by law, regulatory obligations, or authorized client consent.
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10 RESPONSIBLE CERTIFICATION PRACTICES
IAAB issues Certificates of Authenticity and professional reports only when supported by expert analysis.
Certificates include traceability elements such as:
• Unique serial numbers
• Security holograms
• Expert signature verification
IAAB prohibits unauthorized alteration, duplication, or misuse of certification documents.
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11. COOPERATION WITH INSTITUTIONS AND AUTHORITIES
IAAB may cooperate with:
• Law enforcement agencies
• Regulatory authorities
• Cultural property protection organizations
• Courts and judicial institutions
Such cooperation occurs only in compliance with applicable legal obligations or formal requests.
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12. ETHICAL CLIENT CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
Clients using IAAB services agree to:
• Submit materials in good faith
• Provide accurate and truthful information
• Use authentication results responsibly
• Avoid misuse of IAAB reports or certificates
IAAB reserves the right to terminate services or restrict access where unethical client conduct is identified.
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13. COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND POLICY UPDATES
IAAB periodically reviews and updates its ethical and compliance procedures to reflect evolving industry standards, legal frameworks, and professional best practices.
IAAB reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Updated versions become effective upon publication on the IAAB website.
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14. CONTACT INFORMATION
International Autograph Authentication Board (IAAB)
Email: authentication@iaaboard.com