Conflict-of-interest check
Before accepting a mandate you must check whether the firm has acted or is acting for the opposing party; professional rules require the check, and it is only possible if every participant in every mandate is kept searchable.
Definition
The conflict arises not only from a current representation but also from closed mandates and from related persons — group companies, family members, former officers. The check is therefore a search across the whole archive, not a glance at the list of active mandates.
A breach is not a formality: it leads to withdrawal from the mandate, possibly to disciplinary consequences, and damages trust on both sides. That is why the check is documented and not merely performed.
Where to read it
What the software must be able to do
What is needed: search across all participants in all mandates, closed ones included, with roles — client, opposing party, witness — and a documented check when the mandate is opened. An address book without roles and without an archive cannot do this.
Checked Aug 2026
More terms under Mandates and professional duties: Deadline control Fiduciary / trustee Multi-client capability