A code of ethics is a document drawn up within an organisation to describe for that organisation what sort of ethical behaviour is required of members of that organisation. Such a code usually set out the values of the organisation, a dedication to a set of standards, and communicates a set of ideals. In practice it is often used interchangeably with Code of Conduct. There is an explicit or implicit consequence to lack of compliance with the organisation’s code.

The US Sarbanes-Oxley Act defines “code of ethics” as such standards as are reasonably necessary to promote–
(1) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required to be filed by the issuer; and
(3) compliance with applicable governmental rules and regulations.