Under which condition can ICAEW members disclose information to third parties?

ICAEW members are bound by strict confidentiality rules regarding the information they handle. The principle underlying these rules is that members should not disclose any information about their clients or employers unless they have proper and specific authority to do so. This authority might come from a formal agreement, legislation, or a consent agreement where the client has given explicit permission to share designated information.

This ensures that the trust inherent in the client-member relationship is maintained while also complying with legal and ethical standards. The notion of "proper and specific authority" ensures that any disclosure is done legally, respecting the context and boundaries set by the client or other governing bodies.

In contrast, other options do not align with established confidentiality practices. Disclosing information solely to benefit one's reputation circumvents ethical responsibility and the privacy of the concerned parties. Disclosure upon mere request from a fellow member, without consent, disregards confidentiality protocols. Additionally, a verbal agreement from the client may not provide sufficient evidence of authority, as formal documentation is usually preferred to uphold the integrity of the information shared.