What key principle does COBS 11 address?

COBS 11 specifically focuses on preventing inappropriate personal account dealing. This is essential because it aims to ensure that individuals within a financial institution or a regulated firm do not engage in trading activities that could create a conflict of interest or lead to potential breaches of regulatory obligations. The principle emphasizes the integrity of the market and aims to protect client interests by regulating how employees can deal in their own accounts, thereby minimizing the risk of insider trading or other unfair practices. Adhering to this principle helps maintain fairness and transparency within the financial markets, thereby upholding the trust between clients and firms.

The other options do not directly relate to the core focus of COBS 11. For example, maximizing profits through aggressive trading might suggest a focus on performance rather than ethical conduct. Facilitating unrestricted broker access does not align with the regulations governing good practice and market integrity. Encouraging confidential trader-client relationships, while important in finance, is not the primary concern of COBS 11 as it pertains more to the ethical implications of personal account trading.