The Personal Finance Society and parent body, the Chartered Insurance Institute, have warned that they will take action if necessary after a number of "upsetting" incidents of online harassment.

The bodies warned members today in an online message sent via Twitter/X that it was unacceptable for members to harass other members or staff or board members.

The bodies said there had been a number recent incidents of online harassment.

They said the incidents had caused “upset” to other individuals and had the potential to damage public trust in the organisations and the profession.

Both bodies warned members that if any breaches of the Code of Ethics were upheld, “appropriate action” will be taken which could mean members losing their membership and losing the right to use membership designations.

The PFS and CII award a number of designations, including Chartered Financial Planner.

Neither of the bodies has detailed the alleged incident/s of online harassment but it is believed to be particularly related to online abuse of one individual.

‘The Full Statement from the CII and PFS about online harassment:

Whilst we encourage members to provide us with honest opinions and feedback, we feel it important to remind all members of the Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute that they have a responsibility to conduct themselves in ways that enhance the reputation of our professions.

While there will always be matters on which individuals may disagree, the online harassment of other members, board representatives or employees of the PFS and CII will not be tolerated.

It is with much regret that we have observed several incidents in recent weeks that have cause upset to individuals, and have the potential to have caused an erosion in public trust in our professions.

We remind that all member that they are bound by the CII Code of Ethics and any professional behaviour (including online) will likely be referred for consideration under the CII’s disciplinary process.

Should any breaches be found, appropriate action will be taken which may include withdrawing membership and permission to use our membership designations.

We would like to thank those members who have called out inappropriate online behaviours and we urge all our members to work together to build and retain trust in the insurance, financial planning and mortgage advice professions.’

The PFS has declined to comment further on the issue.