Which remedy to a conflict of interest is granted when the conflicting financial interest is not substantial and permission is provided by an authorized official?

• A. Waiver
• B. Certificate of Divestiture
• C. Blind Trust
• D. Misuse of Position

Answer: (A)

When a conflicting financial interest is not substantial and an authorized official approves, the remedy is a waiver. This formal permission acknowledges that the risk of bias is minimal, so the official can continue to participate in the matter while maintaining transparency. A waiver keeps the workflow intact and avoids more restrictive actions like divestiture, which would require selling the asset, or a blind trust, which would place assets out of the official’s control. It also signals that, since the conflict isn’t significant and there’s proper oversight, the duties can proceed with appropriate disclosure and safeguards. In short, a waiver is the appropriate path when the conflict is small and approved by the right authority.