Answer:
D) is not acceptable because such a guarantee would cause a conflict of interest pertaining to the IA's fiduciary duty to each client
Explanation:
The members of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) must follow their Model Rule which prohibits investment adviser firms from guaranteeing investment results, in other words they cannot guarantee a minimum profit.
In this case the employee suggested that if their clients didn't earn a minimum 12% profit, then they would refund any fees collected. But the IA firm is not allowed to guarantee the 12% value increase or profit.