单选题 Which of the following statements is a key characteristic of Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) ?

A. GIPS require managers to include all actual fee - paying and non - fee - paying discretionary portfolios in composites defined according to similar strategy and/or investment objective.
B. GIPS require firms to show GIPS - compliant history for a minimum of ten years, or since inception of the firm or composite if in existence less than ten years.
C. GIPS exist as a minimum worldwide standard where local or country - specific law, regulation, or industry standards may not exist for investment performance measurement and/or presentation.

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】The GIPS standards : (1) do not require managers to include non - fee - paying accounts in composites, (2) require five years of GIPS compliant history, and (3) require compliance with local laws when they conflict with GIPS and disclosure of the conflict.