This Briefing reviews the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC or 'the Code'), a multi-stakeholder initiative convened by the Swiss government that aims to clarify international standards for the private security industry, especially when it operates in complex environments, and improve security companies' oversight and accountability. The Code was opened for signature on 10 November 2010. As of September 2013, 708 companies had become signatories.