A licensee is required to maintain confidentiality of all personal and/or financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship

The requirement for a licensee to maintain confidentiality of all personal and/or financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship is governed by the principles of agency law and fiduciary responsibility. The correct option focuses on the necessity of obtaining written consent from the client in order to release any confidential information.

Under Virginia Real Estate License Law, a licensee must protect the confidentiality of their client's information, which is critical for building trust in the client-agent relationship. This confidentiality applies to all information disclosed by the client unless the client consents to its release. Written consent is particularly important because it creates a clear and verifiable record of the client’s authorization, ensuring that there is less risk for misunderstandings or potential disputes regarding the sharing of that information.

Other options may imply that verbal consent or the lack of an exception could suffice for releasing confidential information, but such approaches do not adhere to the legal standards and best practices of maintaining client confidentiality in real estate transactions. Written consent ensures that both parties are clear on what information may be disclosed and under what circumstances, reinforcing the licensee's adherence to fiduciary duty and ethical guidelines.