Introduction
The Anti-Fraud Centre (AFC) is committed to conducting its business with integrity, honesty, and in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Upholding high ethical standards is essential to maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients, employees, partners, and stakeholders. This Code of Business Ethics outlines the principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of AFC's directors, officers, employees, and agents in carrying out their responsibilities and duties.
1. Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
AFC is dedicated to full compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to its operations in all jurisdictions where it conducts business. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must familiarize themselves with and adhere to these legal requirements, ensuring that their actions are lawful and ethical at all times.
2. Conflicts of Interest
Directors, officers, employees, and agents must avoid conflicts of interest between their personal, professional, and financial interests and those of AFC. Any actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly and resolved in a manner that prioritizes AFC's interests and preserves its integrity.
3. Insider Trading
Insider trading, the unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential or non-public information for personal gain or to benefit others, is strictly prohibited. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must refrain from engaging in insider trading activities and must comply with all insider trading laws and regulations.
4. Corporate Opportunities
Directors, officers, employees, and agents owe a duty to AFC to advance its interests. They must not take personal advantage of opportunities that rightfully belong to AFC or compete unfairly with AFC. Any business opportunities discovered in the course of employment with AFC must be promptly disclosed to AFC and pursued only with its explicit consent.
5. Competition and Fair Dealing
AFC is committed to fair competition and conducting its business ethically and transparently. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must avoid engaging in anti-competitive practices, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, and other forms of collusion. All business dealings must be conducted with honesty, integrity, and respect for fair competition principles.
6. Discrimination and Harassment
AFC is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must treat others with respect and dignity, valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all individuals are treated fairly and equitably.
7. Health and Safety
AFC prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of its employees, clients, and stakeholders. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must comply with all health and safety regulations and procedures, taking appropriate measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards in the workplace.
8. Record-Keeping
Accurate and reliable record-keeping is essential to AFC's transparency, accountability, and compliance efforts. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of all business transactions, financial activities, and other relevant information in accordance with AFC's policies and applicable legal requirements.
9. Confidentiality
Directors, officers, employees, and agents may have access to confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information about AFC, its clients, and its business partners. They must maintain the confidentiality of such information and refrain from disclosing or using it for unauthorized purposes, both during and after their tenure with AFC.
10. Data Protection and Privacy
AFC is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal and sensitive information entrusted to it by its clients, employees, and stakeholders. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must comply with all data protection and privacy laws and regulations, safeguarding confidential information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
11. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
Directors, officers, employees, and agents must use AFC's assets, resources, and facilities responsibly and for legitimate business purposes only. They must protect AFC's property from loss, damage, theft, or misuse and must not use AFC's assets for personal gain or unauthorized activities.
12. Payments to Government Personnel
AFC strictly prohibits bribery, corruption, and improper payments to government officials or public servants, whether directly or indirectly. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must comply with all anti-corruption laws and regulations and refrain from offering, soliciting, or accepting bribes or kickbacks in any form.
13. Waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Any waivers of this Code of Business Ethics for directors, officers, employees, or agents must be approved by AFC's Board of Directors or its designated committee. Waivers will be granted only in exceptional circumstances and must be disclosed promptly to AFC's stakeholders as required by law.
14. Reporting any Illegal or Unethical Behavior
Directors, officers, employees, and agents have a responsibility to report any suspected or actual illegal or unethical behavior, violations of this Code, or other misconduct to AFC's Compliance Officer, Human Resources, or through AFC's confidential reporting channels. Retaliation against individuals who make good-faith reports is strictly prohibited.
15. Compliance Procedures
AFC will establish and maintain effective compliance procedures, training programs, and internal controls to ensure awareness and adherence to this Code of Business Ethics. Directors, officers, employees, and agents must participate in ongoing compliance training and comply with AFC's compliance policies and procedures.
16. CODE OF ETHICS FOR CEO AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS
n addition to the foregoing principles, AFC's CEO and senior financial officers must adhere to a separate Code of Ethics governing their conduct, financial reporting responsibilities, and relationships with external auditors, as required by applicable laws and regulations.
This Code of Business Ethics reflects AFC's commitment to integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all aspects of its business operations. Directors, officers, employees, and agents are expected to uphold these principles and act with honesty, fairness, and integrity in all their dealings on behalf of AFC.
Approved by AFC's Board of Directors on Mar 22, 2024.