Market Turnover
-






-
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
-
-

Anti-Corruption & Whistleblowing Policies

Anti-corruption policies and procedures are important to maintaining high ethical standards and effective corporate governance. Together with a transparent whistleblowing policy, they form an integral part of creating a healthy corporate culture.

An effective anti-corruption policy supports the issuer’s compliance with local and overseas anti-corruption laws and regulations, and promotes an anti-corruption culture within the issuer.

An effective whistleblowing policy enables concerns to be voiced in confidence and anonymity for proper inquiries to be made. This helps the issuer in detecting misconduct or fraud and assists in creating a healthy corporate culture.

Scope of Policies
Effective anti-corruption and whistleblowing policies should define:

Who is covered by the policy, i.e. employees at all levels, external parties doing business with the issuer and those acting in an agency or fiduciary capacity on behalf of the issuer (e.g. agents, consultants and contractors).

What type of conduct is covered under the policy, including definitions of relevant aspects, i.e. what constitutes an advance, entertainment, gift, etc.

Who is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the policy, i.e. which committee / department / staff member.

How to report, i.e. which reporting channels are available to report possible misconduct in confidence.

Guidance on Proper Policies
For guidance on how to prepare an appropriate anti-corruption and whistleblowing policy, issuers can consider guidance issued by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) including the “Anti-Corruption Programme – A Guide for Listed Companies” or the ICAC’s free, tailor-made and confidential corruption prevention advisory service (https://cpas.icac.hk).

Our Guidance Materials
The Exchange has developed guidance materials on anti-corruption and whistleblowing policies and procedures. Several external resources, including from the ICAC, provide additional guidance on these subjects.

Publication and Training
External Resources