Anti-bribery Statement
Last Updated: 03 December, 2024
At Fintax, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviour in every aspect of our business activities. This Anti-bribery Statement reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal requirements.
This Statement’s goals are twofold: first, to declare our strong opposition to bribery and corruption, and second, to guide our employees, partners, and stakeholders in upholding ethical standards and complying with legal obligations related to preventing bribery and corruption.
We understand that bribery and corruption undermine fair competition, erode trust in institutions, and harm society. Therefore, Fintax is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, honesty, and accountability in all our business interactions.
By communicating this Statement and reinforcing our anti-bribery position, we aim to create a work environment where ethical behaviour is highly valued and consistently practised. We believe that a unified commitment to fighting bribery and corruption can help build a fairer and more just society.
Zero Tolerance Commitment
Fintax upholds a strict zero-tolerance Statement towards bribery and corruption. We categorically reject all bribery, extortion, influence peddling, and other corrupt practices.
Bribery and corruption will not be tolerated within our organisation. We expect all employees, partners, contractors, and affiliates to maintain the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all business interactions, both within and outside the organisation.
Any individual found participating in or facilitating bribery or corrupt activities, whether directly or indirectly, will face immediate and severe disciplinary action, including termination of employment or business relationships. We adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations.
At Fintax, we view the fight against bribery and corruption as a shared responsibility. We encourage all stakeholders to report any suspected bribery or corruption promptly. We are committed to thoroughly investigating all reported incidents and taking appropriate actions to address breaches of our Anti-bribery Statement.
Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption reinforces our commitment to conducting business with the utmost ethics, responsibility, and integrity.
Prohibited Conduct
In line with our zero-tolerance Statement, Fintax strictly forbids the following actions:
- Offering, Soliciting, Accepting, or Providing Bribes: We prohibit bribery, kickbacks, or improper payments made directly or indirectly to any individual, organisation, or entity in exchange for favourable treatment or to influence business decisions.
- Facilitation Payments: Payments made to expedite or secure routine actions or services to which the payer is legally entitled are considered unethical and are strictly prohibited.
- Reciprocal Agreements: We do not permit reciprocal arrangements or quid pro quo deals that involve exchanging favours, benefits, or concessions with the expectation of receiving something in return. All business dealings must be conducted based on legitimate and transparent considerations, and any attempt to gain unfair advantages through reciprocal arrangements is forbidden.
- Falsification of Records: We prohibit the concealment or alteration of records, accounts, or documentation to mask bribery or corrupt activities. All financial transactions and records must accurately reflect the nature of business dealings and comply with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
- Other Contradictory Actions: Any actions or behaviours that conflict with our anti-bribery and corruption Statement or violate applicable bribery and corruption laws are prohibited.
These prohibitions apply to all Fintax employees, partners, contractors, agents, and representatives, regardless of their role or position within the organisation. Any breach of these standards will be subject to stringent review and action.
Guidelines for Compliance
To uphold our commitment to anti-bribery laws and regulations, Fintax provides the following guidance for employees and stakeholders:
- Understand Relevant Legislation: Familiarise yourself with the anti-bribery laws and regulations that apply to your role and the regions where you conduct business. Keep informed about any changes or updates to these laws to remain compliant.
- Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Before engaging with third parties, partners, or clients, perform comprehensive due diligence to evaluate their reputation, integrity, and adherence to anti-bribery standards. Be vigilant for warning signs or unusual activities suggesting potential bribery or corruption.
- Follow Company Policies and Procedures: Be well-acquainted with Fintax’s anti-bribery and corruption Statement and related policies and procedures. Ensure that your actions align with the principles and guidelines outlined in these documents.
- Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Steer clear of activities that might lead to conflicts of interest or compromise your objectivity and integrity. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to your supervisor or the relevant authority for appropriate review and resolution.
- Maintain Transparent and Accurate Records: Keep accurate and transparent records of all business transactions, interactions, and financial activities. Refrain from falsifying or manipulating records to hide unethical behaviour or corrupt practices.
- Report Suspected Violations: If you become aware of any suspected violations of anti-bribery laws or company policies, report them promptly through the established reporting channels. You can raise concerns with your supervisor or the compliance department or use the anonymous reporting hotline or online portal Fintax provides.
- Non-Retaliation Assurance: Fintax has a strict non-retaliation Statement, protecting individuals who report suspected violations in good faith. Employees and stakeholders are encouraged to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
By following these guidelines and actively fostering a culture of integrity and compliance, we can collectively combat bribery and corruption and uphold Fintax’s ethical standards.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Fintax takes breaches of its Anti-bribery Statement very seriously and will enforce stringent consequences for any individuals or entities found violating it. Non-compliance may result in:
- Disciplinary Measures: Individuals who violate the Anti-bribery Statement may face disciplinary actions, including formal warnings, suspension, demotion, or other corrective actions, based on the severity of the breach and the individual’s compliance history.
- Termination of Employment or Contracts: Severe breaches of the Anti-bribery Statement may lead to the termination of employment for employees or the cancellation of contracts for external parties, consultants, or contractors. Fintax reserves the right to terminate agreements immediately in cases of significant misconduct or repeated violations.
- Legal Proceedings: In addition to internal disciplinary actions, Fintax may pursue legal action against those involved in bribery or corruption. This could include civil lawsuits, criminal prosecution, or other legal remedies available under relevant laws and regulations.
- Financial Penalties: Individuals or entities guilty of bribery or corruption may face financial penalties, fines, or restitution orders imposed by regulatory authorities or courts.
Fintax remains committed to a zero-tolerance stance on bribery and corruption and will take appropriate actions to address any breaches in line with applicable laws, regulations, and internal procedures.
Key Risk Areas
Identifying and managing key risk areas for bribery and corruption within Fintax is crucial for maintaining our commitment to integrity and compliance. Key risk areas to monitor include:
- Excessive Gifts and Entertainment: Be cautious of excessive or lavish gifts, entertainment, or hospitality that could be perceived as attempts to influence business decisions or gain unfair advantages.
- Influence on Decision-Making: Scrutinise situations where there is potential for bribery or corruption to impact decision-making processes, particularly in procurement, contracting, and regulatory approvals.
- Third-Party Relationships: Evaluate the risk associated with third-party relationships, including suppliers, agents, and consultants, to ensure they adhere to anti-bribery standards.
- Cross-Border Transactions: Pay special attention to transactions involving international partners or regions with varying anti-bribery regulations and enforcement levels.
- High-Risk Industries: Be vigilant in industries or sectors more susceptible to bribery and corruption, such as those involving significant regulatory oversight or competitive pressures.
By actively managing these risk areas, Fintax aims to prevent bribery and corruption and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Conclusion
In summary, Fintax is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards and resolutely addressing bribery and corruption. Our zero-tolerance Statement highlights our firm stance against unethical practices and reflects our commitment to integrity, transparency, and equitable business practices.
We encourage all employees and stakeholders to adopt these principles wholeheartedly and actively foster a culture of compliance and accountability within the organisation. Everyone must follow the Anti-bribery Statement, report any suspected violations promptly, and work together to build an environment of trust and integrity.
By collaborating and staying vigilant, we can protect Fintax’s reputation and core values, fostering a business environment characterised by honesty, fairness, and ethical behaviour. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring our organisation’s ongoing success and sustainability.
Contact Us
For any inquiries regarding this Anti-bribery Statement, please reach out to us: