Ethics Policy
As member of the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Tokyo Branch (RBSJ) – whose role is to support the capital market, where fundraising and fund management in the nation's economy take place – we are well aware that we bear heavy responsibility as intermediaries in the capital market. In compliance with the spirit of "The Principles in the Financial Services Industry" issued by the Financial Services Agency, we devote ourselves to self-edification in order to maintain sound common sense and a sense of ethics, be trusted by the general public, and respond to its requirements as professionals.
We respect each other as good citizens and reject and prevent any discriminatory remarks or harassment regarding nationality, race, gender, age, creed, religion, social status, or physical disability.
We hereby establish the following code of ethics as a basic guideline for RBSJ officers and employees in the performance of their duties and declare out commitment to it.
We fully understand and strictly observe all rules related to financial instrument transactions, including legislation and regulations aimed at protecting investors and ensuring the fairness of transactions. In accordance with social norms, we maintain and follow social common sense and a sense of ethics that cover developments not foreseen in legislation, regulations, etc.
We must properly manage conflicts of interest that arise in business operations. Furthermore, we will not attempt to make an unjust profit by using information obtained through the use of our status, power, or business.
We pay the utmost attention to the handling of information obtained in the course of our work and protect its secrecy unless otherwise required under the rules of disclosure or by legislation.
As good corporate citizens, we actively take part in various social activities and contribute to the stabilization and maintenance of social order. We tale a resolute stand against disruptive elements, groups, etc., that engage in antisocial activities and will never enter into a business transaction with them.
We understand the investment knowledge and experience of out customers, their assets, and their purpose of investment, and with these in mind we always act in their best interest.
As intermediaries, we always attach importance to customer needs and interest and work sincerely and fairly.
We do not favor any particular customer by using our power or position at our company or information that may lead to comparative advantage. We strive to uphold the principle of self-accountability by soliciting investment in a proper way and ensuring that customers understand the rule that holds them responsible for their investment decisions.
In cases where we are under contract to assume the responsibility of a fiduciary, we will always act sincerely in the customer's interest.
When we give investment advice to customers, we do so by clearly distinguishing fact from opinion without bias and making use of our professional ability.
We do not provide advice based on information that has not been announced publicly, such as inside information. Doing so may affect the investment's value according to related legislation or regulation.
In cases where certain actions are not governed by legislation or rules, we determine whether such actions are right or wrong in light of our code of ethics if they are questionable from the viewpoint of social common sense or our role as intermediaries.
We appropriately manage information that has not been announced publicly, such as inside information. Failure to do so may affect the investment's value according to related legislation or regulations.
We fully understand the fairness and soundness of the capital market and will never engage in any action or activity that may hinder its sound development. We act with the awareness of our social mission through our efforts to maintain the soundness of the capital market.
We will never engage in any action or activity that may discredit RBSJ members in the eyes of the general public or damage the soundness of the capital market, such as failing to properly disclose information or distorting a fair price formation.
