In accordance with high standards of professional ethics and business practices, we have adopted the Code of Ethics. Based on it, we regulate relationships with all stakeholders in business – clients, employees, suppliers, and the entire community.
If there is a breach of the Bank's Code of Ethics, please report the complaint to the following email address: complaint@zapadbanka.me
The Code of Ethics of Zapad Bank AD Podgorica (hereinafter referred to as the " Code of Ethics ") constitutes a set of standards, ethical norms, and professional behavior in conducting business that employees of Zapad Bank AD Podgorica (hereinafter referred to as "employees") are obliged to adhere to. The aim of the Code of Ethics is to enhance the behavior of employees in accordance with basic moral principles and standards of professional conduct, as well as to promote corporate values. Heads of departments, divisions, the Head of the Compliance Department, the Bank's Secretary, and the Management Board set an example of proper ethical behavior through their personal conduct.
APPLICATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
Employees shall perform their jobs consistently by applying ethical standards and rules of conduct.
An employee who is authorized to make decisions at Zapad Bank AD Podgorica (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank") when making decisions shall act within the given authority, guided primarily by the Bank's interests.
Usage of gender – sensitive language
Terms used in the Code of Ethics referring to individuals in the masculine gender include the same terms in the feminine gender.
Impartiality and political neutrality
Employees shall perform tasks impartially and politically neutrally. It is prohibited for an employee to wear and/or display symbols of political parties or bring propaganda materials into the Bank's official premises.
Employees may engage in political activities solely in their personal capacity.
Employees are prohibited from influencing the political orientation of other employees in the bank.
Personal and professional integrity
The Bank respects the right of employees to privacy. Personal information about employees is collected, processed, used, and stored only to the extent necessary to comply with legal and other regulations related to employment, work, and tax obligations.
Loyalty, professionalism, courtesy and responsibility
An employee is loyal to the Bank and performs tasks responsibly, honestly, and efficiently according to professional standards.
In relationships with clients, members of the Management and Supervisory Board, the secretary, and other employees, the employee is obliged to act fairly and with integrity, executing duties with appropriate skill, due diligence, and commitment.
Employees are aware of the responsibility for breaching work obligations and the possibility of legal proceedings and penalties.
Dedication to clients – service users
Employees perform tasks in a manner that, in accordance with the law, within established rules and procedures, ensures the realization of rights and obligations of service users - legal and natural persons (hereinafter: service users). If a service user is dissatisfied with the Bank's service, the employee informs them that they can file a complaint according to the Bank's procedure.
Interaction with service users
In the execution of tasks and in relation to service users, employees:
- act fairly, courteously, and politely, basing their attitude on objectivity, impartiality, and legality, - behave professionally and constructively, showing interest and patience, especially in dealing with inexperienced clients - provide timely, fair, and accurate data and information in accordance with the law and other regulations - adhere to the principle of equality, avoiding privileges based on political views, racial, national, ethnic, or social origin, or other personal characteristics and traits - respect the personality and dignity of service users.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
When an employee has a personal interest that affects or may affect the impartial and objective performance of tasks, a conflict of interest arises. This matter is regulated by the Conflict of Interest Management Policy.
PERFORMANCE OF OTHER DUTIES
Outside working hours, employees must not perform tasks that are inappropriate or could jeopardize the reputation and interests of the Bank. In cases where an employee is unable to assess this on their own, they need to seek advice in writing from their supervisor or the bank's board.
MAINTAINING PUBLIC TRUST
Employees should behave in a way that preserves and enhances public trust in the impartial and efficient work of the Bank.
Outside working hours, employees will refrain from behavior that could negatively impact the Bank's reputation.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Employees are obliged to provide accurate and complete information on matters for which they are authorized within the scope of their duties, unless disclosing the content of a document to which access is restricted by law.
In the course of their duties, employees will not request access to information that is not necessary for their job, and they will use available information in the prescribed manner.
BANKING SECRECY
Employees shall, in accordance with regulations, safeguard data, documentation, information, and facts constituting banking secrecy, which are accessible to them in the performance of their duties.
REPORTING UNETHICAL REQUESTS
Every employee shall report any violations of the rules and principles prescribed by this Code. An employee is required to report any violations of the Code of Ethics by other employees.
An employee who believes that they are being asked to act in a manner that is inappropriate, unethical, or otherwise inconsistent with the Code of Ethics, shall report such a request to the person responsible for compliance monitoring or the Bank's board of directors, and act in accordance with the law.
GIFTS AND OFFERS
An employee must not request payment for performing tasks for which payment is not prescribed.
Employees must not request or accept gifts, offered benefits, privileges, or provide any other advantage for themselves personally, their family, close relatives, friends, or other legal and natural persons with whom they have private, business, or political contacts and cooperation.
Employees must not offer or provide any privileges or gifts related to the tasks they perform unless authorized by law or other regulations.
PROTECTION OF ASSETS AND RESOURCES
Employees are responsible for effective and economical management and use of material and financial resources entrusted to them in the performance of their duties, as well as preventing their unlawful use.
Employees should take measures prescribed for the protection of entrusted work resources, equipment, and items and for eliminating the possibility of material damage to the Bank, in accordance with the Bank's internal regulations.
Relationship between Department Manager and Employee
The sector or department head, in relation to employees, should, in the performance of their duties: - act fairly and honestly, with due care and respect for the employee, - consider impartial advice, - provide protection against threats, attacks, and other actions that violate the integrity of the employee, - ensure the confidentiality of the employee, - dedicate themselves to professional education, skill improvement, advancement, work culture, and constant improvement of the social standard of employees, - ensure that the employee acts in accordance with the standards and rules of the Code of Ethics.
EMPLOYEE'S CONDUCT TOWARDS OTHER EMPLOYEES
In dealing with other employees in the performance of their duties, employees should: - provide necessary cooperation, - promote a working atmosphere and maintain proper relationships with their behavior, - not disrupt the workflow, - avoid actions that disturb other employees and have harmful consequences for the Bank's operations, - respect the personal and other characteristics of employees.
CONDUCT WITH FORMER EMPLOYEES
In providing services and access to information, employees must not provide privileged access to individuals whose employment has ceased at the Bank.
An employee whose employment has ceased at the Bank is prohibited from using official documentation and Bank data for a period of 5 years after the termination of employment at the Bank.
EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE THE BANK
Employees must not misuse their job duties for employment outside the Bank.
Employees must not allow outside employment to cause any potential or actual conflict of interest, and they are obligated to disclose to the board of directors or the supervisory board any job offer that could lead to a conflict of interest.
Employees must immediately communicate their acceptance of a job offer outside the Bank.
LIVING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The Bank is committed to actively and consistently protecting the living and working environment, aiming to preserve it for the needs of future generations.
Employees should be dedicated to improving conditions for work in a healthy living and working environment.
DECENT DRESS CODE AND CONDUCT
Employees are required to maintain the Bank's reputation through decent dress code and personal conduct.
VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
The head of the department or unit points out the employee's work deficiencies in order to take appropriate measures concerning actions that are not in compliance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics. Employees are disciplinary responsible for violating the standards and rules of the Code of Ethics, in accordance with the law.
FINAL PROVISIONS
The Code of Ethics comes into effect and applies on the day of adoption. On the day of application the Code of Ethics of December 26, 2022 shall cease to have effect.
