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1.12.3 Other pension schemes
Certain employees may be eligible to participate in other group pension schemes.
Further details are set out in your offer letter and details of who to contact for further
information are set out in your scheme booklet.
1.13 Standards of Conduct
Banking is a business based on the utmost integrity and mutual trust. In order to
maintain and safeguard the trust and confidence of our customers and the public, the
bank places paramount importance on the maintenance of certain standards of conduct.
The bank’s standards of conduct are principally made up of certain rules, regulations
and ethical principles. These are set out in sections 1-3 of the Handbook and it is
essential that you familiarise yourself with the content of the Handbook and observe the
bank’s standards of conduct. In addition other specific rules and regulations may apply
in your place of work and will be brought to your attention during your employment.
Due to the need for integrity and trust in our business and the rapidly developing nature
of the business, it is not possible to set out standards of conduct in every situation. You
should seek guidance from your line manager should you be in any doubt about the
correct action to take in any situation.
A failure to abide by the standards of conduct may lead to disciplinary action being
taken, including dismissal.
1.14 Confidentiality
You must from the date of the commencement of your employment and thereafter,
observe strict confidentiality in respect of any and all information held by the bank,
including dealings, transactions, procedures, policies, decisions, systems and other
matters of a confidential nature of and concerning the bank, the HSBC Group and allied
or associated companies of the bank or Group (all such subsidiary and other companies
being referred to as “the Companies”). Such confidentiality relates to any and all
transactions (including, but not limited to the state of any account and matters relating
to customers’ or clients’ business or personal affairs) of the bank or the Group and of
each of the Companies with their respective customers, clients, suppliers or associates,
except when required or authorised to disclose such information by the bank or by law.
You should be aware that any breaches of the above, including the unauthorised
browsing of accounts, is likely to lead to disciplinary action and may result in dismissal
for gross misconduct.
Disclosure of customers’ or clients’ business or personal affairs is not permitted
without the customers’ or clients’ authority. This is a requirement of bankers'
confidentiality, the Banking Code, and the data protection legislation as set out at
paragraph 3.10.2 below. Any contravention may lead to action under the disciplinary
procedures, as well as individual liability under data protection legislation.
If you are approached by any third party, in particular any media source, and asked to
make any comments or provide any information to such persons, under no
circumstances should you respond without having sought permission and guidance
from your line manager who, where appropriate and necessary, will seek permission
and guidance from Group Corporate Affairs. Guidelines on regulations and procedures
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