This Code of Conduct defines the standards of conduct that AGE Global Trading expects from all of its employees in the performance of their duties for AGE Global Trading.
Values & Expectations
AGE Global Trading is committed to conducting its business with integrity and in accordance with sound and sustainable business practices, while creating and maintaining relationships of trust with its employees, commercial partners, shareholders and government authorities. Our conduct impacts our reputation, public confidence in our business and our financial strength.
All persons acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading are to perform their activities in an ethical way in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and with the standards set out in this Code of Conduct as well as its current and future policies, guidelines and procedures.
In matters not covered by this Code of Conduct or other policies, guidelines and procedures, AGE Global Trading employees, as well as consultants, contractors and all other persons acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading, must always strive to exercise good judgment, care and consideration.
Reference in this Code of Conduct to AGE Global Trading should be understood as AGE Global Trading DRC SARL, and its direct or indirect, wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries.
Scope & Responsibility
The Code of Conduct applies to all employees – including temporary personnel – of AGE Global Trading throughout the world, as well as consultants, contractors and all other persons acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading.
Each employee shall receive a copy of this Code of Conduct and shall review it carefully. It is the duty of each employee to have a clear knowledge and understanding of his or her obligations under this Code of Conduct, taking into account the nature of his or her involvement in the business of AGE Global Trading, and to ask for help when in doubt. It is the duty of AGE Global Trading management to promote and monitor compliance with the Code.
Violation of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and may lead to internal disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal. Each case shall be approached objectively with full recognition of the circumstances.
Business Integrity & Non-Retaliation Policy
AGE Global Trading actively encourages and expects responsible conduct, integrity and sound business practices.
AGE Global Trading’s reputation for integrity depends upon the actions of its employees and all other persons acting on AGE Global Trading’s behalf. If you believe that you or others such as an employee, manager, client, supplier or other third party may have, while acting with or for AGE Global Trading, violated the law or an AGE Global Trading policy (including, but not limited to, this AGE Global Trading Code of Conduct) or otherwise engaged in misconduct, you must notify your manager, the Legal Department or Human Resources promptly.
If you are in a managerial position, you have an additional responsibility to take appropriate steps to stop any misconduct that you are aware of and to prevent its recurrence.
If you believe your concern has not been appropriately handled or investigated or you believe your concern will be more effectively handled through other channels or would prefer to report your concern anonymously, you may submit an Integrity Report.
Concerns reported will be treated as confidentially as reasonably practicable. AGE Global Trading will not retaliate against any employee for reporting, in good faith, any integrity concerns or any suspected breach of the law, this Code or the Company’s policies. AGE Global Trading prohibits retaliation against any person who participates in an investigation of suspected misconduct.
Personal Conduct
Each AGE Global Trading employee is expected to conduct business and generally behave, honestly, responsibly and respectfully towards business associates, colleagues, and others. This includes being sensitive to and respecting foreign cultures and customs.
AGE Global Trading does not accept any form of harassment, discrimination or other similar behavior.
Equal Opportunities
AGE Global Trading is committed to an inclusive work culture and appreciates and recognizes that all people are unique and valuable and should be respected for their individual abilities. AGE Global Trading does not accept any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, age or political opinion, or any other category or characteristic protected by law.
AGE Global Trading shall provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees fairly. AGE Global Trading employees and business units shall only use merit, qualifications or other professional criteria as a basis for employee-related decisions in AGE Global Trading, regarding for instance recruitment, training, compensation and promotion. They shall also show commitment to developing programs and actions to encourage a diverse organization based on the principle of equal opportunity.
AGE Global Trading does not prohibit family members of existing employees from being engaged or hired, unless prohibited by law and provided that they are evaluated objectively on the same basis as all other candidates.
Fair Trade with Competitors
AGE Global Trading aims to outperform its competitors fairly and honestly. AGE Global Trading will not disseminate misinformation which could denigrate the image of any of our competitors.
AGE Global Trading will not attempt to acquire information from competitors through dishonorable or illegal means, such as industrial espionage, breaching confidentiality agreements, or using customers or past or present employees as conduits.
Fair Trade with Customers & Suppliers
Relationships between AGE Global Trading and its partners are founded on the principles of fairness, loyalty and mutual respect. AGE Global Trading shall strive to assure that all business is performed according to these principles.
AGE Global Trading shall not misrepresent material facts in order to gain advantage in business.
AGE Global Trading shall not discriminate among customers or suppliers for reasons that are not purely commercial or professional. All providers offering the same services shall be fairly considered.
Conflict of Interest
As part of your employment or other association with AGE Global Trading, you have a duty of loyalty to AGE Global Trading.
A conflict of interest exists when a person’s personal interest or position in a transaction or situation interferes or has the potential to interfere in any way with the interests of AGE Global Trading.
Specific situations and examples where conflicts of interest can arise include (i) outside activities (including trading activities) and employment, (ii) improper financial interests such as owning a direct or indirect interest in a customer or supplier while in a position to direct AGE Global Trading business towards it, (iii) doing business with friends or family, and (iv) bribes and kickbacks, including receiving fees, commissions, discounts, gifts, entertainment, favors or services. Conflicts of interest may present themselves indirectly when an employee’s family members or friends do any of these.
The exchange of gifts and entertainment is an area where conflicts of interest may arise. Transparency and best judgment must be exercised to avoid undue influence or creating the appearance of impropriety or wrongdoing. AGE Global Trading employees shall not seek to obtain advantages for themselves or related persons that are improper or in any other way jeopardize AGE Global Trading’s interests.
Transparency, achieved by disclosure, is critical in a conflict of interest situation. AGE Global Trading employees, representatives and third parties acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading must promptly disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest with, in the first instance, their supervisor. If disclosing to a supervisor is not practical or effective in the circumstances, then disclosure shall be made to Human Resources or the Legal Department. Upon disclosure, the actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest can be addressed in an appropriate manner and any associated risks mitigated.
If you learn of an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, you must disclose or report the situation promptly. You are protected from retaliation in accordance with AGE Global Trading’s Business Integrity & Non-Retaliation Policy as per above.
Family Members Working in the Industry
AGE Global Trading employees may find themselves in a situation where someone with whom they have a familiar or close personal relationship is working for a competitor, a supplier or customer. Such situations require prompt disclosure and heightened sensitivity to concerns about security, confidentiality and conflicts of interest.
There are several factors to consider in assessing such a situation, including the relationship between AGE Global Trading and the other company; the nature of your responsibilities at AGE Global Trading and those of the other person; and the access each of you has to your respective employer’s confidential information.
Bribes, Gifts & Favors
No employee shall offer, promise or give anything of value or undue advantage to a public official (or other third party) to make the official act or refrain from acting in relation to the performance of her/his official duties in order to obtain or retain business or other benefit. This applies regardless of whether the value or advantage is offered directly or indirectly through an intermediary. Please refer to AGE Global Trading’s Anti-Bribery Policy and FCPA statement above for more detailed guidance.
AGE Global Trading employees are not allowed to accept from business associates monetary or other favors that may affect their integrity or independence. Gifts or other favors to business associates shall comply with locally accepted good business practice. Gifts and other favors can only be given or granted if (i) they are given in a transparent manner, (ii) they are modest both with respect to value and frequency, and (iii) the time and place are appropriate.
Financial Interests in Other Businesses
AGE Global Trading employees and members of their immediate families should avoid having a personal ownership or financial interest – directly or indirectly – whether as an investor, lender, employee or other service provider, in any other enterprise if it can compromise their loyalty to AGE Global Trading.
Before an AGE Global Trading employee makes an investment in a company that he or she reasonably knows is a competitor of AGE Global Trading or conducts business with AGE Global Trading (such as, and without limitation, a supplier or customer), he or she shall consult his or her supervisor. Special attention should in all circumstances be given to potential conflicts of interest as described above.
Activities with a Competitor, Supplier or Other Business Associates
Before engaging in any activity which promotes the interests of a company or individual known as a competitor, a customer, a supplier or other business associate of AGE Global Trading (including serving on the board of such company), employees must disclose the proposed activity and obtain the written approval of their supervisor.
No employee may market products or services which can reasonably be deemed to be in competition with AGE Global Trading’s business activities.
Prohibition on Insider Trading
Ethics, Company policy, and the law prohibit any employee from trading clients’ securities, either personally or on behalf of another, while in possession of material non-public information concerning such clients, or from communicating any such material non-public information to others. This conduct is frequently referred to as “insider trading.” The United States and other countries in which the Company does business impose civil and criminal penalties for violations of insider trading rules. The Company prohibits insider trading (or tipping) by any of its employees, regardless of the marketplace in which the securities trade or the country in which the employee resides.
As a general rule, insider trading is:
- Trading by an insider while in possession of material non- public information, or
- Trading by a non-insider, while in possession of material non-public information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider’s duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated, or
- Communicating material non-public information to others.
- The concept of “insider” is broad. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person who has a relationship with the company may be considered an “insider.” For example, the company may be a “temporary” insider of a company it advises or for which it performs other services under circumstances where the entity anticipates that AGE Global Trading will treat information shared with it as confidential.
If the Company receives information from a client that is subject to a confidentiality or non-disclosure obligation, it should be presumed that the Company possesses material non-public information of such client.
Safeguarding Assets & Records
Safeguarding assets and records of AGE Global Trading, its suppliers, customers and other business associates is the responsibility of all AGE Global Trading employees. All such assets shall be used and maintained with care and respect while guarding against waste and abuse.
The use of AGE Global Trading’s time, materials, financial assets or facilities for purposes not directly related to AGE Global Trading business is prohibited without authorization. The same applies to the removal or borrowing of AGE Global Trading assets without permission.
AGE Global Trading’s computers, networks, telephones, communications systems, and other electronic and IT resources are intended for business purposes only (except for limited personal use). Each employee is responsible for using these resources and systems in a productive, ethical and lawful manner. Each employee must comply with the policies from time to time established by AGE Global Trading regarding the appropriate use of and access to AGE Global Trading’s electronic resources and communications systems. E-mail and other records on AGE Global Trading’s systems are the property of AGE Global Trading, and AGE Global Trading has the right to monitor and use e-mails and other records on AGE Global Trading’s systems to the extent not prohibited by applicable law.
Confidentiality
Information is one of the most valuable assets of AGE Global Trading. As an employee, you may learn and have access to confidential or proprietary information of or about AGE Global Trading or its clients or other stakeholders. During and after employment with AGE Global Trading, such confidential information may not be disclosed to individuals outside AGE Global Trading other than for legitimate business purposes, and may be shared with other employees only as needed in the ordinary course of your duties. You may not, at any time, use this information for your own benefit or the benefit of a third party.
Employees are bound by and required to adhere to all confidentiality and similar agreements AGE Global Trading may enter into with its counterparties. If an employee providing services to a counterparty is not familiar with the terms of such an agreement with that counterparty, the employee should request a copy of the applicable portions of such agreement from his or her supervisor.
After leaving AGE Global Trading’s employment, you may not take, use, publish, or in any way disclose, without AGE Global Trading’s prior written consent, any confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets of AGE Global Trading or its clients, employees, suppliers, or other business partners. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of these confidentiality provisions, AGE Global Trading shall be entitled to obtain an injunction against such disclosure, in whole or in part, in addition to any other remedies that it would otherwise be entitled to pursue.
All records, documents, computer files, and the like that you have access to during the course of your employment that relate to the business of AGE Global Trading or any of its clients, services, processes, research, business plans, or employees, remain at all times the exclusive property of AGE Global Trading. After your employment is terminated, all such material must remain at AGE Global Trading, or, if previously removed from our premises, be promptly returned.
Compliance with General Laws
AGE Global Trading conducts business globally and is subject to the laws and regulations of the many jurisdictions in which it conducts business. It is the duty of all employees, and other persons acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading, to understand the laws applicable to their responsibilities and to comply with both the spirit and the letter of those laws, avoiding not only actual misconduct but also the appearance of impropriety. Violation of applicable laws may result in severe civil and criminal penalties for AGE Global Trading and the individuals involved, as well as disciplinary action taken by AGE Global Trading, up to and including termination of employment.
If unclear about the application of the law to specific responsibilities or circumstances, or unsure about the legality or integrity of a particular course of action, the relevant individual must seek the advice of a supervisor or the Legal Department. Employees will be held personally responsible for improper or illegal acts committed during their employment or association with AGE Global Trading. No employee shall assist in the breach of any applicable laws or regulations by his or her business associates or other third parties, whether or not it constitutes an illegal act, and whether or not it is illegal for AGE Global Trading or such employee as an individual.
All agents, consultants, suppliers and other third parties contributing to AGE Global Trading’s business or doing business on out behalf represent AGE Global Trading directly or indirectly and, as such, are expected to uphold the company’s high standards and values at all times. This includes adherence to the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct as applicable and compliance with applicable law.
AGE Global Trading employees are responsible for the selection, supervision and management of agents, consultants, suppliers and other third parties and to take appropriate steps for such third parties to uphold AGE Global Trading’s standards, adhere fully to the law and safeguard our corporate reputation.
Human Rights
AGE Global Trading recognizes, respects and values the dignity and the rights of all individuals. AGE Global Trading condemns and does not tolerate any violation of human rights or child or forced labor laws. It is also AGE Global Trading’s policy to source minerals and metals in a transparent, ethical and responsible manner and that have been extracted or produced without unlawful child or forced labor or other human rights abuses.
For more guidance and detail on this matter, please refer to our Responsible Mineral Sourcing Policy Statement.
Antitrust & Competition
In performing their duties, AGE Global Trading employees must ensure that AGE Global Trading conducts its business in compliance with applicable antitrust and competition laws.
It is each employee’s duty to seek, in due time and on a case-by- case basis, appropriate advice from legal counsel in all matters that may involve risk of antitrust or other anti-competitive exposure for AGE Global Trading.
Maintaining Records
AGE Global Trading is committed to transparency and accuracy in all of AGE Global Trading’s dealings while respecting privacy and confidentiality obligations.
AGE Global Trading employees have the responsibility to maintain necessary records of AGE Global Trading’s business and business relationships.
No false, misleading or artificial entries may be made on AGE Global Trading’s books and records. All transactions must be fully and completely documented and recorded in AGE Global Trading’s accounting records in accordance with above.
Accurate Records
AGE Global Trading is obligated to provide full, fair, accurate and understandable disclosure in its periodic financial reports. Employees, particularly its senior executives and financial officers, are expected to exercise the highest standards of care in preparing such materials, paying particular attention to the following:
- Compliance with AGE Global Trading accepted accounting principles and AGE Global Trading’s system of internal accounting controls is required at all times.
- All AGE Global Trading accounting records must be kept and presented in accordance with the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. They shall not contain any false or intentionally misleading entries. Moreover, they must fairly and accurately reflect in reasonable detail AGE Global Trading’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as all transactions or related occurrences which shall be fully and completely documented.
- No transaction may be intentionally misclassified as to accounts, departments or accounting periods, and unrecorded or “off the books” assets and liabilities should not be maintained unless authorized by management and permitted by applicable law.
Responding to Inquiries from Press & Others
AGE Global Trading’s profile and reputation in domestic and international markets is greatly influenced by its ability to communicate consistently and professionally with external parties.
AGE Global Trading shall maintain a principle of openness and shall be honest and responsive when dealing with interested parties outside AGE Global Trading.
In order to ensure a coordinated interface with external parties, all external inquiries about AGE Global Trading or its business or employees, including all inquiries from media, shall be directed to the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer.
No Rights Created
This Code of Conduct is a statement of certain fundamental AGE Global Trading principles, policies and procedures that govern AGE Global Trading’s employees, and other persons acting on behalf of AGE Global Trading. It does not create any rights for any employee, customer, supplier, competitor, shareholder or any other person or entity. The policies, rules and practices in this Code of Conduct do not create a contract of employment. The policies are not written and distributed to dictate what AGE Global Trading will or must do. This Code of Conduct includes statements of general policy and is not a binding, legal document. The Company reserves the right to interpret and administer the provisions of this Code of Conduct and if there is any question or ambiguity as to any provision of this Code of Conduct, the Company’s interpretation shall control and be binding. The Company has the maximum discretion permitted by law to change, modify, or delete any provision or benefit in this Code of Conduct at any time, with or without notice.
Application
Each employee of any entity in AGE Global Trading shall uphold this Code of Conduct in compliance with applicable local law.
AGE Global Trading and its affiliates may, in compliance with the laws and regulations of its local jurisdiction, adopt additional rules and guidelines for the conduct of its employees which shall be binding on them.