Deloitte Code of Conduct
Deloitte Code of Conduct
Deloitte Code of Conduct
Introduction 2
Global Principles of Business Conduct 3
Our Shared Values, Code of Ethics and professional responsibilities:Our reputation rests with allof us 5
A global approach to ethics and compliance 6
About our responsibilities 7
A duty to know, understand, and comply 7
A duty to report 7
Where to go for help and how to report 7
Practical advice: Using Deloitte Speak Up 8
Non-retaliation Policy 9
Introduction 9
Commitment to non-retaliation 9
Reporting Procedure 9
Investigations 10
Preface
This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (the "Code") is to be applied in accordance with the local law. The Governing
Board of Deloitte China (which covers our business operations in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau in what is
known as the Deloitte China) has adopted this Code for use by its personnel. Solely for ease of reference and unless
otherwise specified in this Code, references to "we," "our," or "the firm" are references to the personnel and firm of Deloitte
China.
Deloitte China reserves the right to modify, revise, discontinue, or amend any or all of this Code as it deems appropriate, at
any time, in whole or in part, for any reason, and without prior notice, consent, or approval.
Deloitte China includes all the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by
guarantee), that operate in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. The member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Limited are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “DTTL member firms”. This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is
consistent with the Global Principles of Business Conduct.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
Introduction
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
*Please note that DTTL does not provide services to clients and therefore references to clients in the Global Code
refer to member firm clients.
Integrity
• We are straightforward and honest in our professional and business relationships.
• We are truthful about the services we provide, the knowledge we possess, and the experience we have gained.
Quality
• We are committed to providing quality services by bringing together the breadth and depth of our resources, experience and
insights to help clients address their needs and problems.
• We strive to develop outcomes which create an impact that matters for our clients.
Professional Behaviour
• We comply with applicable professional standards, laws and regulations and seek to avoid actions that may discredit ourselves
or our professions.
• We foster a culture of appropriate professional scepticism and personal accountability which supports clients and drives quality
in the services we provide.
• We understand the broader impact that our work has on society, our people, and our clients, and we conduct business with
those interests in mind.
• We are committed to earning and sustaining the public's trust and confidence in the work we do.
Objectivity
• We are objective in forming our professional opinions and the advice we give.
• We do not allow bias, conflict of interest, or inappropriate influence of others to override our professional judgments and
responsibilities.
• We do not offer, accept or solicit any gifts, entertainment or hospitality that we have reason to believe may be intended to
improperly influence business decisions or impair objectivity.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
Competence
• We use due care to match client needs with practitioners who have the competence required for their assignments.
• We foster innovation and new ideas to improve the value and performance of our services.
Anti-corruption
• We are against corruption and neither make bribes nor accept them, nor induce or permit any other party to make or receive
bribes on our behalf.
• We support efforts to eradicate corruption and financial crime.
Social Responsibility
• We contribute to society and communities by engaging with non-profit organizations, governments, and other businesses to
make a positive impact on local, national or global challenges.
• We support our communities in a variety of ways, such as donating money, providing pro bono client services and supporting
the volunteering of time by our people.
• We support efforts to drive sustainable development and we respect human rights standards.
• We recognize that our business operations and our provision of services may at times impact the environment and we work to
reduce harmful effects they might have.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
We as a firm, and each of us as individuals, must take our responsibility for ethical behaviour seriously - and we must never take
for granted the trust placed in us by our clients, our colleagues and the capital market. As such, we hold ourselves accountable for
doing the right thing.
While the inherent risks in the marketplace, the potential for business failure, or the possibility of human error cannot be entirely
eliminated, we can, however, insist and expect that all our professionals be honest and conduct themselves in accordance with the
highest ethical standards.
The Code of Ethics reflects the Shared Values and Global Code adopted by the DTTL member firms and provides detailed guidelines
for ethical and professional conduct to all of our people, irrespective of the diversity of their backgrounds and professional
disciplines. These Shared Values and Global Code are an integral part of this Code, which illustrates our commitment to sustaining
public trust. They will guide us in conducting business honourably, ethically, and with the utmost professionalism. We are expected
to use these Shared Values and Global Code as a means to discuss our responsibilities openly and honestly with our clients, with
regulators, and with each other.
While policies are important, ultimately the success of our Ethics programme rests with you. You must make decisions every day in
your work – decisions that have wide-ranging economic, legal and ethical implications. And to make good decisions, you must have
good information and use your best judgement. The purpose of this Code is to provide you with the information, guidance and
references to other resources to make the right choices.
It is our expectation that, after reading this Code, you will have a better appreciation of your vital role in maintaining the ethical
reputation and standards of the firm and a better understanding of the privilege and responsibility of working at Deloitte.
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In addition, certain professionals may have to comply with requirements of other professional codes of conduct given their
specialisations or certifications. (For example, CPAs must also comply with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(HKICPA), the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) or the Macau Registration of Auditors and Accountants
Committee Codes of Conduct; attorneys must adhere to their professional codes of responsibility; and licensed persons or
registered persons must comply with the Code of Conduct for Persons licensed by or registered with the Securities and Futures
Commission.)
A duty to report
The Ethics Programme is designed to foster an atmosphere where open communication of ethics and compliance enquiries and
issues is encouraged, and to provide all personnel with a reasonable understanding of how to identify and report potential
violations. Each of us is responsible for appropriately addressing - through reporting, consultation, or other means - potentially
fraudulent, illegal, or unethical issues that may come to your attention. If any of us observe or become aware of a potential
fraudulent, illegal, or unethical act, or other violation of firm policy, whether committed by a colleague, client, supplier, contractor,
alliance partner, or others associated with or doing business with the firm, it is our responsibility to report the circumstances
through an appropriate reporting channel, and to cooperate fully with any investigation.
1. Identify the dilemma and assess the potential risks to the firm, others, and yourself
2. Consider several alternative actions and the potential consequences of each action
3. Decide on the best course of action and implement it
4. Evaluate the results of your actions-including the results of inaction
If you are not sure about what actions you should take, you should seek appropriate advices.
For assistance with ethics and compliance matters, and to report potential violations, you should contact the appropriate person in
the firm to whom you feel comfortable talking. The appropriateness of this person will depend on your position in the firm and
might include your:
• Immediate supervisor
• Coach
• Functional leader
• Office leader
• Regional function leader
If they are unable to resolve the issue (or if you are uncomfortable discussing the issue with them), you should seek assistance
from other parties, such as:
• Human Resources
• Reputation and Risk Group
• Chief Ethics Officer
• Deloitte Speak Up
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
• If you believe that ethics and compliance issues are not being resolved, either through the existing managerial chain of
command or other reporting options.
• If you don’t feel comfortable reporting through normal channels.
• If you would like confidential assistance on ethics and compliance issues.
• If you wish to remain anonymous when filing a report.
There will be no reprisals against anyone because he or she, in good faith, reports
an ethics or compliance concern.
Practical advice: Using Deloitte Speak Up
Deloitte Speak Up is a confidential, 24-hours-a- day, 365-days-a-year service you can access from any location. Reports may be
made on either an anonymous or named basis Deloitte Speak Up is administered by a third party to maintain confidentiality and
anonymity when requested.
Anyone can log onto or call Deloitte Speak Up to request assistance or report a potential violation regarding an ethics and
compliance issue. Every reasonable effort will be made to keep the identity of anyone reporting a potential violation confidential
to the extent possible, consistent with good business practice. In order to assist in the investigation, those reporting potential
violations are encouraged to identify themselves. However, anonymous reports will also be accepted and investigated to the
extent possible.
We will always support our partners and staff who stand up to a client they reasonably
believe may be engaging in illegal or inappropriate financial reporting or other business
activities.
Macau
Step 1: From an outside line dial – 0 800 111
Step 2: At the English prompt dial 866 294 8693
(This number will not work on Skype.)
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
Non-retaliation Policy
Introduction
The non-retaliation policy reaffirms the Firm’s long-standing commitment to maintaining a workplace free from retaliation and is
intended to protect our partners and staff who bring forward an ethics, compliance or other related matter in good faith, or are
involved in an ethics or related investigation, from retaliation.
Commitment to non-retaliation
We are committed to maintaining a working environment that promotes ongoing and open communication among our personnel
and will not tolerate retaliation against any person who has:
Retaliation: can be defined as any negative action taken against a person who, in good faith, reports about an ethics, compliance
or other related matter or assists or participates in an ethics or related investigation or proceeding. Examples of retaliation can
include, but are not limited to, harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, discrimination, or negative performance feedback that
is not reflective of actual performance.
In good faith: the individual reasonably believes, perceives or suspects the information reported to be true.
It is the responsibility of all partners and staff of the firm to report concerns of retaliatory behaviour. Any disclosure or report that
is made with a reasonable belief or basis for suspicion, that actual or attempted retaliation has occurred, will be considered to
have been made in good faith even if subsequently it is found that there is insufficient evidence to support the report.
Reporting Procedure
The following procedures should be followed whenever an individual believes that he or she has been the subject of retaliation or
has knowledge of an actual or potential violation of the Firm's non-retaliation policy. Report the situation or conduct in question
to one of the following:
Anyone in a supervisory or management position who has knowledge of an actual or potential violation of the non-retaliation
policy (whether or not a report has been filed) has an obligation to report the situation through the available reporting channels.
There is no requirement for the form or content of a retaliation report, only that it be made in good faith. The report may be
verbal or written. If the report is made verbally, we will make a written record to outline the contents of the report. It is suggested
that the individual making the report provide as much information as possible regarding the retaliatory incident or conduct, such
as:
Note, an individual should not hesitate to report retaliation merely because he or she cannot identify witnesses or provide
sufficient evidence of the retaliation.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Introduction
Investigations
We commit to investigate all reports of retaliation in a timely manner. In the event we find the conduct to be retaliatory in nature
or finds that the report was made in bad faith, we will take whatever action is appropriate under the circumstances, in accordance
with local laws and regulations, up to and including termination of employment.
Confidentiality for all parties involved will be respected to the extent possible and in accordance with local laws and regulations,
consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. Moreover, if an individual believes that in connection with the
work for our firm, a client or an employee or agent of a client is subjecting you to actual or attempted retaliation, these same
procedures to report the retaliation should be followed. Although we may not have the same control over outside persons
engaging in retaliation as it does over our own employees, we will still examine the retaliation report promptly and take whatever
action is appropriate under the circumstances.
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4. Foster inclusion
We are at our best when we foster an inclusive culture and embrace diversity in all forms. We know this attracts top
talent, enables innovation, and helps deliver well-rounded client solutions.
If you are still unsure of what to do, ask questions and seek additional guidance through your functional leader or through other
sources described in this Code.
A list of relevant policies and professional conduct is set out in the “Resources for additional guidance” section at the end of this
Code.
There is no client or engagement that is more important than our responsibility to sustain
public trust, our commitment to do the right thing, and our concern to maintain our good
reputation.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Quality of work
• We render high-quality professional services in accordance with all applicable professional standards.
• We apply an appropriate sense of professional scepticism in the conduct of our work.
Corporate responsibility
• We support the development of the profession as well as the communities in which we live and work. In addition to financial
contributions made by Deloitte and its people, we actively offer, encourage, support, and reward volunteerism to worthwhile
causes.
• We conduct our business activities in ways that honour ethical values and respect people, communities, and the natural
environment.
External inquiries
• We do not disclose confidential, personal or business information to media, government officials or others who are not entitled
to receive such information.
• All external inquiries (e.g. media and regulators) must be referred to the appropriate firm's resources (Clients ﹠ Markets or
Reputation and Risk Group) for a response which may be limited by confidentiality requirements and other related concerns.
• Comments on proposed regulation or professional standards are only made as authorised by the firm and they are based on
the long-term interests of capital markets and the profession.
Truth in communications
• We are honest and truthful about our capabilities, policies and people in client proposals, marketing, recruiting and other
promotional activities.
The letter of the law is the literal, stated interpretation of the law as its written. The spirit of the law is
usually broader, and reflects the intention behind the law. While usually obvious, this may not be
explicitly stated.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Anti-corruption
• We do not offer, give, solicit or receive any form of bribe, kickback or unlawful facilitation payments, nor induce or permit any
other party to do so on our behalf. Any and all payments made by or on behalf of the firm must be lawful and made only for
legitimate business purposes.
• We do not offer or provide anything of value (including, but not limited to, gifts, entertainment, hospitality, political
contributions, charitable contributions, and employment opportunities) to a third party for a corrupt or inappropriate purpose
that could constitute an illegal bribe or kickback under applicable laws and could lead to serious civil and criminal penalties.
Anti-money laundering
• We do not get involved in money laundering activities or assist others to do so.
• We do not impede, by action or inaction, any official investigation of money laundering.
• We report to the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer any suspicion of money laundering.
Records accuracy
• We maintain accurate and complete records (including, but not limited to client records, the firm’s business records such as
time, expense, client billing, regulatory, or other financial reports) in accordance with regulatory, tax and financial reporting
requirements.
Records management
• We document the results of our work clearly and adequately.
• We maintain all records in accordance with the legal and business requirements appropriate to our professions.
• We comply with all current applicable records retention policies and procedures including how data is shared, stored, and
retrieved, and the circumstances under which it may be disposed of.
• We never destroy, alter, or cause the destruction or alteration of records, which include, amongst other things, paper copies,
electronic files, video and audio recordings etc. for any illegal or improper purpose.
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Scope of services
• We do not overstate our ability to deliver services, nor will we offer or provide any services that will damage our reputation or
that of the clients.
• We offer only those professional services that we are competent to perform and supervise, and the scope of our services do
not include any that could impact our reputation for independence, integrity and objectivity.
Insider trading
• It is illegal to buy or sell any securities based on “insider” information about our clients and other companies, or to discuss such
information with others who might buy or sell such securities.
"Material non-public information" is any information that would affect the prices of securities, either
positively or negatively, that is not generally available to the investing public. This information is generally
referred to as "insider" information.
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Personal relationships
• In a firm of our size, personal relationships, family, romantic or otherwise, may exist or develop between two people in the
firm, or with an employee of a client. If it is believed that the existence of such a relationship may affect our judgement or
performance, or may be perceived by others as likely to do so, those involved must consult with the appropriate persons in the
firm to determine what actions, if any, are required to be taken.
Professional certifications
• All personnel holding professional certifications have a personal responsibility to maintain such certifications in good standing
through timely renewals, and where required, the attainment of the appropriate level of continuing professional education.
Consultation
• We are committed to a consultative culture and we consult on non-routine or emerging issues or practices.
• No individual partner, principal, director, or employee is permitted to ignore a technical or other practice-related
determination rendered by a Professional Practice Director, Functional Risk Leader, Reputation and Risk Group or their
designees.
• We resolve any professional, technical, or service issues promptly through consultation in an open-minded and professional
manner.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Conflicts of interest
• We do not engage in any activities, directly or indirectly, that compete with the firm or conflict with the interests of the firm.
• We have a duty to avoid making business decisions that place personal interests ahead of those of our firm.
• Some examples of potential conflict situations include:
‒ Acting as a director, partner, consultant, or employee of an entity that provides services, supplies, or equipment to, or is a
competitor of the firm.
‒ Holding a second job that may interfere with our employment at or being a partner of the firm.
‒ Ownership by ourselves or our immediate family members of a financial interest in an entity to which we provide
professional services or which is a competitor of, supplier to, or client of the firm.
‒ Making hiring decisions that involve close relatives of partners, principals, and directors of the firm.
Communication systems
• We use our communication systems productively and in such manner that maintains and enhances Deloitte’s public image.
Personal use of electronic mail, internet, telephone and faxes should be kept to a minimum and should be in compliance with
this Code and other established policies and procedures of the firm.
• We prohibit any use of unlicensed software that constitutes copyright infringement.
• We comply with the firm's policies on Confidentiality, Use of IT and Communications Systems and other relevant firm's
guidance on Information Security.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
This Code is not intended to cover every questionable situation or dilemma that may arise. Rather, it is intended to provide a
perspective to guide thinking, and to direct our personnel to resources set out on page 25 to 31 for further information. For
example, internal policies established for Deloitte China and its affiliates available through Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
Policies Manual (DPM), on iNet and function or legal entity-specific intranet sites are intended to provide additional guidance and
address risk areas in more detail.
Please remember, at all times, that it is our collective responsibility to seek guidance and assistance in the ethical performance and
discharge of our professional responsibilities.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Process
Corrective actions resulting from investigations are implemented under the direction of the appropriate management of the
Deloitte China, in consultation with the Chief Ethics Officer. When an investigation is conducted, the Chief Ethics Officer, in
consultation with certain departments (e.g. Human Resources, General Counsel and functional management), as appropriate,
recommend what, if any, corrective action should be taken. Each identified ethical violation or situation should be handled with
confidentiality and protection of privacy to the extent it is possible to do so.
Disciplinary action may be taken against any partner, principal, director, or employee of the Deloitte China who violates the law,
professional standards or regulations, policy, or the Code. Discipline should be administered fairly and consistently.
The determination of the violation and the disciplinary actions are normally conclusive, but for any appeal of findings of policy
violation and the disciplinary action, they should be made to the Chief Ethics Officer with additional information for further
consideration.
All ethics reports and associated investigation / resolution related information are documented and retained for a period as
required by the relevant laws and regulations.
There will be no reprisals against anyone because he or she, in good faith, reports an ethics or compliance concern.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
• Results of an investigation
• Pervasiveness of the issue
• Severity of the issue
• Intent of the alleged offender
• Impact on the reputation, integrity, trust, or brand of any Deloitte China
• Position of alleged offender
Senior management of the Deloitte China may also receive reports based on their assignment as an investigation resource or their
interest in a particular violation category. Also, periodic reports will be delivered by the Chief Ethics Officer to senior management
and the boards of the Deloitte China regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the programme.
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Deloitte Speak Up
Online: www.deloittespeakup.ethicspoint.com
By Phone: Toll free numbers in the following regions:
Hong Kong
Direct Line: From an outside line - 800 96 1887
Chinese Mainland
Direct Line: From an outside line – 400 842 3478
Macau
Step 1: From an outside line dial – 0 800 111
Step 2: At the English prompt dial 866 294 8693
(This number will not work on Skype.)
Mongolia
Please report through the web-based channel
Richard George
Tel: +852 2852 6348
Email: [email protected]
Director of Independence
Jerry Poon
Tel: +852 2852 6492
Email: [email protected]
General Counsel
Jim Jamison
Tel: +852 2852 6582
Email: [email protected]
Chris Cheung
Tel: +86 10 8512 5353
Email: [email protected]
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Media Inquiries
Lily Sheng
Tel: +86 21 6141 2692
Email: [email protected]
Renee Gao
Tel: +86 10 8520 7030
Email: [email protected]
Extension 1200
Policies related to topics covered in the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct:
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Finance
Details of Travel/Entertainment Expense Reimbursement Policy is available on iNet:
iNet > Quick Links > Firm Expense Policy > Deloitte China Travel and Expense Policy for Partners and Directors/ for
Employees
Human Resources
The Employee Handbook can be found on iNet:
iNet > Quick Links > Employee Handbook > Employment at Deloitte – Deloitte China Employee Handbook
Information Technology
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Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct | Code of ethics and professional conduct
Details of Deloitte’s ethics programme and the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct can be found on iNet at:
iNet > Internal Client Services > Reputation & Risk Group > Ethics
Deloitte’s Gifts and Entertainment Policy is attached in Appendix II of DPM 1550, which can be found on iNet:
iNet > Internal Client Services > Reputation & Risk Group > Anti-Corruption > Anti-Corruption Policy > Gift and
Entertainment Policy
The Global Independence Monitoring System (GIMS) can be found from on iNet:
iNet > Internal Client Services > Reputation & Risk Group > Independence and Conflicts > Quick Links > GIMS
Deloitte’s policies of Confidentiality, Privacy and social media etc, can be found on iNet:
iNet > Internal Client Services > Reputation & Risk Group > Confidentiality Program and Policies > Related Links
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About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its
global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as
“Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and their affiliated entities are
legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients.
Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.
Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a member firm
of DTTL. Members of Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited and their related entities, each of
which are separate and independent legal entities, provide services from more than
100 cities across the region, including Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Hong Kong,
Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Osaka, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney,
Taipei and Tokyo.
The Deloitte brand entered the China market in 1917 with the opening of an office in
Shanghai. Today, Deloitte China delivers a comprehensive range of audit &
assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory and tax services to local,
multinational and growth enterprise clients in China. Deloitte China has also made—
and continues to make—substantial contributions to the development of China's
accounting standards, taxation system and professional expertise. Deloitte China is a
locally incorporated professional services organization, owned by its partners in
China. To learn more about how Deloitte makes an Impact that Matters in China,
please connect with our social media platforms at www2.deloitte.com/cn/en/social-
media.
This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche
Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms, or their related entities (collectively the
“Deloitte Network”) is by means of this communication, rendering professional
advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect
your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.
No entity in the Deloitte Network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever
sustained by any person who relies on this communication.
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