Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing Policy

Hong Leong Finance Limited (HLF) has a Whistleblowing Policy in place which encourages employees and non-employees to raise concerns about actual or suspected improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters (hereinafter referred to as "whistleblowing report").

This Policy strictly prohibits frivolous and bogus complaints and is not a route for taking up personal grievances.

HLF reserves and retains its rights to review and assess the seriousness of any concerns reported and the appropriate actions to be taken.

Objectives

The objectives of the Whistleblowing Policy are to deter wrongdoing and promote good standards of corporate practices; and provide assurance that the complainant is protected from reprisals or victimization from whistleblowing raised in good faith.

Reportable Incidents

Possible improprieties which should be reported pursuant to this policy may include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Making fraudulent act or deliberate error in the preparation, review or audit of HLF and its subsidiaries' ("the Group") financial statements or records;
  2. Using the Group’s funds, assets or properties illegally, improperly or unethically;
  3. Making fraudulent act against investors, or fraudulent statements to the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, members of the investing public and government or state authorities;
  4. Using insider knowledge inappropriately for profiteering purposes;
  5. Disclosing confidential or proprietary information to external parties;
  6. Accepting or seeking anything of material value from customers / vendors / contractors or any other persons providing goods or services to the Group;
  7. Concealing information about malpractice or misconduct;
  8. Violating legislation, rules and regulations applicable to the Group.

Reporting Procedures

The whistleblowing report should be raised in writing, via letter or email, detailing the background, identity and particular of the parties involved, history of events and relevant information or documentation that would assist in the investigation of the report. If the complainant wishes to remain anonymous, he or she may submit an anonymous report.

The dedicated whistleblowing reporting channels are as follows:-

  1. Either of the Designated Officers

    Designated Officer Head of Internal Audit Senior Vice-President (Human Resources)
    Tel (65) 6415 6628 (65) 6223 2188
    Fax (65) 6226 0278 (65) 6222 0213
    Email sianamchie@hlf.com.sg andrewlow@hlf.com.sg
    Address 80 Robinson Road
    #12-03
    Singapore 068898     		16 Raffles Quay #34-03
    Hong Leong Building
    Singapore 048581

  2. Chairman of the Audit Committee of HLF

    Reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of HLF should be delivered in a sealed envelope marked "Confidential – Only To Be Opened By The Chairman of the Audit Committee of Hong Leong Finance Limited" to the following addressee:
    Head, Corporate Secretariat
    CDL Management Services Pte. Ltd.
    c/o 9 Raffles Place, #12-01 Republic Plaza
    Singapore 048619
    "Confidential – Only To Be Opened By The Chairman of the Audit Committee of Hong Leong Finance Limited"

Legitimacy of Complaints

Complainants making a whistleblowing report should act in good faith. False or malicious allegation may be subject to appropriate actions, including disciplinary and legal actions and reporting of the matter to the law enforcement agencies.

Confidentiality

HLF is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of information reported in a whistleblowing report and the anonymity of the complainant, if so requested, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Policy Review

HLF reserves and retains its rights to review this Policy and its effectiveness from time to time.