On November 22, JBA revised its "Code of Conduct," which had been established in September 1997. The Code for banks and bank staff was revised to reflect the drive of the banks concerning the incorporation of corporate social responsibility. Three items - respect for the human rights of bank staff, tackling of environmental issues and activities for contributing to society - were added to the revised Code.The revised Code (the Japanese name was changed from "Rinri Kensho" to "Koudo Kensho") was sent to members and released on the same day.
| Banks, the nucleus of the financial services industry, are similar to public entities in their nature and responsibility to broadly contribute to the economy and society. Consequently, banks are expected to play a key role in assisting the reforms being promoted throughout society today. |
|
|
| We, the banks, hereby establish the Code of Conduct, with the vow that banks continue to endeavor to fulfill societal expectations by doing their duties. Banks shall respect the human rights of every person while maintaining strict self-discipline. |
| 1. | Banks shall construct solid societal confidence in them by soundly conducting their operations with the public mission of banks constantly in their mind. |
| (Provision of High Quality Financial Services) |
| 2. | Banks shall contribute to the development of the economy and society both domestically and internationally, by providing an infrastructure to support economic activities and developing high quality financial services that both meet customer needs and secure security. |
| (Strict Legal Compliance) |
| 3. | Banks shall strictly comply with all laws and regulations, and perform honest and fair operations that satisfy societal mores. |
| (Communication with Society) |
| 4. | Banks shall communicate widely with society, including proactively and fairly disclosing business information. |
| (Respect for Human Rights of Bank Staff) |
| 5. | Banks will respect the human rights and personality of individual bank staff and preserve safe, enjoyable work places. |
| (Tackling Environmental Issues) |
| 6. | Banks shall proactively tackle environmental issues through the effective use of resources, reduction in disposed objects and providing environmentally friendly financial services. |
| (Activities Contributing to Society) |
| 7. | Banks shall proactively implement activities that contribute to society as a good corporate citizen, being fully aware that they can exist and develop only with society. |
| (Confronting Racketeering) |
| 8. | Banks shall resolutely combat racketeering, a disease that threatens the safety and order of civil society. |
| In complying with the Code, it is important that the top management of banks take the lead and demonstrate strong leadership so that every bank employee comprehends the importance of the Code and acts according to the Code. |
|
|
| Banks, their executives and their staff must bear in mind that it is essential for banks to nurture societal confidence in them by completing their mission of contributing to the development of the economy and society. Specifically, banks must do so by complying with this Code and the meanings of individual rules and providing high-quality financial services that fulfill the true need of customers. |
|
|
| In the event of an incident among members that would remarkably violate the spirit of the Code, JBA will activate its self-corrective function and bring the matter up to the Advisory Committee for Self-discipline of Member Banks and initiate strict action against the member. |