Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Last Updated: 10/14/2024
At Bchex, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") outlines the core values and principles that guide our business decisions and daily interactions. All employees, officers, directors, contractors, and business partners ("Associates") are expected to adhere to the Code and uphold Bchex’s reputation for integrity, transparency, and compliance.
1. Compliance with Laws, Regulations, & Policies
We are committed to conducting our business in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Associates must understand and adhere to the laws and regulations relevant to their roles, as well as all Bchex policies, including those related to privacy, human trafficking, and security. Compliance is not just a legal obligation—it is a reflection of our values and ethical standards.
We are committed to conducting our business in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Associates must understand and adhere to the laws and regulations relevant to their roles, as well as all Bchex policies, including those related to privacy, human trafficking, and security. Compliance is not just a legal obligation—it is a reflection of our values and ethical standards.
2. Ethical Business Practices
We are dedicated to ethical business conduct and maintaining trust with our customers, partners, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate. Associates must act honestly, fairly, and with integrity in all interactions, avoiding any form of deceptive, unfair, or unethical behavior.
We are dedicated to ethical business conduct and maintaining trust with our customers, partners, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate. Associates must act honestly, fairly, and with integrity in all interactions, avoiding any form of deceptive, unfair, or unethical behavior.
Conflicts of Interest
Associates are expected to act in the best interests of Bchex and avoid situations that present a conflict, or even the appearance of a conflict, between personal interests and those of Bchex. Any potential or actual conflicts of interest must be disclosed to a supervisor or the appropriate compliance officer.
Associates are expected to act in the best interests of Bchex and avoid situations that present a conflict, or even the appearance of a conflict, between personal interests and those of Bchex. Any potential or actual conflicts of interest must be disclosed to a supervisor or the appropriate compliance officer.
Gifts & Entertainment
Associates must not offer, accept, or solicit gifts, favors, or entertainment that could improperly influence or appear to influence business decisions or give rise to a conflict of interest. However, certain gifts and company-sponsored activities are considered acceptable and permitted under this Code, provided they are not excessive, do not create the appearance of impropriety, and are not intended to improperly influence business decisions. These include:
Associates must not offer, accept, or solicit gifts, favors, or entertainment that could improperly influence or appear to influence business decisions or give rise to a conflict of interest. However, certain gifts and company-sponsored activities are considered acceptable and permitted under this Code, provided they are not excessive, do not create the appearance of impropriety, and are not intended to improperly influence business decisions. These include:
- Promotional Giveaways: Gifts associated with random giveaways, tradeshow giveaways, or branded promotional items (e.g., pens, notepads, tote bags) are acceptable when given as part of general marketing efforts or customer appreciation.
- Small "Thank You" Gifts: Modest gifts given to say thank you for supporting our business or to celebrate common occasions (e.g., holidays, milestones) are permitted.
- Company-Sponsored Events: Participation in company-sponsored events or programs, where Bchex provides tickets, sponsorship to an event, or entertainment, is acceptable as long as such offerings are not excessive, extravagant, or intended to improperly influence business decisions.
All gifts, giveaways, and sponsored activities should be consistent with local customs, regulations, and industry standards. If there is any doubt about the appropriateness of a gift, giveaway, or event, Associates should seek guidance from a supervisor or compliance officer.
3. Respect & Fair Treatment
We are committed to fostering a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment. Associates must treat each other, clients, suppliers, and business partners with respect and dignity, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
We are committed to fostering a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination or harassment. Associates must treat each other, clients, suppliers, and business partners with respect and dignity, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Anti-Harassment & Anti-Discrimination
Any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Associates are encouraged to report any behavior that violates our commitment to a respectful workplace.
Any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Associates are encouraged to report any behavior that violates our commitment to a respectful workplace.
4. Protection of Company Assets & Confidentiality
Associates are expected to protect Bchex’s assets, both tangible and intangible, including intellectual property, confidential information, and trade secrets.
Associates are expected to protect Bchex’s assets, both tangible and intangible, including intellectual property, confidential information, and trade secrets.
Confidential Information
Associates must safeguard any confidential and proprietary information related to Bchex, its customers, and business partners. This includes financial data, business strategies, client information, and any other non-public information that could harm Bchex if disclosed. Confidential information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis and should never be used for personal gain.
Associates must safeguard any confidential and proprietary information related to Bchex, its customers, and business partners. This includes financial data, business strategies, client information, and any other non-public information that could harm Bchex if disclosed. Confidential information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis and should never be used for personal gain.
Proper Use of Company Assets
Bchex’s assets should be used for legitimate business purposes only. Associates must protect company property from loss, damage, theft, or unauthorized use.
Bchex’s assets should be used for legitimate business purposes only. Associates must protect company property from loss, damage, theft, or unauthorized use.
5. Privacy & Data Protection
Bchex is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our clients, employees, and partners. Associates are responsible for handling all personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, regulations, and Bchex’s Privacy Policy.
Bchex is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our clients, employees, and partners. Associates are responsible for handling all personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, regulations, and Bchex’s Privacy Policy.
Data Security
Associates must adhere to Bchex’s security protocols to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes the proper handling of login credentials, passwords, and the secure transmission of data.
Associates must adhere to Bchex’s security protocols to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes the proper handling of login credentials, passwords, and the secure transmission of data.
6. Fair Dealing & Anti-Corruption
We conduct our business in a fair and honest manner. Associates must not engage in any conduct that could be considered fraudulent, misleading, or corrupt. We are committed to complying with all anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other applicable regulations.
We conduct our business in a fair and honest manner. Associates must not engage in any conduct that could be considered fraudulent, misleading, or corrupt. We are committed to complying with all anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other applicable regulations.
Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption
Associates are prohibited from offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving any form of bribe or kickback to gain an unfair business advantage. This applies to interactions with both government officials and private entities.
Associates are prohibited from offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving any form of bribe or kickback to gain an unfair business advantage. This applies to interactions with both government officials and private entities.
Fair Competition
We are committed to fair competition and will not engage in practices that unfairly limit competition or violate antitrust laws. Associates must not enter into agreements or conduct activities that unlawfully restrict trade or manipulate markets.
We are committed to fair competition and will not engage in practices that unfairly limit competition or violate antitrust laws. Associates must not enter into agreements or conduct activities that unlawfully restrict trade or manipulate markets.
7. Human Rights & Labor Practices
We are committed to upholding and promoting human rights within our business operations and supply chains. Bchex does not tolerate any form of human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, or exploitation. We expect all Associates and business partners to comply with Bchex’s Human Trafficking Policy Statement and applicable labor and employment laws.
We are committed to upholding and promoting human rights within our business operations and supply chains. Bchex does not tolerate any form of human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, or exploitation. We expect all Associates and business partners to comply with Bchex’s Human Trafficking Policy Statement and applicable labor and employment laws.
8. Reporting & Non-Retaliation
Reporting Violations
Associates who become aware of any illegal or unethical behavior, violations of this Code, or any other concerns are encouraged to report the issue promptly. Reports can be made to a supervisor, a compliance officer, or anonymously.
Reporting Violations
Associates who become aware of any illegal or unethical behavior, violations of this Code, or any other concerns are encouraged to report the issue promptly. Reports can be made to a supervisor, a compliance officer, or anonymously.
Non-Retaliation Policy
Bchex prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a violation, concern, or suspected unethical behavior. We are committed to creating an environment where all Associates feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of reprisal.
Bchex prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a violation, concern, or suspected unethical behavior. We are committed to creating an environment where all Associates feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of reprisal.
9. Accountability & Enforcement
Associates are expected to uphold the principles of this Code and to act in a manner consistent with Bchex’s values. Any violation of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, and legal consequences where applicable.
Associates are expected to uphold the principles of this Code and to act in a manner consistent with Bchex’s values. Any violation of the Code may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contract, and legal consequences where applicable.
10. Compliance & Updates
This Code may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in the law or our business practices. Associates will be notified of any significant updates. All Associates are required to acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Code and to comply with any subsequent updates.
This Code may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in the law or our business practices. Associates will be notified of any significant updates. All Associates are required to acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Code and to comply with any subsequent updates.
Bchex is dedicated to upholding ethical business practices, transparency, and compliance with all applicable laws and standards. By adhering to this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, we ensure that our business operations are conducted with the utmost integrity and respect for all stakeholders.
If you have any questions about this Code or need guidance on specific matters, please contact clientservices@bib.com