Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing Policy Statement

Here at Al Maryah Community Bank LLC (“Mbank”), we are committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our business and operations. We encourage our employees and stakeholders as well as customers, suppliers, vendors, consultants, and third-party service providers to speak up openly, raise concerns, and report in good faith about any actions or behaviours that violate our policies, values, ethical standards, laws or regulations.

Whistleblowing Policy Objectives

The Whistleblowing Policy (“WB Policy”) is designed to encourage exceptional business relationships and preserve the values of Mbank’s Code of Conduct, Integrity and Ethics Policy. The WB Policy sets forth the expectation and obligation to report a potential or actual violation, or raise a concern of wrongdoing, misconduct, fraud, improper or illegal activity, or unethical behaviour within Mbank or relating to Mbank. Engaging in any malpractice puts our reputation at risk with negative repercussions, weakens customer and community confidence in us, and impact our market integrity. The WB Policy is essential to:

  • Prevent financial crimes by identifying and reporting activities such as: fraud, money laundering, bribery, and corruption to prevent financial crimes that can undermine our integrity within the UAE banking system.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance by adhering to all relevant laws and regulations, thereby avoiding legal fines or penalties, and maintaining our reputation.
  • Enhance risk management by identifying potential risks early on and mitigating them proactively to prevent any future wrongdoings or substantial issues.
  • Protect our stakeholders by safeguarding the interest of our customers, shareholders and employees through exposing unethical practices that would harm them.
  • Promote transparency and trust culture by encouraging an open and transparent culture where employees feel safe to report, in good faith, any potential or actual misconduct when they become aware of without fear of retaliation or any negative consequences
  • Maintain community trust by upholding Mbank’s reputation and demonstrating the commitment to ethical behaviour and accountability.
Whistleblowing Policy Scope

The WB Policy applies to all Mbank employees (full-time, part-time, temporary or interns), directors, and senior management; in addition to, suppliers, vendors, consultants, third-party service providers, freelancers and volunteers, who are associated with Mbank or who have entered contracts with Mbank. The WB Policy provides interpretative guidance for the reporting party to report any violation or concern. Reporting can be done anonymously, and Translation (Arabic/English) services are available.

Whistleblowing Policy Commitment:

WB Policy is committed to encourage upholding Mbank’s reputation for ethical conduct and business practices through:

  • Protection:
    Commitment to protect individuals who report concerns in a good faith from any form of retaliation, harassment or victimization.
  • Confidentiality:
    All reported concerns will be treated in strict confidentiality, sensitive manner and utmost care, unless required by law. Disclosure will be to persons directly involved in the investigation and reporting process on a need-to-know clearance. The information, data, records, and documents pertaining to the reported concern will be secured and protected throughout all the investigation process and retained in accordance with Mbank Record Retention.
  • Untrue Allegations:
    Individual who raises a concern in good faith will not be subject to any detrimental action. All disclosures should be exercised in due care to ensure accuracy. If individual raises malicious or aggravating concerns, this will expose the individual to adverse and disciplinary action.
  • Anonymity:
    Encourage to identify yourself when making a whistleblowing concern as this will allow for effective and efficient investigation. If the individual wishes to stay completely anonymous, this anonymity will be accepted.
Reportable Violations or Concerns under Whistleblowing Policy:

Violations, concerns, misconduct and/or malpractices that are reportable under the WB Policy include, but are not limited to:

  • Fraud, corruption, embezzlement, bribery, or breach of confidentiality;
  • Money Laundering or Terrorist Financing;
  • Theft or damage of assets;
  • Theft of data, information, digital tokens, passwords or personal identification numbers;
  • Financial misrepresentations or false statements of Bank’s financials, including unacceptable accounting, reporting and auditing standards and disclosure practices;
  • Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying, Victimization, Violence at workplace, or Retaliation against any employee;
  • Conflicts of Interest;
  • Violation of the local and/or international laws or regulations;
  • Violation of Mbank’s Code of Conduct and breach of Mbank’s policies and procedures;
  • Misuse of Mbank’s IT systems or applications;
  • Any other actions that may harm Mbank’s reputation, business, and/or operations.
Channels to file a Whistleblowing Concern:

There are several channels available to file a whistleblowing concern as described below:

  1. Our email at: Speakup@Mbankuae.com
  2. Our confidential reporting direct hotline: +971 2 412 7270
  3. Our registered mail addressed to Compliance or Human Resources:

Chief Compliance Officer / Chief Human Resources & Administration

454 Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street,

Al Maryah Community Bank Building,

P.O. Box 111485

Abu Dhabi, UAE

The raised whistleblowing concern should contain adequate and substantial information and/or evidence and names of involved parties to raise reasonable doubt given the circumstances to properly carry out an investigation.

Whistleblower Responsibilities:
  1. Whistleblower should report the violation and/or concern as soon as possible for effective investigation.
  2. Whistleblower should act in good faith by avoiding rumors and malicious or aggravating allegations.
  3. Whistleblower should exercise due care to ensure the accuracy of the information.
  4. Whistleblower should provide evidence or supporting documentation to substantiate the reported violation or concern.
  5. Whistleblower should maintain full confidentiality of the raised violation and/or concern and utmost care for the interaction as part of the carried-out investigation.
  6. Whistleblower should bear the responsibility of making any malicious or aggravating allegations.