Policies and guidelines

The importance UBS attaches to responsible corporate behavior is reflected in the various documents and policies defining the rules and principles the firm applies to the behavior of its employees. These guidelines define the way UBS does business and the firm regularly monitors compliance.

Code of business conduct and ethics

The firm has a code of business conduct and ethics, which sets forth the policies and practices UBS expects all its employees to follow. The code outlines the required standards of fairness, honesty and integrity in a general manner. It is the basis for all UBS policies.

Employment of staff

UBS provides equal employment and advancement opportunities for all individuals regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. This non-discrimination policy applies to the entire employment process, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, transfers, compensation, training, and termination. In addition, UBS complies with and supports all national and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination and advancement opportunity. Due to privacy and other reasons preventing or limiting disclosure, UBS does not publish data on any discrimination incidents that may have been reported as having occurred within the firm.

Environmental policies and guidelines

UBS’s commitment to the environment aims to create long-term value for the firm and its clients and the communities they live in. UBS's environmental policy, established in 1993, was last revised by the Group Executive Board in September 2005. It is further supplemented by groupwide guidelines and standards that address specific environmental issues across the firm.

Human rights statement

In line with the firm's endorsement of the UN Global Compact and its underlying principles, UBS adopted a statement supporting basic human rights in 2006.

Money laundering prevention

UBS employs a vigorous risk-based approach to its internal anti-money laundering process. In early 2008 it also issued a revised Group Policy Against Corruption, setting out its zero-tolerance stance towards corruption and strictly prohibiting all forms of bribery by UBS and its employees, including so called facilitation payments. It also issued more detailed guidance papers to address the following topics: guidance for employees who have connections to public officials; the hiring of political advisers; guidance on engaging intermediaries; and anti-corruption guidance in connection with corrupt activity by clients.

Conflicts of interest

UBS is committed to ensuring fair treatment of all its stakeholders, while recognizing that conflicts of interest cannot always be avoided. The firm has therefore established guiding principles outlining its approach to properly identifying and managing conflicts of interest. In addition, various other policies address situations in which a conflict of interest might potentially arise, such as personal account dealing, or the providing and receiving of gifts. UBS’s Investment Bank also has specific conflict of interest policies for its research activities.

Whistleblowing protection

A whistleblowing policy allows employees to report any breach of law, regulations or codes of ethics to a senior manager without fear of retaliation.

Community affairs

A guideline is in place which sets out UBS’s community affairs activities and intends to ensure a unified approach to community affairs globally. It outlines responsibilities, focus areas, the scope of the programs as well as minimal criteria applicable to all community affairs activities and any financial contributions to charities and non-profit organisations made by UBS.

Information security

UBS adheres to the highest standards of information security. It meets legal and regulatory requirements related to information security, satisfying the obligations it has to clients, employees and shareholders.

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