Business Principles - Code of Conduct

Sufficient development impact and an adequate long-term profitability constitute the basis for continuity and success of FMO. FMO considers the display of initiative and attention for a modern approach to the organization of primary importance to all of its employees. Employees are expected to choose solutions that are financially feasible, while costs and benefits are weighed carefully and one is aiming in a professional and efficient manner at contributing effectively to a sustainable development of the private sector in our field of activity.

The following business principles determine the acting and attitudes of both FMO as a company and of the individual employees of FMO:
1. Integrity
2. Sustainable development
3. Professionalism
4. Openness and transparency
5. Entrepreneurship

1. Integrity
   As a worldwide supplier of financial services FMO has to comply with foreign legislation and regulations and has to deal with corporate and private clients from different backgrounds and cultures. That is why it is important that employees of FMO are socially committed and respect other cultures and at the same time comply with the FMO code of conduct. FMO commits itself to also comply with the applicable legislation and regulations.
   The most important thing is that FMO is a commercial organization and that the activities of FMO serve a business purpose. FMO does not interfere with political or party-political affairs. Neither does it grant gifts or donations to political parties. However, within the limits of the conduct of its business, FMO reserves the right to pass, after careful consideration, judgment about affairs that may be of importance to its employees, shareholders or clients. FMO is an advocate of equal opportunities and has a policy of non-discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of gender or race is not allowed.
   
   
2. Sustainable development
   FMO is of the opinion that a good relationship with all its stakeholders at all places where it is active is of crucial importance for its long term success. With respect to its external business relations FMO focuses on creating and maintaining intensive sustainable relationships. The social commitment of FMO is based on mutual respect and active cooperation with its stakeholders.
   FMO is aware of the fact that certain natural resources are scarce and must be used in a responsible manner. This awareness is expressed in FMO's internal and external policies aimed at conservation of the environment and a good social policy. Financing must comply with the requirements of sustainable development (Profit, Planet, People) with due observance of the guidelines of the World Bank in the field of environmental and social policy. Apart from this, much attention is paid to aspects in the field of "Good Corporate Governance" in applications for financing.
   Apart from its external activities in the field of professional management of environmental risks, one of the internal objectives of FMO is also to control and limit the environmental load caused by the FMO organization itself as much as possible.
   

3. Professionalism
   FMO attaches much importance to a professional attitude in all sections of the company and sets high requirements with respect to the level of the services for its clients. FMO pays much attention to the personal development of its employees since it considers this to be an important guarantee for maintaining the desired level of professionalism and an important condition for a successful implementation of organizational changes wherever such changes are necessary. Cooperation within and between the various departments creates added value. Team work combined with a common objective form an integral part of the working method and the rendering of services of FMO.
   
4. Openness and transparency
   FMO attaches much value to open and transparent communications with its clients, employees and shareholders and with society as a whole, this of course with due observance of the (internal and external) confidentiality of business information.
   
5. Entrepreneurship
   FMO serves clients that commercial banks can not or are not willing to serve. In general these are clients that require more customized solutions in markets with a high risk profile. This requires a 'can do' attitude on the part of FMO and its employees: thinking in terms of possibilities and opportunities, resourcefulness and daring, in short entrepreneurship.