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Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection Policy

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Purpose

The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) has established this comprehensive Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection Policy to provide a framework for reporting misconduct, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Key Components

Reporting Mechanisms

• Employees can report misconduct through various channels, including:
  • Online hotline
  • Email
  • In-person to the Ethics Officer

Protection of Whistleblowers

NBE promises to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and ensure they are not subjected to any form of harassment or intimidation.

Investigation Process

• Reports will be thoroughly investigated by trained investigators.
• Regular updates will be provided to the Regulatory Compliance Group Head.

Penalties for Violation

• Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.
• Malicious reports will result in disciplinary action against the employee.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ethics Officer

• Implements the policy, coordinates investigations, and ensures corrective actions are taken.

Department/Branch Managers

• Ensure their employees understand the policy and foster a culture of reporting misconduct.

Employees

• Have a responsibility to report misconduct and avoid causing harm to whistleblowers.

Retention Periods

Documents related to reports will be retained for a minimum period of five years.

Policy Review and Updates

The policy will be reviewed every two years or whenever necessary, with updates made as needed.

Confidentiality

• Access to the policy is restricted.
• Handling instructions are provided.