This Code sets out expectations for how we act, solve problems and make decisions. Our Code of Conduct is the ultimate guide for how we do things at Commonwealth Bank. It describes the standards of conduct we expect. The Code connects our Purpose, Values Expectations (with a ‘Should We?’ test) and key Group Policies to help us to deliver the right outcomes for all our stakeholders.
The Commonwealth Bank Group is committed to ensuring its policies and practices reflect the highest standard of corporate governance. The Board has adopted a comprehensive framework of Corporate Governance Guidelines, designed to properly balance performance and compliance.
As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in Australia, we are committed to being a responsible corporate taxpayer and acting with the highest integrity in complying with all prevailing tax laws.
We are committed to embedding a ‘speak up’ culture. Our whistleblower protection policy and procedures ensure that reports are treated appropriately and the employee raising the concern is protected.
Our Policy precludes the Group from making political donations. We may pay to attend events hosted by political parties with a business audience. This will be disclosed in accordance with relevant electoral laws.
We are committed to embedding a zero appetite culture towards bribery, corruption and facilitation payments across all areas and levels of the business.
Our Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing program sets out how the Group identifies, mitigates and manages money laundering and terrorism financing risk.
Our Fraud Policy defines the Group’s fraud control principles, mandatory requirements and accountabilities. It clearly articulates that the Group does not tolerate fraud and is committed to promoting and maintaining a sound ethical culture.
Our Group-wide economics and trade sanctions policy acts as the basis for the development of appropriate internal procedures. We are committed to ensuring employees understand the importance of sanctions compliance.
Achieving our vision requires us to build trusted and mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders, which supports our long term success and sustainability.
Our remuneration principles have been designed to support a remuneration approach that aligns with our vision, values and strategy, is appropriate to changing market conditions, and complies with regulatory requirements.
We are committed to providing customers with the best outcomes, which includes fair and reasonable pricing for their foreign exchange transactions. Our Foreign Exchange Cost of Service Standard defines our Global Markets and Treasury’s requirements and accountabilities with respect to foreign exchange pricing.
We recognise that our business can impact the environment and are actively working to manage our impact, so we can meet our dual responsibility of safeguarding the environment and supporting economic growth and development.
We are committed to playing our part in limiting climate change to well below two degrees in line with the Paris Agreement and supporting the responsible global transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
We are continuously evolving our practices. Since becoming a signatory to the Equator Principles III and introducing our nine Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Lending Commitments in 2014, we have been working to embed our approach to responsible lending in all our business lending.
We see responsible investment as a matter of stewardship, defined as the careful and responsible execution of the investing-related duties entrusted to us by our customers and clients.
Social
Human rights
Our Human Rights Position Statement affirms our responsibility and commitment to respect all human rights across our operations.
Human Rights Position Statement (PDF)
Reconciliation
We recognise that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians face significant social and financial disadvantage. So while we aim to promote equality for all Australians, reconciliation is an important part or our investment in our community.
Reconciliation Action Plan (PDF)
Social impact of Indigenous community programs (PDF)
Financial inclusion
We are deepening our commitment to ensuring that as many people as possible, especially those at risk of financial exclusion, have access to affordable, appropriate financial resources and can make the most of them.
Financial Inclusion Action Plan (PDF)
Addressing Financial Abuse Guide (PDF)
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity is an integral part of our culture, values and the way we do business. It offers tangible benefits for our employees, customers and shareholders.
Our commitment
Accessibility and Inclusion Plan (PDF)
Responsible procurement
We are determined to build sustainable practices into every aspect of our business and we recognise the importance of managing our supply chain.
Supplier Code of Conduct (PDF)