Fraud Prevention

The whistleblower system: the ombudsman

Deutsche Hypo lays down clear rules for its staff as to what constitutes correct and professional behaviour, e.g. in cases of conflicts of interest, in the fight against such forms of economic criminality as corruption, fraud and money laundering, and in matters relating to confidentiality and data protection, proper dealings with customers, the protection and proper utilisation of the Bank’s resources, and guarding against discrimination.

In order to supplement the legal and regulatory framework that governs its business activities, Deutsche Hypo has introduced a “whistleblower” system that can be used by both staff and customers. This includes the appointment of a person to exercise the function of an external ombudsman, to whom people can turn in confidence if they have any suspicion of criminal activity or of irregularities in business transactions.

The Ombudsman:

  • will receive in confidence any reports that point to criminal activity or serious irregularities
  • will give advice to the whistleblower
  • will inform Deutsche Hypo about the suspicious circumstances, provided that the whistleblower releases him from the obligation to secrecy to which he is subject as a solicitor

Notes:

  • The ombudsman is not someone to whom general complaints should be addressed and is not an “agony aunt”. He is to be contacted only if there are reasons to suspect criminal activity (such as fraud) or gross irregularities.
  • Fundamentally, the identity of the whistleblower will not be revealed.
  • If you contact the ombudsman, you will not incur any costs.

The function of ombudsman for Deutsche Hypo is to be performed by Dr Rainer Buchert of Frankfurt am Main. He is a solicitor, and so is under an obligation to secrecy and enjoys the right to refuse to give evidence. Even if criminal proceedings should result, he is not obliged to name the source of the information. Dr Buchert has already been acting as ombudsman for other major German companies for many years. Further information can be found on the internet at www.dr-buchert.de.

Ombudsman:

Dr. Rainer Buchert
Solicitor
Kettenhofweg 1
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Phone: +49 69 710-33330
Mobile: +49 6105 921355
Fax: +49 69 710-34444
Email: dr-buchert@dr-buchert.de