Legal Notice

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The Deutsche Hypo places a high importance on the safety of private data and the compliance with data protection regulations. The economic crimes issue is a rising threat and a considerable risk.

Here you can find important information on the matters fraud prevention and data privacy

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 staff, members of executive bodies, customers, business partners and other third parties. 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. Buchert und Partner
Bleichenstr. 1
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Phone: +49 69 710-33330
Mobile: +49 6105 921355
Fax: +49 69 710-34444
Email: dr-buchert@dr-buchert.de

Mediation body

Note in accordance of Section 36 of the German Law on Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes [Verbraucherstreitbeilegungsgesetz]:

Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) does not participate in a dispute settlement procedure before a consumer mediation body.

Complaints management

I. Introduction

We treat client satisfaction as a top priority, therefore it is important to us to give you the opportunity to voice criticism. Hence, we have established a complaints office and measures for managing complaints. The aim of our complaints management system is to ensure prompt and appropriate processing of client complaints. Complaints received are evaluated to correct recurring errors or problems. By taking these steps, we hope to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term customer loyalty.

II.Complaints handling procedure

1. All customers (i.e. individuals, organisations and companies) that are affected by Deutsche Hypo’s activities may file a complaint.

2. The Deutsche Hypo complaints office is responsible for processing complaints. Complaints may be submitted to Deutsche Hypo orally, electronically or in writing.

Complaints submitted electronically may be sent to the email address service@deutsche-hypo.de.

Please address your written complaints to:

Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft)
Osterstraße 31
30159 Hanover
Germany

3. We require the following information in order to process your complaint:

  • Complete contact information of the party filing the complaint (address, telephone number, email address if applicable)
  • Description of the circumstances of the case
  • A clearly worded request and additional information as to the desired outcome of the complaint (e.g. correction of an error, improvement of services, resolution of a difference in opinion)
  • Copies of the documents necessary to understand the matter (if available)
  • If the party filing the compliant is approaching Deutsche Hypo on behalf of another party, proof of the authorisation to represent is required

4. The party filing the complaint will receive confirmation that the complaint has been received. If the complaint can be processed in a timely manner, the party filing the complaint will receive a response directly.

5. Depending on the complexity of the matter, the party filing the complaint will receive confirmation that the complaint has been received within an appropriate period of time. Deutsche Hypo aims to finish processing complaints within a month. If it is not possible to do so, the party filing a complaint will receive a notification during processing.

6. The party will receive a clear explanation if Deutsche Hypo is unable to comply with the request of the party filing the complaint.

7. Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) does not participate in any dispute settlement procedures before a consumer mediation body. In addition to a civil lawsuit, you have the option of filing a complaint with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority if your complaint concerns an alleged breach of regulations, compliance with which is monitored by the Bundesanstalt.

III. Other information

  • Processing of complaints is free of charge.
  • These principles will be reviewed at regular intervals

AML Policy

The proceedings of the Wolfsberg Group aim at promoting and facilitating the transparency of international transactions. As an active anti-money laundering and anti-corruption measure, it also supports self-protection of banks and institutions. The Deutsche Hypo publishes the Wolfsberg Questionnaire on a yearly basis. It serves as an instrument for the internal review of the preventive measures against violation in financial institutions and gives a transparent disclosure of the due diligence framework.

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Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)

In 2010 the USA passed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).  FATCA came into force as a component of the “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act” (HIRE Act). The aim of this HIRE Act is to create jobs in America and offer companies an incentive to employ job seekers. In order to be able offer such sweeteners to the companies, America conversely needs to ensure that it can finance them through taxes. This has brought potential tax evasion by companies operated overseas into sharper focus, and the US tax authorities have taken financial institutions around the world to task.

Germany advocates the idea of combatting tax evasion, hence its willingness to implement FATCA at an early stage. However, in order to enable a statutorily-compliant implementation of FATCA in Germany, a bilateral agreement on FACTA was negotiated between the USA and Germany and published in May 2013.

FATCA became a statutory requirement for companies based in Germany following the conclusion of the German-American treaty.

The Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN) identifies financial institutions to the American tax authority (IRS). After a financial institution has been registered on the IRS website and vetted, a GIIN will be issued. The GIIN shows other financial institutions that the partner bank is FATCA-compliant.

GIIN NORD/LB: EKLIT5.00000.LE.276
GIIN Deutsche Hypo: EKLIT5.00006.ME.276
GIIN Deutsche Hypo London Branch: EKLIT5.00006.BR.826

UK Tax Strategy

The following document sets out the strategic tax objectives of Deutsche Hypo London Branch.

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