Corruption Prevention

KfW Group handles the topic of corruption prevention with special attention and diligence. It already introduced its first anti-corruption measures years ago. KfW's business policy does not tolerate the use or acceptance of bribes or other forms of corruption, and this policy is binding for all of its employees. KfW decidedly opposes corruption in any and all forms. Accordingly, the KfW Compass, which describes KfW's corporate model, explicitly addresses the issue of corruption prevention.

In 1998 a task force - "Corruption prevention" - reviewed all internal processes for possible gateways to corruption and defined binding "Rules of conduct governing the acceptance and offer of gifts and other benefits." Above all, these rules ensure transparency and encourage employees to deal with possible conflicts of interest openly. The conduct of KfW's employees may not at any time jeopardise the interests of KfW, nor may it lead to any dependencies or obligations. The bank's employees are familiarised with and regularly informed about these rules. The task force working on corruption prevention comprises employees from all of KfW's departments and continues to meet in order to exchange experiences gathered in the individual departments and add to organisational regulations and procedures already in place.

To further underscore the importance of preventing corruption for KfW, an employee code of conduct against corruption has been added to the rules of conduct. This code of conduct calls employees' attention to precarious situations that may get them drawn into corruption against their will. Corruption attempts must be fended off immediately, and superiors and the compliance officer are to be informed without delay.