The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued guidelines to strengthen the accountability of senior managers in key functions in financial institutions (FIs) and to promote ethical behaviour in FIs. The guidelines were accompanied by an information paper on good practices in these areas.
2 The Guidelines on Individual Accountability and Conduct sets out MAS’ expectations through five high level outcomes for FIs:
3 Specific guidance and a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) have also been provided to help FIs achieve the five outcomes.
4 FIs should also promote a culture of ethical behaviour by strengthening practices in other areas set out in the Information Paper on Culture and Conduct Practices of Financial Institutions. These additional areas include hiring, communication channels, monitoring and assessment, and performance management. The paper contains examples of good practices gathered from a thematic survey and dialogue sessions conducted by MAS with banks, insurers and capital market intermediaries.
5. FIs should use the guidelines and the guidance in the information paper to develop and entrench a strong culture of responsibility and ethical behaviour within their organisations. MAS will continue to engage FIs, their boards, senior management and other employees on the adequacy and effectiveness of their culture and conduct practices through its ongoing supervision.
Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker