Page 22 - BKT Annual Report 2024 EN

Corporate Governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT group level, a detailed internal regulatory framework
was implemented along with monitoring processes,
BKT recognizes the critical importance of strong controls, assessment procedures and mandatory
corporate governance practices in fostering trust, legal documents provisions. Any instance / event
integrity, and accountability within the company. Our where Conflict of interest risk is identified is escalated
commitment to upholding the highest standards to the appropriate decision-making body or directly
of corporate governance is fundamental to our to the Board of Directors.
operations and integral to our long-term success and
imbedded in the core internal regulatory framework ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION
like the BKT Code of Business Ethics, BKT Board
Charter, BKT Committees functions and organization, BKT Banking Group upholds a high standard of
Compliance, Audit and Risk Management Policies. integrity and culture among its employees as well
as those of third parties/partners in the provision of
COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS services, to combat corruption and bribery. The only
way to guarantee a sustainable business development
BKT Banking Group adheres to a strict code of and the trust of customers, shareholders, and the
conduct and ethics that governs the behavior of all communities in which it operates is to act with a high
employees, managers, executives, and stakeholders. degree of integrity.
The Compliance function monitors compliance with
applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, BKT Banking Group applies a “zero tolerance” stance
promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and against any form of bribery and corruption. This
accountability throughout the organization. We standard is implemented and put into practice by the
are committed to conducting business ethically internal policies of the bank and the principles of the
and responsibly, with a focus on building trust and Code of Business Ethics, which prohibit any form of
maintaining the confidence of our customers, offering or gift or event that could influence decision-
shareholders, and regulatory requirements. making or can be interpreted as bribery or corruption.
In order to identify, prevent and report any activity that
SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT can be considered as bribery or corruption, Banka
We value the input and feedback of our shareholders Kombëtare Tregtare establishes and implements an
and stakeholders and actively engage with them effective internal regulatory framework including:
to understand their concerns, perspectives, and
expectations. We maintain open channels of • Well-defined organizational and governance
communication and we are committed to fostering structure;
constructive dialogue and transparency in our • Precise and accurate records of all interactions and
interactions with shareholders, recognizing their role transactions with customers, suppliers and third
as essential partners in our success. parties when rendering services;
• Ongoing monitoring of activities of branches,
TRANSPARENCY AND DISCLOSURE agents or entities owned or operating on behalf of
Banka Kombëtare Tregtare;
We are committed to providing transparent and timely • Secure whistleblowing channels and reporting lines
disclosure of financial and non-financial information to for identification of possible cases of corruption
our stakeholders. Our annual reports and corporate and bribery;
communications are prepared in accordance with • Periodic risk assessment evaluations;
applicable regulations and industry standards. We • Periodic trainings to raise awareness of the staff.
strive to provide clear, accurate, and comprehensive
information that enables stakeholders to make In conclusion, BKT remains steadfast in its commitment
informed decisions about their involvement with BKT. to maintaining strong corporate governance practices
that uphold the highest standards of integrity,
CONFLICT OF INTEREST transparency, and accountability. We believe that
Throughout BKT Banking Group the risk of Conflict effective governance is essential for building trust,
of Interest is strictly monitored and managed. In enhancing shareholder value, and sustaining long-
order to mitigate such risk within the company or at term success in the banking industry.

22 BANKA KOMBËTARE TREGTARE