Business Ethics Regulations To implement our ethical corporate management policy and diligently safeguard product quality, customer safety, and health, thereby strengthening an ethical corporate culture and a sustainable operating environment, HLC has formulated the "Procedures for Ethical Management and Guidelines for Conduct" and the "Anti-Bribery and Ethical Corporate Management Best Practice Principles". These serve as specific guidelines for all our employees, appointees, or those with substantive control, covering prohibitions on offering or receiving improper benefits, unfair competition, illegal political donations, and inappropriate charitable donations or sponsorships. These policies are implemented after approval by the President. Additionally, the "Corporate Governance Best Practice Principles" and "Sustainable Development Best Practice Principles" were approved by the Board of Directors on March 26, 2025. In 2024, HLC had no confirmed corruption incidents and no legal actions related to anti-competitive behavior, antitrust, or monopolistic practices. At the practical management level, HLC implements its commitment to business ethics and ethical corporate management in operations through the following systemic mechanisms:
Reporting Mechanism If employees have concerns about the Code of Conduct, they can contact the Audit Office, the Risk Management Department of the Customer Service Department, or the Talent Assets Office of the Management Department. For unethical or improper conduct, the Company encourages internal and external personnel to report via the whistleblower email (HLCTRUST@hotaileasing.com.tw), either anonymously or with their identity disclosed. The reporting channels are included in training materials for new hires, and the email information is posted on the Company's internal website for all employees. The Audit Office is the unit for receiving reported cases. Upon formal establishment of a case, the President will appoint a project manager and an investigation team to conduct the investigation. After the investigation is completed, the project manager or investigation team must report to the President based on the investigation results and, depending on the severity of the case, report to the Board of Directors. The investigation report includes the reported case details, investigation process, recommended actions, and subsequent review and improvement measures. To protect whistleblowers’ rights, personnel involved in handling reported matters must provide a written statement to guarantee the confidentiality of whistleblowers’ identity and the content of the report, and pledge to protect whistleblowers from improper treatment due to whistleblowing. Following an investigation, violators will face disciplinary action. In cases involving criminal or illegal activities, legal proceedings will be pursued based on the severity, and compensation for damages will be sought. If a reported case is investigated and found to be true, and it advances the Company's interests and mitigates its risks, or if it provides crucial leads or evidence for a major reported case, the dedicated personnel will report it to the President; then, the Company provides appropriate rewards to the whistleblower or deserving individual(s).
Legal Compliance HLC is committed to legal compliance, to ensure that all operations are in line with the latest regulatory requirements. Each unit is responsible for monitoring regulatory changes according to its duties and announcing them in a timely manner. For example, if there are changes to the Labor Standards Act, the HR Office should review relevant regulations and announce any adjustments to all employees via email.