Fraudulent incidents may give rise to material financial loss for either Deutsche Bank or its clients. They may also negatively impact the bank’s reputation or trigger regulatory and legal action. Anti-fraud prevention and investigation is therefore important to mitigate exposure to these incidents for the bank and its clients.
Our Group-wide Anti-Fraud policy applies to all employees, laying out how to immediately escalate any known or suspected fraudulent incident, for example, via the whistleblower hotline. All issues raised are dealt with anonymously where requested, and we will not take any action against the originator if an allegation is made in good faith. All individuals engaged for or on behalf of Deutsche Bank are called upon to report any concerns or suspicions regarding possible violations of laws, rules or regulations, or possible violations of internal Deutsche Bank policies, standards, or procedures, including Deutsche Bank’s Values & Beliefs. In 2017, the AFC organization (excl. Postbank) recorded 159 whistleblowing cases. Any reports received are reviewed to establish their nature, content, and urgency, and if necessary an internal investigation is started on the incident.
In relevant business divisions Mandatory Time Away (MTA) is an important anti-fraud control for the prevention and detection of unauthorized or inappropriate activity by staff in sensitive positions.
By enforcing MTA, employees must be deterred and prevented from undertaking any unauthorized or inappropriate scheme or activity that might require continuous on-site presence and/or system access.