TFGM Summary Conflicts of Interest Policy
TFGM Summary Conflicts of Interest Policy
Introduction
Under guidance from our regulator and in accordance with the FCA’s Principles for
Businesses ThinkMarkets is required to manage conflicts of interest fairly, both between
itself and its clients, and between clients. It is important that ThinkMarkets, and any
employee (or contractor) acting on behalf of the company, avoids any situation where there is
or may appear to be a conflict of interest between ThinkMarkets and its clients or between
clients themselves.
ThinkMarkets is committed to treating its clients fairly and it will never knowingly put itself
in a position whereby its own interests, or its duty to another party, prevent it from
discharging its duty to a client.
If ThinkMarkets has a relationship that gives rise to a conflict with the interests of any of its
clients, it will not knowingly act for that client without taking reasonable steps to ensure the
fair treatment of that client. It is important to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest, but
also any semblance of a conflict of interest arising. The Head of Compliance should be
contacted if a conflict of interest arises or if you are unsure as to whether a particular
situation has resulted in a conflict of interest arising.
The policy is designed to be fully self-explanatory, however, where circumstances are not
covered by this guidance, please seek advice from the Head of Compliance. This policy has
been prepared for compliance with the competent authority’s rules and regulations and
is not intended to create third party rights or duties that would not already exist if the policy
was not made available, nor does it form part of any contract between ThinkMarkets and any
client.
It is essential that any conflicts of interest that cannot be avoided are handled correctly and
sensitively, both to comply with the regulatory Rules and our wider duties to our clients, and
also to ensure that the integrity of our services is not tarnished.
Conflicts of interest can take many forms. They arise where there is a mismatch between the
interests of one party to an arrangement and another party. In relation to the activities that we
conduct conflicts can arise:
Conflicts of interest may arise at any time. They can arise at the start of a relationship with a
client as well as at any time during a relationship. All directors and employees have
an ongoing responsibility to remain alert to the potential for conflicts of interest and to ensure
that any such conflicts are appropriately escalated.
Is likely to make a financial gain, or avoid a financial loss, at the expense of the
client;
Has an interest in the outcome of a service provided to the client or of a transaction
carried out on behalf of the client, which is distinct from the client’s interest in that
outcome;
Has a financial or other incentive to favour the interest of another client or group of
clients over the interests of the client;
Carries on the same business as the client; or
Receives or will receive from a person other than the client an inducement in relation
to a service provided to the client, in the form of monies, goods or services, other than
the standard commission or fee for that service.
Client Notification
The Head of Compliance acts as the central coordinating point in relation to conflicts of
interest. Accordingly, any actual or potential conflict of interest whether it arises at the
commencement of a client relationship or at some other time, must be reported to the Head of
Compliance. In relation to any such conflicts the following information should be provided:
Review of Conflict(s)
I. A perceived rather than actual conflict and one in relation to which no further action
is required;
II. A conflict which does not have commercial implications for the firm and in relation to
which the Head of Compliance is the appropriate individual to resolve; or
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III. A more complex or commercially sensitive conflict which is best managed by the
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Board.
If ThinkMarkets has identified any relationship or interest in a transaction that may give rise
to a conflict with the interests of its clients, it will disclose this fact before acting for that
client. The disclosure should be appropriately clear and concise and contain sufficient detail
to enable the client to make an informed decision as to how the conflict may affect the
service being provided. ThinkMarkets will not enter into any transaction with or for a client if
it has reason to believe that the client has objected to the conflict of interest.
Disclosure of conflicts of interest will not exempt ThinkMarkets from the obligation to
maintain and operate effective organisational and administrative arrangements. While
disclosure of specific conflicts of interest is a requirement, an over-reliance on disclosure
without adequate consideration as to how conflicts may be appropriately be managed is not
permitted and will not be tolerated.
Independence Policy
All employees are required to comply with ThinkMarkets independence policy. The
ThinkMarkets independence policy effectively states that, when dealing with a client,
employees must disregard any corporate or personal relationship, arrangement or interest that
is likely to influence the information given to, or actions undertaken on behalf of, a client in
relation to the transaction or service in question. When providing information to, or
undertaking action on behalf of, a particular client, employees must pay due regard to the
interests of that particular client and should disregard the interests of any other party.
An outside business interest is any activity you are engaged in being a non- ThinkMarkets
business. This includes being employed by another person, or serving as an officer, director,
partner or consultant, or whether you receive compensation from another organisation
(including a family business). It also includes any fees for a work product such as an article
or speech or position held at the request of, or as part of your role with ThinkMarkets. Civic
activities such as participating in elected or appointed political posts are also included, as are
other community enterprises, and serving as a director, officer or employee of, or consultant
to, a non-profit organisation.
All staff (including Board members) must disclose in writing to the Head of Compliance all
external directorships, partnerships or similar interests in any business prior to employment
or taking up such an appointment and annually thereafter by completing the Employee
Statement and Declarations Form. As part of the annual Fitness and Propriety assessment the
Head of Compliance will make appropriate checks on any disclosures. A disclosure can be
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Once a disclosure has been made, a response will be provided within seven days. The CEO
or Chairman must sign this response. The disclosure response detailing whether the
disclosure was ‘approved’ or ‘declined’ must be held in the HR Employee’s file.
In the first instance, the Head of Compliance is responsible for identifying and resolving
conflicts of interest arising from activities within ThinkMarkets. To address such conflicts
the following options will be considered:
The Risk and Compliance Committees will meet periodically to discuss the policy and review
any changes to the operations or organisation which could lead to potential conflicts. The
Head of Compliance will maintain a record of any identified conflicts of interest and any
action taken, which will be reviewed no less than annually by the Board. Ultimate
responsibility for addressing and resolving conflicts of interest resides with the Board.
Chinese Walls
Inappropriate Influences
Compliance will monitor and prevent any person exercising inappropriate influence over the
way in which a relevant person carries out services or activities.
Monitoring Conflicts
Inducements
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Inducements are covered by ThinkMarkets’ Gifts and Entertainment Policy. Any conflicts
will be identified and passed to Head of Compliance.
Personal Account Dealing (“PAD”) is covered by ThinkMarkets PAD Policy. Any conflicts
will be identified and passed to Head of Compliance.
Segregation of Functions
ThinkMarkets operate a ‘Segregation of Function’ policy with full oversight supplied by the
detailed Compliance Monitoring Program. As such, staff are prevented from the simultaneous
or sequential involvement in separate activities where such an involvement may impair the
proper management of conflicts of interest.
Registered address: 2 Copthall Avenue, London EC2R 7DA. Company number: 09042646
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