Modern Slavery Act

Modern Slavery Act - Statement

Introduction

Bank of London and The Middle East plc (BLME) is a wholly Sharia’a compliant bank. Accordingly, BLME values traditional finance principles, and strives to be straightforward, competitive and prudent. We are committed to acting ethically in all our business relationships, as well as complying at all times with laws and regulations applicable to us. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) and constitutes our slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2021.

Organisational structure

BLME received a banking licence from the UK Financial Services Authority in 2007. Its parent company is BLME Holdings Limited. The BLME Group employs approximately 124 permanent staff in its London office as well as twelve staff in its branch in Dubai, UAE.

Supply chains and due diligence procedures

BLME’s supply chain includes but not limited to third party suppliers (Suppliers) of the following goods and services: consultancy services; IT and telecommunications; legal services; audit services; valuations; marketing; consumables; office services; recruitment and travel. As a financial services provider, BLME does not directly have a high-risk exposure of modern slavery or human trafficking, but we are committed to ensuring through our due diligence process and supplier attestation that our supply chain complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and directives in their respective countries. It is our intention that all current and future relationships with our Suppliers will be managed with this commitment in mind, and we will not knowingly do business with any third party guilty of non-compliance. 

Accordingly, appropriate due diligence procedures have been established to assess any risk of slavery or human trafficking in our supply chain. To this end, it is our policy to seek confirmation from all our new Suppliers identified as operating in “at risk” areas that they comply with their obligations under the Act; and, if they are not covered by the Act, they will be asked to provide evidence of the work to eliminate human trafficking and slavery from their own business and supply chain. 

Training and policies

Internal training is central to ensuring that BLME staff understand the bank’s obligations under the Act, and that potential risks of slavery or human trafficking issues are identified. Accordingly, appropriate training sessions have been provided to staff, and BLME’s policy for onboarding suppliers informs staff of the practical steps to be taken to address the Act’s requirements.

Approval procedure

This statement, which will be reviewed annually, has been approved by the Board of Directors.

Andrew Ball

Chief Executive Office, BLME

23 June 2022