Sustainability Policy
Developments over the past several years, as well as the daily challenges confronting any
global commodity company, have highlighted the close interrelationship between economic
and social factors. A company’s market value is influenced to a significant extent by intangible
values (e.g. intellectual capital, corporate culture, client loyalty, reputation), and its business
success is dependent to a large degree on the confidence of its stakeholders and on it being
accepted in the environment in which it operates. Consequently, one of the challenges that
we all face when striving to achieve sustainable business success is that of identifying the
expectations of key stakeholder groups and of addressing them appropriately.
Gerald believes being a Global Corporate Citizen (GCC) is a commitment made at all levels
of the Group. As a leading global commodity merchant, we operate with very high standards
to build greater efficiency, improved security of supply and create long-term value for all our
stakeholders. Some specific areas that we believe worth highlighting are:
1 Employees
Gerald strives to create shared value. We believe this is based upon the connection between
corporate success, social well-being, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting
a high-performing, inclusive workplace built on excellence, respect and dignity. Since our
needs are for a productive workforce, health and education are key components of that
equation. The Group provides/encourages training across a variety of disciplines (internally
and externally), all harmonized to improve our own intellectual capital, whilst enriching the
employees themselves.
2 Code of Conduct
Gerald is built based on an entrepreneurial spirit, which is allied with the uppermost standards
of integrity and accountability. We are committed to ensuring that every employee conducts
themselves and represents Gerald in all aspects according to rigorous ethical, professional
and legal standards. Complementing our “Do what’s right” attitude, Gerald’s business ethics,
AML and Anti-Bribery guidelines also provide a clear reference point for employees.
3 Business Partners
We understand that the basis for long-term success holds in making the right partnerships
with the right counterparties. This is an ever-developing process but with thorough and
continued due diligence, “Know Your Client” (KYC), adherence to law in all jurisdictions we
operate within, and building common-value with such partners, we believe we can positively
manage these relationships, whilst having them help us achieve our GCC goals.
4 Risk management
The nature of risk has evolved and the scale of non-traditional risks has increased. The
environmental and social risks associated with conducting business globally can also become
a liability and/or bring reputational threats for those involved. These aspects must therefore
be taken into consideration. As part of Gerald’s credit and risk management procedures, we
ensure that such aspects form part of our decision-making process across our business and
service providers.
Values such as credibility, integrity and the ability to maintain viable partnerships are vital for
long-term business success, as are corporate governance structures. By carefully managing
and adopting an increasingly transparent approach vis-à-vis these intangibles, we believe we
can maintain the trust of clients, employees, shareholders, financial institutions and other
stakeholders, as well as continuing to position ourselves as a credible and attractive long-term
partner.
5 Going forward
Gerald Group continues to grow and advance. As such, we will continue to approach the
management of our Global Corporate Citizenship with the same care and discipline as any
other business we conduct. We are aware of the challenges that lie ahead, and we are
committed to meeting them.