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Code of Ethics
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Bank of America Code of Ethics
The Bank of America Core Values
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The following five values represent what we believe in as individuals and
as a team, and how we aspire to interact with our customers, our shareholders,
our communities and one another.
Doing the Right Thing
We have the responsibility to do the right thing for our customers,
shareholders, communities and one another.
Trusting and Teamwork
We succeed together, taking collective responsibility for our
customers' satisfaction.
Inclusive Meritocracy
We care about one another, value one another's differences, focus on
results and strive to help all associates reach their full potential.
Winning
We have a passion for achieving results and winning—for our customers,
our shareholders, our communities and one another.
Leadership
We will be decisive leaders at every level, communicating our vision
and taking action to help build a better future.
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A Message from the CEO
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The Bank of America Code of Ethics for all of our associates and directors puts into writing the highest standards of ethical conduct to which we hold ourselves, and one another, accountable.
Trust, one of the core values on which our company is built, is also the foundation on which we build strong relationships with our customers, shareholders, communities and one another. Our code provides direction on how we can achieve our business goals while preserving and building on the trust upon which our company is built. The responsibility for creating and sustaining trust in Bank of America rests squarely on each of us and the personal integrity we bring to our work.
The code, in effect, explains what we mean when we say one of our core values is “doing the right thing.” Each of us is required to acknowledge our responsibility for reading, understanding and complying with the guidelines in this document. If you have any questions, talk with your manager.
We all recognize that results are important. Our Code of Ethics underscores our individual and collective recognition that how we achieve those results is just as important. To preserve the trust others place in us—and our trust in each other—I am counting on you to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in all that you do. In living up to this commitment, I look forward to all we will accomplish together.
Kenneth D. Lewis Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
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Introduction |
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Bank of America Corporation1 is committed to the
highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. To help you
understand how these standards apply to you and your teammates,
this
Code of Ethics provides basic guidelines of business practice,
and professional and personal conduct you are expected to adopt and
uphold as a Bank of America associate.2
The public judges Bank of America by the actions of its
associates. This code is intended to guide your conduct to instill
public trust and confidence. The following pages include sections
on:
- Avoiding conflicts, or even the appearance of conflicts,
between personal interests and the interests of Bank of America,
its shareholders or customers.
- Keeping information confidential and secure.
- Properly caring for and protecting Bank of America property and
assets.
- Conducting your personal financial affairs responsibly and
keeping your business expenses in order.
- Not taking any action, either personally or on behalf of Bank
of America, which violates any law, regulation or internal
policy.
- Avoiding misuse of material, nonpublic information relating to
securities or other financial instruments.
- Promptly reporting any knowledge or information about Bank of
America associates or agents you suspect of committing crimes.
Your division or team may have additional or more restrictive
policies you must follow. Your manager or compliance officer will
provide you with any manuals, policies and procedures related to
your specific job. You should refer to the
Associate Handbook for additional information on associate
conduct.3
The corporation may publish additional policies as deemed
necessary or appropriate. Talk to your manager and visit the
internal Web site for your line of business to determine all
policies applicable to you.
You are expected to follow the information in this code, other
policies referred to in this document, additional policies that
apply to your job, and the spirit and letter of all laws and
regulations.4 Violation of the Code of Ethics or these
other policies, laws and regulations constitutes grounds for
disciplinary action, including termination of employment and
possible legal action.
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Section 1: Governance and
Administration |
“Our reputation is an absolutely critical asset for our
company. It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to protect
and to enhance that reputation by exhibiting only the highest
ethics and integrity, in every aspect of what we do and how we do
it.” |
—Keith Banks, President, Global Wealth &
Investment Management, on leadership
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If you have questions or concerns regarding the Code of Ethics:
- Consult your manager
- Contact the Personnel Center's Advice and Counsel at 1.800.556.6044
To report complaints or possible violations regarding ethical issues,
call the Ethics and Compliance Hotline:
- Callers in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands call toll free 1.888.411.1744
- For other international associates, toll free dialing instructions will vary by location. Please see the international dialing instructions for details.
Complaints can be submitted anonymously and in complete confidence. |
The Ethics Oversight Committee resolves any issues regarding the Code of Ethics, including potential violations and certain exceptions, and will review the
information from the Ethics and Compliance Hotline. The committee includes the corporation's general auditor, general counsel, principal compliance
executive and chief administrative officer.
1.1 Reporting certain conduct
Bank of America can be held criminally liable if one of its
associates or agents commits certain crimes. You must promptly
report any knowledge or information about employment-related
conduct by another associate or agent of the corporation that you
reasonably believe to be:
- A crime
- A violation of law or regulation
- A dishonest act, including misappropriation of funds or
anything of value from Bank of America or the improper recording of
the corporation’s assets or liabilities
- A breach of trust
Non-Retaliation
You must report the relevant facts, as well as any other
circumstances or activities that may conflict with the Code of
Ethics, to the Ethics and Compliance Hotline. You will not be
retaliated against for reporting information in good faith in
accordance with this policy.
1.2 Accounting
To ensure the integrity of its consolidated financial statements,
Bank of America has established internal accounting and operating
controls and procedures, including disclosure controls and procedures,
and a Disclosure Committee.
All associates responsible for the preparation of the
corporation’s financial statements, or who provide
information as part of that process, must maintain and adhere to
these controls so that all underlying transactions, both within
Bank of America and with third parties, are properly documented,
recorded and reported.
In addition, all associates have the responsibility to promote
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in
reports and documents that Bank of America files with or submits to
the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public
communications made by the corporation.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has established
procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing
matters. You may raise any such concerns to the Ethics and
Compliance Hotline. You will not be
retaliated against for reporting information in good faith in
accordance with this policy.
1.3 Code waivers
The Board of Directors must approve any waiver of the Code of
Ethics for the principal executive officer, the principal financial
officer, the principal accounting officer and any executive officer
or director. The corporation will promptly disclose any such waiver
on its Web site or through a press release or other public filing
as required by law, regulation or applicable stock exchange
rule.
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Section 2: Conflicts of
Interest |
“ We work for a large and complex company that operates
in a complex environment. We need to measure our success both by
what we achieve and how we achieve it.” |
—Amy Woods Brinkley, Global Risk Executive,
on doing the right thing
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What is a conflict of interest?
As a Bank of America associate, you must recognize that
conflicts of interest may occur when your personal interests or
activities compete or interfere—or even appear to compete or
interfere—with your obligations to the corporation, its
shareholders or customers.
Conflicts of interest also may arise when you put the interest
of one set of customers over another, or the corporation's
interest over the interests of its customers, without legitimate
reason. Such situations might interfere with your judgment or
ability to properly fulfill your Bank of America duties.
You must avoid conflicts—or even the appearance of
conflicts—between personal interests and the interests of Bank of
America, its shareholders or customers.
It is impossible to define every action that could be reasonably
interpreted as a conflict of interest. This section defines several
potential conflicts of interest as examples that you must be aware
of:
- Gifts, hospitality and entertainment
- Information disclosure and dissemination
- Outside activities and relationships
- Service providers
Conflicts of interest also arise when you or your family members
receive improper personal benefits as a result of your position in
the corporation.
More information is available from the Enterprise Conflicts Management
Program.
2.1 Gifts, hospitality and entertainment
A conflict of interest may arise when you give or receive gifts,
hospitality or entertainment.
Associates must not give or receive gifts of money to or from
current or prospective customers or suppliers. There are
restrictions on giving or receiving discounts and non-monetary
gifts to or from current or prospective:
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Government officials and agencies
In addition, you must not accept or provide hospitality or
entertainment from or to current or prospective customers or
suppliers unless it is for a valid business purpose, providing an
opportunity for a meaningful business conversation.
These restrictions are not intended to apply to gifts,
hospitality or entertainment based on obvious family relationships
or close personal friendships, where the circumstances make it
clear that it is the relationship—rather than Bank of
America’s business—that is the motivating factor.
To learn more, please visit the Gifts and
Entertainment Policies Web page. You should not participate in
any activity that could embarrass or reflect poorly on Bank of
America. Your activities should be legal, and should not be
frequent or extravagant. More information is available in the
Working at Bank of America section of the
Associate Handbook.
2.2 Information disclosure and dissemination
A conflict of interest may arise if you make public certain
types of information you have access to as part of your job.
You must not inappropriately share or disclose to the public
proprietary information concerning Bank of America, including such
information about clients, vendors, market conditions or business
events. Even if you inadvertently or accidentally share or disclose
such information, a conflict of interest may arise.
Additional information is available in “Section 3:
Confidentiality and Information Security.”
2.3 Outside activities and relationships
A conflict of interest may arise from your activities,
employment or other relationships outside Bank of America.
You must not act on behalf of or appear to represent the
corporation in any transaction outside your role and
responsibilities with Bank of America. Inform your manager and
obtain his or her approval before you:
- Pursue additional employment outside Bank of America
- Engage in an independent business venture
- Perform services for another business organization
You must not pursue such outside activities and relationships
during Bank of America business hours or allow any outside
business, civic or charitable activities to interfere with your job
performance. In general, Bank of America discourages you from
serving on a board of a for-profit organization. For more
information, please visit the
Outside Directorships Web page.
2.4 Service providers
A conflict of interest may arise from your relationships with
vendors or other service providers. If you are authorized to
approve or award orders, contracts and commitments to suppliers of
goods or services, you must do so based on objective business
standards to avoid any real or perceived favoritism.
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Section 3: Confidentiality and
Information Security |
“The true measure of our success extends well beyond
financial results. We enjoy our greatest success when we are good
stewards for our customers and good neighbors in our
communities.” |
—Joe Price, chief financial officer, on
winning
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Why is information security a top Bank of America
priority?
“What we all want from a financial partner or an
employer is the freedom to manage our financial lives and careers
with peace of mind, confidence and trust. Building and maintaining
that trust through the careful management and stewardship of
information is our first responsibility to our customers, our
associates and to one another.” —Ken Lewis
You must keep the following information confidential and
secure:
- Customer information—You may access customer
information only for business purposes and must protect the
confidentiality and security of that information at all times. You
should be familiar with Bank of America's
Privacy Policy for Consumers, which details our commitment and
ability to protect consumers’ personal information and
circumstances in which you may share information. You should also
be familiar with the “need to know” policy for
material, nonpublic information and certain other confidential
information related to our corporate customers.
- Bank of America information—You must keep confidential
and secure any nonpublic information about Bank of America. Such
information you have about Bank of America activities and plans
should only be shared within the corporation with other associates
who “need to know” the information to perform their
duties. Consult your manager if you have questions about sharing
information about Bank of America on a “need to know”
basis.
- Associate information—You must keep confidential and
secure any information you have about other Bank of America
associates. The Associate Privacy Policy
outlines responsibilities for associates, managers and service
providers when requesting, using, transmitting and disposing of
associate information.
- Supplier information—You must keep confidential and
secure any information you have about the corporation’s
purchase of products or services. Sharing this information with the
wrong source could provide an improper advantage to the supplier or
its competitors and violate agreements Bank of America has with
suppliers. In some instances it might also violate the “need
to know” policy for material, nonpublic information.
Every year you are required to take Information Protection and
Privacy training. This training highlights the:
- Proper methods to protect confidential and proprietary
information for Bank of America, its customers and associates
- Appropriate use of electronic communications
- Privacy Policy for Consumers
- Associate Privacy Policy
The Corporate
Information Security & Business Continuity Web site
contains helpful information about confidentiality and information
security at Bank of America. Section 7 of this Code of Ethics
explains the prohibitions on misuse of material, nonpublic
information, and the Global Enterprise Information Wall Policy
discusses the “need to know” policy for this
information.
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Section 4: Bank of America
Assets |
“We work together and rely on each other to serve
customers and strengthen two of the most valuable assets we
possess—our integrity and our brand.” |
—Liam McGee, president, Global Consumer &
Small Business Banking, on trusting and teamwork
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You must properly care for and protect Bank of America property
and assets, which should be used for legitimate business purposes
only. You must not:
- Steal, embezzle or misappropriate money, funds or anything of
value from Bank of America. Doing so subjects you to potential
disciplinary action, according to the law and Bank of America
policy.
- Use Bank of America assets for personal gain or advantage.
- Remove Bank of America assets from the facilities unless you
have your manager’s approval.
- Use official Bank of America stationery, the corporate brand,
documents or the Bank of America name for nonofficial purposes,
since such use implies endorsement by the corporation.
- Misuse your Internet or e-mail privileges. The
corporation’s private computer systems are primarily for
business purposes and subject to review, monitoring and recording
at any time without notice or permission. More information on these
and other policies is available in the Working at Bank of America
section of the Associate Handbook.
Bank of America assets include, but are not limited to, items
such as:
- Computer software
- Customer lists or information
- Data processing systems
- Databases
- Equipment
- Furnishings
- Files
- Ideas
- Information about corporate or customer transactions
- Innovations
- Intellectual property
- Money and funds
- Records
- Reference materials
- Reports
- Supplies
- Technology
- The corporation’s private computer systems including your
e-mail and your Internet access
Remember, any assets you create for Bank of America or while
using Bank of America resources are the corporation’s
property, and remain its property even if you leave Bank of
America.
Bank of America has guidelines with which you should be familiar
to ensure the protection of intellectual property, records and
other information. Please visit the following Web pages:
- Intellectual property
- Record retention
- Information destruction
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Section 5: Financial
Responsibility |
“Each one of us represents our brand in how we handle
the company’s interactions with vendors and other third
parties. Our dealings with others on behalf of the company must
meet the highest standards of timeliness, ethics and
appropriateness.” |
—Barbara Desoer, Global Technology, Service &
Fulfillment executive, on leadership
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Your duty to cooperate
You must cooperate with any internal or external investigation
or audit, or any regulatory examination. Immediately inform your
manager if you are the subject of an external investigation unless
laws, regulations or the investigating authority prohibit you from
doing so.
You should conduct your personal financial affairs responsibly
and keep your business expenses in order.
You are responsible for your financial activities in the
following areas:
- Borrowing—You may not personally borrow money from or lend it
to suppliers, customers or other associates unless the loan is:
- To or from a family member
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- From an institution normally in the business of lending
-and-
- There is no conflict of interest
You may make an occasional loan of nominal value (such as for
lunch) to another associate or acquaintance, as long as no interest
is charged.
- Business expenses—You must report your business expenses
accurately and in a timely manner. You must not use your business
credit card for any purpose other than appropriate business
expenses. More information on business expenses is available in the
Corporate Expense Policy.
- Personal fees—You may not accept fees or commissions for any
transaction on behalf of Bank of America unless you are
specifically authorized to do so.
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Section 6: Compliance with
Law |
“Laws and regulations are vital to conducting business
on a level playing field. Complying with the letter and the spirit
of the laws and regulations that govern our industry is our first
obligation to our shareholders, our customers and one
another.” |
—Steele Alphin, chief administrative officer, on
trusting and teamwork
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You must not take any action, either personally or on behalf of
Bank of America, which violates any law, regulation or internal
policy affecting Bank of America business.
It is impossible to list all applicable laws. This section
presents several topics regarding regulations that Bank of America
associates must be aware of:
- Anti-money laundering
- Mutual fund securities
- Fair dealing
- Corporate opportunities
- Political contributions
6.1 Anti-money laundering
Money laundering is disguising the proceeds of criminal activity
through a series of otherwise legitimate transactions. Every
associate has a role to play in Bank of America’s anti-money
laundering (AML) effort. For example, you:
- Should be able to recognize “red flags” and report
potentially suspicious or unusual activities
- Must make reasonable efforts to determine the true identity of
all customers
- Must follow “Know Your Customer” procedures for
your line of business
- Must complete all required AML training courses for your line
of business
For an overview of AML, visit the Global Compliance &
Operational Risk Web site.
6.2 Mutual fund securities
Bank of America prohibits late trading, unauthorized mutual fund
market timing activities and dissemination of confidential
information concerning mutual fund portfolio positions. These
prohibitions apply whether you are:
- Engaged in a personal securities transaction or one on behalf
of others, including trading for proprietary or fiduciary accounts
of the corporation
- Trading in Bank of America proprietary funds or third-party
mutual funds
For more information, please refer to the corporation’s
Mutual Fund Share Trading Policy.
If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should
immediately report such activity to the Ethics and Compliance
Hotline (see “Section 1: Governance and
Administration”). You will not be
retaliated against for reporting information in good faith in
accordance with this policy.
6.3 Fair dealing
Associates are expected to deal fairly with Bank of America's
customers, sompetitors, suppliers and other associates.
- You should not take unfair advantage of anyone through
manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information,
misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair-dealing practice.
- You must not give or accept bribes, kickbacks, promises or preferential
extensions of credit.
- You must approve or award orders, contracts and commitments based on
objective business standards to avoid favoritism or perceived favoritism.
- You must not conspire or collude in any way with competitors.
6.4 Corporate opportunities
You must not deprive the corporation of an opportunity by:
- Competing with the corporation or using corporate property,
information or your position for personal gain
- Taking for yourself an opportunity that belongs to the
corporation or helping others do so if they are in a position to
divert a corporate opportunity for their own benefit
6.5 Political contributions
You may make personal political contributions, either directly
or through corporation-sponsored or other political action
committees as legally permitted. Under no circumstance may you
coerce or pressure other associates to make political
contributions. Associate campaign contributions are not
reimbursable by Bank of America, and campaign fundraising or
solicitation activities on Bank of America premises or with the use
of Bank of America resources are restricted.
You must not give or promise to give money or anything of value
to any executive, official or employee of any government, agency,
political party or candidate for political office if it could be
seen as being intended to influence a Bank of America business
relationship. In addition, all associates are expected to comply
with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
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Section 7: Restrictions on
Trading in Securities or Financial Instruments; Prohibition Against
Misuse of Material, Nonpublic Information |
“We earn the trust of our clients, shareholders and
associates by doing the right thing, the right way—every
time.” |
—Brian Moynihan, president, Global Corporate
& Investment Banking, on doing the right thing
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What is material, nonpublic information?
The definition of material, nonpublic information is broad. You
should consider information to be material if a reasonable investor
would consider it important in making an investment decision.
Examples include merger and acquisition information, significant
leadership changes and new product rollouts.
You should consider information nonpublic if it is not generally
available to the investing public.
7.1 Restrictions on trading in Bank of America
securities
You must not buy, sell, recommend or trade in Bank of America
securities—either personally or on behalf of someone else—while
in possession of material, nonpublic information relating to the
corporation, except through trading programs pre-approved by the
Legal Department.
In addition, you must not communicate or disclose
such information to others who may trade in Bank of America
securities. Doing so may not only be a violation of your duty to
keep such information confidential, but also may be a violation of
federal and state laws, and the laws of many countries.
If you are a Bank of America Corporation director or have been
designated as an “insider” by the corporation, you must
obtain special approvals before trading in Bank of America
securities.
You must not engage in speculative trading of Bank of America
securities. This generally prohibits short sales and trading in
puts, calls and other options or derivatives with respect to such
securities, unless such transactions are for legitimate,
nonspeculative purposes. If you have questions regarding the
potential speculative nature of your transaction, please contact
the Control Room at 1.704.388.3951. Please note: This paragraph
does not apply to the exercising of Bank of America associate stock
options.
7.2 Restrictions on trading in other securities or financial
instruments
What is a duty of trust or confidence?
A duty of trust or confidence arises, for example, when one of
our lending officers receives information from a client with the
understanding that the information will be kept confidential.
Questions as to whether a duty exists should be directed to the
Legal Department.
If you are in possession of material, nonpublic information
about securities or financial instruments, you are prohibited from
buying, selling, recommending or trading such securities or
financial instruments in breach of a duty of trust or confidence
owed to the issuer of the securities or financial instruments, the
shareholders of that issuer or any other person who is the source
of the information.
In addition, you must not communicate or disclose such
information to others who may misuse it. Doing so not only would be
a violation of your duty of trust or confidence, but also may be a
violation of federal and state laws, and the laws of many
countries.
7.3 Information walls
To assist in the prevention of the misuse of material, nonpublic
information, the corporation has adopted enterprise-wide
information-wall policies. These policies restrict the flow of
information among certain units, and apply to: you, your family
members who reside in your household and your family members whose
securities trading is subject to your influence or control.
You must become familiar with, understand and comply with the
Enterprise Global Information Wall Policy and all other policies
and procedures that relate to your area of responsibility. These
policies are designed to:
- Prevent the flow of information from associates in units that
may receive material, nonpublic information about issuers of
securities or financial instruments to associates in units that
buy, sell or recommend securities and financial instruments to
fiduciary and nonfiduciary accounts
- Provide additional guidance on prohibitions against the misuse
of material, nonpublic information, including additional
restrictions on personal trading for certain designated units
- Address other issues raised by the activities of each
designated unit
For more information, please visit the Global Enterprise
Information Wall Policy.
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