Code of Conduct
GUARANTY FEDERAL BANCSHARES, INC.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
This Code of Conduct and Ethics (this "Code") sets the standard of ethical business conduct for Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Guaranty"). Unless otherwise noted, this Code applies to all the members of the boards of directors, officers and employees of Guaranty (collectively, the "Associates" and each, individually, an "Associate"). This Code replaces all previous codes of conduct of Guaranty and shall be effective as of May 22, 2003.
We place special emphasis on compliance with the Code by the members of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its, Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions for Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. This Code contains provisions which constitute the Code of Ethics for such persons as specified under the Federal securities laws.
It is a long-established policy that Guaranty and its Associates observe and comply with all laws and regulations of federal, state and local governments affecting Guaranty and its Associates. All Associates must avoid activities which could lead to involvement of Guaranty or themselves in any unlawful or unethical practice. Any violation of any provision of this Code may subject the Associate to any and all punishments described under Section 11.0. Further, Associates should avoid conduct which, although not unlawful or unethical, may give the appearance of impropriety.
1.0 Principles and Guidelines
The most important personal aspect of every bank is the trust and confidence of its depositors and customers. Guaranty's reputation for integrity has been built by the individuals who work here now, and who have worked here in the past. A good reputation is a fragile thing which must be earned on a continuing basis by conducting all of our affairs in a fair and honest way, complying not only with the letter, but also with the spirit of the law.
This Code is meant to guide each of you in dealing with certain business decisions. This Code does not provide a detailed description of all Guaranty policies and it in no way limits or restricts the applicability of any provision of any other Guaranty policy. Associates are expected to be aware of all other Guaranty policies and conduct themselves in accordance with such policies at all times. In such cases, you should seek guidance of the Executive Vice President or President.
The foundation of our Code consists of basic standards of business as well as personal conduct: (a) honesty and candor in our activities, (b) avoidance of conflicts between personal interests and the interest of Guaranty, or even the appearance of such conflicts, (c) maintenance of our reputation and avoidance of activities which might reflect adversely on Guaranty, and (d) integrity in dealing with Guaranty's assets.
2.0 Compliance
To ensure continuing observance of this Code, the board of directors requires that Associates periodically review these guidelines and sign a statement acknowledging their understanding and adherence (Exhibit A). New Associates will sign a statement at the time of hiring (Exhibit B). Notwithstanding the statement, Associates should promptly report any breach or possible breach of this Code to the Executive Vice President or President. Strict adherence to the principles of this Code is a condition of continued employment.
3.0 Confidential Information
3.1 General
One of our most critical responsibilities is to maintain the trust placed in us by our customers. Confidential information - whether obtained from those with whom Guaranty does business or from sources within Guaranty - must be safeguarded.
This concern applies to more than customer information which has been explicitly designated confidential. There are other situations in which information is not publicly available and unauthorized disclosure could have serious effects on a customer or Guaranty.
Confidentiality is important regardless of the form the information takes - oral, in print, or on electronic equipment. You must take care in what you say, to whom and where; about how you treat memos, files and reports; and about seeing that there is no misuse of the information you display on computer screens and store in data bases. Should you remove from Guaranty's premises any written, printed, or electronically generated material belonging to or generated by Guaranty or derived from its files, you should do so only for the benefit of Guaranty and you must take every precaution to insure the security and confidentiality of the information.
3.2 Information about Customers
Information received from a customer should be disclosed only to those within Guaranty who need the information to serve that particular customer. Customer information from sources within Guaranty - such as customer identification, balances, loans, and other account information should be disclosed only to those in Guaranty who require the information to perform their duties.
Customer information should never be disclosed to anyone outside Guaranty - other than Guaranty's independent auditors, legal counsel, or regulatory examiners - unless authorized by the customer or required by proper legal process as determined by legal counsel.
3.3 Inside Information
Inside information about Guaranty generally means information not known to the public. Information such as financial information, performance data and future plans could have significant value to others and therefore must always be kept confidential. Information is "material" if an investor would consider it important in making an investment decision regarding the purchase or sale of the stock of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. Any person who has "material" information about Guaranty not known to the public is prohibited from using it for personal gain, including purchasing or selling the stock of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., and from disclosing such information to anyone else (including family members and friends). The same prohibitions apply to an Associate with respect to information not known to the public concerning a customer or other company that has a business relationship with Guaranty.
3.4 Information about Guaranty Associates
Guaranty is committed to protecting the privacy of its Associates. Only information needed for legitimate business purposes is collected, used or retained about Associates, former Associates, or job applicants - and the information is used only for the purpose for which it was specifically collected.
Requests from outside Guaranty for Associate information - including that required by law - should be referred to the Personnel Officer.
In response to legitimate requests from external sources, only an Associate's name, job title, and dates worked are routinely confirmed. More detailed information is released only when required by law or when the Associate gives written permission.
Questions concerning the confidentiality of and access to Associate information should be directed to the Personnel Officer who is responsible for issuing specific guidelines for the collection, use, retention, and disclosure of information about Associates.
4.0 Personal Finances
4.1 Personal Investments
Because of the nature of the financial business, your personal financial situation, if improperly handled, could undermine your credibility and that of Guaranty. Every Associate of Guaranty is expected to manage his/her personal finances in a manner consistent with his/her position. Associates shall exercise prudence in making personal investments and shall avoid situations that might influence the Associate's judgment in affairs involving Guaranty.
4.2 Borrowing
It is important to note that Associates are not permitted to borrow from customers or suppliers of Guaranty, except those who engage in lending in the usual course of their business and then only on terms offered to others in similar circumstances, without special treatment as to interest rates, terms, security, repayment terms, and the like. This prohibition does not preclude borrowing from anyone related to the Associate by blood or marriage.
Loans to directors and executive officers (senior vice presidents and above) shall be made in accordance with Regulation O. Loans to Associates other than directors and executive officers are limited to one loan for the purpose of owning and occupying a home, and other loans not to exceed $100,000 total. All loans shall be underwritten and comply with existing loan policies. Directors, officers, and affiliates shall not receive any concession on any loan beyond what is available to the general public.
4.3 Inheritances
Inheritance under wills or trusts from customers who are not family members could appear to be the result of a personal dealing by an Associate. If you discover you are about to be named as a beneficiary under a will or trust of a non-family member, you should consult with the Executive Vice President or President prior to accepting.
5.0 Conflicts of Interest
5.1 General
You should be prudent in your personal borrowing, investments, business and other activities to ensure that you do not put yourself in a position in which your personal interest - financial or other - might influence or give the appearance of influencing any action you take, judgment you make, or advice you give on behalf of Guaranty.
The nature of the financial industry makes it difficult to spell out every possible application of this broad general principle. There can be, however, no excuse for not bearing in mind the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest in the handling of one's personal affairs and those of one's family. A transaction which appears to give rise to, although not necessarily is, a conflict of interest can under some circumstances be as embarrassing for Guaranty and the individual involved as a transaction which does in fact give rise to such a conflict.
Whenever an Associate finds that she/he is inadvertently placed in a potentially compromising position due to relationships with business associates, customers, suppliers or competitors, the Associate should report the matter immediately to the President and discontinue any activities associated with the entity until the matter has been resolved.
5.2 Gifts and Fees
No Associate of Guaranty shall solicit or accept anything of value, including but not limited to, gifts, gratuities, amenities, travel or related expenses, in connection with any transaction or business of Guaranty. No Associate shall provide or give gifts or favors to others where these could or might appear to influence others improperly in their relations with Guaranty. To do so could constitute a violation of Federal criminal laws.
As a general rule, Associates and members of their families may not accept gifts, entertainment or favors from customers, prospective customers or suppliers. The following exceptions are permissible when it is apparent from the circumstances that what is accepted is NOT offered or received as an inducement to or as a quid pro quo for entering into any transaction or business of Guaranty, or to influence or affect in any way any decision or action by Guaranty:
Unsolicited advertising or promotional materials (such as pens, calendars, etc.) and other gifts of nominal value distributed generally or routinely to others in the ordinary course of business may be accepted. Nominal value would generally include any gift having a fair market value of not more than $50.
Normal business-related entertainment may be accepted or given if it is not excessive and provided it is reasonable under all of the circumstances in which it takes place.
Cash, checks, loans (except from established banking or financial institutions), stocks or other marketable securities in any amount must not be accepted or given under any circumstances.
No Associate may accept a personal fee for arranging a loan from Guaranty or from any other person or lending institution. Associates may not accept from customers or suppliers any fee or other form of remuneration which violates the law or the spirit of this Code. A "fee" would include special discounts, commissions, or any direct or indirect payment of money or property.
Offering bribes, kickbacks, and similar inducements is, of course, prohibited.
5.3 Guaranty Assets
Associates may not use the name and influence of Guaranty for any personal purposes. Official stationery should not be used to give authority to personal or other non-bank related correspondence.
6.0 Human Resources
In addition and as a supplement to our existing human resources policies, we require the following:
6.1 General
Generally, Guaranty encourages Associate participation in civic, charitable and professional organizations and political activities to the extent that such activities do not interfere with the Associate's job performance. Occasional time off to participate in these activities may be asked for and granted by the Associate's supervisor with approval from the President or Executive Vice President.
6.2 Outside Business Interests
It is not the purpose or the intent of Guaranty to monitor or control any Associate's life or activities away from the workplace. However, it is important to understand during working hours, your time should be devoted 100% to Guaranty. If you maintain other employment outside of Guaranty work hours, it is important for management to be informed to prevent possible conflicts of interest and to insure that job performance at Guaranty is not adversely affected.
Associates are required to disclose outside business interest on the Code Affirmation semi-annually (Exhibit A). The Affirmation will be discussed with Associates during their Associate review.
6.3 Political Activities
Associates who run for office must represent themselves as individual citizens and must not represent Guaranty in any way in carrying out public duties. Associates who consider running for or accepting public office should notify the President as soon as possible. The essential purpose of Guaranty's policy is to prevent a conflict or even the appearance of a conflict between employment and the officeholder's performance of duties.
To avoid the appearance of sponsorship, Guaranty may not be identified in mailed material, advertisements, or campaign literature. In addition, Guaranty property may not be used for campaigning or outer political purposes. For example, use of Guaranty personnel, stationery, postage or mailing service is prohibited.
6.4 Ethical Conduct
It is Guaranty's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, handicap, or whether a disabled veteran or a Vietnam-era veteran - and to deal with customers and prospective customers on a nondiscriminatory basis.
If you supervise others, you are directly responsible for implementing this Code. In addition, all Associates are expected to maintain a business environment free of offense, harassment, and intimidation.
6.5 Sexual Harassment
In keeping with Guaranty's continued commitment to fair and equal treatment of all Associates, Guaranty maintains and enforces a policy on sexual harassment. Under this policy, it is the responsibility of every supervisor to see that Associates are not subjected to any form of sexual harassment.
6.6 Legal Advice
In many cases, discussions with customers lead to a request that the Associate make statements which many relate to the legality or illegality of a proposed transaction. Guaranty recognizes the exclusive authority of attorneys to practice law or give advice. Therefore, extreme care must be exercised in discussions with customers and Associates; nothing should be said that might be interpreted as the giving of legal advice.
6.7 Customer Recommendations
As a matter of policy, Associates are not to recommend attorneys, accountants, insurance brokers or agents, stockbrokers, real estate agents and the like to customers unless, in every case, several names are given without indicating favoritism.
6.8 Fiduciary Relationships
Associates may not accept appointment as an administrator, trustee, personal representative, conservator, or any similar fiduciary capacity without prior approval of the President, except when the Associate acts:
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at the request of Guaranty
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as a fiduciary on a family account
7.0 Financial Integrity and Company Records
Guaranty relies on our accounting records to produce reports for our management, shareholders, creditors, governmental agencies, and others. We are committed to maintaining books and records that accurately and fairly reflect our financial transactions. Each Associate must maintain accurate and fair records of transactions, time reports, expense accounts and other business records. You also must comply with any applicable record retention policy of Guaranty.
In this respect, the following guidelines must be followed:
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No undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets may be established for any purpose.
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Assets and liabilities of Guaranty must be recognized and stated in accordance with our standard practices and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
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No false or artificial entries may be made or misleading reports issued.
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No false or fictitious invoices may be paid or created.
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No information may be concealed from internal auditors or independent auditors.
Special emphasis is placed on compliance with this Section by the members of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions.
If you believe that our books and records are not being maintained in accordance with these requirements, you should report the matter immediately pursuant to Section 9.0.
8.0 Securities Law Disclosures and Public Communications
Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. is committed to full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications. All Associates have responsibility to ensure that false or intentionally misleading information is not given in the filings with the Commission or in public communications by Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.
Special emphasis is placed on compliance with this Section by the members of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions and other senior executives.
If you believe that incomplete, false or intentionally misleading information has been given in the securities filings or public communications of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc., or that an Associate has engaged in insider trading, you should report the matter immediately pursuant to Section 9.0.
9.0 Disclosure and Reporting Violations
The discovery of any event which is questionable, fraudulent, or illegal in nature or which is in violation of this Code should immediately be reported your supervisor. The supervisor should discuss the concern with the Executive Vice President or the President. If any Associate is not satisfied with the response from any level of management or is reluctant to share the concern with the Executive Vice President or President, the Associate should document the irregularity in a letter to the Chair of the Guaranty Federal Bancshares Audit Committee, addressed in care of the Corporate Secretary. Failure to report such events constitutes a violation of this Code and may result in punishment, including the punishments outlined in Section 10.0.
Associates can discuss their concerns without fear of any form of retaliation. When an Associate reports a violation of the Code through the established procedures, the:
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Associate will be treated with respect.
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Associate's concerns will be taken seriously. If the Associate's concerns are not resolved at the time of his or her report, he or she will be informed of the outcome.
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Associate will not be required to disclose their identity.
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Associate's communications will be protected to the greatest extent possible.
10.0 Code Violations
We take the provisions of this Code very seriously, and we will treat any violations of the Code accordingly. A failure by any Associate to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations governing our business, this Code or any other policies or requirements may result in prompt disciplinary action up to and including, where appropriate, suspension or termination of employment. Any disciplinary action taken by Guaranty does not waive Guaranty's right to take appropriate legal action or to assist any local, state, or Federal law enforcement agency in the prosecution of Associates who violate the laws and agreements covered in this Code. Guaranty will not be obligated to reimburse Associates for any fines or legal costs incurred by them or on their behalf.
11.0 Waivers of the Code and Disclosure
Except as provided in the next sentence, any waiver of the Code for Associates must be made by the President. Any waiver of the Code for the members of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. or its Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions may be made only by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
All requests for waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All waivers of this Code for the members of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its Principal Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller and persons performing similar functions shall be promptly disclosed to the public as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
12.0 Code Shall be Publicly Available
This Code, and any amendments or supplements hereto, shall always be available on our website at www.gfed.com.
EXHIBIT A
SEMI-ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
I have received a copy of or been given an opportunity to review the Code. After reading the "Code", I affirm that:
1. Except for my position with Guaranty, I do not presently hold a position as director, officer, partner, or other official position in any business or professional enterprise, except as follows:
Percent of
Name and Address of Ownership or Income or Fees
Corporation or Firm Official Capacity Interest Past 12 Months
_____________________ ___________ ___________ __________
_____________________ ___________ ___________ __________
_____________________ ___________ ___________ __________
Attach a separate memorandum if more space is needed
If a position is held solely for the purpose of representing Guaranty, please state this fact.
2. I am not presently engaged in any other outside business activity, nor do 1 have any other outside employment, except as follows:
Business Activity Capacity Hours of Work
or Employer (Per Week)
__________________________ ______________ ___________
__________________________ ______________ ___________
__________________________ ______________ ___________
3. I am not now, nor have I been during the past six months, in violation of any of the following sections of the "Code" or I have received a written waiver from the President:
Confidential Information Financial Integrity and Records
Personal Finances Securities Law Disclosures
Conflicts of Interest Disclosure and Reporting Violations
Human Resources
Signature:
Name:
Date:
EXHIBIT B
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
To:
I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics of Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries, dated May 22, 2003. I have read and understood the document and agree to conform to each of the various standards set forth therein.
Signature
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Date:
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Name: