Setting a benchmark in professional integrity, BankMuscat adopted a new Whistleblower Policy in 2010 aimed at maintaining the highest standard of ethical conduct in banking operations. The policy is a natural progression emanating from the Bank’s strong commitment to best practices in Corporate Governance.

The comprehensive policy covers all areas of dealings with customers, colleagues and others, including suppliers and contractors. The policy is obligatory for all staff members who are required to report immediately any suspicious activities in the Bank. Protection is guaranteed to employees reporting any wrong-doing. In order to prevent the abuse of this policy, false allegations, frivolous claims or malicious allegations will not be entertained and the bank will take strong action in this regard.

With a high degree of accountability, the Whistleblower Policy will raise the Bank’s status through transparent and effective procedures. The Deputy General Manager – Internal Audit is entrusted by the Board of Directors to maintain the Whistleblower Policy, which is in addition to the normal procedures for handling employee grievances documented in the Human Resources manual.

The following are the main features of the Whistleblower Policy:

1.    The Management Team is committed to upholding the highest of ethical conduct in all dealings with customers, colleagues or anyone else. The policy is in line with the best practices in Corporate Governance.

2.    Staff members are to always remain alert and if you know something is not right or suspicious, report immediately without any fear of reprisal.

3.    Abuse of the policy through false, frivolous claims or malicious allegations will not be entertained.  

4.    The policy encourages using the normal channel of reporting / raising concerns through immediate supervisors, Regional Managers, AGMs, DGMs, Human Resources etc, unless you feel this is not appropriate.

5.    Two whistleblower channels will be available to report a wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour, i.e. you either call a Hotline or send an email. The policy will also be published on BankMuscat website so that customers, suppliers or non-staff can register concerns by email.

6.    You may or may not choose to identify yourself. In case you feel your identity will become apparent or you choose to identify yourself and need additional protection, you can seek protection from the Protection officer, who is the AGM Human Resources. He will ensure that you do not suffer from any disadvantage for making a report about a suspected wrongdoing.

7.    A concern brought to the notice of authorities will be carefully evaluated to determine the facts.

8.    Awareness of the Whistleblower Channels will be included as part of induction training to ensure new recruits are appraised of the Banks position on ethical conduct.

All investigations will be conducted in a manner that is fair, objective and will lead to natural justice in all circumstances.

It is expected that all department Heads / Branch Managers will maintain a written log as evidence that their team have read and understood the contents of this circular.

We urge you to courageously “speak out” against unacceptable behaviour and reinforce the Bank’s unquestionable integrity and trust reposed by the largest banking family in Oman.

The hotline numbers and the Whistleblower Email are as follows:

Hotline: 800 – 78822 (toll free calls within Oman and 00968 – 24767576 (calling from outside Oman, normal international call rates apply). To access the whistleblower contact details, please click here.

Email: Whistleblower@bankmuscat.com

Best Regards, 

Abdul Razak Ali Issa

Chief Executive