Policies

This policy was last updated on: 19/1/2024.
1. Introduction
‍1.1 By using the Spot app (‘App’) and our Services you agree to these legal terms (‘Terms’) applying between you and Spot Payments Limited (‘Spot/us/we’) in relation to your use of our Services and that English law and courts will apply. These Terms are made in the English language. Please read these Terms carefully and contact us if anything is unclear.
1.2 Under these Terms we will provide you with a Spot account for your own use, and your use only.
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2. Who are we and how to contact us
‍2.1 The App and the Services are operated and managed by Spot, which is registered in England and Wales with its registered office at: Spot Payments Limited, 35 Ballards Lane, London, United Kingdom, N3 1XW and company number 13762907.
2.2 You can contact us by: WhatsApp on +447778276897, email at support@spot-app.co.uk, sending a letter to us at Spot Payments Limited, 35 Ballards Lane, London, United Kingdom, N3 1XW
2.3 We’ll contact you via the App or using the contact details (phone and email) that you provided when you registered – please keep these up to date in the App. By using the App, you agree to receive electronic communications from us. If we have reasonable concerns either about the security of your Spot account, or any suspected or actual fraudulent use of Spot’s services, we will contact you via telephone, email, or both (unless contacting you would be unlawful or compromise our reasonable security measures).
2.4 The following additional documents also apply to your use of our Services and should be read in conjunction with these Terms: Spot’s privacy policy – we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. Our privacy policy explains how we will store, use and share your Personal Data and how you can control and delete it.
You can always see the most current version of all policies on our website: www.spot-app.co.uk
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3. Who can have a Spot account?
‍3.1 You must be at least 18 years old and resident in the UK to have a Spot account. By downloading the App and registering for the Spot account you confirm that you are 18 or older and have the right to be in the UK.
3.2 If we request it, you agree to promptly furnish evidence of your funding sources. It is essential that you consistently provide us with complete, accurate, and current information. Failure to do so absolves us of any responsibility for any resulting losses. By agreeing to these terms, you authorize us, either directly or through a third party, to perform any necessary inquiries to validate the information you provide, which may include checking commercial databases or credit reports.
3.3 Having multiple Spot accounts is not permitted. If it comes to our attention that you possess multiple Spot accounts, we reserve the right to either merge or close any duplicate accounts, or alternatively, terminate all of your accounts if we have a reasonable belief that you have created them with the intention of circumventing any restrictions within the Services.
3.4 Your Spot account is exclusively intended for your personal use, and it is prohibited to utilize it on behalf of any other individual or legal entity. Additionally, you must not permit any other person to operate your Spot account on your behalf. If we have reasonable grounds to suspect that your Spot account is being used on behalf of/for third-parties transactions, we reserve the right to close your account.

3.5 Your Spot account must match the name of the account holder of the bank account linked. Any mismatched names will result in suspension pending further checks.

4. Using your spot account
‍4.1 You can use your Spot account to:
Link a UK bank accountSend payment linksRecord and calculate group expensesSend payments and requests, that are paid by your linked bank account​
4.2 Spot does not directly hold or process any of your money. Spot does not issue or hold electronic money, or provide payment services.​
4.3 The maximum amount for a single payment request is £1,000. Any payment requests exceeding this limit will require the user to undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) verification in accordance with our compliance policies.​
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‍5. Changes to these terms
‍5.1 We may change these Terms at any time. You will be considered to have accepted the proposed changes if you do not terminate these Terms by cancelling your account within the App, or by giving us written notice within a one (1) month written notice period.
5.2 Immediate changes. We may also make some changes immediately, without notice, if they:
are required by law (we’ll give you as much notice as reasonably possible).relate to the addition of a new service or extra functionality of the App.are in relation to transaction limits or security of accounts and/or payments.
5.3 If you don’t agree to changes you should stop using the App. If you keep using the App from the effective date of any new terms, we will consider you have accepted the change.

6. Account fees
‍6.1 The App is free to download, and Spot does not charge fees for the general use of the Spot account.

7. Connecting your personal bank accounts
‍7.1 After registering, Users will be prompted within Spot to link their bank account. Bank account connections are established via an AIS API call with the Consumer's banking app, leveraging Plaid Financial Ltd's Open Banking license.
7.2 By using the service, you agree to Plaid Financial Ltd accessing your bank data, their End User Service Agreement and Privacy Notice.​
7.3 By using Spot's services, you acknowledge and agree that we may cache your consent details and related data for Account Information Services (AIS). This caching allows us to improve our service efficiency and user experience by reducing the need for continuous polling of your data.​
7.4 The cached data may include, but is not limited to, your consent details, account information, transaction history, and any other necessary information required to provide our services.​
7.5 The primary purposes of caching your data are:To reduce the frequency of data requests to your financial institutions, thereby minimizing any potential disruptions or delays in our services.To enhance the performance and responsiveness of our services.To ensure that your experience with Spot remains smooth and efficient.​
7.6. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of your cached data. All cached data will be stored securely in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.​
7.7 Cached data will only be retained for as long as necessary to provide our services to you or as required by law. Once it is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize your cached data.​7.8 You have the right to withdraw your consent for caching your AIS details at any time. To do so, please contact our support team at support@spot-app.co.uk or simply delete the AIS account on your Spot mobile application.​
7.9 Upon withdrawal of consent, we will cease caching your data and will delete any cached data in accordance with our data deletion policies. However, this may impact our ability to provide you with certain services efficiently.​
7.10 We may update this clause from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes and obtain your consent where necessary.​
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‍8. Making payments
‍8.1 Whilst payments are facilitated through Spot (via Links or QR codes or the Platform) Spot do not process any payments. All payments are processed using Open Banking via Plaid Financial Limited (https://plaid.com/en-gb/). All payment transactions are processed using your own banking app.
8.2 In the event of a declined transaction or any other complications, such as duplicate or fraudulent activities, it is essential to promptly reach out to your bank.
​8.3 Transactions initiated through the Platform are subject to standard security checks conducted by the respective banks. Exercise caution while engaging in transactions with familiar Merchants or individuals. Merchants should verify the authenticity of Consumers. Spot bears no responsibility for:​Consequences arising from reliance on content presented via the Platform.Your interactions with third parties, including the PISP, your bank, and other service providers facilitated through our Platform.​
8.4 By using the service, you agree to Plaid Financial Ltd initiating payments, their End User Service Agreement and Privacy Notice.​
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‍9. Keep your account safe
‍9.1 Please ensure the security of your Spot account by taking the necessary precautions. It is vital to keep your device and the passcode associated with your Spot account safe and secure. Refrain from writing down or disclosing your PIN or passcode to anyone, and prevent unauthorized access to your Spot account by not allowing others to utilize it.
9.2 Compromised account. Contact us if you suspect your Spot account may be compromised via WhatsApp (+447778276897) or email (support@spot-app.co.uk).
9.3 All of your transactions are displayed in the App in the activity section of your Spot account. You must contact us immediately if you see transactions that you don’t recognise or that look wrong. We might be able to refund money you have lost if the transaction is due to our mistake, fraud, or errors with your transaction.
9.4 You must not misuse our App:
don't try to access the App using a method other than the interface and the instructions that we provide, for example by using automated means without our permission (including harvesting bots, robots, spiders, or scrapers);don't do anything that could disrupt, disable, overburden, or damage the App; anddon't upload viruses or other malicious code.​
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‍10. Your limited licence to use the app
10.1 Our Services, including the App, encompass valuable software, technology, confidential information, and other content that are safeguarded by intellectual property rights and various laws. We grant you a personal, revocable, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and non-exclusive license to utilize the App solely for the purpose of accessing our Services. It is essential that you abide by these Terms, as well as any relevant regulations imposed by the app store provider or operator (such as the App Store and Google Play).​
10.2 We retain full ownership of the App. You do not possess any rights to our Services, including the App, apart from the authorized usage granted in section 10.1. Unless expressly permitted by law or by Spot, you are prohibited from utilizing, distributing, reproducing, modifying, copying, adapting, publishing, translating, creating derivative works from, transferring, loaning, renting, selling, publicly performing, or publicly displaying any portion of our App, Services, or the accompanying platform or software. Additionally, you are not permitted to reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or attempt to extract the source code of the platform or software.

11. About the app
‍11.1 Software updates for the App may be issued through App Store or Google Play from time to time. In some cases (for example if there are security risks), you and may not be able to use the App until you have installed the updated version and accepted any new terms.​
11.2. Except for what is explicitly stated in these Terms, we do not make any specific guarantees regarding the App. This includes not making commitments about the content provided within the App, the specific functionalities of the App, or its accuracy, reliability, availability, or its ability to meet your individual requirements. We cannot assure uninterrupted access to our Services, and there may be instances where we need to temporarily interrupt the use of the App. Rest assured, we will make efforts to restore access as promptly as possible. We cannot guarantee that the App will be completely free from bugs, viruses, or faults.
​11.3 Spot may process personal data, and by using the App you consent to. Spot will use personal data for reasons such as:​security – such as verifying your identity to be allowed onto the app.performance – for services such as the user’s ability to search for another user to transact with.
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‍12. What about other people’s rights?
‍12.1 Third-party rights. We respect other people’s rights and expect you to do the same. You cannot use our Services, including the App, in any way that infringes or violates Spot’s or anyone else’s copyright, trademark or other intellectual property rights or otherwise breaks any applicable law.​
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‍13. Liability
‍13.1 We acknowledge our responsibility towards you for foreseeable loss and damage caused by our actions. We will be accountable for any loss or damage you incur that is a reasonably predictable consequence of our violation of these Terms or our failure to exercise reasonable care and skill. Loss or damage is considered foreseeable if it is evident that it will occur or if, at the time the Terms were agreed upon, both parties were aware that it could potentially happen.
13.2 We do not seek to exclude or restrict our liability to you in cases where such exclusion or restriction would be unlawful. This includes liability for instances of death or personal injury resulting from our negligence or the negligence of our employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
​13.3 You will be responsible to us for any loss or damage we suffer that is a foreseeable result of you breaking these Terms, failing to comply with applicable law, or misusing our Services. In the event of any losses, claims, costs or liabilities arising out of any or all of the following, you agree to compensate us and our affiliates and hold us harmless for your breach of these Terms or any applicable law, or your misuse of our Services.
                                                                
13.4 Neither of us will be liable to the other for:
any loss or damage that is not foreseeable;any loss or damage that is not the direct consequence of your or our respective act or omission; orthings that are outside of your or our respective reasonable control.

14. Complaints
‍14.1 If you have a complaint about the Spot services, please contact us via email (support@spot-app.co.uk). If you’re still unhappy, you can refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service – their website is: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
                                                                
15. How to close your account
‍15.1 Closing your account. You can close your Spot account at any time by contacting Customer Support via WhatsApp (+447778276897) or email (support@spot-app.co.uk). The following restrictions will be put on a deleted account so that other users cannot interact with that user:
A deleted user cannot be searched. A payment cannot be made to a deleted user. A request cannot be made to a deleted user. A deleted user cannot be added to a group. All the request links created by the deleted user will expire (no one will be able to make payments for those, instead they will see the expired message). The payments made/received by a deleted user will still be shown on the other user’s Activity tab. The expenses and payments that are made by the deleted user will still be on any groups that they are part of.

16. Account suspension/blocking/closing
‍16.1 Ending these terms with notice. We may end these Terms by giving you one (1) month notice. We may give you one (1) month notice (or less) at any time that we are closing your Spot account or any associated Services and ending these Terms.​16.2 Ending these terms without notice. We may end or suspend these Terms without notice in certain circumstances. We may without notice suspend or close your Spot account, if:
- we suspect criminal activity on your account or that your account or your account is being used fraudulently;
-you receive funds from other Spot accounts that we suspect are being used fraudulently;
- we believe, in our sole discretion, that your use of your account is harmful to our business or our users;
- we reasonably believe you are in breach of applicable law;we are legally required to do so;
- we reasonably believe you have broken these Terms or gone over any applicable limits;
- you have given us false information;you have been abusive to anyone at Spot or any user;you have not accepted changes to these Terms;we suspend or stop all, or part of, the Services;
- we have reasonable concerns about the security, or unauthorised use, of your Spot account.

​16.3 We are committed to providing you with notice in the event of a suspension. Whenever possible, we will inform you of any suspension and the reasons for it, either before implementing the suspension or immediately after, unless such notice would jeopardize our reasonable security measures or would be considered unlawful. As soon as the reasons for the suspension cease to exist, we will promptly lift the suspension to restore normal operations as quickly as reasonably feasible.​

16.4 If you have registered for, but not activated or used, your Spot account within 12 months from registration, your Spot account may become inactive, and we may close it. If we close your account, you will need to reregister for a new account.
                                                                
16.5 If you do not use your Spot account for 12 months, your account may become inactive, and you will no longer be able to access it. ​16.6 When these Terms end you will not be able to use the App. All rights granted under these Terms shall cease and you must immediately delete or remove the App from your device.

17. What else do I need to know?
‍17.1 While we may choose to exercise discretion and not enforce certain terms or overlook certain breaches of the Terms, it is important to note that such actions do not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce those terms or act for any violation, whether it occurs in the present or the future. Delay or non-enforcement of any term does not diminish our ability to enforce that specific term or take appropriate action in response to any breach, whether committed by you or any other party. Our right to enforce the terms remains intact.​
17.2 The App may require the use of data access and text messaging and you are responsible for any charges that your mobile network provider may apply.​
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‍18. Definitions
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England when banks are open for business in the United Kingdom.​“Personal Data” means any information that can be used to personally identify you, including information you give to us when you register (e.g. email address) and any information that we collect as you use the App.
“Services” means the products, content, features, technology, functions and services provided by Spot, including the App, our websites and any other online, offline, or mobile products and services on or via any platform or technology.

Introduction This is the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy of Spot Payments Limited (“Spot Payments" or “the firm”), which captures the firm’s internal procedures and controls to detect, prevent and deter bribery and corruption.
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Spot Payments is committed to conducting business in an ethical manner and demonstrating the highest standard of integrity. Consequently, Spot Payments recognises the importance of espousing a strong culture of Anti-Bribery and Corruption through the firm and its employees, so as not to adversely affect the firm’s reputation, our customers and the sector in which we operate.​ This policy outlines Spot Payments’ approach to preventing Anti-Bribery and Corruption by anyone associated with the firm. In developing this policy, the firm considered its legislative obligations under the Bribery Act 2010 and guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice. This policy has also been created using guidance issued by the Wolfsberg Group and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), specifically, the Financial Crime Guide. This policy is designed to ensure that no bribes or other corrupt payments, inducements or similar are made, offered, sought or obtained by us or anyone working on our behalf. The responsibility of the implementation of this policy lies with the firm’s Board of Directors, as advised by senior persons responsible for the firm’s Financial Crime framework.  
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1.1 Scope: The policy applies to the following parties:Full-time employees of Spot Payments. Part-time employees of Spot Payments. Temporary contractors of Spot Payments. Individuals on work experience or interning at Spot Payments.Agents of Spot Payments. All subsidiaries or branches of Spot Payments operating in the UK, European Economic Area (“EEA”) state, or any other third country.​Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
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1.2 Objectives: The objectives of the policy are to:Emphasise Spot Payments’ zero-tolerance approach to Bribery and Corruption. Clearly, describe the systems and procedures that Spot Payments has in place for employees to report possible instances of bribery and corruption. Explain Spot Payments’ commitment to developing procedures and processes in accordance with the Ministry of Justice’s six principles for firms to prevent bribery. Outline how Spot Payments employees are trained to prevent Bribery or Corruption being facilitated by the firm. Summarise the most up-to-date Bribery and Corruption risks that Spot Payments is vulnerable to and how the firm intends to counteract these risks in accordance with our risk-based approach. Identify which individual within Spot Payments is responsible for maintaining and overseeing compliance with the policy.
 
2. What is Bribery? Spot Payments takes the view that bribery, as defined by the Bribery Act 2010, is: ‘giving or receiving a financial or other advantage in connection with the improper performance of a position of trust, or a function that is expected to be performed impartially or in good faith.’ Furthermore, the FCA outlines bribery as ‘the offering or acceptance of an undue advantage in exchange for the improper performance of a function or activity'. ​Monetary incentives and actual payments exchanging hands are not the only methods that constitute bribery. Bribery can take many forms, including gifts, lavish treatments during a business trip, tickets and/or hospitality at an event and promising favours.​There are many possible motives an individual or organisation may have for either accepting or offering a bribe. Some of the most common are as follows: Paying a bribe to secure or keep a contract (either within the private sector or government). Paying a bribe to secure an order. Paying a bribe to secure an advantage over a competitor. Accepting a bribe in return for facilitating an illegal activity (such as Money Laundering) for an individual.​The Bribery Act 2010 applies to all companies, regardless of size or nature, established under UK law and non-UK companies that conduct business in the UK. Spot Payments thus recognises that it is subject to the provisions of the act and liable to prosecution if the firm fails to implement adequate procedures and process to prevent bribery.​

3. What is Corruption? Spot Payments takes the view that corruption, as defined by Transparency International, is: ‘the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It can be classified as grand, petty and political, depending on the amounts of money lost and the sector where it occurs’. Corruption, per the FCA, is the abuse of public or private office to obtain an undue advantage. Corruption includes not only bribery but also other forms of misconduct or improper behaviour. This behaviour may or may not be induced by the prospect of obtaining an undue advantage from another person.​ When it occurs within the private sector, corruption can distort competition, create cartels, enable regulated markets to be manipulated and illicitly influence the political decision-making process. This not only damages business and the sectors in which they operate, but also the interests of taxpayers. In some cases, within the private sector, corruption and bribery go hand-in-hand, especially when business pay bribes in order to win lucrative public contracts.​ As a company that abides by the highest degree of ethical standards, Spot Payments is committed to the non-facilitation of corruption for the wrongful benefit of the business, any of its employees or representatives and any of our customers. 
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4. Statement of Zero Tolerance to Bribery & Corruption: Spot Payments does not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form. The scope of the firm’s zero-tolerance approach encapsulates all individuals listed in section 1.1 of this policy, including management and employees of the firm’s branches and subsidiaries. While the zero-tolerance approach does not completely prevent or protect the firm against corruption and/or bribery, the firm aims to implement the relevant controls and measures to mitigate bribery and corruption risk.​Under this policy, Spot Payments representatives are prohibited from offering, promising, requesting or receiving anything of value from another person if it would entail: Improperly performing their position so that it would benefit the person paying a bribe. Assisting to facilitate a crime with or on behalf of the person paying the bribe. Spot Payments improperly obtaining or retaining business or securing an advantage (whether it be from a private sector company or a public body/government). Leaking sensitive information to the public and/or Spot Payments’ competitors.​In the eyes of Spot Payments, such behaviour would constitute acts of bribery and corruption which are strictly forbidden by the firm.​ Anything of value would include (but is not limited to) the following: Cash, Preferential Treatment, Gifts and Entertainment, Offers of Employment, Political Donations and Charitable Donations.​T his policy does not prohibit the granting or receiving of gifts/hospitality as long as the following conditions apply: The gift is proportional, The gift is presented within the normal and expected course of the individual’s business, The gift is not received/granted with the intention or understanding that you or the other party will improperly perform their function for a defined benefit, The gift is recorded in the firm’s gifts and hospitality register. Gifts that appear lavish/expensive are referred to the firm’s Responsible Officer for Anti-Bribery and Corruption before they are accepted. 
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5. Responsibilities of Senior Management & Employees: Spot Payments clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all individuals with oversight of the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption strategy and responsibility for the firm’s compliance with all Anti-Bribery and Corruption requirements. 
5.1 Responsible Officer: Spot Payments has appointed Charlie Pentol-Levy as the Responsible Officer for implementing, maintaining and monitoring compliance with this policy. Charlie Pentol-Levy assumed this responsibility on 01/01/2023 and is judged to be adequately skilled to hold the role by the firm’s senior management. The individual is responsible for: Implementing the procedures and processes outlined in this policy to prevent bribery and corruption. Taking ownership of the risk-based approach to Anti-Bribery and Corruption applied by the firm. Conducting a periodic risk assessment to identify any emerging risks to Bribery and Corruption the firm is facing or will face. Keeping up-to-date with legislative changes that impact the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption strategy, as well as industry best practice issued by relevant bodies. Update Anti-Bribery and Corruption policies and procedures in accordance with any legislative changes or advancements in best practice. Monitor compliance with the policy throughout the firm. Maintaining a gifts and hospitality register for employees to register any gifts and/or hospitality that have accepted from other parties. Approving or rejecting the acceptance of any gifts or hospitality judged to be too expensive, lavish or out of proportion to the normal course of business. Regularly updating senior management on the effectiveness of the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption strategy and making appropriate recommendations for improvement. 
5.2 Senior Management: The senior management of Spot Payments fully endorses the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy. The senior management body is responsible for: Ensuring that the firm conducts its business with integrity and tackles the risk that the firm, or anyone acting on its behalf, engages in bribery and corruption. Developing and disseminating a corporate culture within the firm which helps prevent Bribery and Corruption. Retaining oversight of the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy. Investing significant responsibility to the firm’s Responsible Officer for Anti-Bribery and Corruption to implement and maintain effective processes and policies. Allocate significant resources toward the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption strategy so the firm complies with all current requirements. Being involved in the creation of Anti-Bribery and Corruption policies and procedures. Remaining up to date with, and staying fully abreast of, bribery and corruption issues.Approving and periodically reviewing the strategies and policies for managing, monitoring and mitigating this risk. Ensuring staff are aware of their interest in the prevention of bribery and corruption. To ensure there is a Anti-Bribery and Corruption culture, senior management is dedicated to leading by example, in complying with the firm’s ABC policies and procedures. 
5.3 Employees: All Spot Payments employees are required to follow this policy and all Anti-Bribery and Corruption procedures. Spot Payments employees are also required to: Update the firm’s gifts and hospitality register when they receive a gift from a client or customer. Refer any gift which is construed as being too expensive, lavish and out of proportion to the normal course of their business to the Responsible Officer for the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy. Attend regular training on Anti-Bribery and Corruption organised by the firm. 
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6. UK Legislation: Spot Payments is fully aware of the UK’s legislative framework relating to Anti-Bribery and Corruption. Spot Payments also provides regular training to our employees, agents, and subsidiaries to ensure they have sufficient knowledge of the UK’s legislative framework.​Spot Payments is required to adhere to the following legislation, regulations, and guidance: Bribery Act 2010. FCA Financial Crime: A Guide for Firms. The Bribery Act 2010 – Guidance by Ministry of Justice.
 6.1 Offences: The above legislation outlines multiple Anti-Bribery offences, which Spot Payments is committed to avoiding. The key offences under the applicable legislation are as follows: Bribing another person (Subject to a maximum 10-year jail term and/or a fine)It is an offence to offer, promise or give a financial or other advantage to another person if the individual intends the advantage to bring about the improper function of another person or if the individual knows that the acceptance of the advantage offered itself constitutes the improper function. Accepting a bribe (Subject to a maximum 10-year jail term and/or a fine): It is an offence to request, agree to receive or accept a financial or other advantage in return for an intended or already completed improper performance of an individual’s function. Bribing a foreign public official (Subject to a maximum 10-year jail term and/or a fine): It is an offence to offer, promise or give financial or other advantages to a foreign public official with the intention of including the official in the performance of his or her official function. This is done in the hope of obtaining or retaining business or an advantage in the conduct of business. Failure to prevent bribery (Subject to conviction and an unlimited fine): It is an offence for an individual representing a firm to bribe another person to obtain and retain business or another advantage for the firm if the firm itself doesn’t have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery from occurring. In this instance, the firm is liable for prosecution. 
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7. Risk-Based Approach: In line with the Ministry of Justice guidance on the Bribery Act 2010, Spot Payments has adopted a risk-based approach to bribery. The firm’s risk-based controls are designed to mitigate corruption risks associated with: Engagement of third-party providers, including Intermediaries, Principal investments and controlled fund acquisitions/joint ventures, Giving Anything of Value: Gifts and hospitality (e.g., meals, entertainment, transportation, lodging, training and conferences)Charitable giving and political contributionsMarketing sponsorships, and Employment and work experience (e.g., internships).
8. Six Principles Guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on the Bribery Act 2010 details six principles that firms should consider when drafting their Anti-Bribery procedures. These principles are not prescriptive and, as recommended by MoJ, should be incorporated by Spot Payments in accordance with the size and nature of the business in accordance with our risk-based approach. The MoJ’s six principles are listed below:
- Proportionate Procedures
- Top-Level Commitment
- Risk Assessment
- Due Diligence
- Communication (including training)
- Monitoring and Review. 
8.1 Proportionate Procedures: Spot Payments implements procedures which are proportionate to the identified specific bribery risks faced by the firm. As such, these procedures are also proportionate to the nature and size of the firm. The procedures that Spot Payments have designed cover the following areas: Receiving gifts and hospitality from clients. Procuring government contracts. Obtaining and retaining business from clients. 
8.2 Top-Level Commitment: The senior management of Spot Payments recognises how important it is to be personally involved in fostering a culture where bribery and corruption, in any form, is viewed as wholly unacceptable. Senior management relishes its responsibility to set a personal example to everyone associated with Spot Payments so that they always act with the utmost integrity in the course of their business and do not succumb to bribery.​ Spot Payments’ senior management pledges to be appropriately involved in the following areas of the firm’s anti-bribery strategy: Making key decisions relating to the firm’s bribery risk. Communication of the firm’s anti-bribery stance. Developing the firm’s anti-bribery procedures. 
8.3 Risk Assessment: Spot Payments acknowledges the importance of assessing the nature and extent of its exposure to potential internal and external risks of bribery. The firm’s Responsible Officer for the Anti-Bribery and Corruption strategy will conduct a risk assessment periodically to identify and assess any evolving risks that the firm is vulnerable to. This risk assessment will be contained within the firm’s Financial Crime Risk Assessment.The risks considered are associated with the products and/or services the firm offers, all customers and jurisdictions that the firm does business with, all delivery channels used by the firm, the firm’s exposures to public officials and public office holders, and the firm’s own business practices i.e., the firm’s approach to providing corporate hospitality, charitable and political donations and the firm’s use of third parties. The risk assessment further addresses the risk of staff or third parties acting on behalf of the firm, offering or receiving bribes. The risk assessment will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that all real and emerging risks are accounted for. Additionally, the risk assessment will be documented and be utilised to inform Spot Payments’ policies and procedures relations to Anti-Bribery and Corruption.​ Spot Payments will periodically assess the nature and extent of the firm’s risk of bribery and corruption. Further to the above, when conducting a risk assessment, the firm will take the following factors into account: The firm’s relationship with law enforcement, regulatory bodies and trade organisations. The firm’s relationship with customers and third parties. The firm’s relationship with third-party providers of products and services we use. The firm’s tender process for public and private contracts. The firm’s delivery channels and how we engage with customers and clients. Internal relationships between staff. The geographical regions and jurisdictions in which the firm operates. The frequency with which the firm pursues private sector and public contacts. The jurisdictions in which the firm’s customers are based. The sectors with which the firm engages. Business partnership risks, including the use of intermediaries in transactions with foreign public officials and relationship with Politically Exposed Persons (“PEP”).
The key identified bribery and corruption risks to Spot Payments, as verified in the firm’s last Financial Crime Risk Assessment, are as follows: Bonus culture which rewards risk-taking, Changes in business activities, Charitable / Political donations, Corporate hospitality, Expenses not being registered, Bribery of Human Resources (HR)Political connections. Security (including information security), Third-parties / Outsourcers, Whistleblowing and complaints log. 
Following any risk assessment, Spot Payments’ Responsible Officer will review and recommended changes to the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption procedures and controls to mitigate the identified risks. Once these recommendations have been signed-off by the firm’s senior management, the firm’s policies, procedures, and controls will be subsequently updated.​The Responsible Officer has been identified as the person in charge of ensuring that the Bribery and Corruption risk assessment remains up to date. As part of the firm’s senior management team, the Responsible Officer has been judged has having the appropriate level of expertise and seniority to complete this duty. 
8.4 Due Diligence: Spot Payments will apply due diligence measures to mitigate bribery risks in accordance with the firm’s risk-based approach. Due diligence is a key measure to mitigate the risk of individuals within the firm being bribed or individuals issuing bribes on the firm’s behalf. Spot Payments’ procedures are informed from the firm’s periodic risk assessment.​In accordance with the risk assessment, Spot Payments will conduct bribery-related due diligence on the following persons: Intermediaries. Contractors. Business relationships. Customers (when a high-risk of bribery is identified).​The level of due diligence conducted on each person will depend on their respective risk levels. In circumstances where the is a very low risk of bribery identified, Spot Payments will apply the following measures: Identification and verification of persons. Scrutiny of the intended nature of the business relationships. Adverse media check​In situations where the risk of bribery is considered to be high risk, Spot Payments will apply the following due diligence measures: Direct interrogative enquiries. Indirect investigations. Research on persons involved. 
8.5 Communication (including training): Spot Payments seeks to ensure that its bribery prevention policies and procedures are embedded and understood throughout the firm, including through the use of training. Through the firm’s communication plan, Spot Payments is enhancing awareness and understanding of the firm’s procedures and a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption.​The firm communicates policies, procedures and its approach to relevant internal and external parties associated with Spot Payments in numerous ways. See below for a summary of our communication methods: Uploading our Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy onto the firm’s website. Uploading our policy and procedures onto the firm’s intranet site. Providing the firm’s employees with the location of the Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy and procedures on the firm’s internal server. Informing potential business partners of the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy at the point of contact. 
Training is provided to all employees and agents during their induction to Spot Payments and at regular intervals during the course of their association with the firm. The firm’s training programme covers the following areas: Zero-tolerance approach to bribery. An overview of anti-bribery legislation. An overview of key bribery risks.Examples of how those risks may occur within the business. Employee’s obligations and responsibilities to report suspected bribery.Details on how to make such a report.
8.6 Monitoring and Review: It is important that Spot Payments continually monitors the effectiveness of its Anti-Bribery and Corruption policies and procedures and implements a function to review and update them where necessary. The bribery risk that the firm is subject to may change over time, so Spot Payments’ monitoring and review plan has been put in place to mitigate the risks as soon as practicable after they are identified.​Spot Payments has the following measures in place to monitor the effectiveness of its strategy: Conducting periodic risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and update controls accordingly.Ongoing training and awareness programs for employees to reinforce the importance of compliance.Regular reviews of third-party relationships and due diligence checks to ensure compliance with anti-bribery and corruption policies. Analysis of bribery and corruption trends and incidents to identify potential areas of improvement in the firm's policies and procedures.
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9. Firm Requirements: Spot Payments is aware of its obligations to prevent the firm being used to facilitate bribery and corruption. As well as adapting its Anti-Bribery & Corruption policies and procedures along the lines of the six principles as part of the firm’s risk-based approach, Spot Payments is also required to implement other measures to mitigate the risk of bribery. These include:
9.1 Pre-employment Screening: During Spot Payments’ recruitment process, the firm will undertake pre-employment screening of potential candidates. In doing this, Spot Payments will affirm each candidate’s qualifications, suitability, and experience for the specified role. During the screening process, the firm will obtain and retrieve information that will help us assess whether a potential candidate is likely to engage in bribery or corruption. The screening process will help reduce the likelihood that an individual with a history of bribery and unethical behaviour will be offered a role within the firm. ​The firm’s pre-employment screening techniques include: Confirming the education and professional qualifications of the candidate. Verification of the candidate’s employment background. Criminal history searches. Credit checks.​Only once Spot Payments is satisfied that a potential candidate doesn’t pose any inherent bribery and corruption risks will he/she be offered a position in the firm. 
9.2 Stress Testing: Spot Payments’ systems and controls should be subject to periodic ‘stress tests’ to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the firm’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption systems and controls. The firm has in place methods for testing the stability of our systems and controls to uncover any deficiencies and areas for further improvement. Once deficiencies have been identified, the firm will promptly address them. 
9.3 Due Diligence: Due diligence is an important method for ascertaining whether an individual associated with the firm or business partners/clients pose a bribery and corruption risk. Spot Payments has due diligence procedures in place to mitigate these risks. The firm’s approach to bribery and corruption due diligence can be observed in section 8.4. 
9.4 Record Keeping: Spot Payments is required to maintain adequate records as part of our Anti-Bribery & Corruption procedures. The records that the firm is required to maintain include: The client’s identity. The supporting evidence of verification of identity. The firm’s business relationship with them. Details of any occasional transactions. Details of monitoring of the relationship.​Spot Payments will retain these records for a minimum of five years after the termination of the business relationship with each customer, except for situations where legal obligations placed upon Spot Payments require otherwise.

10. Financial Reporting and Management Information: Spot Payments strives to have accurate financial reporting, and as such, does not permit any improper accounting or the concealment of financial activity. All employees share responsibility for accurately reporting anything of value provided to existing and potential customers, public officials and payments made to third parties. The firm also maintains documentation for anything of value provided by existing or potential customers, public officials and third parties.​ Anything of value provided to, or received by the customer will be logged and will need to first receive approval from the relevant persons. This ensures that there is complete transparency regarding gifts and hospitality. 
Management Information: Management information is periodically provided to the firm’s board, regarding existing and emerging bribery and corruption risks that the firm is vulnerable to. This will include compiled data used to assist the board and senior management in assessing the effectiveness of their internal controls and overall ABC framework. The management information submitted to the board will ensure that the board is adequately informed of all bribery and corruption risks, whether they are internal or external, allowing there to be a swift and effective response. Reporting will be done as part of the firm’s overall reporting on financial crime.​Senior management receives and analyses information / data about bribery and corruption which include:Status updates on the ABC framework, including key performance indicators/metricsMajor deviations from the internal policies and procedures by employees (i.e. on gifts and business hospitality)Relevant legal and regulatory developments Updates on any internal reviews of the ABC framework (e.g. audits, compliance testing) Any other significant issues such as regulatory reporting or filings in relation to bribery and corruption committed by officers, employees or third-party providers.
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11. Training: Spot Payments’ employees and agents are provided with Anti-Bribery & Corruption training upon their induction to the firm. Employees and agents are also provided with annual training/refresher training by the firm. Employees are trained in all areas detailed in section 8.5 of this policy. Employee training records are to be retained and evidenced on each individual employee’s Continual Professional Development (“CPD”) Log alongside the firms central training log. Records are required to be retained for five years.
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12. Suspicious Activity: All employees and agents at Spot Payments, regardless of position, have a responsibility to report incidents or suspicions of bribery. Possible cases of bribery, when they go unreported, may bring the firm and the sector in which it operates into disrepute. As such, it is important that any individual associated with Spot Payments who are in a position to detect bribery follow the firm’s procedures for reporting bribery. Spot Payments provides training to all employees on how to identify suspicious activity related to bribery and steps they must undertake to report it. 
Should an employee have a suspicion of bribery, the employee should inform their line manager who will notify the firm’s Responsible Officer.​The Responsible Officer will need to make a judgement on whether the gift being offered is reasonable and proportionate. Should they deem the gift to be a bribe, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) should be made aware of the suspicion. ​Examples of suspicious activity include (but not limited to) the following: Third Parties or Agents who are deemed valuable for their Personal Ties rather than for their Services, or who request compensation out of proportion to the value of their services.Client requests for favours, such as Job Interviews for family members. Requests to engage Third Parties without a written contract. Client requests for favours, such as Job Interviews for family members. Gifts or Hospitality that could be lavish or inappropriate.Conditional requests for Donations to Charities or Political Parties.