Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance(GECA) Code of Ethics

Introduction

As a central figure in the equity crowdfunding sector, the Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance (GECA) recognizes the significant influence our collective membership exerts over global finance, innovation, and economic progress. We accept the ethical duties accompanying this influence, committing to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and practices that guide our actions, ensuring they benefit society, comply with applicable laws, and advance the interests of our stakeholders within the global equity crowdfunding community.

Core Principles

• Integrity and Transparency: We pledge to conduct our activities with honesty and openness, building trust with investors, startups, SMEs, and the broader community.
• Fairness and Objectivity: Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities for funding and investment based on merit and ethical standards.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Recognizing our impact on society, we hold ourselves responsible for our decisions and their outcomes.
• Respect for Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: We are dedicated to adhering to relevant laws and regulations, while collaborating to build towards global frameworks that support the growth of equity crowdfunding.
• Commitment to Education and Empowerment: We aim to deliver accurate, meaningful information to educate and empower all participants in the equity crowdfunding ecosystem.

Ethical Guidelines

• Advocating for Harmonization: Our goal is to champion inter-jurisdictional equity crowdfunding, including regulatory change, while ensuring investor safety and market integrity.
• Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices: We commit to the open exchange of knowledge and strategies to continually advance global equity crowdfunding.
• Empowering Through Education: By launching and backing educational initiatives, we strive to ensure all members of our ecosystem are well-informed and capable of making informed
decisions.
• Maintaining Independence and Impartiality: Operating with impartiality, GECA ensures that its actions and recommendations reflect the collective interests of the global equity crowdfunding industry, free from the undue influence of any single entity, including its founding members.
• Protecting Privacy and Data: We are committed to the highest standards of data protection, respecting the privacy and confidentiality of all stakeholders and consistent with privacy standards.

Implementation and Enforcement

• Commitment to Compliance: All members and supporters of GECA are expected to uphold this Code of Ethics.
• Continuous Education: GECA will offer resources, workshops, and training to support members in their understanding of and application of ethical standards.
• Monitoring and Accountability: GECA will monitor adherence to this code, ensuring the integrity of our Alliance.
• Promoting Ethical Leadership: We will recognize and celebrate those among us who exemplify ethical conduct, leadership, and significant contributions to the global expansion of equity crowdfunding.

Conclusion

This Code of Ethics is dynamic, reflecting GECA’s dedication to nurturing a resilient, transparent, and ethically-driven global equity crowdfunding ecosystem. We commit to regularly reviewing our ethical guidelines to meet evolving challenges and opportunities, and to ensuring GECA continues to lead with integrity and excellence in the fast-evolving equity crowdfunding industry.