Company: BBVXF
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form Type: 6-K
Source: 0001193125-25-027348
Chunk: 126

Company: BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
Filing Date: 2025-02-14
Form: 6-K
Chunk 126
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 compliance or conduct. The Compliance Unit is tasked with raising awareness of the Code of Conduct and enforcing compliance. In doing so, it helps to resolve doubts regarding the interpretation of the Code through the Code of Conduct Consultation Channel, while managing the Whistleblowing Channel. With regard to possible breaches of the Code of Conduct, BBVA has a disciplinary system in place through which action is taken as and when necessary. Whistleblower channel The Whistleblowing Channel is an essential part of the BBVA Group compliance system and is one of the processes established to ensure that the regulations and guidelines of the Code of Conduct are effectively applied. This Channel is also a means of helping BBVA members and third parties outside the Group to report confidentially and, if they wish, anonymously, behaviors that deviate from the Code of Conduct or violate applicable law or internal regulations, including financial or accounting irregularities. The Compliance Unit processes reports promptly in an objective and impartial manner and guarantees the confidentiality of the investigatory processes. During the 2021 financial year, the BBVA Group implemented a global Whistleblowing Channel tool provided by an external supplier in most geographical areas where the Group has a presence. This online platform is accessible to all employees through the corporate Intranet and third parties outside BBVA can access it via a public link posted on the BBVA Group website (www.bkms-system.com/bbva). This global tool raises the standards of security, confidentiality and anonymity and, therefore, the level of protection afforded the whistleblower and the party being reported. BBVA employees have at their disposal guides (FAQ, and a tutorial) to facilitate use of this tool. Whistleblowers play a key role in preventing and detecting inappropriate behavior, so affording them protection is a priority for the BBVA Group. Individuals who report facts or actions in good faith via the Whistleblowing Channel will not face any reprisals or other adverse consequences for what they report. In 2023, BBVA’s Board of Directors approved the general policy for handling reports received via the Whistleblowing Channel and on whistleblower protection, which aligns internal regulations with the requirements of Act 2/2023, of February 20, regulating the protection of people who report regulatory breaches and the fight against corruption. As explained in the previous section, there is a Corporate Integrity Management Committee that operates globally across the entire BBVA Group. Its and responsibilities (explained in greater detail in its regulations) include the following: Driving and monitoring global initiatives to foster and