Summary of the Management Policy of the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Concerning Conflicts of Interest

The Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group operates with sound business management based on a high degree of self-discipline with the background of trustee spirit, and provides our clients with not only banking services, trust services, and registered financial institutional services, but also a wider range of financial services through fully utilizing its significant expertise and comprehensive capabilities.
Along with the various products and services provided by the companies in our Group and its officers and employees, in order to protect the interests of our clients from undue harm, as from before, we have made public a summary of the Management Policy Concerning Conflicts of Interest. Based on this Policy, we shall appropriately manage transactions that have possible conflicts of interest and carry out business operations.
Further, we will conduct client-oriented business operations, including the provision of important information on products and services in an easy-to-understand manner.

1. The Conflict of Interest Management Process

Our Group will, in principle, conduct conflict of interest management by the following process.

  • (1)
    Regarding "transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest", together with definition as per Section 2 below, the "transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest" that may arise in the operations conducted by each of our Group companies will be identified in advance, measures will be prescribed to prevent harm from conflicts of interest when conducting said transactions, etc. ("Covered Transactions") (methods for conflict of interest management).
  • (2)
    When conducting Covered Transactions, we will seek to prevent harm from conflicts of interest, by methods of conflict of interest management prescribed in advance.
    Further, if it is more effective to provide for the prevention of harm by establishing an operations execution system, then regardless of whether or not the Covered Transaction is carried out, we will take measures to prevent harm, by establishing the appropriate operations execution system in advance.
  • (3)
    In the event that a new "transaction, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest" is envisioned, it will be identified in advance as a Covered Transaction, and a method of conflict of interest management will be prescribed in advance, so as to prevent harm from conflicts of interest.
    Further, in order to smoothly and promptly identify the new "transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest" and to select appropriate methods of conflict of interest management, together with the classification of the Covered Transactions as set forth in Section 3 below, we have clarified the methods of management of conflicts of interest, as set forth in Section 4 below.
  • (4)
    Since the transactions that qualify as "transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest", and methods for management of conflicts of interest, the effective method of prevention of harm by conflict of interest may vary and evolve with the operations of each company in our Group, the attributes of clients, the social environment, etc., we will seek to review the Covered Transactions and the methods for management of conflicts of interest, including the existing Covered Transactions.

2. The Definition of "Transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest"

  • (1)
    "Transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest" are among the transactions or actions conducted by SuMi TRUST Group companies ("Related Group Companies") that in the following cases, etc., of ‘Conflicting Interest, etc. Circumstances’, are likely to unduly harm the interests of our clients in banking-related services and financial instruments-related services handled by our banking subsidiaries or subsidiary financial institutions, etc.
  • (2)
    "Transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest", in the main, may arise in cases where a Related Group Company has a duty to conduct operations with loyalty, such as where it has received entrustment from a client, or it has received a mandate from a client, and where there is motive to give preference to the interests of parties other than the client, such as where the assets of the Related Group Company are involved or there are transactions with parties other than the client. At our Group, "transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest", is understood to have a broad meaning, even otherwise than in these operations, including the case where, between the client and the Related Group Company, there is a significant gap in the knowledge and information, etc., relating to the products and services.
  • *Related Group Companies, our bank subsidiaries and subsidiary financial institutions, etc., are listed in the appendix.
Conflicting Interest, etc.
Circumstances
Illustrations
When there is a conflict of interest between a client and Related Group Companies or a conflict of interest between clients
In the case where, a Related Group Company that is managing assets entrusted from a client, conducts transactions with a Related Group Company, regarding the terms, etc. of the said transaction.
the interests of the client and the Related Group Company will conflict
When there is competition between a client and Related Group Companies or competition between clients
In the case where a Related Group Company is, together with the client, investing in an investment fund managed by a Related Group Company, there will be competition regarding collection of invested funds.
When Related Group Companies use information obtained from a client to benefit Related Group Companies or other clients
In the case that a Related Group Company gains benefits by using judgment relating to management of assets entrusted from the client in the asset management of a Related Group Company.

3. Types of "Transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest"

Transactions that have possible conflicts of interest are defined under the following categories and managed so as not to unduly hurt the interests of our clients.

Type Transaction, etc. Details
‘Classic’ Conflict of Interest Type
Transactions or acts that have possible conflicts of interest, subject to individual standards of conduct, prohibited acts, and measures to prevent harmful effects, etc. in accordance with laws and regulations, etc.
Enterprise Acquisition Type
Transactions or acts that have possible conflicts of interest on business operations related to M&A advisory and capital acquisition finance, etc.
Multifaceted Involvement Type
Transactions or acts that have possible conflicts of interest on cases where Related Group Companies take part in various situations such as asset securitization schemes, etc.
Receipt of Brokerage Commission Type
Sales and recommendations, etc. at a Related Group Company of products or services for which brokerage commission fees, etc. are to be received from the company that is providing the products or services
Provision of Composite Group Products Type
Sales and recommendations, etc. at a Related Group Company of products or services provided by another Related Group Company or composite products or services that utilize the assets of a Related Group Company.
Exercise of Influence Type
In a division of a Related Group Company that has been entrusted with the management of assets of a client, there is investment of such funds in, holding communications with, or exercising of voting rights in a target company that is a client of a corporate sales department, etc. of the same or another Related Group Company.
Other
Other transactions or acts not noted above that might unduly harm the interests of clients
  • *For reference, examples of specific transactions, etc. are given at the end of this document.

4. Management of transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest

  • (1)

    Transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest will generally be managed by in principle, appropriate combination of the below described methods and other methods, in accordance with the Conflicting Interest, etc. circumstances listed in Section 2 above, and the Type listed in Section 3 above.
    However, if the Related Group Companies are under an obligation of confidentiality to another party in a transaction, etc. that has a possible conflict of interest, then the details of the transaction, etc. that has a possible conflict of interest shall be managed in such a manner as not to disclose such details.
    In addition, considering the degree of the conflicts of interest and other circumstances, when there is a reasonable basis to do so, special consideration may be given regarding the level and the extent of the conflict of interest management as follows:

    • (ⅰ)
      Separating a division/ company that handles a transaction, etc. that has a possible conflict of interest from a division/ company that handles the transaction with the client by isolating information each other or other methods.
    • (ⅱ)
      Changing the conditions or methods of transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest or transactions with clients.
    • (ⅲ)
      Terminating transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest or transactions with a client.
    • (ⅳ)
      The method of ensuring fair transaction terms in the case of the transaction, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest.
    • (ⅴ)
      Properly conducting disclosure to a client, and depending on the situation also obtaining consent from the client on possible conflicts of interest of the transaction, etc. which might unduly harm the interests of the client.
    • (ⅵ)
      The method of monitoring persons who have access to certain information connected to the transaction, etc. that may cause conflict of interest
    • (ⅶ)
      The method of establishing, based on the following perspectives, the appropriate structure for execution of operations.
      • Ensuring the appropriateness of selection of products and services that are subject to sales, recommendation, etc.
      • Ensuring the appropriateness of objectives and performance evaluation in relation to sales, etc.
      • Setting authority for the purpose of fair execution of operations
      • Establishing etc. standards of conduct and restrictions on personnel transfers between departments, etc. where there is potential for operational conflicts of interest to arise
  • (2)
    Transactions that fall under Section 3 above shall be managed basically, and are illustrated, as follows.
Type Management Method and Illustration
‘Classic’ Conflict of Interest Type
In accordance with the effect of the regulations, we shall comply with the rule of laws so as not to unduly hurt the interests of our clients.
For example, when conducting transactions as a trustee of client’s assets with a Related Group Company, as a part of management of assets entrusted from a client, in accordance with laws and regulations, the Related Group Company managing the client’s assets will take measures to disclose the important facts of the transaction to the client who is a beneficiary and to obtain in writing, etc. the client’s prior consent.
Also, depending on the conflicting interest, etc. circumstances, by taking measures against inappropriate information gaps with clients, and to appropriately isolate information, we prevent unfair treatment of clients and the improper use of client information.
Corporate Acquisition Type
Within our Group, confirmation is made as to whether or not there are any transactions that conflict with the interests of various clients by collecting information from each department and by making sure mutually between the relevant departments, etc. in advance. If it is determined that there is a conflicting transaction, then the transaction shall be executed after the fact is explained to the client or one side of the transaction shall be denied depending on the situation.
In addition, in cases such as competition between the transaction of a client, and the transaction of another client, we will implement the appropriate isolation of information, etc.
Multifaceted Involvement Type
If there is any concern that Related Group Companies taking part in various situations may unduly hurt the interests of our clients then, depending on the conflicting interest, etc. circumstances of the respective involvements, the transaction shall be executed after the fact is explained to the client or the measures shall be taken to verify that the conditions of the transaction are fair.
Receipt of Brokerage Commission Type
Provision of Composite Group Products Type
We will ensure matters such as the appropriateness of targets and performance evaluations relating to selection and sales etc. of products and services that are the subject of sales and recommendations and the appropriateness of terms of composition, etc. of such products and services; and, together with this, if may be concluded that there is benefit to disclosure of brokerage commissions, or remuneration, etc. that the Related Group Company is to receive, we will take measures to disclose, etc. regarding the fact that they will receive and the level, etc. of the remuneration, etc. to be received.
Exercise of Influence Type
In order to prevent the exercise of influence from the corporate sales division, etc. of the Related Group Company or other Related Group Companies on the asset management decisions of that Related Group Company and, together with this, prevent the inflow of information that would interfere with the appropriateness of asset management decisions, we will take measures such as restrictions on personnel transfers and communication of information and contact etc. between the Related Group Company and the corporate sales divisions etc. of that Related Group Company or other Related Group Companies.

5. Management System for Conflicts of Interest

As social issues become more diverse and complex, including those pertaining to decarbonization initiatives, revitalization of local economies, and the arrival of the era of ‘the 100-year life’, we believe that the creation of a virtuous cycle of funds, assets, and capital to resolve social issues and the provision of total solutions to clients’ management issues is becoming even more important.

It is in this context that our Group will promote and lead a virtuous cycle of funds, assets, and capital undertaken by a variety of stakeholders, through the provision of high value-added products and services, as well as investment and investment products to create new value.

With a view to achieving these objectives, in April 2022, a banking subsidiary of our Company has newly established the organizational divisions of “Retail Business”, “Corporate Business”, and “Investor Services Business”, through a business restructuring, in order to respond to changes in the domestic and overseas environment and develop a value creation process tailored to economic actors.

Following on from this business restructuring, we will continue to further strengthen the sharing of information and know-how among each of our Group companies and among the business units and departments of our banking subsidiary, with the aim of resolving issues for investors and each of the other stakeholders. In addition, we recognize that conducting appropriate conflict of interest management is of paramount importance to the business operations of each of our Group companies after the business restructuring, and our Group has established the management systems set forth below. For details, please refer to the outline of each company's conflict of interest management policy.

  • To properly manage conflicts of interest, we set up a department responsible for conflict of interest management, and it appropriately examines on a regular basis our Group's total development of the conflict of interest management system and its effectiveness, and while continually striving to improve it, education and training for officers and employees is conducted on a regular basis, and everyone is kept informed about how to manage transactions that have possible conflicts of interest.
  • Regarding the results of the examination of the Conflict of Interest Management Department, we will periodically report to the for Conflicts of Interest Management Enhancement of Committee and receive reviews and directions for improvement, etc. including necessary enhancements to the management framework. In addition, at the Conflicts of Interest Committee, established as an advisory body to the Board of Directors, we conduct examination etc. of our Group conflicts of interest management framework, from the perspective of outside experts, and publish summaries of the proceedings.
  • When it comes to our banking subsidiaries, each set up its own individual department responsible for conflict of interest management that oversees our conflict of interest management system and properly identifies and manages transactions that have possible conflicts of interest. In addition, with the business restructuring in April 2022, we have taken this opportunity to enhance our conflict of interest management system in relation to banking accounts and trust accounts, and loans in and equity investment to the same entity.

6. The policy for Enhancement of the Conflict of Interest Management Framework relating Asset Management

To reduce the potential for conflicts of interest related to our Group's asset management activities, our Group has taken the following measures as necessary to prevent the exercise of influence that may lead to conflicts of interest by a group company to the group company's asset management division or a asset management company in our Group ("Group Asset Management Company, etc."), and to enhance the independence of our Group's asset management activities.
We will constantly improve our conflict of interest management framework for asset management.

  • (1)

    Strengthening Conflict of Interest Management

    • Conflict of interest management has been strengthened by clarifying rules that prohibit the use of influence that may lead to conflicts of interest in our Group's asset management.
      In addition, we have established a whistle blowing system for asset management, and have taken measures to further improve the effectiveness of the rules concerned through the guidance for improvement in the event that a problematic activity is discovered.
      We are also working to ensure compliance with these rules and regulations by providing training for officers and employees and signing acknowledgement.
  • (2)

    Ensuring independence of Group Asset Management Companies etc.- Restricting communication of information, contact and personnel transfers.

    • In addition to strengthening Conflict of Interest Management as described in (1) above, in order to reduce the potential for the occurrence of Conflict of Interest, our Group will limit communication of information, contacts and personnel changes between our Group companies and our Group Asset Management Companies etc. based on the existence of information (non-disclosure information, etc.) that may hinder the appropriateness of the investment decision and the possibility of exercising influence over the investment management business.
  • (3)

    Measures relating to Stewardship Activities

    • Our Group is working to strengthen its conflict of interest management framework by substantially improving the transparency of its stewardship activities through (1) disclosing detailed criteria of voting rights exercise (Guidelines for Exercise of Voting Rights), the results of voting rights exercises, and (2) introducing management based on the recommendations of a stewardship activity committee, which has a majority of external representatives.
    • (ⅰ)

      Detailed public disclosure regarding the standards for the exercise of voting rights (Guidelines for Exercise of Voting Rights), and voting results.

      • By disclosing numerical standards at the time of exercise decisions and points for qualitative decisions, we are promoting the "visualization" of exercise decisions.
        In addition, we have established a highly transparent management structure by disclosing in detail the results of voting rights exercises.
    • (ⅱ)

      Improvement of the management system by a stewardship activity committee, etc.

      • We carry out the revision and abolishment of the Guidelines for Exercise of Voting Rights based on the report of a stewardship activities committee, also work to improve engagement activities for companies with potential conflicts of interest, based on the report of the committee.

We strengthen the supervision of stewardship activities at Group Asset Management Company etc. through the Stewardship Subcommittee in the Conflicts of Interest Management Committee.

  • *The Stewardship Subcommittee, which is comprised of all members of the Conflicts of Interest Management Committee and members of stewardship activities committees of Group Asset Management Companies, was established in July 2018.

7. Our Group’s Conflict of Interest Management Framework relating to the Wealth Management Business

Our Group collaborates with UBS Group in the wealth management business. In August 2021, UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management Co., Ltd., (“WM”), a securities company specializing in wealth management, launched its business operations as an equity-method affiliate of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group, Inc. (49% ownership).

Through the launch of the operations of WM, we will provide optimal solutions for all wealth management clients, by comprehensively combining (a) world leading asset management and securities services of UBS Group, which is the top brand in the global wealth management business and already has established its presence in Japan, and (b) various services including inheritance, wealth transfer and real estate brokerage, from our banking subsidiary as a leading trust bank in Japan.

In this connection, there will be cases in which UBS Group or WM exchange client information with us and our banking subsidiary, in accordance with laws and regulations, such as by obtaining client consent. We will in all such cases comply with laws and regulations, such as firewall regulations*, and manage client information appropriately based on the content of the client consent.

We note also that brokerage of products and services of the UBS Group by our banking subsidiary, and agency, brokerage, and introduction of products and services of our banking subsidiary by WM may fall under the category of “transactions, etc. that have possible conflicts of interest”, such as “receipt of brokerage commission type” or “provision of composite group products type”, etc.

Our Group appropriately manages transactions that have possible conflicts of interest in accordance with this Policy and we periodically report the status of conflict of interest management to the Conflicts of Interest Management Committee, which includes outside experts, in order to verify the effectiveness and appropriateness of our conflict of interest management framework.

Our Group will continue to improve the effectiveness of our conflict of interest management framework, for the peace of mind and security of our clients, taking into account also the trends, etc. underlying revisions to laws and regulations, etc.

*Firewall regulations are regulations established to prevent adverse effect on clients (Client Information Management, Conflict of Interest Management, Preventing Abuse of Dominant Position), etc. in relation to banks’ and securities firms’ mutual entry into the banking and securities businesses, and prohibit exchange of non-public information of clients, etc. between parent and subsidiary companies, etc., except in cases such as where client consent is obtained.

Note 1 Overview of the Organizational System for Management of Conflicts of Interest

Note 2 Management Methods - Concepts and Examples of Specific Transactions, etc. to which each type applies

‘Classic’ Conflict of Interest Type

In the case where the currency exchange counterparty or the surplus-funds investment counterparty in management of trust assets entrusted by our clients is a company of our Group.

Management method
  • Prior consent of the client
  • Ensuring fair transaction terms
Corporate Acquisition Type

In the case of entering into an M&A advisory agreement between a client who is a seller in a corporate acquisition, and a client who is a purchaser.

Management method
  • Engagement based on explanation to both clients of the facts of the conflicting interest with the other client.
  • In certain circumstances, disengagement from the transaction.
Multifaceted Involvement Type

In the case of receiving funds from a client, as an investment into an investment fund managed by a SuMi TRUST Group Company, such as an investment trust, a SuMi TRUST Group Company is involved in multiple transactions with the fund, such as lending funds, acting as a trustee for, or handling private placement.

Management method
  • Explanation to the client of the circumstances of the conflict of interest
  • Ensuring fair transaction terms
Receipt of Brokerage Commission Type

In the case of receiving an agency commission from an insurance company that is a provider of products, regarding life insurance products sold at a SuMi TRUST Group Company.

Management method
  • Ensuring appropriateness of product selection
  • Ensuring appropriateness of sales targets, etc.
  • Disclosure of the fact that it is receiving brokerage commissions and the level of fees, in accordance with the product characteristics
Provision of Group Composite Products Type

In the case of sale of investment trust products made by an investment trust management company in the SuMi TRUST Group.

Management method
  • Ensuring the appropriateness of product selection
  • Ensuring the appropriateness of sales targets
  • Disclosure of the fact that it is receiving brokerage commissions and the level of fees, in accordance with the product characteristics
Exercise of Influence Type

In the case where there is a concern that Group Asset Management Companies etc. managing the funds entrusted by pension fund may receive requests from the corporate sales division etc. of the companies in our Group to invest in the shares etc. of a company that has a transaction relationship, or that the corporate sales division etc. may be involved in the exercise of the relevant voting rights.

Management method
  • Measures for restrictions on personnel transfers between Group Asset Management Companies etc. and companies in our Group (corporate sales department, etc.) and transmission of information / contact, etc.

Appendix Related Group Companies

  • 1.

    Banking Subsidiaries

    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited
  • 2.

    Subsidiary Financial Institutions, etc.

    • Examples of Subsidiary Financial Institutions, etc. are as follows.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd.
    • Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Life Partners Co., Ltd.
    • Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Investment Co., Ltd.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Real Estate Investment Management Co., Ltd.
    • UBS SuMi Trust Wealth Management Co., Ltd.
  • 3.

    The Bank Agent that has Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited as its principal bank

    • Examples of The Bank Agent that has Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited as its principal bank are as follows.
    • SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd.
    • Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Life Partners Co., Ltd.
    • UBS AG, Tokyo Branch

(As of December 29, 2023)

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