Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Scope

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all employees, consultants, agents and other representatives (“Team Members”) of Expert Panel (unit of Eresolution Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd) (“the Company”).

Objectives

Protect the interests of our clients (borrowers) and counterparties (lenders) in a win-win approach
Ensure all services are delivered in a lawful, ethical and transparent manner

This Code applies to all Team Members at all times, whether dealing with clients, lenders, vendors, or any other stakeholders, and in all forms of communication (in-person, phone, email, messaging apps, social media, or written material).

2. Our Role and Guiding Principles

2.1 Advisory Role Only

The Company provides advisory and negotiation support to borrowers facing financial distress
We do not guarantee any particular outcome, waiver, discount, or settlement

2.2 Lawful and Ethical Conduct

All actions must be consistent with applicable laws and regulations in India
No Team Member may engage in or encourage any unlawful or unethical conduct, even if requested by a client

2.3 Respect for Contracts and Rights of Lenders

We recognise that lenders have valid contractual rights to recover amounts due
Our role is to facilitate voluntary negotiated settlements, not to interfere with the rights of the lenders

2.4 Integrity and Honesty

Information provided to clients and lenders must be truthful and accurate
We do not make false promises or misrepresent facts to any party

3. Dealing with Clients (Borrowers)

3.1 No Encouragement of Wilful Default

Team Members must not advise or encourage clients to:

Deliberately stop making payments when they have the capacity to pay
Falsely portray themselves as unable to pay when they are not
Any advice given must be based on the genuine financial situation of the client

3.2 No Assistance in Fraudulent Conduct

Team Members must never advise, assist, or participate in:

Hiding or transferring assets to defeat or delay lawful recovery by lenders
Fabricating documents, income proofs, or financial statements
Providing false information to lenders or any other stakeholders

3.3 Fair and Transparent Advice

Clearly explain to clients:

That settlement is subject to lender’s discretion
That lenders may or may not accept the proposed terms
Possible impacts on credit score, future borrowing ability and legal consequences of default
Do not guarantee specific percentage reductions or assured success

3.4 No Legal Practice by Unauthorised Persons

Only qualified advocates enrolled with a Bar Council may provide legal opinions or represent clients before courts/tribunals
Non-lawyer Team Members must not hold themselves out as “lawyers”, “legal experts”, or provide legal opinions

Obtain written consent from clients before initiating discussions with lenders
Ensure clients understand all documents they sign, including authorisation letters

4. Dealing with Lenders and Their Representatives

4.1 Professional and Courteous Communication

Treat all lenders, their officers, collection agents, and legal representatives with courtesy and respect
Avoid hostile or threatening language in all communications

4.2 Honest and Accurate Representations

Do not provide false or misleading information about a client’s financial position or intentions
Do not exaggerate regulatory provisions to pressure lenders

4.3 Respect for Negotiation Outcome

Any settlement reached is a voluntary commercial decision of the lender
Team Members must not portray the outcome as forced, unlawful, or guaranteed by regulation

4.4 No Undisclosed Arrangements

Team Members must not accept any payment, commission, or benefit from lenders in relation to a client’s matter
Team Members must not accept any payment, commission, or benefit from the clients for any personal enrichment

5. Communications, Marketing and Public Statements

5.1 No Misrepresentation of Regulatory Status

Team Members must not:

Claim to be “RBI approved”, “RBI authorised”, “bank-authorised”, or “government approved”
Use names, logos, or emblems of regulators or banks in a way that suggests official endorsement

5.2 Truthful Advertising and Website Content

All marketing material, including website content and social media posts, must:

Honestly describe the nature and limitations of our services
Avoid “Guaranteed settlement”, “assured waiver” etc.
Avoid misleading statistics that cannot be substantiated

5.3 No Defamation

Team Members must not publish, post, or circulate false or unverified allegations against any lender or its staff
Constructive criticism or general commentary must be factual, balanced and non-defamatory

Personal social media use must not disclose client information, confidential settlement terms, or sensitive comments about lenders
Team Members must not present personal views as the official position of the Company unless authorised

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection

6.1 Client Confidentiality

All financial, personal and transactional information of clients is strictly confidential
Such information must be used only for providing services and must not be shared with unauthorised persons

6.2 Lender Information

Internal information received from lenders (e.g., specific settlement offers, internal policies shared in confidence) must not be misused or disclosed without proper authorisation

6.3 Compliance with Data Protection Laws

Team Members must follow Company policies on data security, record-keeping, and disposal of documents (physical and electronic)

7. Compliance, Training and Reporting

7.1 Mandatory Compliance

Adherence to this Code is a condition of employment or engagement with the Company and must be signed every month
Breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment/engagement and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities

7.2 Ongoing Training

The Company will provide periodic training on:

Applicable laws and regulations
Ethical standards and best practices in debt advisory and settlement
Team Members are expected to participate actively and stay updated

7.3 Reporting Concerns or Violations

Any Team Member who becomes aware of a potential or actual violation of this Code, law, or Company policy must promptly report it through designated internal channels
The Company will endeavour to protect bona fide whistle-blowers from any adverse consequences

8. Interpretation and Updates

The Company reserves the right to amend or update this Code from time to time, in line with changes in law, regulation, or business practices
In case of any doubt regarding the interpretation of this Code or the legality of any proposed action, Team Members must seek guidance from their reporting manager or the designated compliance/legal officer before acting

9. Employee Acknowledgement

All Team Members are required to read, understand, and comply with this Code of Conduct. By continuing in employment or engagement with the Company, each Team Member acknowledges:

That they have read and understood this Code
That they agree to abide by its terms
That they understand violations may result in disciplinary and/or legal consequences