Ethics & Independence

1) Editorial Firewall

• Advertising, partnerships, and sponsorships do not determine coverage or conclusions.
• Sponsored content is clearly labeled and kept distinct from newsroom output.
• Access journalism is discouraged; no quid-pro-quo coverage.

2) Conflicts of Interest

• Staff must disclose potential conflicts (financial, familial, advisory roles) to editors.
• Editors may require disclosure to readers, change of assignment, or recusal.
• Freelancers agree to the same standards as a condition of assignment.

3) Gifts, Hospitality & Travel

• Token items of nominal value may be accepted; anything more is declined or donated.
• Paid travel/accommodation by sources is avoided; exceptions require editor approval and disclosure.
• Speaking fees and honoraria are disclosed; acceptance requires prior approval.

4) Personal Investments & Trading

• Staff covering markets may face trading blackouts around sensitive assignments.
• Short-term trading of companies/segments under active coverage is restricted or prohibited.
• Personal holdings that create foreseeable conflicts must be disclosed and may require recusal.

5) Sources & Attributions

• Prefer on-the-record sources; anonymity requires editor approval and public-interest rationale.
• Quotes, data, charts, and images are attributed and used within license/fair-use limits.
• Right of reply is offered to subjects of critical coverage.

6) Use of AI & Automation

• AI tools can assist, not replace, editorial judgment; sensitive claims require human verification.
• If AI meaningfully contributes to a work, we disclose and retain responsibility for accuracy.

7) Transparency & Disclosures

• Methodology, adjustments, and caveats are published for data-led work.
• Sponsored/partner material is prominently labeled; newsroom retains standards oversight.

8) Escalation & Enforcement

• Breaches may result in correction, disclosure, reassignment, or further action per company policy.

9) Changes

Material updates to this page will be reflected in the “Last updated” date above.