The KPMG Whistle-blowing Hotline (referred to below simply as the Hotline) supports the reporting of possible illegal, unethical or otherwise unprofessional conduct if the normal channels of communication are not effective or difficult to access. The Hotline is available to all KPMG employees but also to clients, suppliers and others who have a business relationship with KPMG.
The complaints procedure is set out in more detail in the Procedure for Complaints by Third Parties (PDF 291 kB).
Which kinds of things can the Hotline be used for?
The Hotline is used for reporting concerns relating to the categories listed below:
- financial reporting (accounting);
- internal accounting controls;
- external accounting controls, including independence (auditing);
- banking crime;
- financial crime, including the misuse of KPMG resources;
- bribery, including gifts;
- compliance with legislation, professional and other obligations.
The use of the Hotline for reporting the issues listed above is intended for matters related to KPMG Netherlands, its employees or management.
The Hotline is not intended for formal reporting of complaints about KPMG's services by clients. For such complaints, the engagement letter for the service in question sets out the procedure to be followed.
If the complaint relates to a KPMG company other than KPMG Netherlands, we ask the client to contact the relevant firm directly or use the KPMG International Hotline.
Reporting method
There are three ways to access the Hotline:
- By phone on (020) 656 8676
- By e-mail to the Compliance Office
- By post to the following address:
KPMG N.V.
T.a.v. Compliance Office
Postbus 74500
1070 DB AMSTERDAM
The e-mail is always available, also outside office hours. The telephone contact number is only reachable during office hours. The method of gathering information is the same in all cases. All reports, including those received by post, are treated confidentially and in a manner consistent with the applicable legislation and regulations, for example with regard to the protection of personal data.
What happens to the report?
The report is received and handled by the Compliance Office. If necessary, the Compliance Office coordinates with the Country Risk Management Partner and General Counsel of KPMG Netherlands.
If the report relates to a member of the Compliance Office, it is passed directly to the Country Risk Management Partner and General Counsel of KPMG, who then discusses how it should be handled further with the chair of the Executive Board.
Reports that do not fall within the scope of the Hotline, for example because they relate to another KPMG firm, are passed to the relevant firm, or to KPMG International. Where a report is passed to a different KPMG firm or KPMG International, it will likewise be dealt with on the basis of confidentiality and measures will be taken to protect the confidentiality and legitimate interests of the reporting party.
