Our Responsibility

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

WE BELIEVE IN RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT.
OUR MANTRA, “MAKING CAPITAL
WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL,”
IS A PRINCIPAL THAT GUIDES US THROUGH
OUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.

We are committed to adhering to our Code of Conduct and assuming corporate responsibility in
every facet of our work.

Bear Stearns Action Areas:

PHILANTHROPY

The Bear Stearns Foundation is dedicated to working with nonprofit organizations to ‘give back’ in the following areas:

Job creation in emerging economies
Globally focused small business expansion
Waste management and reforestation projects
Community development
Education efforts for the underserved and underprivileged

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Bear Stearns provides local opportunities for employees to utilize their talents to aid the communities in which they work and live. We believe that our employees understand the powerful benefits of giving back through fundraising efforts and volunteering activities. Our Volunteer Reward Program rewards our employees in more ways than just financial incentives from our company. It provides benefits that can only come from helping others and seeing the positive impacts of such.

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL

At Bear Stearns, we are committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior and business practices. We believe all our partners and stakeholders should have similar standards. We carefully evaluate and develop an understanding of each client’s business, expertise and reputation. We use a tailored approach in our risk mitigation practiced for each entity to ensure the best results for our client’s long-term interests. In doing so, we ensure sustainable growth practices that better serve the clients, communities and our firm.

BEAR STEARNS’ SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Our company is dedicated to reducing waste in our corporate operations. We primarily focus on reduction of energy consumption, recycling efforts, and efficiency innovations. We promote environmentally friendly forms of transportation, energy efficient products for lighting and heating our offices, paper waste reduction and recycling.

Bear Stearns Foundation funds only charitable, not-for-profit organizations exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or equivalent. Furthermore, we do not directly fund the following types of organizations, activities or purposes regardless of tax status:

• Organizations that discriminate against any of their employees or applicants for employment because of age, race, color, religion, creed, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law (e.g., civil union status, height, weight, arrest record and status with regard to public assistance, to the extent protected under applicable law) •

• Athletic teams or social groups •

• Endowments or capital campaigns (exceptions are made by invitation only) •

• Fraternal organizations •

• Funds to pay down operating deficits •

• Higher education, unless program is specifically within guidelines •

• Individuals •

• Parent-teacher associations •

• Programs designed to promote religious or political doctrines •

• Public agencies •