Responsibility
How we conduct ourselves, wherever we trade
Responsibility defines how we work, how we behave and how we treat the people we work with: our counterparties, our partners, the communities around the ports and routes we use, and each other.
Why it matters to a trading house
Our reputation is the asset we trade on.
We understand that our reputation depends on honouring our commitments, doing what is right for the long term and always treating others with respect. Our long-term outlook enables us to invest in relationships and defines how we manage our operations.
Montage does not own the vessels, the storage or the terminals its cargoes move through. Almost everything we do, we do with partners. That is why these commitments are written for the partners we choose as much as for ourselves: we expect them of the people we work with, and we walk away when they are not met.
We care about people
The people who move our cargoes.
A cargo is handled, loaded, carried and discharged by people, most of whom work for our partners rather than for us. Their safety and their dignity are part of every transaction we put together.
Health and safety
We plan for the health and safety of everyone involved in moving a cargo. Where an operation carries risk we look for the option that reduces it, and we expect the partners who handle our cargoes to work to the same standard.
Respect and fairness
We treat people with respect and dignity, whoever they are and wherever they work. There is no place in our business for discrimination, harassment or bullying, and no tolerance for forced labour or modern slavery anywhere in the chains we trade through.
Personal information
People trust us with their details when they write to us, apply to us or contract with us. We use that information only for the purpose it was given, keep it secure and share it with no one who does not need it.
We care about how business is done
Integrity in every trade.
Physical trade rewards reliability. A counterparty that keeps its word, pays on time and does what the contract says is worth more than any single good price, and we intend to be that counterparty.
Laws and contracts
We comply with the laws that apply to us wherever we trade, and we honour the contracts we sign, including the ones that turn out badly for us. Where the law and our own standards differ, the higher standard applies.
Sanctions, bribery and money laundering
These are the risks that can end a trading house, so they are controlled before a trade is contracted rather than explained afterwards. The controls our procedures require, and the policies behind them, are set out under governance and compliance.
Governance and complianceCompeting fairly
We compete on price, reliability and service. We do not collude with competitors, misuse confidential information or misrepresent a cargo, a counterparty or ourselves to win business.
Choosing partners
We choose counterparties, agents and service providers that share these standards, and we would rather lose a trade than complete it with one that does not.
We care about the places we trade through
Ports, routes and the communities around them.
Our cargoes pass through other people’s ports, roads and neighbourhoods. We are guests there, and we behave as guests should.
The environment
The routes and operations we choose have an environmental cost. Where there is a choice, we favour the option that reduces it, and we expect the partners who carry, store and deliver our cargoes to do the same.
Safe handling
Fertilisers, petrochemicals, fuels and minerals each need to be handled and stored in the right way. We ask the partners who handle them to meet the requirements that apply to each product, and we do not cut corners to save a day or a dollar.
Communities
Our activity touches ports, transport corridors and the communities around them. We act with consideration for local stakeholders and work with partners who do the same, wherever they are based.
We care about Montage
The name we trade under.
Everyone who acts for Montage carries its name into a market where reputation travels faster than cargo. We look after it accordingly.
Confidential information
Counterparties, banks and partners trust us with commercially sensitive information. We keep it confidential, use it only for the purpose it was shared, and expect the same in return.
Accurate records
Our books and records reflect what actually happened: the cargo shipped, the price agreed, the money paid and received. No side letters, no hidden accounts and no invoice that does not match the goods.
Conflicts of interest
Personal interests do not decide business decisions. Anyone acting for Montage who has an interest in a counterparty, a supplier or a transaction declares it, and steps aside from the decision.
Political neutrality
As a company, Montage Commodities is not affiliated with any political party. When appropriate, we engage with relevant government officials on matters pertaining to our business, while respecting our employees’ rights to participate in the political process.
Speaking up
If what you see does not match what is written here, tell us.
Anyone, inside or outside the company, can raise a concern about conduct, compliance or safety, and can do so confidentially. Concerns raised in good faith are never held against the person who raised them.