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Title：

Corporate Governance Best-Practice Principles for Securities Firms  CH

Amended Date： 2023.02.08 (Articles 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 10-1, 18, 24, 27, 28-4, 37, 37-2, 37-3, 40, 51, 62, 63 amended,English version coming soon)
Current English version amended on 2021.05.04 
Categories： Corporate Governance
Article Content Chapter Content Search Article No. Search Amended Article Legislative History Chinese

Title： Corporate Governance Best-Practice Principles for Securities Firms(2007.02.13)
Date： 
   Chapter I       General Provisions
Article 1    In order to assist securities firms to establish a sound corporate governance system, and to promote the integrity of the securities market, the Taiwan Stock Exchange ("TSE"), the GreTai Securities Market ("GTSM") and the Chinese Securities Association ("CSA") hereby jointly adopt the Principles to be followed by securities firms.
    A TSE/GTSM listed securities firm shall, unless otherwise provided for in the Principles, be required to comply with the Corporate Governance Best-Practice Principles For TSE/GTSM Listed Companies.
    A foreign securities firm having Taiwan branches may be waived the application of the Principles' regulations from Chapter I to Chapter IV.
    A company concurrently operating as securities firm may be waived the application of the Principles' regulations.
    Securities firms are advised to promulgate their own corporate governance principles in accordance with the Principles.
Article 2    When setting up the corporate governance system, in addition to complying with laws, regulations, and articles of incorporation, a securities firm shall also follow the following principles:
  1. create an effective corporate governance structure;
  2. protect shareholders' rights and interests;
  3. strengthen the powers of the board of directors;
  4. fulfill the function of supervisors;
  5. respect investors' and stakeholders' rights and interests; and
  6. enhance information transparency.
Article 3    A securities firm shall follow the Criteria Governing the Establishment of Internal Control System in Securities and Futures Service Enterprises and the standard guidelines for the internal control system of securities firms as jointly promulgated by TSE and such other securities related institutions and take into consideration the overall operational activities of itself and its subsidiaries in establishing an effective internal control system, and review it at all times, in order to keep up with the dynamics of environment inside and outside the company and ensure that the design and enforcement of the system remain effective.
    Unless otherwise authorized by the competent authority, a securities firm that has elected independent directors shall have its internal control system, when it is established and amended, to be approved by its board of directors by resolution. Where an independent director has an adverse opinion or qualified opinion, the opinion shall be stated in the board of directors' meeting minutes; provided, however, that if the firm has established an audit committee in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Act, the consent by a majority of all members of the audit committee and the resolution of the board of directors are required.
    In addition to faithfully performing voluntary reviews of the internal control system, the board of directors and the management shall review the result of the voluntary reviews of each department and the report of the internal audit department at least annually. Supervisors shall also pay attention to and exercise oversight on this matter. Where an audit committee has been established in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Act, evaluations on the effectiveness of the internal control system require the consent by a majority of all members of the audit committee and the resolution of the board of directors.
    The management of a securities firm shall pay special attention to the internal audit department and its personnel, fully empower them and urge them to conduct audits effectively, evaluate problems of the internal audit system and evaluate the efficiency of operations to ensure that such a system can be carried out effectively on a continuous basis and can assist the board of directors and the management to perform their duties effectively so as to ensure a sound corporate governance system.
 
   Chapter II      Protection of Shareholders' Rights and Interests
      Section 1    Encouraging Shareholders to Participate in Corporate Governance
Article 4    When implementing the corporate governance system, the ultimate goals of a securities firm shall be to protect shareholders' rights and interests and treat all shareholders fairly.
    A securities firm shall establish a corporate governance system which ensures shareholders' right of being fully informed of, participating in and making decisions over important matters of the company.
    Shareholders' meetings in accordance with the rules for the meetings.
    Resolutions adopted by shareholders' meetings of securities firms shall comply with laws, regulations and articles of incorporation.
Article 6    The board of directors of a securities firm shall properly arrange the proposals and agenda of shareholders' meetings. Shareholders shall be granted reasonable time to deliberate each proposal and afforded an appropriate opportunity to make statements.
    It would be advisable for a majority of the directors to attend in person the shareholders' meetings that are convened by the board of directors.
Article 7    A securities firm shall encourage its shareholders to actively participate in its corporate governance and hold shareholders' meetings on the premise of legal, effective and safe proceedings. A securities firm shall seek all ways and means, including fully exploiting technologies for information disclosure, so as to enhance the attendance rate of shareholders at the shareholders' meeting and ensure the exercise of shareholders' rights by shareholders at the shareholders' meeting in accordance with laws.
    When a securities firm provides giveaways in respect of a shareholders' meeting to its shareholders, there should be no different treatment or discrimination against shareholders.
Article 8    A securities firm shall record the minutes of the shareholders' meeting in accordance with the Company Law and other applicable laws and regulations. With respect to unanimous by adopted proposal, the meeting minutes shall state: "The resolution is unanimously adopted by all shareholders attending the shareholders' meeting after the chairman inquires all attending shareholders' opinion." As to any proposal that has received any dissent and been adopted in the shareholders' meeting, the meeting minutes shall record the method and result of the voting. With respect to the election of directors and supervisors, the meeting minutes shall record the method of voting adopted therefore and the total number of votes for the directors or supervisors who were elected.
    The minutes of the shareholders' meeting shall be properly and perpetually kept by the company during its legal existence. It would be advisable for a securities firm to fully disclose such meeting minutes on its website, if any.
Article 9    The chairman of the shareholders' meetings shall be fully familiarized and comply with the rules governing the proceedings of the shareholders' meetings established by the company. The chairman shall ensure the proper progress of the proceedings of the meetings and may not adjourn the meetings at will.
    In order to protect the interests of shareholders owning a significant portion of shares, if the chairman declares the adjournment of the meeting in a manner in violation of rules governing the proceedings of the shareholders' meetings, it would be advisable for the members of the board of directors other than the chairman of the shareholders' meeting to promptly assist the attending shareholders at the shareholders' meeting in electing a new chairman of the shareholders' meeting to continue the proceedings of the meeting, by a resolution to be adopted by a majority of the votes represented by the shareholders attending the said meeting in accordance with the legal procedures.
Article 10    A securities firm shall respect the shareholders' right to know. With respect to the information of the financial conditions, operations, the insiders' shareholdings, and corporate governance status in the company, a securities firm shall faithfully comply with the applicable regulations regarding the information disclosure.
Article 11    The shareholders shall be entitled to profit distributions by the company. In order to ensure the shareholders' investment interests, the shareholders' meeting may according to Article 184 of the Company Law, examine the statements and books prepared and submitted by the board of directors and the audit reports submitted by the supervisors, and may decide, by resolution, profit distributions and deficit off-setting plans. In order to proceed with the above examination, the shareholders' meeting may appoint an inspector.
    The shareholders may, according to Article 245 of the Company Law, apply with the court to select an inspector in examining the accounting records and assets of the company.
    The board of directors, supervisors and managers of a securities firm shall fully cooperate in the examination conducted by the inspectors in the aforesaid two paragraphs without any obstruction, rejection or circumvention.
Article 12    In entering into material financial and business transactions such as acquisition or disposal of assets, engaging in derivatives products transactions, lending funds of the company to any other person, making endorsements or providing guarantees to any other person, a securities firm shall proceed in accordance with the applicable laws and/or regulations. A securities firm shall further establish the operating procedures in relation to these material financial and business transactions and report the same to the shareholders' meeting for its approval so as to protect the interests of the shareholders.
Article 13    In order to protect the interests of the shareholders, it would be advisable for a securities firm to designate responsible personnel dedicated to handling shareholders' proposals, inquiries or disputes.
    A securities firm shall properly deal with matters arising from any action instituted by shareholders pursuant to the applicable laws claiming damage to such shareholders' interests caused by the resolution adopted in its shareholders' meetings or the board of directors meetings in violation of the applicable laws, regulations or the company's articles of incorporation, or claiming breach by the company's directors, supervisors or managers of applicable laws, regulations or the company's articles of incorporation in performing their duty.
 
      Section 2    Corporate Governance Relationships Between the Company and Its Affiliated Ente
Article 14    A securities firm shall clearly identify the allocation of its management authorities and responsibilities over personnel, assets and financial matters of its affiliated enterprises, and shall conduct risk evaluation and establish appropriate firewalls.
Article 15    Unless otherwise provided by the laws and regulations, a manager of a securities firm may not serve as a manager of its affiliated enterprises.
    A director, who engages in any transaction for himself or on behalf of another person that is within the scope of the company's business, shall disclose to the shareholders' meeting the material terms of such transaction and obtain its consent.
Article 16    A securities firm shall establish a sound management system for finance, operations and accounting in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. It shall further, together with its affiliated enterprises, properly conduct an overall risk evaluation of the major banks they are dealing with, their customers and their suppliers, and carry out the necessary control mechanism to reduce credit risks.
Article 17    Where a securities firm and its affiliated enterprises enter into inter-company business transactions, a written agreement governing respect of the relevant financial and business operations between each other shall be made in accordance with the principle of fair dealing and reasonableness. Both parties shall definitively stipulate the terms and conditions of the price and payment terms mechanism, and desist from any transactions that are other than at arms' length.
    All transactions or contracts made by and between a securities firm and its affiliated persons and shareholders shall follow the principles set forth in the proceeding sub-paragraph and tunneling of profits in strictly prohibited.
Article 18    A corporate shareholder having controlling power over a securities firm shall comply with the following provisions:
  1. it shall bear a duty of good faith to other shareholders and shall not directly or indirectly cause the company to engage in transactions at other than arms' length or involve in management conduct for adverse interest.
  2. its representative shall follow the rules implemented by the securities firm with respect to the exercise of rights and participation of resolution, so that at a shareholders' meeting, the representative shall exercise his/her voting right for the best interest of all shareholders and in good faith and, when acting as a director or supervisor, he/she will exercise the fiduciary duty of a director or supervisor.
  3. it shall comply with relevant laws, regulations and the articles of incorporation of the company in nominating directors or supervisors and shall not act beyond the authority granted by the shareholders meeting or board meeting.
  4. it shall not improperly intervene in corporate policy making or obstruct corporate management activities.
  5. it shall not restrict or impede the management of the company by methods of unfair competition.
Article 19    A securities firm shall ensure the command at any time of information of the identity of major shareholders or its ultimate control persons who own a higher percentage of shares and have actual control over the company.
    A securities firm shall disclose from time to time important information about its major shareholders relating to the pledge, increase or decrease of shares, or other matters that may possibly trigger a change in the ownership of their shares.
    The major shareholder indicated in the first paragraph refers to the one who owns five percent or more of the outstanding shares of the company or the shareholding stake thereof is on the top ten list, provided however that the company may set up a lower shareholding threshold according to the actual shareholding stake that may control the company.
 
   Chapter III     Enhancing the Function of Board of Director
      Section 1    Structure of Board of Directors
Article 20    The board of directors of a securities firm shall be responsible to the shareholders' meetings. Procedures and arrangement relating to corporate governance shall ensure that, in exercising its authority, the board of directors will comply with laws, regulations, articles of incorporation, and the resolutions of shareholders' meetings of the company.
    Regarding the structure of the board of directors of a securities firm, an appropriate number of the board members, which shall not be less than five, shall be determined based on the review of the scale of corporate management and operation and the shareholding of the major shareholders and by taking into consideration of the practical needs for operation.
    The board members shall have the necessary knowledge, skill, and experience for performing their duties. To achieve the ideal goal of corporate governance, the board of directors shall have the following abilities:
  1. ability to make operational judgment;
  2. ability to perform accounting and financial analysis;
  3. ability to conduct management administration;
  4. ability to conduct crisis management;
  5. possession of securities and financial derivatives products professional knowledge;
  6. possession of perspective of international market;
  7. ability to lead; and
  8. ability to make decisions.
Article 21    A securities firm shall incorporate a fair, just, and open procedure for the election of directors and adopt the cumulative voting mechanism in order to fully reflect shareholders' views, unless a different mechanism has otherwise been implemented in the articles of incorporation.
    Unless otherwise authorized by the competent authority, for the majority of the board of directors of a securities firm, no two board members may be relatives within two degrees of consanguinity.
    If the number of directors become less than five after the dismissal of one or more directors for any reason, the company shall reelect new directors at the next shareholders' meeting. If, however, a third of or more seats at the board of directors, based on the number of directors specified in the articles of incorporation, become vacant, the company shall convene a special shareholders' meeting for reelection within 60 days of occurrence of the dismissal.
    The aggregate shareholding percentage of all of the directors of a securities firm shall comply with the laws and regulations. Restrictions on the share transfer of each director and the creation, release, or changes of any pledges over the shares held by each director shall be subject to the relevant laws and regulations, and the relevant information shall be fully disclosed.
Article 22    Before a securities firm convenes the shareholders' meeting to re-elect the directors, it would be advisable that the qualifications, education and work, background and the existence of any other matters set forth in Article 30 of the Company Law and Article 53 of the Securities and Exchange Law with respect to the candidates recommended by shareholders or directors be reviewed in advance and the review result thereof be provided to shareholders for their reference, so that qualified directors will be elected. Where the shareholders' meeting resolves to set up independent director positions, the requirements and standards for such independent directors shall comply with Article 24.
Article 23    Clear distinctions shall be drawn between the responsibilities and duties of the chairman of the board of a securities firm and those of its general manager.
    It would be inappropriate for the chairman to also act as the general manager. If the chairman also acts as the general manager or they are spouses or relatives within one degree of consanguinity, it would be advisable that the number of independent directors be increased.
 
      Section 2    Independent Directors
Article 24    A securities firm that has appointed two or more independent directors in accordance with the articles of incorporation shall keep the number of its independent directors not less than one fifth of number of seats at the board of directors.
    Independent directors shall have expertise and required knowledge, and are subject to restrictions on shareholding and outside employment. They shall maintain their independence when performing duties, and shall not have any direct or indirect interest in the company.
    To elect independent directors, a securities firm shall adopt the candidate nomination system in accordance with Article 192-1 of the Company Act. The articles of incorporation shall state shareholders are to elect independent directors from the candidates on the list. Both independent directors and non-independent directors shall be elected at the same time in accordance with Article 198 of the Company Act, and the number of elected dependent directors shall be separated from the number of elected non-independent directors for purpose of election.
    During their incumbency, no independent directors or non-independent directors may switch roles with each other.
    If the number of independent directors becomes less than the required number under the first paragraph or the articles of incorporation after the dismissal of one or more independent directors, a reelection shall be held at the next shareholders' meeting. When all independent directors are dismissed, the company shall convene a special shareholders' meeting for reelection within 60 days of occurrence of the dismissal.
    A securities firm that has appointed managing directors shall appoint at least one independent director as managing director and the independent director(s) shall account for not less than one fifth of the managing directors.
    Professional qualifications, restrictions on shareholding and outside employment, determination of independence, method of nomination and other regulations for compliance with regard to independent director shall be governed by the Securities and Exchange Act, the Regulations Governing Appointment of Independent Directors and Compliance Matters for Public Companies, and the regulations of Taiwan Stock Exchange or Taipei Exchange.
Article 25    Unless otherwise authorized by the competent authority, a securities firm that has appointed independent directors shall have the following matters resolved at the board of directors. Adverse opinion or qualified opinion, if any, expressed by independent director shall be stated in the board of directors' meeting minutes:
  1. Establishment of or modification to the internal control system in accordance with Article 14-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  2. Establishment of and modification to the procedures of major financial and business activities such as acquisition or disposal of assets, performance of transactions of derivatives, lending of funds to third parties, granting of endorsements and provision of guarantees in accordance with Article 36-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  3. Matters involving interests pertaining to directors or supervisors themselves.
  4. Major transactions of assets or derivatives.
  5. Major lending of funds, endorsement or provision of guarantee.
  6. Offering, issuance or private placement of securities of the nature of equity.
  7. Appointment, dismissal or remuneration of certified public accountant.
  8. Appointment and dismissal of chief financial, accounting or internal audit officers.
  9. Other major issues specified by the competent authority.
Article 26    A securities firm shall stipulate expressly the scope of duties of the independent directors and empower them with manpower and material support related to the exercise of their power. The company or other board members shall not restrict or obstruct the performance of duties by the independent directors.
    A securities firm shall stipulate expressly the compensation of the directors in its articles of incorporation or pursuant to a resolution of the shareholders' meeting. Different but reasonable compensation from that of other directors may be set forth for the independent directors.
 
      Section 3    Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee, and Other Functional Committees
Article 27    For the purpose of developing monitoring functions and strengthening management mechanisms, the board of directors of a securities firm may, taking into account the basis of the size of the board and the number of the independent directors, set up audit, risk management, nomination, compensation or any other functional committees and have them stipulated in the articles of incorporation.
    Functional committees shall be responsible to the board and submit the proposals to the board of directors for approval.
    Functional committees shall adopt organizational regulations to be resolved and approved by the board of directors. The organizational regulations should cover at least the number of members in the committee, terms of office, duties and authorities, meeting proceedings, and what resources to be provided by the company to support their exercise of duties.
Article 28    It is advisable that a securities firm make it the first priority to set up the risk management committee, and shall either set up the audit committee or appoint supervisors.
    The main functions and duties of the risk management committee are as follows:
  1. Stipulation of risk management policy and framework and designate responsibilities to the relevant corporate departments.
  2. Stipulation of risk assessment criteria.
  3. Setting the overall level of risk of the company and of each corporate department and managing the risk.
    The risk management committee shall have at least one independent director with the expertise in securities and financial derivatives, accounting or finance in the committee who shall act as the convener.
    The audit committee shall be made up of all independent directors and shall have at least three members. One of the members shall act as the convener, and at least one member shall have the expertise in securities and financial derivatives, accounting or finance.
    Where a securities firm has set up an audit committee, the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Act, the Company Act, other laws and regulations and the Principles applicable to supervisors shall apply mutatis mutandis to the audit committee.
    Where a securities firm has set up an audit committee, the following matters shall be subject to approval of the majority of all members of the audit committee and the board of directors' resolution and Article 25 of the Principles shall not apply to these matters:
  1. Establishment of or modification to the internal control system in accordance with Article 14-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  2. Evaluation of effectiveness of the internal control system.
  3. Establishment of and modification to the procedures of major financial and business activities such as acquisition or disposal of assets, performance of transactions of derivative products, lending of funds to third parties, granting of endorsements and provision of guarantees in accordance with Article 36-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  4. Matters involving interests pertaining to directors themselves.
  5. Major transactions of assets or derivative products.
  6. Major lending of funds, endorsement or provision of guarantee.
  7. Offering, issuance or private placement of securities of the nature of equity.
  8. Appointment, dismissal or remuneration of certified public accountant.
  9. Appointment and dismissal of chief financial, accounting or internal audit officers.
  10. Annual financial report and semi-annual financial report.
  11. Establishment of the investor protection policy and evaluation of how the policy is being implemented.
  12. Evaluation of qualifications and performance of the general managers and other officers and proposal of admission and/or dismissal of managers.
  13. Other major issues specified by the company or competent authority.
    Exercise of powers by the audit committee and independent directors who are members of the committee and other related matters shall be governed by the Securities and Exchange Act, the Regulations Governing the Exercise of Powers by Audit Committees of Public Companies, and the regulations of Taiwan Stock Exchange or Taipei Exchange.
Article 29    A securities firm shall select a professional, responsible and independent CPA to be its external auditor, who shall perform regular reviews of the financial conditions and internal control measures of the company. With regard to the irregularity or deficiency timely discovered and disclosed by the auditor during the review, and the concrete measures of improvement or prevention suggested by the auditor, the company shall faithfully implement improvement actions.
    A securities firm shall evaluate the independence of the auditor engaged by the company regularly and no less frequently than once annually. In the event that the company engages the same auditor without replacement for five years consecutively, or if the auditor is subject to disciplinary actions or other circumstances prejudicial to the independence of the auditor, the company shall review the necessity of replacing the auditor, and shall submit to the board the conclusion of such review.
Article 30    A securities firm shall engage professional and competent legal counsel to provide adequate legal consultation services to the company, or to assist in the endeavor by the directors, the supervisors and the management to improve their knowledge of the law, for the purposes of preventing any infraction by the company or its staff of laws or regulations, and ensuring the corporate governance matters will proceed pursuant to the relevant legal framework and the prescribed procedures.
    In the event that the directors, supervisors or the management are involved in litigation as result of performing his or her duties as provided by the law or arising from shareholders disputes, depending on the circumstances the company shall retain legal counsel to provide assistance.
    The audit committee or its members who are independent directors may act on behalf of the company to appoint a lawyer, accountant or other professional to perform necessary reviews or provide consultations on matters relating to exercise of powers, with the costs to be borne by the company.
 
      Section 4    Rules for the Proceedings of Board Meetings and the Decision-making Procedures
Article 31    A securities firm shall hold a board of directors' meeting no less frequently than once every quarter. The board meeting may be convened at any time in the event of an emergency. To convene a board meeting, a notice stating the reason to hold the meeting shall be sent to each director and supervisor seven days before the meeting date. The meeting notice shall include sufficient information necessary to prepare the directors and supervisors for the meeting. In case of insufficient meeting information, directors shall have the right to request additional information or the board of directors may resolve to postpone reviews of a proposal.
    A securities firm shall create the rules for the proceedings of the board of directors' meetings. Regulations for issues to be handled at the meeting, how a meeting is proceeded, particulars to be stated in the meeting minutes, public announcement and other matters for compliance shall be governed by the Regulations Governing Procedure for Board of Directors Meetings of Public Companies.
Article 32    A director shall exercise a high degree of self-discipline and shall voluntarily abstain from discussion and voting, for himself or herself or as proxy for another director, on proposal submitted to the board of directors that risks the involvement of the director's own interest to the detriment of the interest of the company. The directors shall practice self-discipline as to their internal relationship and must not support each other in an inappropriate manner.
    The matters with regard to which a director shall voluntarily abstain from voting shall be clearly set forth in the rules for the proceedings of board meetings. A securities firm shall set forth the matters which shareholders, directors, supervisors and other stakeholders apply for director abstaining on a particular proposal in the rules. The rules shall include qualification of applicants, procedure of applying and reviewing and deadline and formula of responding. The proposal that the director being applied for abstaining from voting shall abstain or not shall be submitted to the board for approval. Before resolution, the director shall not participate in or be proxy for voting on this proposal.
Article 33    Where a securities firm has appointed independent directors, independent directors shall attend a meeting in person, and not to have their proxy who are not independent directors to act on their behalf, to submit a proposal for matters to be submitted to the board of director under Article 14-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act. If an independent director expresses an adverse or qualified opinion, his or her opinion shall be stated in the minutes of the board meeting. If an independent director is unable to attend a board meeting in person to express an adverse or qualified opinion, he or she shall submit a written opinion prior to the meeting, unless with a legitimate reason, and his or her opinion shall be stated in the minutes of the board meeting.
    When the board of directors resolves a matter relating to one of the following circumstances, the matter and resolution shall be stated in the meeting minutes and shall also be declared at the information reporting website designated by the competent authority within two days of the date of the board meeting:
  1. An independent director has expressed an adverse or qualified opinion, which has been stated in the meeting minutes or described in a written statement.
  2. Where a securities firm has set up an audit committee, a matter not passed at the audit committee but approved by more than two thirds of all directors.
    During the proceeding of the board meetings, depending on the information in the proposal, managers from the relevant departments who are not directors may be notified to sit in at the meetings, make report on the current business conditions of the company and respond to inquiries raised by the directors. Where necessary, accountants, lawyers or other professionals may be invited to sit in at the meetings so as to assist the directors in understanding the conditions of the company for the purpose of adopting an appropriate resolution.
Article 34    Staff personnel of a securities firm attending board meetings shall faithfully record meeting minutes in details and the summary, method of resolution, and voting results of all the proposals submitted to the board meeting in accordance with relevant regulations.
    The board meeting minutes shall be signed or chopped by the chairman and secretary of the meeting, to be distributed to each director and supervisor within 20 days after the meeting. The director attendance records should be part of the meeting minutes. Board meeting minutes shall be treated as important corporate records and, during the life of the company, shall be placed in safekeeping permanently.
    Meeting minutes may be produced, distributed and stored electronically.
    The company shall audio- or video-record the whole proceedings of the board meetings and the recordings shall be kept for at least five years. The recordings may be stored electronically.
    If, prior to expiry of the storage period in the preceding paragraph, there is a lawsuit pertaining to matters resolved at the board meeting, the audio or video recordings that are part of the evidence shall continue to be kept, in which case the preceding paragraph shall not apply.
    Where a board of directors' meeting is held via videoconferencing, the audio and video recordings of the meeting shall be part of the meeting minutes and shall be stored permanently.
    Where a resolution of the board of directors violates laws, regulations, articles of incorporation, or resolutions adopted in the shareholders' meeting, and thus causing injury to the company, dissenting directors whose dissent can be proven by minutes or written statements will not be liable for damages.
Article 35    A securities firm shall submit the following matters to the board of directors for discussion.
  1. The company's operation plan.
  2. Annual financial report and semi-annual financial report.
  3. Establishment of or modification to the internal control system in accordance with Article 14-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  4. Establishment of and modification to the procedures of major financial and business activities such as acquisition or disposal of assets, performance of transactions of derivatives, lending of funds to third parties, granting of endorsements and provision of guarantees in accordance with Article 36-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
  5. Offering, issuance or private placement of securities of the nature of equity.
  6. Appointment and dismissal of chief financial, accounting or internal audit officers.
  7. Matters to be submitted to the shareholders' meeting or board of directors for resolution in accordance with Article 14-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act, other laws and regulations or articles of incorporation, or important matters specified by the competent authority.
    Except the matters required to be submitted to the board of directors for discussion as provided in the first paragraph, during the recess of the board of directors, the board of directors may authorize other persons to exercise the powers of the board in accordance with laws or the company's articles of incorporation. When such an authorization is made, information about level of authorization, what is covered in the authorization or particulars of the authorization shall be clear and specific. No general authorization shall be made.
Article 36    A securities firm shall ask the appropriate corporate department or personnel to handle matters and implement actions pursuant to the board of directors' resolutions in a way consistent with the program schedule and objectives. It shall also follow up on these matters and faithfully review their implementation.
    The board of directors shall ensure full control of the implementation and progress of these matters and make a report in subsequent meetings so as to ensure that the board's management decisions are faithfully implemented.
 
      Section 5    Fiduciary Duty, Duty of Care and Responsibility of Directors
Article 37    Members of the board shall faithfully conduct corporate affairs and discharge this duty of care as a good administrator. In conducting the affairs of the company, they shall exercise their power with a heightened level of self-discipline and prudential attitude. Unless matters are reserved for resolutions in shareholders' meetings by law or in the articles of incorporation of the company, they shall ensure that all matters will faithfully adhere to the board's resolutions.
    Where resolutions of the board involve major policy directions of the corporate management, the board shall make careful consideration and may not affect the implementation and effectiveness of corporate governance.
    Independent directors shall perform their duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and the company's articles of incorporation so as to protect the interest of the company and shareholders.
Article 38    If a resolution of the board of directors violates law, regulations or the company's articles of incorporation, at the request of shareholders holding shares continuously for a year or an independent director, or at the notice of a supervisor to discontinue the implementation of the resolution, members of the board shall take appropriate measures or discontinue the implementation of such resolution as soon as possible.
    Upon discovering any threat of the company suffering material injury, members of the board shall immediately report to the audit committee or independent directors who are members of the audit committee or supervisors in accordance with the foregoing paragraph.
Article 39    According to the articles of incorporation or resolution adopted in a shareholders' meeting, a securities firm may take out liability insurance for directors with respect to their liabilities resulting from exercising their duties during their terms of occupancy so as to reduce and spread the risk of material harm caused by directors due to wrongful or negligent acts to the company and shareholders.
Article 40    Members of the board are advised to comply with the plans of Chinese Securities Association or Securities & Futures Institute (hereinafter referred to as "SFI") to participate in training courses of finance, business, commerce, accounting or law which cover subjects relating to corporate governance upon becoming directors and throughout their term of office. They shall also ensure that company employees at all levels will enhance their professionalism and knowledge of the law.
    The training of directors shall be fully disclosed, and such information along with their performance during the current term shall be provided to shareholders for their consideration to elect the next term of directors.
 
   Chapter IV      Empowering the Supervisors
      Section 1    Duties of Supervisors
Article 41    A securities firm shall stipulate a fair, impartial, and open procedure for the election of supervisors and shall adopt the cumulative voting mechanism to fully reflect the opinions of the shareholders, unless a different mechanism has otherwise been implemented in the articles of incorporation.
    The aggregate shareholding percentage of all of the supervisors of a securities firm shall comply with the laws and regulations. Restrictions on the share transfer of each supervisor and the creation, release, or other changes of any pledges over the shares held by each supervisor shall comply with the relevant laws and regulations, and the relevant information shall be fully disclosed.
Article 42    Before a securities firm convenes the shareholders' meeting to re-elect the supervisors, it would be advisable that the qualifications, education and work background and the existence of any other matters set forth in Article 30 of the Company Law and Article 53 of the Securities and Exchange Law with respect to the candidates recommended by shareholders or directors be reviewed in advance and the review result thereof be provided to shareholders for their reference, so that qualified supervisors will be elected.
Article 43    Unless otherwise approved by the competent authority, at least one supervisor of a securities firm shall not be a person who is the spouse or a relative within two degrees of consanguinity to another supervisor or a director.
    A securities firm is advised to follow the requirements of independence in the Regulations Governing Appointment of Independent Directors and Compliance Matters for Public Companies to appoint appropriate supervisors to strengthen the company's risk management and control over finance and operation.
    A supervisor is advised to have a domestic residence to be ready to exercise his or her supervision when needed.
    Section 2: Supervisors' powers and obligations.
 
      Section 2    Supervisors' powers and obligations
Article 44    A supervisor shall be familiar with the relevant laws and regulations, understand the rights, obligations, and duties of directors of the company and the functions and duties, and operation of each department, and attend regular meetings of the board of directors to supervise the operations and to state his/her opinions when appropriate so as to control or discover any abnormal situation early on.
Article 45    A supervisor shall supervise the implementation of the operations of the company and the performance of duties by directors and managers and care the enforcement of the internal control system so as to reduce the financial and operational risks of the company.
    Where a director, for himself/herself or on behalf of others, conducts any legal act with the company, a supervisor shall act as the representative of the company. In the event that there is an audit committee, it is advisable that the independent director who is a member of the audit committee shall act as the representative of the company in the above situation.
Article 46    A supervisor shall investigate the operational and financial conditions of the company from time to time and the relevant departments in the company shall provide the books or documents that will be needed for the supervisor's review.
    When reviewing the finance or operations of the company, a supervisor may retain attorneys or accountants on behalf of the company to perform the review; however, the company shall inform the relevant persons of their confidentiality obligations.
    The board of directors and managers shall submit reports in accordance with the request of the supervisors and shall not for any reason obstruct, circumvent, or refuse the inspection of the supervisor.
    When a supervisor performs his/her duties, a securities firm shall provide necessary assistance as needed by the supervisor, and the reasonable expenses that the supervisor needs shall be borne by the company.
Article 47    For supervisors to timely discover any possible irregular conduct in the company, a securities firm shall establish a channel for supervisors to communicate with the employees, shareholders, and stakeholders.
    Upon discovering any irregular conduct, the supervisors shall take appropriate measures timely to curb the expansion of the irregular conduct and shall file a report to the relevant regulatory authorities or agencies if necessary.
    Where any of the independent directors, general managers, officers of finance, accounting, and internal audit department, or CPAs resigns his/her position, the supervisors shall further investigate the cause of the resignation.
    In the event that a supervisor neglects his/her duties and therefore causes harm to the company, the supervisor shall be liable to the company.
Article 48    When exercising his/her supervision power, each supervisor of a securities firm may convene a meeting to exchange opinions among all the supervisors when he or she feels necessary, but may not by such way obstruct supervisors in exercising their duties.
Article 49    According to the articles of incorporation or resolution adopted in a shareholders' meeting, a securities firm may purchase liability insurance for its supervisor(s) with respect to their liabilities resulting from exercising their duties during their terms of occupancy so as to reduce and spread the material harm caused by supervisors due to wrongful or negligent acts to the company and shareholders.
Article 50    A supervisor shall exercise a high degree of self-discipline and shall voluntarily abstain from being involved in a proposal from which the supervisor's own interest might create a possible adverse impact on the interest of the company.
Article 51    Supervisor(s) are advised to participate in training courses of finance, business, commerce, accounting or law which cover subjects relating to corporate governance when he/she assumes the position and shall do the same or during his/her term of office pursuant to the plan of the Chinese Securities Association and the Institute of Securities Futures.
Article 52    A securities firm shall set forth the compensation of supervisor(s) in its Articles of Incorporation or by a resolution of its shareholders' meeting. 
   Chapter V       Respecting Stakeholders and Interested Persons' Right
Article 53    A securities firm shall maintain communications with its banks, other creditors, employees, investors or other companies with whom the company has business relationship and shall respect and protect their legal rights.
    In the event that the legal rights of a stakeholder are harmed, the company shall handle such matter in a proper manner and in good faith.
Article 54    The company shall provide sufficient information to banks and its other creditors to facilitate their evaluation of the operational and financial conditions of the company and decision making process. When any of their legal rights or interest is harmed upon, the company shall respond with a responsible attitude and assist creditors in obtaining compensation through proper means.
Article 55    A securities firm shall not only respect and protect the legal rights of investors, but also conduct its business in good faith and handle all disputes properly.
Article 56    A securities firm shall establish communication channels with employees and encourage employees to communicate directly with the management, directors and supervisors so as to reflect employees' opinions about the management, financial conditions and material decisions of the company concerning employee welfare.
Article 57    In developing its normal business and maximizing the shareholders interest, a securities firm shall pay attention to investor's interests, orders of securities markets, and shall have a high regard for the social responsibility of the company.
 
   Chapter VI      Improvement of Information of Transparency
      Section 1    Disclosure of Enhancing Information Disclosure
Article 58    A securities firm shall perform its disclosure obligations faithfully in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
    A securities firm is advised to establish a public web-reporting system, appoint personnel responsible for gathering and disclosing the information and establish a spokesperson system so as to ensure the proper and timely disclosure of information about policies affecting shareholders and stakeholder.
Article 59    In order to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of the information disclosed, a securities firm shall a appoint spokesperson and acting spokesperson who understand thoroughly the company's financial and business conditions and who are capable of coordinating among departments for gathering relevant information and representing the company in making statements independently.
    A securities firm shall appoint one or more acting spokesperson who shall represent the company, when the spokesperson cannot perform his/her duties, in making statements independently, provided that the order of authority is established to avoid any confusion.
    In order to implement the spokesperson system, a securities firm shall unify the process of making external statements and require management and employees to maintain the confidentialities of financial and operational secrets and prohibit disclosure thereof by them at will.
Article 60    In order to keep shareholders and stakeholders fully informed, it is advisable for a securities firm to take advantage of the convenience of the Internet and to set up a web site containing the information regarding the company's finance, operation and corporate governance. It is also advisable to contain the corporate governance information in English as well.
    To avoid misleading information, the aforesaid web site shall be maintained by specified personnel, and the recorded information shall be accurate, in detail and updated timely.
 
      Section 2    Disclosure of Information of Corporate Governance
Article 61    A securities firm shall disclose the following relevant information regarding corporate governance for the fiscal year in accordance with laws and regulations and the regulations of the TSE, GTSM or Chinese Securities Associations:
  1. corporate governance framework structure and rules;
  2. ownership structure and shareholders' equity;
  3. structure and independence of board of directors;
  4. responsibility of the board of directors and managerial personnel;
  5. composition, duties and independence of the audit committee or supervisors;
  6. the progress of training of directors and supervisors;
  7. risk management information;
  8. shareholders' rights and relationship;
  9. details of the events subject to information disclosure required by law and regulations;
  10. the enforcement of corporate governance, deficiency between the corporate governance principles implemented by the company and the Principles, and the reason for the deficiency; and
  11. other information regarding corporate governance.
    The Taiwan branches of foreign securities firms may choose not to disclose the matters set forth in items 2 to 6 in the preceding paragraph.
    A securities firm is advised, according to the actual performance of the corporate governance system, to disclose the plans and measures to improve its corporate governance system through appropriate mechanisms.
 
      Chapter VII     Ancillary Rules
Article 62    A securities firm shall at all times monitor domestic and international development of corporate governance and thereby review and improve the company's corporate governance mechanism so as to enhance performance of corporate governance.