Press and Media Enquiry Protocol

Press and Media Enquiry Protocol

Global Trust Bank operates in a highly regulated and publicly visible environment. All interactions with the press and media must be carefully managed to protect the Bank's reputation, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain consistency of messaging. This protocol applies to all employees, contractors, and temporary workers across all jurisdictions.

Key Principle

No employee may speak to the press, media, or any journalist — on or off the record — without prior authorisation from the Communications Team. This includes print, broadcast, digital media, podcasts, and any form of journalist enquiry, whether formal or informal.

Authorised Spokespeople

Only the following individuals are authorised to speak to the media on behalf of Global Trust Bank:

Other GEC members may be authorised to speak to media on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval from the Director of Corporate Affairs.

Handling an Unsolicited Media Enquiry

If you are contacted by a journalist or media outlet, follow these steps:

1. Do not comment. Politely decline to answer any questions.
2. Take details. Record the journalist's name, outlet, contact details, and the nature of their enquiry.
3. Escalate immediately. Forward the details to the Media Relations team at media@globaltrust.com or call extension 8120. If outside business hours, call the 24-hour Media Relations hotline at +44 7700 900456.
4. Do not say "No comment." Instead, say: "Thank you for your enquiry. I am not the appropriate person to respond. Let me connect you with our Media Relations team, who will be happy to assist."
5. Do not forward internal documents or confirm any information, even if it is already in the public domain.

Proactive Media Engagement

Departments wishing to engage proactively with the media (e.g., thought leadership articles, speaking engagements, conference appearances) must submit a request to the Communications Team at least ten business days in advance. The request must include:

• The proposed topic and key messages
• The target media outlet or event
• The proposed spokesperson
• Any supporting materials (press release draft, speaking notes)

All proactive media engagement must be approved by the Director of Corporate Affairs. Media training is available for staff who are likely to engage with the press; sessions are arranged through the Communications Team.

Social Media and Journalist Contact

If a journalist contacts you via social media (e.g., LinkedIn, X), the same protocol applies. Do not respond to the enquiry. Forward the message details to media@globaltrust.com immediately.

Crisis Media Protocol

In the event of a media crisis (e.g., negative press coverage, data breach, regulatory enforcement action), the Communications Team activates the Crisis Media Protocol. During a crisis:

• All media responses are coordinated solely by the Media Relations team.
• A holding statement is issued within two hours of the crisis being identified.
• The Crisis Communications Lead (Victoria Adams) briefs the GEC and agrees key messages.
• Staff are briefed via internal channels before any external statements are made.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Unauthorised contact with the media is a serious breach of Bank policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. In cases where unauthorised disclosure involves confidential or price-sensitive information, the matter may be referred to the relevant financial regulator and law enforcement agencies.

Contact

Media Relations team: media@globaltrust.com | Extension 8120 | 24-hour hotline: +44 7700 900456