Global Farmers Online

FCA Compliance Policy

Global Farmers Online (GFO), a registered trading name under Agro Commodities Ltd., with company number 15566674, is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing the agricultural investment sector. GFO prioritizes investor protection, transparency, and the integrity of its operations. Our commitment extends to adhering strictly to the guidelines set forth by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom, and other regulatory authorities that oversee crowdfunding and investment platforms within the U.K. and the Commonwealth.

This FCA Compliance Policy outlines GFO’s unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance, investor protection measures, transparency, reporting obligations, and its ongoing dedication to adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape of crowdfunding in the U.K. and globally.

1. Regulatory Compliance Framework

GFO operates in strict adherence to relevant regulatory requirements. As part of our compliance program, we have been duly registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Agro Commodities Ltd., with company number 15566674, and are authorized to operate as a crowdfunding platform focused on agricultural investments, farming, and commodity trading.

In addition to FCA registration, GFO has secured the necessary approvals from all relevant regulatory authorities governing crowdfunding platforms in the U.K. These authorities, including the FCA, ensure that our platform meets all regulatory requirements established by U.K. law, including compliance with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), the Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS), and the Peer-to-Peer Lending Regulations where applicable.

As a regulated platform, GFO is authorized to raise up to £5 million GBP annually. Our operations are strictly confined to this limit; we are prohibited from raising funds exceeding this amount annually. If the fundraising limit is reached, we will suspend further fundraising activities until the next fiscal year.

FCA's Role in Oversight: The FCA has oversight responsibility for crowdfunding platforms in the U.K., and GFO’s platform is subject to its rules and regulations. These regulations ensure that we operate with transparency, provide accurate risk disclosures, and adhere to investor protection protocols. As part of this oversight, the FCA is granted quarterly access to our platform's dashboard to monitor our operations and ensure that funds raised are properly used in accordance with the stated investment goals and regulations.

Furthermore, GFO is also authorized to operate as a crowdfunding platform in all Commonwealth countries. This global authorization is subject to each country’s regulatory framework, allowing us to expand our services while maintaining compliance with international financial regulations.

Key Regulatory Elements:

Registration and Exemption: GFO is fully registered with the FCA and authorized to operate as a crowdfunding platform under the relevant U.K. financial regulations. We comply with Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) and other related U.K. laws, as well as specific crowdfunding regulations.
FCA Regulations for Crowdfunding: GFO complies with FCA’s Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS), ensuring investor protection, disclosure, and fair treatment of investors. This includes clear risk warnings, suitability assessments, and transparency regarding fees and charges.
Investor Accreditation and Qualification: We adhere to the FCA’s guidelines for investor accreditation, ensuring that investors meet specific qualifications where required by law, including the implementation of due diligence processes and appropriate verification protocols.

2. Investor Protection and Transparency

GFO places the highest emphasis on safeguarding the interests of our investors. Our compliance with FCA regulations ensures that we provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to all investors, ensuring they are fully informed prior to making investment decisions. We adhere to best practices in investor protection to ensure our operations remain transparent, secure, and accountable.

Key Investor Protection Measures:

Risk Disclosures: GFO provides comprehensive risk disclosures for each investment opportunity. Investors are made fully aware of all material risks, including those arising from market, operational, weather-related, and financial factors that may impact agricultural projects.
Full Transparency: Investors are granted real-time access to project performance details, including financial statements, funds raised, and use of funds. GFO ensures that all relevant project and financial data is easily accessible through a secure online dashboard.
Investor Communication: GFO ensures all investor communication is clear, timely, and in full compliance with FCA regulations. We provide consistent reporting, including updates on project milestones, financial performance, and potential risks.
Privacy Protection: All investor personal and financial data are handled securely and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the U.K. Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.

3. Reporting Obligations and Ongoing Compliance

GFO complies with all reporting obligations set by the FCA and other relevant regulatory authorities. This includes periodic and annual reporting, ensuring ongoing transparency, regulatory compliance, and investor confidence. Our reporting protocols guarantee that investors are consistently informed about the progress and performance of their investments.

Key Reporting and Compliance Obligations:

Periodic Reports: GFO will provide investors with updates in accordance with FCA guidelines. These include:
- Quarterly Reports: Detailing the use of funds, project progress, key financial data, and operational updates.
- Annual Reports: Providing audited financial statements, project performance summaries, and forecasts for the upcoming year.
- Ad Hoc Reports: Any material changes to the operations, risks, or financial standing of a project will be communicated to investors promptly.
Investor Contributions and Fund Management: GFO will offer transparent reports regarding the funds raised, their allocation, and the financial results of each project. All investor funds will be used strictly for their intended purposes, with appropriate documentation and oversight.
Operational Transparency: GFO will publish detailed reports on the operational performance of each farm project, including crop yield, livestock production, and any challenges encountered during the implementation process.

4. FCA Approval and Compliance

As part of our commitment to regulatory compliance, GFO has received the necessary approval from the FCA, permitting us to operate as a regulated crowdfunding platform in the U.K. and the Commonwealth. Our platform has been granted the authority to raise up to £5 million annually. This amount is the maximum allowable limit for fundraising, ensuring that all activities are performed within the legal framework established by U.K. authorities.

The FCA has been granted quarterly access to GFO’s platform dashboard to oversee the integrity of our operations. This oversight ensures that funds raised are appropriately allocated and used in compliance with our stated objectives.

FCA Confirmation: GFO’s compliance with the FCA’s regulations assures investors that our business model and investment offerings meet the required standards for crowdfunding platforms in the U.K. and are aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.

Ongoing Monitoring: GFO is committed to remaining in compliance with FCA rules and regulations throughout its operations. We will continuously update our compliance strategies and processes to address evolving regulatory requirements and to ensure transparency and investor protection.

5. Future Compliance and Regulatory Adaptation

As the regulatory landscape for crowdfunding platforms and investment offerings evolves, GFO is committed to remaining vigilant and adapting to any new legal and regulatory requirements. We proactively monitor changes in FCA rules, guidelines, and best practices within the crowdfunding and financial services sectors to maintain compliance and to ensure our platform remains secure and legally sound.

Future Adaptations May Include:

Compliance with New Crowdfunding Regulations: We will integrate any new legislation or amendments to existing rules that affect crowdfunding platforms into our operations.
License and Certification Updates: GFO will ensure it obtains any new licenses or certifications required to operate in different jurisdictions, ensuring continued legal compliance and operational transparency.
Technological Advancements for Reporting and Security: We will continue to innovate and improve our platform to maintain the highest standards of investor protection, security, and regulatory compliance.

6. Conclusion

Global Farmers Online, under Agro Commodities Ltd., is fully committed to maintaining FCA compliance and operating within the legal framework governing crowdfunding platforms in the U.K. and the Commonwealth. By securing the necessary regulatory approvals and adhering to transparent reporting practices, we provide investors with the assurance that their capital is managed in a compliant, secure, and transparent environment.

For any questions or further information regarding our FCA compliance policies, please contact GFO at invest@globalfarmersonline.com.