Legal & Policies

Who we are

DepositScout Ltd is the data controller for personal data collected through depositscout.com. If you have any questions about how we handle your data, contact us at: [email protected].

What data we collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

• Contact information such as your name and email address, where you register for rate alerts or contact us directly
• Usage data including pages visited, time on site, and interactions with our tools and calculators
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and device information
• Communications you send us, including enquiries and complaint correspondence

We do not collect financial account details, payment card information, or National Insurance numbers. DepositScout is a comparison and information service. We do not open accounts, hold funds, or process financial transactions on your behalf.

How we use your data

• Provide and improve our comparison tools, calculators, and rate alert services
• Respond to enquiries and complaints
• Send rate alerts or updates where you have opted in
• Analyse site performance and understand how users engage with our content
• Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations

Legal basis for processing

• Legitimate interests — to operate and improve our service, and to detect and prevent fraud or misuse
• Consent — where you have opted in to communications such as rate alerts or newsletters
• Legal obligation — where processing is required to comply with applicable law

Sharing your data

We do not sell personal data. We may share data with:

• Analytics and technology providers who support our website infrastructure
• Email service providers used to send rate alerts or communications you have requested
• Regulatory authorities or law enforcement where required by law

Any third parties we work with are required to handle your data in accordance with UK data protection law.

Data retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy, or as required by law. Email alert subscribers can unsubscribe at any time. Data from enquiries and complaints is retained for a minimum of six years in line with standard legal practice.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request erasure of your data where there is no lawful reason to retain it
• Object to or restrict certain types of processing
• Withdraw consent at any time where consent is the basis for processing
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk

To exercise any of these rights, email us at [email protected]. We will respond within one calendar month.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to support functionality and analyse site usage. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for full details.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Nature of our business

DepositScout operates as an independent savings comparison and information service. We do not hold, transfer, or have access to customer funds. We do not open savings accounts on behalf of users, process payments, or act as an intermediary for financial transactions. Users are directed to regulated financial institutions to open accounts directly.

Notwithstanding the limited nature of our financial exposure, we take our obligations seriously and maintain proportionate controls appropriate to our risk profile.

Risk assessment

Given that DepositScout does not handle client money or facilitate financial transactions, our direct exposure to money laundering risk is considered low. However, we recognise that comparison and lead generation platforms can be misused, and we remain alert to indicators of suspicious behaviour or abuse of our service.

Our commitments

• Ensuring all staff and contractors are aware of their obligations under AML legislation
• Conducting appropriate due diligence on commercial partners and affiliate relationships
• Not knowingly entering into arrangements with parties who are subject to sanctions or who are suspected of involvement in financial crime
• Maintaining records relevant to AML compliance for a minimum of five years
• Reporting any known or suspected money laundering activity to the relevant authorities in accordance with our legal obligations

Partner and affiliate due diligence

Before entering into commercial relationships with financial institutions, affiliate networks, or partners, we conduct reasonable checks to satisfy ourselves that counterparties operate legitimately and are appropriately regulated where relevant.

Reporting obligations

Any individual at DepositScout who knows or suspects that money laundering or terrorist financing is occurring, or has occurred, must report this promptly to the designated compliance contact. Where required, a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) will be submitted to the National Crime Agency (NCA) through the appropriate channels.

Tipping off — that is, disclosing to a third party that a SAR has been made or that an investigation is underway — is a criminal offence and is strictly prohibited.

Responsibility

Responsibility for AML compliance rests with the senior leadership of DepositScout Ltd. All staff are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and raise any concerns without delay.

Breaches

Any breach of this policy will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contract, or referral to the relevant authorities.

What this policy covers

This policy applies to all directors, employees, contractors, consultants, and any third parties acting on behalf of DepositScout. It covers all forms of bribery and corruption, whether involving public officials, commercial partners, or private individuals.

What constitutes bribery

Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value with the intention of influencing a person in the performance of their duties, or to gain a commercial or personal advantage. This includes:

• Cash payments or gifts intended to influence a decision
• Excessive hospitality offered or received in connection with a business relationship
• Facilitation payments — small unofficial payments made to speed up routine processes — which are prohibited regardless of local custom or practice

Gifts and hospitality

We recognise that reasonable and proportionate hospitality is a normal part of doing business. However, any gift or hospitality offered or received must be:

• Modest and appropriate to the relationship and context
• Not given or received during a live commercial negotiation or tender process
• Transparently recorded

Gifts of significant value must not be accepted. Any offer of a gift or hospitality that feels uncomfortable or disproportionate should be declined and reported internally.

Commercial relationships

DepositScout works with a number of financial institutions, affiliate networks, and commercial partners. We do not make or accept payments, commissions, or other benefits that are contingent on improper influence over editorial content or comparison results. Our commercial relationships do not dictate how products are reviewed, ranked, or presented in our editorial content.

Responsibilities

All individuals covered by this policy are responsible for:

• Refusing to participate in any act of bribery or corruption
• Reporting any suspicion or evidence of bribery promptly
• Cooperating with any investigation into alleged misconduct

Reporting concerns

If you suspect a breach of this policy, report it immediately to the senior leadership team at DepositScout. Reports can also be made anonymously. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Breaches

Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of contract, or referral to law enforcement. Bribery is a criminal offence in the UK and can result in an unlimited fine or imprisonment.