Our Commitment

The business of Stockholms Auktionsverk is built on trust. Customers entrust us with valuable items and expect us to act with professionalism, integrity and care in every interaction. Our ethical principles guide all employees and set out the values and behaviours that underpin our daily work.

Integrity

We always act honestly, transparently and responsibly. Our decisions must be based on objectivity and sound judgment, never on personal interests or undue influence. We comply with applicable laws and regulations, internal policies and accepted standards of business conduct.

Trust

We safeguard the trust placed in us by our customers, colleagues and business partners. We keep our commitments, communicate clearly and act professionally, including in challenging situations. Every customer should feel confident that their property and transactions are handled with the utmost care.

Respect

We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, degrading treatment or any other form of unacceptable behaviour. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where different experiences and perspectives are valued.

Impartiality

We make business decisions based on objective assessments. We avoid situations in which private interests could influence our judgment or give rise to a perception of bias.

Handling of Customers’ Property

We treat all items entrusted to us with the utmost care and respect. We follow established procedures for the receipt, documentation, storage, transportation and release of property. We are responsible for protecting customers’ property against damage, loss and unauthorised handling.

Confidentiality

We protect information relating to customers, consignors, buyers, valuations, bidding and business matters. Personal data and other confidential information are handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and are disclosed only where there is a legal basis to do so or with the explicit consent of the relevant party.

Conflicts of Interest

We avoid situations in which private, financial or personal interests could influence our work. Employees must not use their position for their own benefit or for the benefit of persons close to them, and must refrain from participating in business decisions where their impartiality could reasonably be questioned.

Gifts and Hospitality

Gifts, benefits or hospitality must never influence, or be perceived as influencing, our business decisions. We neither accept nor offer benefits that could create a relationship of dependency or risk damaging the company’s reputation.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

We always comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to anti-money laundering, sanctions, competition, occupational health and safety, data protection and cultural property. We cooperate with the relevant authorities when required to do so.

Communication

We communicate accurately, respectfully and transparently. Only individuals with specific authorisation may speak on behalf of the company in the media or in public settings.

Responsibility to Speak Up

All employees have a responsibility to raise concerns if they identify misconduct or suspect that our ethical principles are not being followed. Reports must be able to be made without fear of retaliation. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith must be treated with respect and have their concerns taken seriously.

Our Shared Responsibility

Ethical principles are not merely rules – they are the foundation of our culture and the way we work. Every employee represents a tradition spanning more than 350 years, making Stockholms Auktionsverk the world’s oldest auction house. Through our actions, we contribute to further strengthening our reputation and the trust of our customers.

We strive to provide a safe, professional and respectful environment for customers, employees and visitors. To create a positive experience for everyone, we also expect our customers to share these values.

We do not accept behaviour that compromises safety or trust in our business, including:

– Threats, violence or aggressive behaviour.
– Abusive, harassing or discriminatory comments or conduct.
– Insults or disrespectful treatment of employees or other customers.
– Attempts at fraud, undue influence or manipulation of our processes.
– Damage to or negligent treatment of our premises.

If these guidelines are not followed, we reserve the right to discontinue a dialogue, refuse to provide further service, ask a visitor to leave our premises or, in serious cases, terminate the business relationship or report the incident to the police.