Last updated: 1 January 2026
1. Introduction
These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Global Independence System ("GIS"), operated by HLB International Limited (Company No. 02181222), registered at 3 Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX, United Kingdom ("we", "us", "our").
By accessing GIS, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the platform.
2. Access and Eligibility
- Access to GIS is by invitation only, restricted to authorised personnel of HLB member firms.
- You must maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials and multi-factor authentication devices.
- You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
- We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access at any time without notice.
3. Acceptable Use
You agree to use GIS only for its intended purposes:
- Performing and responding to conflict-of-interest and independence checks
- Managing entity registers and client databases
- Generating compliance reports
- Administrative functions as authorised by your role
You must not:
- Use data accessed through GIS for marketing, prospecting, or business development
- Share login credentials or access tokens with unauthorised individuals
- Attempt to access data or functionality beyond your authorised role
- Copy, extract, or export data for purposes other than those permitted by your firm's data usage agreement
- Introduce malicious code or attempt to compromise system security
4. Data Usage Restrictions
All data within GIS is subject to strict usage restrictions as outlined in the Data Usage Agreement accepted by your firm. Entity and client data must only be used for independence and conflict-checking purposes. Any misuse may result in immediate access revocation and disciplinary action.
5. Intellectual Property
GIS, including its design, code, and documentation, is the property of HLB International Limited. No licence or right is granted to copy, modify, or distribute any part of the platform except as expressly permitted.
6. Confidentiality
Information accessed through GIS is confidential. You must not disclose any information obtained through the platform to any person who is not authorised to receive it, except as required by law or professional regulation.
7. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, HLB International Limited shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of GIS. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid by your firm for access to GIS in the 12 months preceding the claim.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under English law.
8. Availability
We aim to maintain high availability of GIS but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may suspend access for maintenance, security updates, or other operational reasons. We will endeavour to provide reasonable notice of planned maintenance.
9. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
10. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to users through the platform. Continued use of GIS after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
11. Contact
For questions about these Terms, please contact:
Legal Department
HLB International Limited
3 Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 2FX
United Kingdom