Application for Accreditation

A global accreditation programme under WBAF’s Global Code of Trust

Accredited Center of Trusted Excellence in Entrepreneurial Ethics

The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), is pleased to invite universities, entrepreneurship centres, chambers of commerce, startup hubs, accelerators, corporates, NGOs and professional institutions to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Center of Trusted Excellence in Entrepreneurial Ethics.

This global initiative is part of the newly introduced WBAF Global Code of Trust for Ethical Entrepreneurial Governance, a landmark framework designed to strengthen integrity, transparency, and responsible behaviour across the global startup ecosystem.

As entrepreneurship becomes increasingly global and interconnected, trust has become a critical pillar of sustainable economic growth. The Code of Trust establishes clear ethical principles for founders, investors, and institutions, aiming to enhance credibility, build investor confidence, and foster long-term, value-based partnerships across borders.

Institutions accredited under this programme will be recognised as Centers of Trusted Excellence in Entrepreneurial Ethics, demonstrating their commitment to ethical leadership, responsible innovation, and transparent governance. Accredited centres will be listed in the Global Endorsement Register of the WBAF Code of Trust and will receive the official Trusted Excellence accreditation badge, which can be displayed on institutional websites, publications, and offices as a mark of ethical distinction.

Accredited Centres are expected to contribute to the global entrepreneurship ecosystem by:

  • Promoting the principles of the WBAF Global Code of Trust
  • Delivering educational programmes and awareness activities on entrepreneurial ethics
  • Encouraging responsible investment practices and ethical startup governance
  • Supporting entrepreneurs, investors, and students in adopting trust-based business practices
  • Serving as regional hubs for dialogue on ethical leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship
Download the Code of Trust

We warmly invite forward-looking institutions to join this global movement and contribute to building a more transparent, trustworthy, and responsible economy worldwide.

We look forward to welcoming distinguished institutions as partners in advancing ethical excellence in entrepreneurship.

With kind regards,

Prof Dr Gerhard Hrebicek
President, Ethical Governance Committee

World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)

Entrepreneurs must be truthful in all representations—business plans, financial data, achievements, and valuations. All risks, challenges, and uncertainties must be disclosed openly and promptly. Trust depends on full and honest communication at every stage.
Maintain open, timely, and accurate communication with investors and partners. Report significant developments—positive or negative—clearly and professionally. Transparency builds confidence and strengthens long-term partnerships.
Investor funds must be used only for agreed business purposes and in line with disclosed plans. Financial management should be prudent, documented, and reportable. Shareholder agreements should include fair, balanced exit options for both investors and entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs must respect all intellectual property rights, both their own and others'. IP should be protected, licensed appropriately, and never misused. All branding and trademark activities must be transparent, ethical, and aligned with WBAF's standards of authenticity and trust.
Confidential information shared by investors, partners, or other stakeholders must be safeguarded. Personal and corporate data should be handled responsibly and never used for personal advantage. Discretion and data protection are vital to maintaining trust.
Treat all individuals—investors, employees, and partners—with respect, equality, and professionalism. Promote diversity and inclusion in all operations, and refrain from unethical behavior such as plagiarism, exploitation, or public disparagement of competitors.
Operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, including anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, labour, and environmental regulations. Ethical principles must guide every innovation, product, or service from design to delivery.
Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly. Avoid decisions where personal interests could compromise objectivity. Any reported misconduct must be reviewed independently, with transparent follow-up and appropriate corrective measures.
Take responsibility for all business actions and their consequences. Maintain clear governance, internal controls, and transparent reporting. Every governance body should include at least one representative voice of end-users or beneficiaries to ensure fairness and accountability.
Entrepreneurs should integrate measurable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their business models. Success should create both financial value and positive societal impact for communities and future generations.
Companies are expected to address potential breaches of this Code internally, fostering self-governance, transparency, and accountability. Each organization should maintain fair procedures to review concerns and protect whistleblowers.
If issues remain unresolved or involve broader ethical implications, they should be reported confidentially to the WBAF Ethics Committee for impartial review and -where necessary - appropriate corrective action.