Effective Date: June 23, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. By using our website, you agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following personal information:
- Contact Details: Name and email address when you register an account or complete our questionnaire.
- Study Data: Anonymized SME financial ratio data and questionnaire responses you provide for our research on SME financial metrics.
- Cookies: Essential cookies for site functionality (e.g., remembering login sessions) and optional cookies for analytics, used only with your explicit consent.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:
- Manage your account and provide access to our services.
- Conduct research on SME financial ratios, using anonymized data to generate insights.
- Send optional monthly reminders or study results, if you opt in.
- Improve user experience (via cookies, with consent).
3. Cookies
We use cookies to enhance your experience. Essential cookies are required for site functionality (e.g., login sessions). Non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics) are only used if you provide explicit consent via our cookie banner. You can accept or reject non-essential cookies at any time. See our cookie banner for details.
4. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties, except:
- To comply with legal obligations or court orders.
- With service providers (e.g., hosting providers) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
Anonymized study data may be used in research reports, but it will not identify you or your SMEs.
5. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information we hold.
- Request corrections to inaccurate data.
- Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).
- Object to or restrict the processing of your data.
- Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing (e.g., cookies).
To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer (details below).
6. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures (e.g., encryption, access controls) to protect your data. However, no online system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined or as required by law. Account data is deleted upon request, and cookie consent data expires after 6 months.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about your data, contact our Information Officer:
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.