Morningstar, Inc. Code of Ethics
As amended and in effect on June 1, 2025
Morningstar has created an open environment for our
employees, and we value trust and honest communication. Our
high standard of ethical behavior serves as a foundation for
our work and helps to create a positive work environment for
all employees. Acting ethically helps ensure that people
outside of Morningstar will continue to hold us in high esteem
and that customers will have a consistently positive experience
with us. We owe much of the goodwill we enjoy from
customers to our reputation for high ethical standards. Our
customers rely on us to be an objective, honest, and credible
source of investment information, analysis, products and
services.
Our philosophy is that by giving employees the freedom and
tools to make their own decisions, people can and will do their
best work. With this freedom comes the responsibility to
always act with the utmost integrity. Situations will arise
where you will be faced with ethical decisions, and this Code
of Ethics (the “Code”) is meant to help guide you through those
decisions. By clearly spelling out where Morningstar stands on
bigger issues, we hope to provide you with a framework for
making good choices on a daily basis. In serving this purpose,
these guidelines will help ensure that Morningstar will
continue to be seen for what we are – a company that puts
investors first, and in doing so promotes honest and ethical
conduct, including the ethical handling of conflicts of interest
and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
This Code applies to all Morningstar officers and employees
(including those of Morningstar subsidiaries). The pertinent
provisions of this Code also apply to members of Morningstar’s
board of directors (“Board”) and to Morningstar’s temporary
workers, interns, independent contractors, and consultants in
connection with their work for Morningstar. Unless otherwise
specified, all Morningstar directors, officers, employees,
contingent workers, interns and consultants will be referred to
throughout this Code as “you” or "your".
1. Additional Policies and Guidelines
Morningstar has supplemental governance policies that provide guidance and procedures on many of the topics covered by this Code. Please
note, however, that to the extent any specific provisions are inconsistent with your local laws, they will not apply to you. These additional
governance policies can be found on Morningstar’s Intranet or investor relations website. Your business, subsidiary entity, or jurisdiction may
have additional guidelines that are more restrictive or prescriptive depending on business needs and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
Contact your local Compliance representative with any questions about whether a particular policy or guideline applies to you.
You must read through the provisions of this Code carefully and apply them to all aspects of your work. If you are unsure about how to handle a
situation, ask your People & Culture Business Partner or your local Legal or Compliance representative, as the case may be, for guidance on the
situation and an appropriate course of action.
2. Personal Responsibility
Accountability: You are responsible for the quality of your work. You are expected to honor promises and commitments made to co-workers and
contacts outside Morningstar with respect to deliverables, deadlines and other aspects of your work. Faulty or incomplete work product and
missed deadlines create backlogs in any process, so it’s imperative to handle any possible errors, shortfalls or delays properly.
Professionalism: Morningstar has a business casual environment, but that does not mean that you should be any less professional. The need
for professionalism extends beyond the confines of our office space. Each and every one of us is a spokesperson for Morningstar, and our
recognition of that important role should be at the forefront of our every professional interaction, both inside and outside of the workplace,
whether with clients and end customers, other commercial parties, fellow co-workers or the investing public. Whether you’re on the phone, at a
conference, in a business meeting, or conducting an interview, you represent Morningstar to the person or people with whom you are speaking.
Therefore, we all must be mindful of the responsibility that goes along with representing Morningstar.
Honesty: You are expected to be truthful in your dealings with others. Honest communication breeds openness and trust. It enhances your own
credibility as well as that of Morningstar. We will not tolerate dishonesty.
Compliance with Laws: You are expected to obey the laws, rules, and regulations of the countries and localities in which Morningstar does
business. Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which Morningstar’s ethical standards are built. To the extent not
prohibited by applicable law, employees convicted of a felony, theft, or crime of dishonesty during their time of employment must inform
Morningstar’s Chief Legal Officer, or designee, within 30 days of conviction. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including
termination of employment.
3. Conflicts of Interest
One purpose of this Code is to help you address situations that may involve a conflict of interest. These include situations in which your personal
interests are in conflict with, or appear to conflict with, the interests of Morningstar, situations in which you, or a person with whom you have a
personal relationship, might receive personal benefits as a result of your position with Morningstar, and situations that otherwise may cast doubt
on your ability to act with objectivity in your dealings with or on behalf of Morningstar.
You must avoid situations where your personal interests or other business interests could conflict with the interests of Morningstar or could be
perceived by others as doing so. Conflicts of interest arise when an individual’s position or responsibilities with Morningstar present an
opportunity for personal gain separate and apart from the direct rewards of an individual’s employment or relationship with Morningstar, or
when an individual’s personal interests or other business interests are inconsistent with those of Morningstar and could lead to an individual’s
responsibilities with Morningstar being compromised.
A conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict, may arise in a variety of circumstances, and it is not possible to describe every situation. By
way of example, however, a conflict occurs when you or an individual with whom you have a personal relationship:
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Directly or indirectly has a personal or financial interest in any transaction which is or may be adverse to Morningstar; or
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Engages in or recommends a business transaction for Morningstar that results in personal profit or gain.
It is not a conflict of interest under this Code for you to exercise your legal rights as an employee. Nothing in this Code limits your right to self-
organize, to form, join, or assist a labor organization, to bargain collectively through representatives of your own choosing, to engage in other
concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, or to refrain from any or all such activities unless
otherwise limited by a collective bargaining agreement.
Beyond the clear cases of conflict of interest described above, there are situations that are inconsistent with the high standards of business
ethics required by Morningstar that cannot be compromised. If there is room for suspicion that an interest in, or connection with, another venture
might affect, or reasonably appear to affect, your exercise or judgment on behalf of Morningstar, the interest or connection shall not be entered
into, and once identified, shall be immediately brought to the attention of your local Compliance representative.
If you become involved in or are otherwise made aware of a conflict of interest, please consult your local Compliance representative. In addition
to these requirements, Morningstar’s Board members are expected to comply with their obligations described in the “Conflicts of Interest” section
of Morningstar’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. Certain businesses, regions or subsidiaries may have more restrictive practices.
4. Gifts
You should not accept any gift, entertainment, meal, or favor from any client, potential client, candidate for employment, supplier or vendor, or
potential supplier or vendor that would influence or potentially influence your conduct, or that could reasonably be viewed by an outside observer
as affecting your judgment or actions in the performance of your duties on behalf of Morningstar. A gift could include, for example, any cash,
goods, or services of commercial value that are given to an individual for personal use/benefit without any return of payment. This principle,
which does not prohibit reasonable client or prospect entertainment, applies to our transactions everywhere in the world, even where the practice
is considered “a way of doing business.”
In particular, you should not in any circumstances accept any gifts, entertainment, meal, or favor from any client, potential client, candidate for
employment, supplier or vendor, or potential supplier or vendor worth more than U.S. $250 or its equivalent without first consulting your local
Compliance representative. Certain businesses, subsidiary entities, or jurisdictions may have more restrictive practices. Furthermore, you should
not under any circumstance accept (i) a gift consisting of cash or (ii) any gift, entertainment, meal, or favor (of any size) if it is offered in exchange
for Morningstar information, data, services, or preferential treatment. If you have any questions regarding the appropriateness of any gift,
entertainment, meal, or favor, you should first consult your local Compliance representative.
Similarly, you should not offer any gift, entertainment, meal, or favor to any client, potential client, candidate for employment, supplier or vendor
or potential supplier or vendor that is intended to or would result in favorable treatment or influence over a business decision or could be
reasonably viewed as (i) not appropriate in its business context or (ii) placing the recipient under a real or perceived obligation to you or
Morningstar.
See our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Global Policy for special considerations concerning any gift, entertainment, meal or favor involving a
government official.
5. Outside Business Activities
While Morningstar affords its employees flexibility with respect to pursuing business activities outside Morningstar, all full-time employees
should understand that their work for Morningstar takes precedence over any such activity. The appropriateness of a Morningstar employee
engaging in an outside business activity, or even a secondary employment, depends on many factors, including the nature and extent of the
outside activity, whether it might detract from performing your Morningstar work, any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest between
the outside business and Morningstar, any actual, perceived or potential relationship between the outside business and Morningstar, and the
duties of the employee when engaged in the outside business activity. A significant time commitment outside working hours or using vacation
or paid time off to fulfil the commitment, may indicate that the engagement is not appropriate.
Morningstar requires employeesto obtain certain approvals regarding outside business activities, including but not limited to manager approval,
and in certain cases, Chief Legal Officer and Chief People Officer approvals, as detailed in the Outside Business Activities Global Procedure.
You may have more restrictive provisions relating to outside business activities in accordance with employment agreements and/or local or
entity-specific policies. If so, the more restrictive practice applies.
These requirements do not apply to contingent workers, contractors, consultants, or any self-employed individuals working for any Morningstar
entity globally.
6. Purchasing
If you purchase equipment, supplies, and services for Morningstaryou may not do so for any personal benefit or for the financial benefit of family
or friends. This means that you should always seek out reputable vendors with the most suitable products. While this may be a family member
or a friend, you must be able to demonstrate that the choice made is the best available option for Morningstar. You must justify any deviation
from this standard.
Factors such as a supplier’s business ethics, integrity, human rights, management, and sustainability practices may, where appropriate, be
considered in addition to a supplier’s capability and cost. You should refer to Morningstar’s Supplier Code of Conduct when making these
decisions. Purchasing decisions are also subject to various corporate approval requirements in accordance with the Procurement Policy and
Global Approval Guidelines.
7. Customer Engagement / Anti-Fraud
It is important to complete know your customer (KYC) diligence in order to mitigate risk in the areas of identity theft, money laundering, financial
fraud, terrorist activity, sanctions, export controls, bribery, and corruption. You are required to perform reasonable due diligence on new
counterparties in order to have confidence in the integrity of the customer, the source of the funds, and the validity and lawfulness of the
contemplated transaction. In addition to Morningstar’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Global Policy and Sanctions and Export Control Global Policy,
as applicable, you should review the KYC policies, anti-bribery and corruption policies, and sanctions policies applicable to your business,
subsidiary entity, and/or jurisdiction and refrain from engaging in any transaction or activity that could be viewed as violating applicable laws
and regulations.
8. Economic Sanctions Compliance and Export Controls
Morningstar is required to comply with all economic sanctions and export controls applicable to its activitiesin the jurisdictions where we operate
and/or conduct business, including the various jurisdictions in which Morningstar’s products are sold. The purpose of Morningstar's Sanctions
and Export Control Global Policy is to ensure that all of Morningstar’s international business transactions are made in compliance with applicable
sanctions and export controls. It sets out the key relevant restrictive measures imposed by the US and other countries that may limit the ability
of Morningstar to undertake certain activities in specific territories or with specific targeted persons or entities.
Additionally, pursuant to the Sanctions and Export Control Global Policy, Morningstar may not do business in any of the countries on
Morningstar’s Prohibited Territories list without prior approval from Compliance.
If you become aware of any information suggesting that Morningstar has, is, or may in the future engage in a transaction that could violate
applicable economic sanctions or export controls, you should report this information to Legal immediately. A report can also be made to the
Morningstar Ethics Hotline, which is explained in detail below.
9. Anti-Money Laundering
Morningstar has taken steps to help prevent money laundering and to minimize the risk of its business being abused for the purpose of laundering
funds associated with criminal conduct. Money laundering generally involves conducting a transaction to conceal the illegal origins of funds or
to facilitate illegal activity. Morningstar aims to conduct business with only reputable customers involved in legitimate business activities using
funds derived from legitimate sources. You must avoid engaging in any transaction that is structured in any way that could be viewed as
concealing illegal conduct or the tainted nature of the proceeds or assets at issue in the transaction. Involvement with money laundering
activities can result in severe reputational damage, loss of public confidence, loss of business, confiscation of assets by the court, and possible
criminal prosecution. Accordingly, it is vital that you remain vigilant at all times.
If you become aware of any information suggesting that Morningstar has or may in the future engage in a transaction that could implicate money
laundering, you should report this information to Legal immediately.
10. Our People
When it comes to our people, our differences are one of our strengths. Morningstar is committed to protecting human rights in all aspects of our
business and to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and comfortable. To preserve this atmosphere, Morningstar will
not tolerate harassment or other abusive behavior by anyone, including employees, Board members, clients, vendors, suppliers, contractors, and
consultants. To ensure modern slavery, human trafficking, and other forms of abusive practices are absent from our business and supply chains,
we are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls. If you become aware of the use of forced labor or human
trafficking, you must report this activity to Legal immediately.
Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants, in accordance with applicable
law. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and
other personnel matters based on job-related criteria, qualifications, experience and past performance.
Compliance with the letter and spirit of this policy is required of all employees and further information can be found in our Human Rights Global
Policy and jurisdictional employee policies or handbooks.
11. Personal Relationships in the Workplace
At Morningstar, we value the unique perspectives and experiences that you bring to the table. We also appreciate the power of our employees in
bringing talented individuals to our teams. However, we also acknowledge that some categories of relationships may give rise to actual or
perceived special treatment. This policy outlines the processes we will deploy when hiring people within such categories, i.e. Family Members or
Romantic Partners, each as defined below.
It is paramount to Morningstar that every individual, regardless of their source of introduction, is considered for employment based on their
qualifications, skills, experience, and potential. No candidate will receive any special treatment in the decision-making process because of a
personal relationship with a Morningstar employee or Board member.
Morningstar has established processes designed to try and ensure that all hiring decisions with respect to candidates are made without regard
to any relationship that such candidate may have, in particular as it relates to certain categories of such relationships. You are required to be
transparent about any relationship with candidates that may give rise to conflicts of interest, favoritism (real or perceived), and workplace
disruption in order to mitigate any issues that may arise from a personal relationship. In this regard, you are required to notify People & Culture
if such a relationship exists. Assuming proper notification, Morningstar will attempt to find an alternate position or reporting structure for one of
the parties. A review of potential reporting lines and actual or potential conflicts of interest will be conducted by the Head of Talent Acquisition,
and the Business Unit or Functional Unit leader will be consulted. If no such alternate position or reporting structure can be found, one of the
parties may need to find employment outside of Morningstar.
For the purposes hereof, (i) a Family Member of a person means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-
in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of that person, and any person (other than a tenant or household employee)
sharing a household with that person, and (ii) a Romantic Partner of a person means someone in a relationship with such person that is
characterized by a level of personal affection and familiarity not typically shared by coworkers in the work environment, and involving (but not
limited to) dating, physical intimacy or other similar behavior(s). If you have a relationship which does not fit the precise definition of Family
Member or Romantic Partner, but could still give rise to suggestions of a potential conflict of interest, please alert your local People & Culture
Business Partner for review. You must notify the Head of Talent Acquisition that your Family Member or Romantic Partner has applied for any
position at Morningstar prior to the interview process. A review of potential reporting lines and actual or potential conflicts of interest will be
conducted by the Head of Talent Acquisition and the Business Unit or Functional Unit leader will be consulted.
All candidates, including Family Members or Romantic Partners of employees and Board members, will go through the same rigorous hiring
process, including a structured interview process to evaluate their skills, experience, and cultural fitness. If the candidate is not selected to move
forward in the interview process for the role for which they applied, they will be notified by the recruiter and be removed from the process
appropriately. You must notify the Head of Talent Acquisition that your Family Member or Romantic Partner has applied for any position at
Morningstar prior to the interview process.
Final hiring decisions will be made based on the assessment of qualifications and fitness for the role. Before making an offer to a Family Member
or Romantic Partner of an employee or Board member, a review will be conducted by the Head of Talent Acquisition or, where the relevant job
applicant is a Family Member of the Head of Talent Acquisition, the Chief People Officer, to ensure a fair process was conducted.
Generally, Family Members or Romantic Partners may not be in the same Business Unit or Functional Unit. In addition, Family Members or
Romantic Partners of the Executive Leadership Team or Board members cannot be hired at Morningstar. In the event an exception is requested,
it will be reviewed as set out further in this section. Consideration of the Family Member or Romantic Partner will include a review of potential
reporting lines and actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and will be conducted by:
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the Chief People Officer or, where the relevant job applicant is a Family Member of the Chief People Officer, the Chief Executive Officer; and
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the Audit Committee Chair or, where the relevant job applicant is a Family Member of the Audit Committee Chair, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair.
All decisions by the Head of Talent Acquisition, Chief People Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Audit Committee Chair and, where applicable, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair, will be final.
12. Antitrust Laws
Morningstar seeks to comply with U.S. federal, state and local antitrust laws, as well as applicable non-U.S. antitrust laws. Antitrust laws, also
known as ‘anti-monopoly’, ‘competition’ or ‘consumer protection’ laws, are intended to preserve competition by prohibiting actions that could
unreasonably restrain the functioning of a free marketplace. These laws govern relationships among and between Morningstar and its
competitors and clients. They, among other things, prohibit making agreements with competitors or clients to limit or restrict competition, and
the sharing of information with competitors or clients that would limit or restrict competition. As a general rule, contacts with competitors should
be limited in scope and should always avoid subjects such as references to specific clients or client groups or prices or other terms and conditions
relating to transactions with clients.
Participating with competitors in an industry association is generally acceptable when the association has been properly established, has a
legitimate purpose, and has limited its activities to that purpose. Contact your local Legal representative with any questions or concerns about
antitrust laws.
13. Insider Trading
In order to comply with federal and state securities laws governing (a) trading in Morningstar securities while in the possession of “material
nonpublic information” concerning Morningstar, and (b) tipping or disclosing material nonpublic information to outsiders, and in order to prevent
even the appearance of improper insider trading or tipping, Morningstar has adopted an Insider Trading Policy. The Insider Trading Policy is
accessible in the Investor Relations section of our corporate website at shareholders.morningstar.com/investor-relations.
14. Health and Safety
Morningstar strives to provide a safe and healthy work environment that complies with applicable laws and regulations. You have a responsibility
to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all other employees by following safety and health rules and reporting accidents, injuries, and
unsafe practices or conditions. In addition, you must adhere to all other health and safety policies, including the prohibition of weapons on any
of Morningstar’s premises.
Morningstar does not permit violence or threatening behavior under any circumstances in the workplace. You are expected to report to work in
condition to perform your duties, and you must be free from the influence of drugs and alcohol (excluding prescribed medication used
appropriately). We will not tolerate the use of illegal drugs, the misuse of alcohol or legal drugs, or the manufacture, solicitation, distribution, or
possession of any illegal drugs or other controlled substances (excluding prescribed medication used appropriately) in the workplace.
15. Confidential Information
In your role, you will become aware of certain information of a confidential or proprietary nature. Much of this information, such as subscriber,
client, or customer lists, is not readily available to the public and took Morningstar years to develop. Some of the information may still be in the
development stages and includes plans for new and innovative products or services or plans to improve some of the existing ways in which
Morningstar conveys financial information or delivers other financial or investment products or services. Confidential and proprietary information
may also include ideas or information developed by you during your employment or contractual relationship with Morningstar. Morningstar
expects you to act with discretion when discussing Morningstar information with third parties.
In addition, you may be informed about various Morningstar developments, such as Morningstar’s financial standing, plans, clients, and product
development, for example, that may be necessary for you to do your job. This information is intended for internal use only, and should never be
shared with those outside of Morningstar. Morningstar tries to be open with this kind of information, and we trust you to handle this confidence
responsibly.
Because confidentiality is very important to us, particularly as a public company, we have a specific set of guidelines on this topic. You should
review and must comply with the communications requirements regarding disclosing information about Morningstar available on the media
relations section of the Morningstar Intranet and with the news and social media guidelines in the Social Media Policy. Certain businesses,
subsidiary entities, or jurisdictions may have more restrictive practices which take precedence.
This confidentiality obligation continues after the termination of your employment or contractual relationship with Morningstar. In the event that
you violate these confidentiality obligations after termination of your employment or contractual relationship, Morningstar may take legal action
against you to enforce this policy. In that event, Morningstar may seek both injunctive and monetary relief.
16. Work Product
The work you do for Morningstar belongs to Morningstar. Morningstar retains sole and complete ownership of all concepts, ideas, methodologies,
writings, software, illustrations, materials, or other information conceived or produced while you are employed or engaged by Morningstar. This
claim of ownership does not apply to work: (1) for which no Morningstar facilities, supplies, or information were used; (2) that was created or
produced on your own time; and (3) that does not relate directly to Morningstar’s business or to any Morningstar work. To protect Morningstar’s
interests, you should be prepared to provide and/or sign any information or documentation reasonably requested by Morningstar.
17. Third Party Proprietary Information and Intellectual Property
Morningstar respects the intellectual property of third parties. You should not copy or use content (including data) belonging to or sourced from
a third party unless Morningstar has the right to copy or use the relevant content. If you have any doubt as to whether you may use third party
content, you should ask your local Compliance representative for guidance. Please note that the unauthorized use of third party content may
expose Morningstar to legal liability, and Morningstar may take disciplinary action against you, if you’re involved in such activity.
You may be a former employee of another company and possess proprietary information or trade secrets of that company. You must not reveal
any information to Morningstar that might reasonably be considered proprietary or a trade secret of a former employer or, in the case of a Board
member, of other entities to which you owe a duty of confidentiality.
Some of the software used at Morningstar was created and copyrighted by other companies and may be subject to nondisclosure restrictions.
Such software is usually governed by a license agreement. It is Morningstar’s policy to comply with license agreements that govern the use of
software. Reproducing software without authorization may violate these agreements, and is likely to violate the U.S. Copyright Act and the
copyright laws of other countries. You shouldn’t make copies of, resell, or transfer software created by another company unless it is authorized
under the applicable software license agreement.
You may, under a written agreement (typically a nondisclosure agreement completed in accordance with Morningstar’s procedures) become
familiar with another company’s proprietary designs, processes, or techniques, or gain other information that the other company has designated
as proprietary or as trade secrets under that agreement. You must take care to respect the proprietary nature of this information and not use it
other than as permitted by the applicable nondisclosure agreement.
18. Privacy
In the course of performing your duties for Morningstar, you may come in contact with personal data relating to third parties, including that of
colleagues, clients and their customers. Personal data is data that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. You have a duty to protect
this personal data and maintain its confidentiality by following all relevant Morningstar policies and by complying with all privacy laws applicable
to it. Except as specifically authorized, you must not share personal data with anyone inside or outside of Morningstar and then only for a
legitimate business-related need. If you have any questions around your use or distribution of any personal data, contact the Global Head of
Privacy, Legal or their designees. For additional information regarding privacy, you should refer to our Privacy Statement.
19. Investigations and External Legal Requests
From time to time, Morningstar or third parties may conduct investigations or issue legal requests regarding various matters that arise during
the course of our operations. If you receive a request from any external party seeking information from Morningstar for purposes of an
investigation or legal proceeding, whether by phone or in writing, you must share it immediately with Morningstar Legal at
LegalCommunications@Morningstar.com – do not share it with anyone else. You must not release any information to an external party on
behalf of Morningstar for purposes of an investigation or legal proceeding before first contacting Legal for guidance.
Investigations or external legal requests are critical to Morningstar’s efforts to comply with applicable law and our policies/procedures, including
this Code. These requests may be subject to statute or other regulations, and can take the form of a subpoena, wage garnishment notice,
bankruptcy notice, summons or complaint, or a court order. Some requests may not be made subject to statute but relate to similar matters or
pose other legal risks to Morningstar, such as a letter or phone call from an attorney, a regulator, or other government agency asking for
documents or information. It is important to note that there may be other types of external legal requests with statutory authority to which
Morningstar has a legal duty to respond that are not listed here. As such, it is imperative that as soon as an external request is received, it is
immediately sent to Legal.
Your full cooperation is required in any such investigation or legal request process. Full cooperation means that you will make yourself available
as requested to be interviewed, answer all questions posed truthfully and completely, supply any documentary evidence requested, and more
generally, conduct yourself in a manner designed to assist Morningstar with the investigation. If you are contacted by Legal to assist with
responding to one of these requests, you should work with Legal and your line manager to prioritize the request. Managers should assist members
of their team to reprioritize existing work to accommodate the legal request or reassign the request so it may be prioritized. Responding to a
request should be done on a confidential and need-to-know basis, and all communications sent in connection with the request should be marked
“Privileged and Confidential”.
This section does not limit you from exercising your legal rights as an employee, including your right to assist a labor organization, to discuss
collective bargaining with your union representative, to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other
mutual aid or protection, or to refrain from any or all such activities unless otherwise limited by a collective bargaining agreement. Nothing in
this section restricts you from exercising your right to file a charge or complaint with any government agency or to participate in the investigation
of such a complaint.
20. Political Contributions
Morningstar supports active participation in the political process and urges you to support the candidates and issues of your choice. However,
decisions to do so are entirely personal and voluntary, and political contributions by you must be made in compliance with this Code, all
applicable legal requirements and, to the extent legal, in accordance with local custom. You must not use your position with Morningstar to
coerce or pressure other employees to make contributions to or support or oppose any political candidates, elections, or ballot initiatives.
Morningstar does not use corporate funds to donate directly to any political organizations. Any use of Morningstar’s funds, assets or facilities for
the benefit of any government official or employee is strictly prohibited unless you receive prior written approval from Morningstar’s Chief Legal
Officer, or their designee. We will not reimburse you for sponsoring or attending fund-raising events for candidates or political organizations.
Personal service on behalf of a candidate, political organization, or campaign on company time may be deemed a contribution and is prohibited.
21. Charitable Donations
Morningstar encourages you to support charitable and community causes of your choosing. However, you may not use or furnish Morningstar
assets to do so. You should never make charitable donations as part of an exchange of favors or in return for an expectation of reciprocity from a
charity, its officers, or members of its boards or any other third party.
22. Accounting Standards
Morningstar’s books and records must accurately, completely, and properly reflect all assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in reasonable
detail to conform with applicable legal requirements and to Morningstar’s system of internal controls. You should not establish or transfer
undisclosed or unrecorded funds on behalf of Morningstar for any purpose. We forbid any attempt to create false or misleading records, and you
may not record or establish any false or misleading entries in Morningstar’s books and records for any reason.
Morningstar’s business transactions worldwide must be properly authorized and completely and accurately recorded on Morningstar’s books in
accordance with Morningstar’s established financial, accounting, and management policies. You are responsible for the accurate and complete
reporting of financial information within your respective area and must timely notify your manager of financial and non-financial information
that may be material to Morningstar. No payment or transfer of Morningstar’s funds or assets may be made or approved with the intention or
understanding that any part of such payment or transfer is to be used other than as specified in the supporting documents.
Morningstar’s Audit Committee plays an important role in overseeing Morningstar’s accounting and financial reporting processes, the audit of
its financial statements, and its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. If you believe that questionable
accounting practices have occurred or are occurring, you should raise it through any of the channels noted in the Fraud and Abuse Global Policy.
In particular, you should promptly raise anything you become aware of concerning:
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The accuracy of material disclosures made by the Company in its public filings;
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Material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting;
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Any evidence of fraud or deliberate error that involves an employee who has a significant role in the Company’s financial reporting,
disclosures or internal controls or procedures; or
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Any evidence of a material violation of the policies in this Code regarding financial reporting.
For additional information regarding the integrity of our financial practices, you should refer to our Fraud and Abuse Global Policy.
23. Communications and Record Retention
We encourage you to handle all communications with discretion. Business records and communications often become public, and you should
take care to avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks, guesswork, or improper characterizations of people, events, or companies. This guideline
applies to any communication related to Morningstar’s business through any medium, including email, voicemail, video communications
platforms, internal memos, formal reports, business letters, or otherwise. Electronic communications and information technology systems
provided by Morningstar should be used only to advance the legitimate business purposes of Morningstar, although we do permit incidental
personal use. You should always retain or destroy records according to Morningstar’s record retention guidelines. In no event should records
(including any electronic communications) be destroyed that relate to an existing dispute or investigation, unless approved by Morningstar’s
Legal department. Your business, subsidiary entity, or jurisdiction may have specific guidelines for record retention and permissible or
impermissible methods of communication, based on business needs and applicable legal or regulatory requirements. You should consult the
local Compliance representative with any questions concerning record retention and permissible or impermissible methods of communication.
24. Public Company Disclosure
Filings submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by public companies must be accurate and timely. At times, you may be called
upon to provide necessary information and/or certifications to assure that Morningstar’s reports and its other public communications are
complete, fair, accurate, and understandable. Morningstar expects you to take this responsibility seriously and to provide prompt, accurate and
complete answers to inquiries related to Morningstar’s public disclosure requirements.
25. Anti-Bribery
Morningstar takes a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and is committed to acting professionally, fairly, and with integrity in all
our business dealings and relationships. You may not pay or accept bribes of any type.
A bribe, as defined in the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Global Policy, is a financial or other inducement or reward for action that is illegal, unethical,
a breach of trust, or improper in any way. Bribes can take the form of money, gifts, loans, fees, hospitality, services, favors, discounts or any other
thing of value. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 prohibits corrupt bribes to foreign officials, the violation of which may result in both
civil and criminal liability for Morningstar and the person making the bribe (and allegedly acting on Morningstar’s behalf). Laws that similarly
prohibit public and commercial bribery outside the U.S, such as the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of
Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and related implementing legislation may also apply and have a worldwide reach.
You must never risk your or Morningstar’s reputation by engaging in any form of corruption or any activities that could be perceived as corruption.
Any actual payments as well any offers, solicitations, promises to pay, acceptance, or authorizations to pay –whether directly or indirectly through
others such as third-party intermediaries – of money, gifts, or anything else of value to any government official, political party, party official, or
candidate from public office from either Morningstar’s funds or any private funds (on behalf of Morningstar) in order to obtain or retain business
are strictly prohibited. Commercial bribery is also strictly prohibited.
You may not make payments using Morningstar assets, to any government officials or employees or representatives of any political party without
obtaining approval from Morningstar’s Chief Legal Officer or their designee. Review the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Global Policy for further
information. Any employee who breaches this Code will face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
26. Entertaining or Doing Business with the U.S. and Non-U.S. Governments
Giving anything of value to a government official or employee is strictly regulated and, in many cases, prohibited by law, even if it might otherwise
be considered to be in the ordinary course of business. You should consult with your Compliance representative before providing or paying for
any meals, refreshments, travel or lodging expenses, or giving anything of value to any U.S. federal, state or local government employee, or to
government employees of other countries. You should also consider that in many other countries, employees of state-owned enterprises such as
banks may be considered government employees.
27. Integrity and Accuracy of Data, Ratings and Research
At the core of all Morningstar products and services is our data, ratings and research (including our editorial content). That’s why it is vital that
you in no way compromise the accuracy or the integrity of any of these assets. Morningstar has procedures in place for collecting, entering, and
presenting data. These procedures, which are being strengthened continually, are designed to protect the integrity of our work, so they should
be followed at all times.
Morningstar has an obligation to our customers to provide them with data and analyses that we believe to be accurate and objective. In certain
of our businesses, the integrity of our products is bolstered by creating a strict functional separation between analysts on the one side and sales
or business teams on the other. This separation ensures there is no explicit or implied pressure to influence or change the opinions or conclusions
reached in our analyses, research or ratings. If youwork in these businesses,you must strictly adhere to these separations and follow the business
specific policies, procedures and internal controls designed to manage this organizational division. Maintaining objectivity, authenticity, and
editorial freedom is essential for Morningstar to maintain a position of respect among investors, issuers and other stakeholders.
In general, you are responsible for identifying and properly handling situations in which the integrity of our work could be compromised. If you
are unsure about something, ask your local Compliance representative. We simply cannot be too careful about safeguarding our data, ratings
and research, which are the core of our business.
28. No Retaliation for Good Faith Complaints
Morningstar strictly prohibits and does not tolerate retaliation against anyone for making a good faith complaint under this Code, regardless of
the outcome of the investigation. Good faith does not mean you have to be right about a concern, but that you honestly believe a concern to be
true. If you are subjected to any conduct that you believe violates this Code, please contact your People & Culture Business Partner. Additionally,
any manager who observes retaliatory conduct must report the conduct to the applicable People & Culture Business Partner so that an
investigation may be made and, if appropriate, corrective action taken.
29. Your Responsibility
Please keep in mind that this Code does not contain a comprehensive recitation of all appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. We expect you
to use your best judgment and be guided by common sense. It is everyone’s responsibility to assure that we are all operating within the highest
ethical standards.
If you observe unethical behavior, try to gather relevant details because this may help Morningstar to address the problem. However, do not try
to conduct investigations on your own. You do not need to know all the facts before speaking up to report that you believe a violation has occurred.
We all know mistakes can happen, but to protect yourself, you should disclose any mistakes in judgment so they can be rectified. By not disclosing
mistakes, you leave your intentions open to question. Ask yourself if there is shared responsibility in a given situation. If you find yourself
questioning your own actions or if you find yourself being asked to do something you are uncomfortable with or you believe to be unethical, use
your best judgment, err on the side of caution and share your concerns with your People & Culture Business Partner or local Legal or Compliance
representative or report it to the Morningstar Ethics Hotline (discussed further below under the “Reporting Procedure” section).
When you raise a concern, or report a violation in good faith, Morningstar will promptly review and address your report. Your communication will
be treated confidentially to the extent possible and permissible by law. In addition, you are expected to maintain and safeguard the confidentiality
of an investigation to the extent possible and permissible by law. Consideration will be given to the need to respect the privacy rights of others
involved or implicated. You are expected to cooperate fully in connection with any audit, litigation or investigation conducted by, or on behalf of,
Morningstar and to provide truthful and complete information. If wrongdoing is confirmed, appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be
taken.
30. Reporting Procedure
If you suspect that this Code has been or may have been violated, you should immediately notify your local Legal or Compliance representative
or utilize the Morningstar Ethics Hotline. When in doubt about the appropriateness of any conduct, please contact your People & Culture Business
Partner or your local Legal or Compliance representative, as the case may be, to seek guidance before taking any action. If you are a manager,
you have an additional responsibility to take appropriate steps, in consultation with the People & Culture, Legal and Compliance Departments,
as the case may be, to stop any misconduct that you are aware of and to prevent its recurrence. Managers who do not take appropriate action
may be held responsible for failure to supervise properly.
Morningstar has established a confidential hotline called the Morningstar Ethics Hotline which you can use to express your concerns. The
Morningstar Ethics Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://morningstar.ethicspoint.com/ and the telephone numbers
below. If you feel uncomfortable using the designated reporting channels operated by Morningstar because the internal handling of the report
may lead to a (perceived) conflict of interest, the report may be filed directly with the competent authority in your country. Competent authorities
will be designated to receive and investigate these reports or to take appropriate measures following a report of an infringement of local rules
and regulations.
In alignment with Morningstar’s commitment to protect the identity of those who made reports in good faith and Morningstar’s non-retaliation
principle, as described in this Code, a strong framework is in place to protect everyone who files reports in good faith under this Code. As
anonymous reporting can seriously hinder the possibility to investigate the concerns, Morningstar encourages reporting persons to disclose their
identity when reporting a concern or to at least provide contact details to facilitate any follow-up. The ability to investigate, ask follow-up
questions or to provide feedback will be reduced if the reporting person cannot be contacted. It will also be more difficult to ensure the reporting
person is protected if their identity is not known. In certain jurisdictions, Morningstar and/or the competent authority may be unable to investigate
issues that have been reported anonymously via the designated reporting channels. Anonymous reporting is nevertheless a possibility under this
Code as Morningstar would rather receive anonymous reports than not having the concern reported at all.
Nothing in this Code limits or prohibits you from reporting violations to a governmental agency or law enforcement entity. You have the right to:
report possible violations of state or federal law or regulation that have occurred, are occurring, or are about to occur to any government agency
or entity or self-regulatory organization; cooperate voluntarily with, or respond to any inquiry from, or provide testimony before any self-regulatory
organization or any other federal, state or local regulatory or law enforcement authority; make reports or disclose to law enforcement or a
regulatory authority without prior notice to, or authorization from, Morningstar; and respond truthfully to a valid subpoena directed to you
personally. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in making any such disclosures or communications, you must take all reasonable precautions to
prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Morningstar confidential information to any parties other than
the relevant government agencies.
31. Morningstar Ethics Hotline Contact Numbers
| Australia |
1 800 551 155 (OPTUS)
1 800 881 011 (TELSTRA)
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
Netherlands |
0 800 022 9111
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Brazil |
0 800 890 0288
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
New Zealand |
000 911
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
| Brazil (mobile) |
0 800 888 8288
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
Norway |
800 190 11
800 199 11 (U.S. Military Bases)
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Canada |
800 555 8316 |
Poland |
0 0 800 111 1111
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Chile |
800 800 288 (Claro)
800-800-288 (Telefonica)
800-360-311 (ENTEL)
800-360-312 (ENTEL)
800-360-311 (Easter Island via ENTEL)
800-800-312 (Easter Island)
then enter: 800 555 8316
|
Romania |
0808-03-4288
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| China |
4008811462
|
Singapore |
800 011 1111 (SingTel)
800 001 0001 (StarHub)
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Denmark |
800 100 10
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
South Africa |
0 800 99 0123
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| France |
0 800 99 0011 (France Telecom)
0-800-99-0111 (Paris Only)
0-800-99-1011
0-800-99-1111
0-800-99-1211
0805 701 288 (Telecom Development)
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
South Korea |
00 729 11 (KT)
00 309 11 (Sejong Telecom)
00 369 11 (LGU+)
550 2872 (U.S. Military Bases-Sejong Telecom)
550 4663 (U.S. Military Bases- KT)
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Germany |
0 800 225 5288
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
Spain |
900 99 0011
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
| Hong Kong |
800 93 2266
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
Sweden |
020 799 111
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| India |
000 117
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
Switzerland |
0 800 89 0011
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Italy |
800 172 444
then enter: 800-555-831633 626 1539
|
Taiwan |
00 801 102 880
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Japan |
00531 11 0170
0034-800-60032
0066-33-830403
|
Thailand |
1 800 0001 33
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
| Luxembourg |
800 201 11
then enter: 800 555 8316
|
UAE |
8000 21
8000 555 66 (du)
8000 061 (Military-USO and cellular)
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
| Mexico |
800-288-2872
800-112-2020
then enter: 800 555 8316 |
United Kingdom |
0 800 89 0011
then enter: 800-555-8316 |
| United States |
800 555 8316 |
32. Disciplinary Action
Subject to compliance with applicable law or regulation, Morningstar reserves the right to handle situations that violate this Code in accordance
with local disciplinary procedures. Potential penalties include terminating the employment of the person who commits the violation. Because
each situation is unique, disciplinary decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
33. Oversight of Code; Amendment and Waiver
This Code is reviewed on an annual basis by the Morningstar Board. Questions regarding the interpretation or application of this Code should be
referred to the Chief Legal Officer or Company Secretary.
This Code may be amended or modified only by the Board. A waiver of this Code for a principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer, or controller or directors may be made only by the Board or a Board committee acting on behalf of the Board and
will be promptly disclosed to the extent required by law. A waiver of this Code for all others may be made only by the Chief Legal Officer.
This Code is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. This Code does not supersede or replace the terms and conditions of any agreement
signed by you and Morningstar. If you believe the terms of this Code conflict with any such agreement, you should contact the Chief Legal Officer
for clarification. Morningstar reserves the right to modify, change, delete, suspend, or discontinue any part or parts of this Code of Ethics at any
time without prior notice as business, employment legislation, economic conditions, or other considerations dictate.
34. Acknowledgment
All employees, officers and directors must sign an acknowledgment, which may be done in the form of an electronic attestation, confirming that
they have read this Code and that they understand and agree to comply with its provisions. Failure to read this Code or sign an acknowledgment
form does not excuse any person from the terms of this Code.
35. Acknowledgement of Receipt and Review of the Code of Ethics
I have received a copy of Morningstar’s Code of Ethics, as amended and in effect on June 1, 2025, which I have read in its entirety, and understand
its contents. I agree to comply with this Code of Ethics and to raise any questions concerning the meaning of application of this Code of Ethics,
any Morningstar policies, or the legal or regulatory requirements applicable to my position with my People & Culture Business Partner or my
local Legal or Compliance representative.
I acknowledge that neither this certification nor this Code of Ethics is meant to vary or supersede the regular terms and conditions of my
employment by Morningstar or to constitute an employment contract.