Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Charles Stanley Direct ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website and users of our services. This Privacy Policy describes the categories of personal data we may collect, the purposes for which we process that data, the legal bases we rely on, and the rights available to individuals under applicable data protection law, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR/DSGVO). Terms used but not defined here have the meaning given in our Terms of Service.

2. Data Controller

For the purposes of applicable data protection law, Charles Stanley Direct acts as the data controller in respect of personal data processed through this website and our related services. Specific contact details for data protection inquiries are provided on our Contact page.

3. Categories of Personal Data We Collect

Depending on how you interact with Charles Stanley Direct, we may collect the following categories of information:

• 01Identification data — such as name, email address, and account credentials provided when you register for or request access to our services.
• 02Contact data — information submitted through contact or inquiry forms, including any correspondence with our team.
• 03Technical data — IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, and general usage patterns collected automatically when you access our website.
• 04Usage data — pages visited, time spent on pages, referral sources, and interactions with content, collected through standard analytics mechanisms.
• 05Service-related data — information generated through your use of our platform, where applicable, such as configuration preferences or activity logs.

4. How We Collect Personal Data

We collect personal data directly from you when you fill out forms, request access, or correspond with us. We also collect data automatically through cookies and similar technologies when you browse our website, as described in Section 9 below. In some cases, we may receive limited data from third parties, such as service providers that help us operate our website or deliver our services.

5. Purposes and Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal data only where we have a valid legal basis to do so. Depending on the context, this may include:

• 01Performance of a contract — to provide access to our services, respond to inquiries, and manage any contractual relationship with you.
• 02Legitimate interests — to maintain the security and functionality of our website, improve our services, and communicate with prospective clients, provided these interests are balanced against your rights.
• 03Consent — where required, for example in relation to certain cookies or marketing communications, which you may withdraw at any time.
• 04Legal obligation — to comply with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, or requests from competent authorities.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, including any legal, accounting, or reporting obligations. Retention periods vary according to the type of data and the purpose of processing; where data is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Disclosure of Personal Data

We do not sell personal data. We may share personal data with the following categories of recipients, subject to appropriate safeguards:

• 01Service providers — vendors engaged to support hosting, analytics, communication, or administrative functions, acting under contractual data protection obligations.
• 02Regulatory and legal authorities — where disclosure is required to comply with applicable law, regulation, or legal process.
• 03Corporate transactions — in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to continued protection of personal data under this Policy or an equivalent standard.

8. International Data Transfers

Where personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area, we take steps to ensure an adequate level of protection, such as relying on the European Commission's adequacy decisions or implementing appropriate contractual safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses, where applicable.

9. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support core functionality, remember preferences, and understand how visitors interact with our content. Where required by law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings; please note that doing so may affect certain website features.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted to or stored on our systems.

11. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

• 01Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• 02Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• 03Request erasure of personal data, subject to certain exceptions.
• 04Object to or request restriction of certain processing activities.
• 05Request portability of personal data you have provided to us.
• 06Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent.
• 07Lodge a complaint with a competent data protection supervisory authority.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided on our Contact page. We may need to verify your identity before responding to a request.

12. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties, and we encourage you to review their respective privacy policies before providing any personal data.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page, and material changes may be communicated through additional notice where appropriate. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out through the contact information provided on our Contact page. We will endeavor to respond to legitimate inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.