DOW JONES FINANCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGE OFFICIAL

DOW JONES
FINANCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGE
OFFICIAL RULES
1.
SPONSOR: The Wall Street Journal, c/o Dow Jones & Company, Inc. 1211
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036.
2.
HOW TO ENTER: An Eligible Participant (as defined below) may enter the
challenge from 12:01 a.m. (Hong Kong Time) on March 18, 2015, through 11:59
p.m. (Hong Kong Time) on May 15, 2015 (the “Entry Period”), by accessing the
challenge website at www.wsj.com/financialinclusion (the “Challenge Website”).
Follow the onscreen directions to submit all requested information by uploading
your application materials to https://www.wetransfer.com/ and entering
[email protected] as the recipient email address. Once the upload is
complete, send a separate confirmation email to the same address. Please mark
clearly in the subject line of your email and the message box of your
wetransfer.com submission:: “TFIC Application.” Information you will be asked to
submit includes without limitation: (a) the name and contact information of the
individual submitting the entry on behalf of the Eligible Participant (the
“Authorized Individual”); (b) all materials requested through the entry process
on the Challenge Website, including a video (the “Video”) and supporting
materials (the “Supporting Materials“ and together with the Video, the “Entry
Materials”) demonstrating the Eligible Participant’s innovative, sustainable,
scalable and impactful strategies that are helping to increase access to financial
programs, products and services to individuals who have not had access to such
programs, products and services historically, and addressing the judging criteria
set forth in Rule #4 below. NOTE: The Eligible Participant, not the individual
submitting the entry on its behalf, is deemed to be the entrant in the competition
(an “Entrant”). Follow all instructions on the Challenge Website with respect to
the form and substance of Entry Materials. By submitting its entry on the
Challenge Website, the Authorized Individual acknowledges, on behalf of the
Entrant, that he or she has read and that he or she and the Entrant has complied
with and agrees to be bound by the Official Rules. All entries will be deemed
final and can not be changed once submitted.
Submission of an entry grants Sponsor and its agents the right to publish,
use, adapt, edit and/or modify such entry, including any Entry Materials, in
any way, in any and all media, without limitation, and without consideration
to the Entrant or any other party, whether or not such submission is
selected as a winning entry. By entering, Entrants and the Authorized
Individuals acknowledge that submissions may be available to the public,
that no privacy to ideas, entry materials or other information submitted is
guaranteed and that Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any
infringement thereto and each Entrant shall indemnify Sponsor for any
such infringement. Sponsor shall not be required to use or publish any
Entry Materials, in its sole discretion. Entry Materials must be in English and
must be suitable for presentation in a public forum, in the sole determination of
judges and/or Sponsor. Foreign languages that appear in Videos should be
subtitled into English. All Entry Materials should be clear and concise. Entrants
should limit their Video to approximately two minutes or less and should limit their
Supporting Materials to 20 MB or less. All Entry Materials submitted become
the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. One entry per Eligible
Participant.
3.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES: The Entrant hereby represents,
warrants and agrees that:
a. these Official Rules shall be legally binding on the Entrant;
b. the Entrant meets all of the eligibility requirements set forth in these
Official Rules;
c. the Entrant has all necessary and appropriate authority to: (1) enter this
competition and submit all Entry Materials on behalf of the Entrant, and (2)
grant to the Sponsor the rights with respect to such materials as are set
forth in these Official Rules;
d. the Entrant is the sole owner of the Entry Materials;
e. Entry Materials will contain no matter that is obscene, libelous, unlawful in
content or that violates the rights of any third party, including without
limitation the copyrights of any third party;
f. Neither Entrant, nor any of its affiliates, employees, officers or directors is
affiliated in any way with Sponsor, the Foundation (as defined in Rule # 7
below) or any of the Judges (as defined below) (including by family
relationship or membership in the same household) and such Entrant will
disclose immediately to Sponsor if Entrant becomes so affiliated or agrees
or takes any steps to become so affiliated at any time prior to date on
which the Winner is announced.
Entrant agrees to indemnify and hold Sponsor, the Foundation and their affiliates
and their employees, officers and directors harmless from and against any
claims, loss, damage and/or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees)
arising out of the breach of any of the representations and warranties made in
these Official Rules. Further, breach of any representation or warranty or
agreement contained in these Official Rules shall be grounds for disqualification,
in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
4.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Open to any Eligible Participant. An “Eligible Participant” is
any non-profit or for-profit organization headquartered throughout the world that
provides financial services focused on the Region (as defined below) and has
some intent on creating social impact in the Region, as evidenced by such
Eligible Participant’s Entry Materials and who meets the other eligibility
requirements set forth in these Official Rules. “Region” shall mean the AsiaPacific region, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei,
Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan,
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam.
The Authorized Individual who submits an entry on behalf of an Eligible
Participant must be 18 or older and must have the right, on behalf of the Eligible
Participant, to submit the entry materials in connection with this competition and
grant the Sponsor the rights in those materials as described in these Official
Rules.
Employees of Dow Jones & Company, The Foundation, or any of the Judges (as
defined below), or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion
agencies, directors, trustees, agents, suppliers and the immediate family
members and/or those living in the same household of each (including immediate
family members or those living in the same household of any of the Judges) are
not eligible.
All Eligible Participants must agree to a background investigation if requested or
notified by Sponsor and must submit all materials requested by Sponsor in
connection with such background investigation. Any Entrant who refuses such
investigation or fails to submit requested materials, who has been (or whose
employees, officers or directors have been) convicted of a serious crime (as
determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion), or if information discovered during
the background investigation is deemed to be potentially harmful to the image of
the Sponsor (as deemed by Sponsor in its sole discretion), will be disqualified
and an alternate will be selected, time permitting. This competition is void
where prohibited by law.
5.
JUDGING CRITERIA: The goal of the Challenge is to recognize innovative,
sustainable, scalable and impactful strategies that are helping to increase access
to financial programs, products and services to individuals who have not had
access to such programs, products and services historically. The judging process
will evaluate Entry Materials on the basis of whether the Entrants have had a
meaningful impact in the financial inclusion arena in the Region based on the
innovation and sustainability of the applicants' financial services. Selection of the
Finalists and Winner will be based on the ability to demonstrate in a clear and
concise manner:
a. the Eligible Participant’s innovative, sustainable, scalable and impactful
strategies that are helping to increase access to financial programs,
products and services to individuals who have not had access to such
programs, products and services historically.
b. What was unique, unusual or special about such strategies (for example,
are they a clear improvement over what already existed, do they enhance
efficiency or productivity, do they break with how business is traditionally
done, etc.).
c. How these strategies directly led to some significant milestones or
achievements.
d. Judges may also consider whether or not the Entry Materials demonstrate
an ability to have an impact not just in the Region but in other regions of
the world seeking financial inclusion solutions.
e. In the selection of Finalists and the Winner, Judges may also consider
diversity of ideas or categories of services or financial solutions, as well as
geographical diversity
6.
JUDGING PHASES:
Phase #1 Technical Eligibility: All entries received during the Entry Period will be
reviewed for technical eligibility. All technically eligible entries will be sorted into
judging packages, including categories, by WSJ editors and proceed to Phase
#2. The judging categories are as follows: Technology; Education; and
Operational Effectiveness. Final category designations will be solely within the
Judges’ (defined below) discretion. Technically eligible entries may be displayed,
in whole or in part, on a searchable web page that may allow public voting and
comments.
Phase #2 Finalist Selection (from May 22 through June 7): A panel of
independent, nongovernmental judges selected by The Wall Street Journal
editors (the “Judges”) will score the technically eligible entries by category on a
scale of 1-12. During this phase, it is anticipated that approximately two (2)
Entrants (the “Finalists”) will be selected from each of the judging categories
listed in Phase #1 (for a total of 6 Finalists), in accordance with the judging
criteria listed in Rule #5, by the Judges. The actual number of Finalists selected
is solely within the Judges’ discretion. In the event that the Judges deem that
fewer than 2 entries in any category (or that no entries in that category) merit
selection, the Judges reserve the right to select no Finalists in that category. A
list of the Judges, and further information about the Judges, can be found
on the Challenge Website. Finalists will be announced on or after June 15,
2015. The Finalists (i.e., the Authorized Individuals, on behalf of such Entrants)
will be required to: (1) sign and return an Authorization, Eligibility and
Release Agreement and/or any other requested documents to be received
within 5 days of receipt of the documentation for signature; (2) if requested by
Sponsor, in its sole discretion, cooperate in connection with any background
investigation requested by Sponsor, and (3) if requested by Sponsor, in its sole
discretion, participate in a telephone interview with Sponsor in order to confirm
eligibility or other details. The results of any such telephone interview, if any, will
become part of the Entrant’s competition Entry Materials and shall be subject to
the rights of Sponsor as set forth in these rules. Noncompliance within the
specified time periods may result in disqualification and an alternate may be
selected, time permitting. Return of any notification as undeliverable may result
in disqualification and an alternate may be selected, time permitting.
Phase #3 Public Vote (from June 17, 2015 through June 26, 2015): During this
phase, the public will be asked to select one “People’s Choice Winner” from
among the Finalists, who will each be profiled on wsj.com.
7.
Phase #4 Winners Announcement: It is anticipated that the Judges will select
three category winners (one from each category) from among the Finalists (the
“Category Winners”) and that from the Category Winners the Judges will select
one overall Challenge Winner (the “Challenge Winner”). However, as in Phase
#2, the number of Category Winners selected is solely within the Judges’
discretion and in the event that the Judges deem that no Finalist merits selection
as a Category Winner, the Judges reserve the right to select no Category
Winners. The Challenge Winner, Category Winners and People’s Choice Winner
(if any) will be announced on or after June 30, 2015.
PRIZES AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES: One senior representative
(age 18 or over) from each Category winner (including the Challenge Winner), if
any, as well as the People’s Choice Winner will be invited to attend a challenge
awards ceremony, which is expected to occur in Hong Kong. Sponsor may, in its
sole discretion, pay reasonable airfare and lodging costs (“Covered Travel
Costs”), which must be arranged with Sponsor prior to travel. Sponsor will
provide details to Category Winners and People’s Choice Winner for how to
arrange travel, if applicable. Only travel and lodging arranged with and
approved by Sponsor in advance will be covered, and Sponsor reserves the right
to place any reasonable limitations and restrictions thereon, or to decline to cover
any travel or lodging costs, at its sole discretion. No refund or compensation will
be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any flight or accommodation.
Travel and accommodations are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
these Official Rules, and those established by airline carrier and hotel. All
expenses and incidental travel costs not expressly stated in above, including but
not limited to, ground transportation, car rental, meals, entertainment, incidentals,
passenger tariffs or duties, surcharges, airport fees, travel visas, passport fees,
service charges or facility charges, personal charges at lodging, security fees,
taxes or other expenses are the responsibility solely of winner. Travel
restrictions, conditions and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any
lost, mutilated, or stolen tickets, travel vouchers or certificates. The value of
Covered Travel Costs may vary, depending on distance of travel, city of origin,
air carrier, and other factors. ALL TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECEIPT
OF COVERED TRAVEL COSTS ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
WINNER.
Sponsor intends to feature all Finalists, including the People’s Choice Winner,
Category Winners and Challenge Winner, on the Contest Website and in any
other publication (print, digital or otherwise) of Sponsor or its affiliates; provided
that Sponsor may, in its sole editorial discretion, determine not to feature some,
any or all of such Entrants. The media features listed above may include any
details or information about such Entrants and their entries as Sponsor deems
appropriate in its sole discretion. There is no retail value associated with these
media features.
The MetLife Foundation (the “Foundation”) may, but is not required to, offer
grants to one or more Finalists (which may include the Winner) who meet the
Foundation’s legal requirements for grants. Sponsor cannot guarantee any such
grant. The grant process for any such grant shall be administered and controlled
solely by the Foundation and the Foundation shall be solely responsible for such
process and/or grant.
8.
GENERAL RULES: All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. All
federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of prize recipients. By
entering the challenge, Entrants grant permission to the Sponsor and its
agencies to use submitted entries as they see fit, including usage in news
features, advertising and promotional materials. Sponsor reserves the right to
modify, adapt or reproduce submitted Entry Materials in full, at their discretion.
The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any entry which
does not comply with the requirements of these Official Rules. Sponsor is not
responsible for lost, late, corrupted, mutilated, misdirected entries, or entries not
received in time for judging. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize of
equal or greater value. No substitution or transfer of prize by winner permitted.
In the event Sponsor is prevented from continuing with the competition or the
integrity and/or feasibility of the competition is severely undermined by any event
beyond Sponsor’s control, including but not limited to fire, flood, epidemic,
earthquake, explosion, labor dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy,
satellite or equipment failure, riot or civil disturbance, war (declared or
undeclared), terrorist threat or activity, or any federal, state or local government
law, order, or regulation, order of any court or jurisdiction, or other cause not
reasonably within Sponsor’s control (each a “Force Majeure” event or
occurrence), Sponsor shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to abbreviate,
modify, suspend, cancel or terminate the challenge without any further obligation.
If Sponsor, in its discretion, elects to abbreviate the challenge or any judging
periods as a result of a Force Majeure event, Sponsor reserves the right, but not
the obligation, to award the prizes from among all valid and eligible entries
received up to the time of such Force Majeure event, providing a sufficient
number of entries are received. In no event will more prizes be awarded than
stated in these Official Rules. Participation in this competition constitutes
permission to the Sponsor, its promotional partners and agencies to use winner's
name, likeness and competition entry for purposes of advertising and trade
without compensation, unless prohibited by law. By entering this competition, or
accepting any prize, Entrants agree to hold Sponsor, its promotional partners
(including the Foundation) and agencies and their respective directors, officers,
employees and assigns, harmless against any and all claims and liability arising
out of its participation in this competition or the use of any prize. Each Entrant
assumes all liability for any injury or damage caused, or claimed to be caused, by
such Entrant’s participation in this competition or use or redemption of any prize.
By participating in this competition, Entrants agree to be bound by the Official
Rules and the decisions of the judges, which are final regarding all aspects of
this competition. Sponsors reserve the right in their sole discretion to substitute
any judge in any judging phase for a qualified alternate judge. In the event there
is a discrepancy or inconsistency between disclosures or other statements
contained in any competition materials and the terms and conditions of the
Official Rules, the Official Rules shall prevail, govern and control. Sponsor not
responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing, the offering or the
announcement of any prize or in the administration of the competition.
9.
INTERNET CAUTION: Sponsor is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late,
illegible or misdirected mail/e-mail/data, or for any technical problems,
malfunctions of any telephone lines, computer systems, servers, providers,
hardware/software, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete,
garbled, corrupted or delayed computer transmission, or any combination
thereof. Sponsor is not responsible for any damage to any participant’s
computer system/software related to or resulting from participation or
downloading any materials in this competition. In the event of a dispute
regarding any entry, the entry will be deemed made by the authorized account
holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry (i.e., the natural
person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail
addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address) (or the
Eligible Participant for whom such individual is submitting, if applicable).
Potential winners (or Authorized Individuals acting on their behalf) may be
required to provide Sponsor with proof that he/she is the authorized account
holder of the e-mail address associated with the winning entry. Sponsor
reserves the right to prohibit the participation of any participant if fraud or
tampering is suspected, or if the participant fails to comply with any requirement
of participation as stated herein or with any provision in the Official Rules.
Sponsor reserves the right to prohibit the participation of any participant if fraud
or tampering is suspected, or if the participant fails to comply with any
requirement of participation as stated herein or with any provision in these
Official Rules. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO
DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE
LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS CHALLENGE IS A VIOLATION OF
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE,
SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH
INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Sponsor
assumes no responsibility for undeliverable e-mails resulting from any form of
active or passive e-mail filtering by a user's internet service provider and/or email client or for insufficient space in user’s email account to receive e-mail. If,
for any reason, the competition cannot be conducted as planned by reason of
infection by computer virus, unauthorized intervention, technical failures, or any
other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which, in the sole opinion of the
Sponsor, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper
conduct of this competition, the Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to
cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition. In the event of
termination, a notice will be posted on the competition website and all eligible
entries collected prior to the time of termination will be included in the competition
to judge and award prizes, providing a sufficient number of entries are received.
Sponsor reserves the right to modify the competition or disqualify Entrant if fraud,
misconduct or technical failures destroy the integrity of the competition as
determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. Proof of submitting entries will not
be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor. Any use of robotic, automatic,
programmed or the like methods of participation will void all such submissions by
such methods.