Cookie Policy

Last updated: November 22, 2024

Introduction to Cookies

This Cookie Policy explains how HSB Hub ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our asset management education platform and related websites (collectively, the "Services"). This policy provides detailed information about what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we deploy, and your choices regarding cookie usage.

By continuing to use our Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of cookies as described herein. If you do not agree with our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings or discontinue use of our Services.

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies to enhance your learning experience.

What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device) when you visit our website. These files contain information that is transferred to your device's hard drive and allow our website to recognize your device and remember certain information about your preferences or past actions.

Types of Storage Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies, including:

  • Local Storage: HTML5 local storage that allows websites to store data locally within your browser
  • Session Storage: Temporary storage that exists only for the duration of your browsing session
  • Web Beacons: Small graphic images that help us analyze website usage and email effectiveness
  • Pixel Tags: Tiny images embedded in web pages and emails to track user behavior
  • Flash Cookies: Local shared objects stored by Adobe Flash Player
  • Browser Fingerprinting: Techniques that collect information about your browser configuration

Cookie Categories by Duration

  • Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period or until manually deleted

Cookie Categories by Origin

  • First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by our website domain
  • Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services and partners we work with

Types of Cookies We Use

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms. Without these cookies, some parts of our Services may not work properly.

  • Authentication and login session management
  • Security and fraud prevention measures
  • Load balancing and website performance optimization
  • Form submission and data processing
  • Shopping cart and transaction processing
  • Accessibility features and user interface preferences
  • GDPR consent management and privacy settings

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This data helps us improve our platform's performance, identify popular content, and optimize user experience.

  • Website traffic analysis and user behavior tracking
  • Page load times and technical performance monitoring
  • Error tracking and debugging information
  • A/B testing and feature optimization
  • Heat mapping and user interaction analysis
  • Conversion tracking and goal completion measurement
  • Search functionality and content discovery patterns
  • Mobile app performance and usage analytics

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization features. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have integrated into our platform. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

  • Language preferences and localization settings
  • Learning progress tracking and course completion status
  • Personalized content recommendations and suggestions
  • User interface customization and display preferences
  • Saved searches and bookmarked content
  • Social media integration and sharing capabilities
  • Live chat and customer support functionality
  • Video player settings and playback preferences
  • Notification preferences and communication settings

Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

  • Targeted advertising based on browsing behavior and interests
  • Retargeting campaigns for users who have visited our website
  • Cross-device tracking for consistent advertising experiences
  • Advertising campaign performance measurement and optimization
  • Affiliate marketing tracking and commission attribution
  • Social media advertising integration and audience building

How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for various purposes to enhance your experience on our educational platform:

Essential Platform Operations

  • Maintaining your login session and user authentication status
  • Remembering your course progress and learning achievements
  • Storing your preferences for language, timezone, and display settings
  • Enabling secure access to protected educational content
  • Processing payments and managing subscription services
  • Preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring platform security
  • Managing user permissions and access control

Learning Experience Enhancement

  • Personalizing content recommendations based on your learning history
  • Tracking completion of modules, assessments, and certification requirements
  • Providing adaptive learning paths tailored to your progress
  • Remembering your position in video lectures and interactive content
  • Enabling collaborative features like discussion forums and peer interactions
  • Facilitating seamless navigation between different learning modules

Platform Analytics and Improvement

  • Analyzing user engagement patterns to improve course content
  • Monitoring platform performance and identifying technical issues
  • Understanding which educational resources are most effective
  • Measuring completion rates and learning outcome success
  • Optimizing website speed and responsiveness across devices
  • Identifying popular features and areas for platform enhancement

Communication and Support

  • Delivering relevant notifications about course updates and new content
  • Providing personalized customer support and technical assistance
  • Enabling live chat functionality and help desk services
  • Customizing email communications based on your interests and activity

Third-Party Cookies and Services

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may place cookies on your device to help us deliver and improve our Services. These partners are carefully selected and are required to maintain appropriate data protection standards.

Analytics and Performance Services

We use third-party analytics services to better understand how our platform is used and to identify opportunities for improvement:

  • Google Analytics: Provides detailed insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and content performance
  • Hotjar: Offers heat mapping and user session recording to understand user interactions
  • Mixpanel: Tracks user events and engagement patterns for product optimization
  • New Relic: Monitors application performance and identifies technical issues

Educational Technology Partners

We integrate with specialized educational technology providers to enhance our learning platform:

  • Video Hosting Services: For delivering high-quality educational video content
  • Assessment Platforms: For creating and managing quizzes, tests, and evaluations
  • Learning Management Systems: For tracking progress and managing educational workflows
  • Collaboration Tools: For enabling peer discussions and group learning activities

Communication and Support Services

  • Email Marketing Platforms: For delivering educational newsletters and course updates
  • Customer Support Tools: For providing help desk and live chat functionality
  • Survey and Feedback Platforms: For collecting user feedback and course evaluations

Payment and Security Services

  • Payment Processors: For secure handling of subscription and course payments
  • Fraud Prevention Services: For detecting and preventing fraudulent activities
  • Security Monitoring: For protecting against cyber threats and unauthorized access

Important Note: Third-party cookies are governed by the respective privacy policies of these service providers. We encourage you to review their privacy policies to understand how they collect and use your information.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser-Based Cookie Controls

Most web browsers provide built-in tools for managing cookies. You can typically:

  • View all cookies stored on your device and their details
  • Delete existing cookies individually or in bulk
  • Block cookies from being set by specific websites or all websites
  • Set preferences for accepting or rejecting different types of cookies
  • Configure automatic deletion of cookies when you close your browser
  • Receive notifications when websites attempt to set cookies

Browser-Specific Instructions

Here's how to manage cookies in popular web browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
  • Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced

Mobile Device Cookie Management

For mobile devices, cookie management options may be found in:

  • iOS Safari: Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security
  • Android Chrome: Chrome app > Settings > Site settings > Cookies
  • Mobile Apps: Check individual app privacy settings and preferences

Third-Party Opt-Out Tools

You can also use industry-standard opt-out tools:

  • Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): Opt-out of interest-based advertising
  • Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): Consumer choice tools for online advertising
  • European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA): Your Online Choices platform
  • Google Ad Settings: Control personalized advertising across Google services

Impact of Disabling Cookies

Please note that disabling certain cookies may significantly affect your experience on our platform:

  • Essential Cookies: Disabling these may prevent core platform functionality
  • Functional Cookies: You may lose personalization features and saved preferences
  • Analytics Cookies: We may not be able to improve our services based on usage data
  • Marketing Cookies: You may see less relevant advertisements and promotional content

Cookie Consent and Legal Compliance

Consent Management

We are committed to obtaining appropriate consent for our use of cookies in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. Our consent management approach includes:

  • Clear and prominent cookie consent notices when you first visit our website
  • Granular consent options allowing you to choose which types of cookies to accept
  • Easy-to-access tools for withdrawing or modifying your consent at any time
  • Regular review and updates of our consent mechanisms
  • Documentation of consent decisions for compliance purposes

Legal Basis for Cookie Use

We use cookies based on the following legal grounds:

  • Legitimate Interest: For essential platform operations and security
  • Consent: For analytics, marketing, and non-essential functionality
  • Contract Performance: For providing services you have requested
  • Legal Obligation: For compliance with applicable laws and regulations

International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside your country of residence. When cookies facilitate international data transfers, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

  • Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant data protection authorities
  • Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent levels of data protection
  • Certification schemes and binding corporate rules

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our cookie usage, technology developments, legal requirements, or business practices. When we make material changes to this policy, we will:

  • Post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
  • Notify you through prominent notices on our platform or via email
  • Provide reasonable advance notice of significant changes when possible
  • Obtain fresh consent where required by applicable law
  • Maintain previous versions of the policy for reference

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies. Your continued use of our Services after any changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Us About Cookies

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, this Cookie Policy, or wish to exercise your rights regarding cookie usage, please contact us:

Phone: +44 203 149 2673

Email: info@hsbhub.com

Address: 45 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4JY, UK

We are committed to addressing your questions and concerns about cookies promptly and will work with you to resolve any issues related to our cookie usage practices.