Privacy Policy

Introduction

designguild GmbH (Registration Number: 73928461) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website or use our financial advisory services.

As a financial advisory firm operating in Austria, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Austrian data protection laws, and other applicable privacy regulations. We act as the data controller for the personal information we collect about you.

Data We Collect

The data we collect depends on how you interact with designguild and our services. We may collect the following types of personal information:

Personal Information

• Name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Date of birth and identification documents
• Employment information and income details
• Financial information including assets, liabilities, and investment history
• Tax identification numbers and residency status
• Investment objectives and risk tolerance

Technical Information

• IP address and browser information
• Device information and operating system
• Website usage data and analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

Communication Data

• Records of correspondence and communications
• Meeting notes and consultation records
• Feedback and survey responses

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for legitimate business purposes related to providing financial advisory services. Specifically, how we use your information includes the following purposes:

• Providing financial advisory and consulting services
• Assessing your financial situation and investment needs
• Developing personalised financial strategies and recommendations
• Managing client relationships and providing ongoing support
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Processing payments and managing financial transactions
• Communicating with you about our services and updates
• Improving our website and services through analytics
• Protecting against fraud and maintaining security
• Marketing our services (with your consent where required)

Our legal basis for processing your personal data includes contract performance, legal obligations, legitimate interests, and your consent where applicable.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal obligations or regulatory requirements
• With professional service providers (lawyers, accountants, auditors) bound by confidentiality
• With technology service providers who assist in website operation (under strict data processing agreements)
• In connection with business transfers (mergers, acquisitions) with appropriate safeguards
• To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients

All third parties who have access to your information are required to maintain appropriate security measures and use your data only for specified purposes.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Our data retention practices include:

• Client records: Retained for 7 years after the end of the client relationship, as required by Austrian financial regulations
• Financial transaction records: Retained for 7 years as required by law
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website analytics: Typically 26 months, in line with cookie retention periods
• Legal documents: Retained as long as legally required

When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it in accordance with our data destruction policies.

Your Rights

Under GDPR and Austrian data protection law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right of Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organisation
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided below. We will respond to your request within one month, though this may be extended in complex cases.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Austrian Data Protection Authority (Datenschutzbehörde) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Staff training on data protection and security
• Secure backup and recovery procedures
• Physical security measures for office premises

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining industry-standard protection measures.

International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily processed within the European Union. If we transfer your data outside the EU, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• European Commission adequacy decisions
• Standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission
• Binding corporate rules for multinational organisations
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyse website usage. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "last updated" date
• Sending you an email notification if you are an existing client
• Providing notice through other communication channels as appropriate

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data protection rights, or need to contact us regarding your personal information, please reach out to us:

For general enquiries, you may also contact us at contact@designguild.pro. We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.