For 17th time, Aflac named a World's Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere

Staff Report

Wednesday, March 15th, 2023

 Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S., is once again recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. This is the 17th consecutive year that Aflac has appeared on this prestigious list, making it the only insurance company in the world to appear every year since the inception of the award in 2007. In 2023, 135 honorees were recognized, spanning 19 countries and 46 industries.

"As a company, we do not sell a tangible product; we sell a promise to be there when our policyholders need us most. This recognition is especially important for us, as a company that not only cares deeply about customers, but the way we serve them," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "This honor, for a remarkable 17 consecutive years, provides confirmation of our consistent efforts to operate with integrity, not only because it makes good business sense, but because it is simply the right thing to do."

Aflac maintains robust governance that includes a commitment to integrity in doing business and a strong sense of corporate social responsibility that focuses on matters that are core to the Company. Aflac's CareGrants program, for example, provides needed assistance to individuals and organizations facing difficult times as a result of the gaps that exists between health care costs and what health insurance covers. In addition, Aflac supports children with cancer and sickle cell disease through its award-winning My Special Aflac Duck® initiative.

Aflac also recently published its second Sustainability Bond Report two years after issuing its first sustainability bond on March 8, 2021. The report details how $397 million, which represents 100% of the net proceeds, has been allocated to four Eligible Categories under Aflac Incorporated's Sustainability Bond Framework: Communities, Green Buildings, Renewable Energy and Socioeconomic Advancement and Empowerment.

"In today's ecosystem, all businesses, large and small, are analyzed for not only the products and services they offer, but for who they are and what they represent," said Aflac Incorporated President and Chief Operating Officer Frederick J. Crawford. "Call it ESG or CSR, but we have an obligation to be strong stewards of our environment, a good neighbor in the community, and reliable leaders who demonstrate honor and integrity across the business. But CSR and ESG aren't just the responsibility of a committee or an executive, it is part of our DNA shared by the entire company. We are honored that Ethisphere has recognized our efforts to do what is right."

"Ethics matter. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance," said Ethisphere CEO Erica Salmon Byrne. "We continue to be inspired by the World's Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Aflac for earning a place in the World's Most Ethical Companies community."