COLUMBUS, Ga., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac today was named to the Ethisphere Institute's annual list of World's Most Ethical Companies. This marks the third consecutive year Aflac has been included on the prestigious list.

"At Aflac we place a strong emphasis on treating our customers, colleagues, shareholders and the public with honesty and respect," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "Landing on the World's Most Ethical Companies list for the third consecutive year validates our culture of transparency. It is a tremendous honor for everyone at Aflac."

The Ethisphere Institute announced its annual selection of the World's Most Ethical Companies to recognize organizations that promote ethical business standards and practices by going beyond legal minimums, and introducing innovative ideas benefiting the public and forcing their competitors to follow suit. Through a rigorous, multistep evaluation process, Ethisphere's researchers and analysts reviewed more than 10,000 companies to determine the finalists.

"Aflac has proven to be one of the world leaders in upholding high ethical standards, making it a true standout in its industry, especially as unethical business actions and decisions grab headlines each day," said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. "The competition for this year's World's Most Ethical Companies list was very strong and we applaud Aflac for rising to the top. Aflac recognizes that being ethical is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good business practice and leads to more successful and profitable operations."

About Aflac

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included on Fortune magazine's list of America's Most Admired Companies for seven years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for ten consecutive years. Aflac has also been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine's list of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

About Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anticorruption and sustainability. The Institute's associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes more than 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking(TM), is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at ethisphere.org.

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