March 24, 2014 – The Ethisphere Institute, an independent center of research promoting best practices in corporate ethics and compliance, announced the 2014 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Included on the list from the property and casualty insurance industry are The Hartford and Sompo Japan, Swiss Re (the only reinsurer named on the list) and Arthur J. Gallagher (the only brokerage).

The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient framework, which collects a comprehensive sampling of definitive date in core competencies. Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (which makes up 25% of the company’s score), reputation, leadership and innovation (20%), governance (10%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (25%), and culture of ethics (20%).  

According to Ethisphere, the World’s Most Ethical Company honorees lead their industries in compliance, corporate governance and social responsibility, and effectively align ethical business practices with performance and shape future industry ethical business standards.  

“In today’s complex global economy, it can be increasingly challenging for companies to meet performance expectations, while addressing the varying regulatory, compliance, and sustainability needs across geographies and cultures,” says Timothy Erblich, CEO of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s honorees understand that outstanding compliance programs, investment in a corporate culture of integrity, and sound business ethics have key roles in attracting and retaining talent, expanding business globally and driving financial performance.”  

This year’s 144 honorees represent 41 industries. In its eighth year of recognizing companies, Ethisphere is honoring the largest group of organizations based outside the U.S.—38 organizations from 21 countries and five continents.