Corporate Code of Ethics
The Principal Financial Group® adopted its Corporate Code of Ethics in 1995, which deters wrongdoing by promoting:
The Code applies to directors, officers and employees of all companies of the Principal Financial Group throughout the world, which includes all financial personnel and the senior financial officers, the principal executive officer and principal accounting officer/controller. Additionally, we expect non-employees who are representing us to follow similar high ethical business practice standards. Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from taking personal advantage of opportunities that are discovered through the use of corporate property, information or position; using corporate property, information or position for personal gain; and competing with the Company. The companies of the Principal Financial Group will comply with all applicable laws in transactions with employees, officers and directors, companies with which directors are associated, and family members of employees, officers and directors. Employees, officers, directors or the family members of employees, officers and directors shall not receive any improper personal benefit by virtue of the position of the employee, officer or director with a company of the Principal Financial Group. Generally, any direct or indirect interest in, connection with, or benefit from outside activities, which might in any way adversely affect any Company of the Principal Financial Group, involves a possible conflicts of interest situation. The Nominating and Governance Committee and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors share responsibilities for monitoring and determining the response to all possible conflicts of interest situations by directors and executive officers. The Company Conflicts Committee is responsible for monitoring and determining the response to all possible conflicts of interest situations by officers, employees and agents as well as the enforcement of legal requirements. Any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict should be reported immediately to the Company Conflicts Committee. Employees, officers and directors are responsible for compliance with Company policies and regulatory requirements regarding the protection, collection, use or release of certain information. We must balance the privacy interests of our employees and customers with our legitimate business needs for confidential information. Employees, officers and directors are expected to deal fairly with the Company's customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. No one should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice. Employees, officers and directors should protect the Company's assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability. All Company assets should be used for legitimate business purposes. We proactively promote compliance with laws, rules and regulations, including insider trading laws. Insider trading is both unethical and illegal and will be dealt with decisively. We do not tolerate, and take aggressive action against, unethical conduct or fraud whether perpetrated by employees, customers, vendors, those who sell our products, or others. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees investigation and response to concerns, independent of Company management. We proactively promote ethical behavior and all employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation. Employees, officers and directors are expected to report suspected violations of laws, rules, regulations or the Code to the Chief Compliance Officer, Company Special Investigation Units, or the Company Conflicts Committee using reporting methods available via the Company's website. The Company does not allow retaliation for reports made in good faith. Some companies of the Principal Financial Group have additional formally-adopted policies and Codes of Ethics regarding potential conflict of interest or other situations that might arise in connection with their particular business activities. Pursuant to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) requirement, Principal Life Insurance Company maintains a specific procedure to disclose to its board of directors any material interest or affiliation on the part of any of its officers, directors or designated responsible employees which is in or is likely to conflict with the official duties of such person. Registered broker-dealers, principals, and representatives must conduct business in accordance with statutory requirements and in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules and regulations. The FINRA Conduct Rules impose numerous limitations on broker-dealers and representatives relating to supervision, disclosure, suitability, advertising, and training. Report Unethical or Fraudulent Activity. |
