AEGON's Code of Conduct sets out the company's core values and its underlying principles of business practice.
It applies to all AEGON employees, excluding only those working for joint ventures where AEGON does not have full management control. AEGON's country units regularly provide training on the Code of Conduct and monitor compliance with provisions of the Code.
AEGON's Code of Conduct contains rules, regulations and guidelines in a number of areas, including:
- Preventing discrimination in the workplace
- Protecting free and open competition
- Ensuring the confidentiality of personal information supplied by employees, customers, business partners and shareholders
- Preventing employees from accepting bribes or seeking to gain unlawful advantage
- Detecting and stopping money laundering
- Respecting the environment and promoting greater environmental responsibility
- Ensuring clear, accurate and regular disclosure of financial and other information.
In 2008, AEGON updated its Code of Conduct to bring it into line with recent developments in world financial markets, as well as changes to regulations in the insurance industry and international accounting rules. Alongside the new Code, AEGON has also introduced a round-the-clock, multi-lingual 'Global Ethics Line', which enables employees worldwide to report in confidence any suspected violations of the Code.