U.S. Bank, Old National Make Most Ethical Companies List

U.S. Bank and Old National Bancorp were the only two American bank companies named to the Ethisphere Institute's 2015 World's Most Ethical Companies list.

U.S. Bank's and Old National's placement on the list by the ethics watchdog signifies their "superior achievement in transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance," according to a news release on Monday from Ethisphere. In total, the organization recognized 132 companies, including five banks worldwide.

Old National is a four-time honoree, while 2015 represents U.S. Bank's first appearance on the list.

"Maintaining transparency and ethical practices is something Old National holds in the highest regard," Bob Jones, Old National's president and CEO, said in a statement. "The fact that we have been recognized as a World's Most Ethical Company for four consecutive years is truly a testament to the hard work of our associates and their commitment to our company and the clients we serve."

Richard Davis, chairman and chief executive of U.S. Bancorp, said in a press release that "a strong commitment to ethical leadership and corporate behavior are the cornerstone of the U.S. Bank culture and purpose."

"We are proud to be bankers and to have the privilege to be trusted partners for our customers, communities and shareholders," Davis said.

The $403 billion-asset U.S. Bank in Minneapolis, is the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States, while $11.6 billion-asset Old National is the largest financial services holding company based in Indiana. Its headquarters is in Evansville.

Ethisphere's assessment is formed through the institute's Ethics Quotient framework, which scores companies based on the following categories: ethics and compliance, corporate citizenship and responsibility, culture of ethics, governance and leadership, innovation and reputation.

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