The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG), one of the nation's largest diversified financial services companies, today announced that it was named to Ethisphere's second-annual World's Most Ethical Companies list. Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility named the award winners at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, "Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership," held yesterday in New York City.

"For nearly 200 years, The Hartford has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical leadership," said Tom Marra, president and chief operating officer of The Hartford. "The Hartford is honored to be recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as we continue to demonstrate to our employees, customers, investors, business partners and government officials that their trust in The Hartford is well served."

Over the last few years, The Hartford has engaged in a companywide, systematic effort to build an even stronger, more cohesive ethics and compliance program for its 31,000-employee organization. The expanded program addresses the evolving ethics and compliance standards in the highly regulated financial services industry and focuses on policies and practices to detect and prevent ethics and compliance-related issues. The comprehensive, risk-based program enhances the company's ability to understand, assess and address the legal and regulatory risks facing each business area and the enterprise as a whole.

"We applaud The Hartford. The Hartford is among the companies honored this year because they have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts within their industries," said Alexander Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere Institute. "They go well beyond legal minimums, opting instead to bring about innovative ideas that contribute to the public well being. By their actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit, or fall behind and truly embodying the notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run."

Researchers and analysts reviewed several thousand companies in order to determine the finalists, which included a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. The 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies methodology committee is comprised of leading attorneys and government officials, professors and leaders who care about ethical and honest business practices.

The extensive research process included reviewing over 10,000 of the world's leading companies on six continents. Ethisphere analysts reviewed codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluated investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looked at companies' activities to improve corporate citizenship; studied nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and worked with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.

The day-long conference, which featured Forbes editors and executives from world-renowned corporations, universities and ethics organizations, focused on ethical culture and leadership and highlighted companies’ experiences and ethical challenges, provided advice on preparing for ethical dilemmas and gave viewpoints from an investor’s perspective. The conference culminated with recognizing Ethisphere Magazine's "2008 World's Most Ethical Companies" at an evening awards dinner.

About Ethisphere Institute
The research-based Ethisphere Institute and associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, are supported by more than 100 institutions and corporations, including Thomson West, the Practising Law Institute, the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Global Reporting Initiative, Corpedia and dozens of others. The Institute is dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance among its membership companies. It also focuses on the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice and unique career opportunities.Ethisphere Magazine is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on membership can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.

The Ethisphere Institute publishes the globally recognized annual World Most Ethical Companies Ranking(TM) as well as the Government Contractor Ethics Program Ranking(TM) and the upcoming Global Anti-Corruption Quotient

About The Hartford
The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services companies, with 2007 revenues of $25.9 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance.International operations are located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Ireland. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

The Hartford

The Hartford

The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is a leading provider of insurance and wealth management services for millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. The Hartford is consistently recognized for its superior service and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

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