MetLife, Inc. — Ethics Grade C+

MetLife, Inc. receives an overall ethics grade of C+ (62/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Defense & Aerospace. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 70
• privacy: 75
• consumer: 50
• environment: 65
• humanRights: 55

Documented incidents (3)

• Unpaid Pension Benefits (medium, 2019) — MetLife agreed to pay a $10 million fine after failing to find thousands of retirees who were owed pension benefits. The SEC alleged the company lacked adequate internal controls to locate 'missing' beneficiaries.
• Investment in Controversial Weapons (medium, 2021) — The company's investment arm was cited in reports for holding shares in companies involved in the production of cluster munitions and landmines, which are restricted under international treaties.
• Disability Benefit Denials (medium, 2014) — MetLife faced class-action litigation alleging the systematic denial of valid long-term disability claims. Plaintiffs argued the company used biased medical reviewers to mitigate insurance payouts.

Documented good deeds

• Green Bond Issuance — MetLife issued its first green bond, dedicating $750 million to renewable energy, green buildings, and sustainable water management projects.

Ethical alternatives

• Lemonade Inc. — B-Corp certified with a giveback program and transparent fee structure.