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Investor Relations Governance & Corporate Responsibility Governance Framework

Governance Framework

Throughout its history, American Express has been guided by a value system that emphasizes integrity and trust at all levels of the organization. We have longstanding policies and practices to ensure that our Company is managed with integrity and in our shareholders' best interests. In addition, we are committed to upholding sound principles of corporate governance and to meeting the requirements of federal and state law and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Principles which, along with the charters of the Board Committees, the Company's Code of Conduct for employees, and Code of Business Conduct for Directors, provide the framework for the governance of the Company.

The Company's Corporate Governance Principles address matters such as composition and size of the Board, director qualifications, independence of directors, director responsibilities, chairman/lead independent director duties, content/frequency of Board meetings (including meetings to be held without the presence of management), the Board's access to members of management and outside experts, share ownership guidelines for directors and ways for shareholders or others to communicate their concerns to the Board.

The Board has the following four standing Committees:

The Audit and Compliance Committee, which is comprised solely of independent non-employee directors and assists the Board in its oversight of the Company's financial reporting process, including the Company's system of internal controls and compliance programs and policies;

The Compensation and Benefits Committee, which is comprised solely of independent non-employee directors and has oversight responsibility for the compensation and benefit programs for executive officers and other employees;

The Nominating, Governance and Public Responsibility Committee, which is comprised solely of independent non-employee directors and advises the Board on corporate governance matters, considers and recommends candidates for election to the Board, advises the Board on director compensation, oversees the annual performance evaluations of the Board and Board Committees, and reviews our practices and positions relating to public policy and environmental and social issues that may impact our business and key stakeholders; and

The Risk Committee, which assists the Board in its oversight of the Company’s risk management policies and practices.

The Company's Code of Conduct sets forth the guiding principles of business ethics and certain legal requirements applicable to all American Express employees. The Amex Ethics Hotline provides employees, contractors, vendors/suppliers and others an opportunity, without fear of retaliation, to report concerns regarding potential compliance or ethical matters on a confidential or anonymous (where allowed by local laws) basis.

American Express Company believes that active engagement in the public policy arena is an important part of responsible corporate citizenship and is vital to the democratic process. Learn more about the company's Political Activities including annual U.S. political contributions.