ISBC 2017 Form 10-K & 2018 Proxy Statement

24 our franchise. We remain committed to alignment with our stockholders on strategy and practices that deliver stockholder value. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Our employees, executive officers and Directors take pride in our ability to maintain the highest ethical standards while continuing to provide products and services to our communities. Protecting our reputation for integrity is dependent on a shared commitment to our Core Values: Character, Commitment, Cooperation and Community, and treating all of our stakeholders—our customers, clients, employees, stockholders, business partners and communities we serve—with integrity. The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to be followed by Investors Bancorp’s employees, officers (including its CEO, CFO and CAO) and directors to communicate our commitment to ethical conduct and to describe our standards and expectations for integrity and ethical behavior. Directors, NEOs, executive officers and employees are required to read, understand and comply with the Code. Investors Bancorp requires that all new employees take Code training shortly after their commencement of employment and also requires annual training for all directors and employees. All employees must certify annually that they have read the Code and agree to abide by it. The Code provides that any waivers for directors or executive officers may be made only by the Board of Directors and must be promptly disclosed to the stockholders. During 2017, the Board of Directors did not receive nor grant any request for directors or executive officers for waivers under the provisions of the Code. This Code was last modified on November 20, 2017 and is available on the “Governance Documents” section of the “Investors Relations” page of the Investors Bank’s website at www.investorsbank.com . Investors Bancorp will post on its website any amendments to the Code and any waivers granted to its directors or executive officers. Investors Bancorp expects and encourages its employees to report behavior that concerns them or may represent a violation of the Code. To ensure that our employees are comfortable in reporting such concerns or violations of the Code, we offer several channels by which employees may raise an issue or concern, including any actual or potential violation of the Code. One such channel is EthicsPoint, a website and telephone hotline that is available to employees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. EthicsPoint complaints or concerns can be submitted anonymously. In addition, Investors Bancorp does not permit retaliation of any kind for good faith reports of ethical violations or misconduct of others. All reports are investigated promptly and fully, and effective remedial action is taken when appropriate. Sales Practices A key component of our mission is to help our customers, clients and communities achieve economic success and financial well-being. Our culture and sales practices are consistent with this philosophy. Investors Bancorp’s risk and compliance culture heavily influences the design, and emphasis of our sales, compensation and incentive programs. Our compensation and incentive programs are based on balanced performance, with appropriate controls. Sales leaders and managers are held accountable for setting the appropriate tone from the top and recognizing appropriate sales behavior and practices. Employees are held accountable for executing their daily responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance As we continuously endeavor to make Investors Bancorp a great place to work, we listen to our employees and build on our programs and resources to enhance their experience, help cultivate their competencies and further their careers with us. We are dedicated to the learning initiatives for our employees that promote both their professional and personal well-being. We have a chief culture officer who focuses on ensuring that the strategies and ideas of the Company align with the overall long-term strategy of the organization. PROXY STATEMENT