The Vanguard Group, Inc.

The Vanguard Group, Inc. is one of the world's largest investment companies, founded in 1975 and serving approximately 50 million investors globally. With over $9 trillion in assets under management, the firm offers 458 funds and maintains an average expense ratio of 0.07%. Its client-owned structure, where no outside owners take profits, aligns the company's interests directly with those of its investors.

Vanguard pioneered index investing with the Vanguard 500 Index Fund in 1976, originally called the First Index Investment Trust, and introduced its first ETF in 2001. The firm's product range includes expertly managed funds, hybrid advice services, AI-driven trading platforms, and personalized indexing. Its approach, known as "The Vanguard Effect," has pressured the broader investment industry to lower fees.

The company employs roughly 20,000 people across global offices, operating within the investment management and financial services sectors. Technical work spans AI-driven trading platforms and personalized indexing services. Vanguard's stated mission focuses on treating investors fairly and helping them achieve long-term financial security.