COMPANIES

Fidelity Investments

Office address: 245 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210
Website: www.fidelity.com
Year established: 1946
Company type: financial services
Employees: 75,000+
Expertise: benefits consulting, 401(k), life insurance, IRA, cash management, online trading, HSA, retirement, mutual funds, stock plan services, ETF, business news, investments, stocks, brokerage, bonds, 529 plans, investing, asset management, annuities
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Abigail Johnson (CEO), Rachael Brumund (VP), Bill Thornton (CTO), Kristen Darcy (SVP), Kathryn Condon (EVP), Brian Hurley (SVP), Bill Freitas (head), Amr Abdelhalem (SVP)
Financing status: N/A

Fidelity Investments is a Boston-based multinational financial services firm with over 75,000 employees serving 51.5 million individual investors worldwide. The company operates 216 US Investor Centers and 14 global sites across 11 countries, including India and Ireland. Managing $14.1 trillion in assets, Fidelity offers a broad range of investment, retirement, and financial management services.

History of Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments, originally known as Fidelity Management & Research, was formed in 1946 by Edward C. Johnson II to focus on common stock investments. In 1969, the company expanded internationally with the creation of Fidelity International Limited. By 1982, the firm made a significant move into retirement planning by introducing 401(k) products.

Under CEO Abigail Johnson, Fidelity launched the zero-expense Fidelity ZERO Funds and Fidelity Digital Assets in 2018 to support institutional investments in digital currencies. The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021, marking decades of growth and innovation in financial services. The firm was an excellence awardee in the asset manager of the year category at the 2024 InvestmentNews Awards.

Products and Services of Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments offers a wide range of financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of individual investors, institutions, and advisors. Key offerings include:

  • retirement plans: 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement-focused investment options
  • brokerage services: self-directed trading accounts with access to various asset classes
  • wealth management: personalized financial advisory services for high-net-worth individuals
  • mutual funds: a diverse range of Fidelity-managed funds
  • ETFs: exchange-traded funds for diversified investments
  • financial planning and advice: professional guidance on saving, investing, and retirement planning
  • online trading: a platform for stock, ETF, and options trading
  • cash management: solutions for managing daily cash flow, including Fidelity’s cash management account
  • Fidelity Go®: a robo-advisor offering low-cost, automated portfolio management

Fidelity provides clients with accessible financial services, charging no fees or minimums for retail brokerage accounts. Their team supports customers with financial planning, from daily management to long-term goals.

Culture at Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments encourages employees to take smart risks and innovate, fostering a work environment that values diverse perspectives. The company offers flexible benefits that adapt to employees' changing needs throughout their careers. They provide a variety of benefits, including:

  • wealth and savings: 401(k) match, catch-up retirement contributions, student loan assistance, annual profit sharing
  • health and wellness: medical, dental, and vision coverage, prescription drug coverage, 16-week maternity leave, 12-week parental leave
  • work and life: educational assistance, dependent care options, concierge services, a minimum of four weeks paid time off
  • hybrid work schedule: many hybrid roles require onsite work every other week in a Fidelity office

Fidelity Investments is dedicated to creating positive change both within its organization and in the broader community. Through volunteer efforts and sustainability programs, the company promotes social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Its achievements are organized into the following categories:

  • community involvement: completed 1,700 projects, donated over 100,000 school supplies, and supported more than 65,000 students
  • charitable giving: Fidelity Cares® offers employees volunteering opportunities, while Fidelity Charitable® helps donors contribute to over 406,000 charities since 1991
  • education support: pledged $250 million over five years to improve education for underserved communities through the Invest in My Education (ME) initiative
  • sustainability efforts: cut landfill waste by 38%, reduced paper, energy, and water consumption, and added eco-friendly features like green roofs and wildlife gardens to offices

Their diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy aims to build a truly diverse workforce that strengthens the support offered to employees, clients, and communities. The company helps associates find career paths that align with their unique goals and personalities. Fidelity’s commitment to D&I is reflected in various achievements, including:

  • 42% of new hires in 2023 were people of color
  • $480 million spent with diverse suppliers
  • 84% of employees believe Fidelity fosters an inclusive culture
  • employee groups like ERGs and SIGs support engagement and development

Fidelity offers internships and full-time roles, providing students with the chance to start a fulfilling career alongside top industry professionals. They hire interns across eight key skill areas, ensuring diverse opportunities for growth. They are committed to making a positive impact on its employees and the communities it serves.

About Fidelity Investments CEO Abigail Johnson and Key People

Abigail P. Johnson is chair and CEO of Fidelity Investments, overseeing the firm’s management, brokerage, and other financial services. She started at the company in 1988 in Equity Research and Investments and now manages the firm’s corporate operations and all its business units. Holding a BA from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and an MBA from Harvard Business School, she serves on the boards of Harvard and MIT.

Here are some of the key people leading various departments at Fidelity Investments:

  • Rachael Brumund, VP, manages the Pacific Northwest territory and provides Fidelity Asset Management solutions to financial consultants in the qualified plan business
  • Bill Thornton, chief technology officer, oversees Fidelity's technology strategy and digital infrastructure
  • Kristen Darcy, SVP and head of the asset management board program, manages the processes and resources dedicated to the operation of Fidelity’s fund boards
  • Kathryn Condon, EVP of marketing and advertising channels, leads a team focused on creating innovative marketing experiences for customers
  • Brian Hurley, SVP product lead for conversational AI experiences, focuses on improving digital interactions for customers and associates through AI solutions
  • Bill Freitas, head of technology and global services, leads a global team to develop solutions that improve client and customer experiences
  • Amr Abdelhalem, SVP head of cloud platforms, drives the company’s adoption of cloud computing and advanced digital technologies like AI and DevOps

The Future at Fidelity Investments

Fidelity's research reveals that nonprofit retirement savers have tripled their account balances over the last decade, growing from $70,000 in 2014 to $249,000 in 2023. This steady growth has led to a record number of 401(k) millionaires in Q2, driven by strong markets and consistent contributions. These findings underscore their commitment to enhancing its services and providing long-term financial planning solutions.

Fidelity recently reported that more women are actively investing in stocks, taking greater control of their financial futures through equity investments. Despite this progress, many continue to face financial stress and uncertainty. Fidelity Investments supports women in building lasting wealth by offering customized education and strategies to meet their financial goals.

Displaying 2134 results
Average 401(k) is 24% bigger than a year ago: Fidelity
Average 401(k) is 24% bigger than a year ago: Fidelity

Higher contribution rates and market returns pushed up retirement savings considerably, a report from Fidelity found.

Fidelity is on TikTok jockeying for Generation Z
FINTECH AUG 17, 2021
Fidelity is on TikTok jockeying for Generation Z

The discount brokerage posts short video clips on the social media app ranging from how-to guides for using the Fidelity Spire app to explainers of financial terminology.

Vaccines encouraged at most advisory firms — but not required
Vaccines encouraged at most advisory firms — but not required

The industry has differing views on vaccine requirements. BNY Mellon Pershing will start requiring them next month, while Vanguard Group Inc. is offering cash rewards.

Finalists for Women in Asset Management Awards announced
Finalists for Women in Asset Management Awards announced

More than 100 individuals were named on the short list for awards in 16 categories; the winners will be announced on Sept. 9.

How one breakaway RIA brought over more assets than it expected
OPINION JUL 27, 2021
How one breakaway RIA brought over more assets than it expected

Not all of our old clients came with us. But the overwhelming majority came and — because of their enthusiasm for our move — some asked us to oversee even more of their assets, while others pointed brand-new business our way.

Alternative investments platform iCapital lands $440 million in fresh funding
ALTERNATIVES JUL 27, 2021
Alternative investments platform iCapital lands $440 million in fresh funding

Assets serviced by iCapital have exploded to $80 billion across more than 780 funds to date, up from $46 billion in March 2020.

Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard suffer internet outages
FINTECH JUL 22, 2021
Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard suffer internet outages

Several major websites, including those of Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard, were hit Thursday by a widespread internet outage, according to DownDetector.

Pru selling retirement biz to Empower in $3.55 billion deal
Pru selling retirement biz to Empower in $3.55 billion deal

The acquisition will leave Empower with a $1.4 trillion defined-contribution business with about 71,000 plans.

Introducing DACFP, a new partner of InvestmentNews
OPINION JUL 02, 2021
Introducing DACFP, a new partner of InvestmentNews

Together, DACFP and InvestmentNews will be providing subscribers with content and educational opportunities to increase your knowledge about blockchain and digital assets, and access to the product and service providers in that ecosystem, so you can give investors the advice, products and services they need.

Prep for ransomware attacks or be ready to pay the price
FINTECH JUN 30, 2021
Prep for ransomware attacks or be ready to pay the price

Ransomware attacks in the U.S. increased 300% in 2020 and cost victims $350 million. Advisers make easy targets because they publicly release AUM and hold some of the most sensitive client data that directly connects to their finances.

Teenagers are trading stocks on their own. Should they?
FINTECH JUN 24, 2021
Teenagers are trading stocks on their own. Should they?

Fidelity launched a new brokerage account in May for 13- to 17-year-olds, but the larger focus should be on education, not access to the markets.

Stash to acquire PayGrade, surpasses $3 billion AUM
FINTECH JUN 23, 2021
Stash to acquire PayGrade, surpasses $3 billion AUM

Stash announced its first acquisition of financial literacy platform PayGrade following an increase in assets under management.

Free Fidelity funds are flying off the shelves
EQUITIES JUN 14, 2021
Free Fidelity funds are flying off the shelves

Less than three years after the asset manager set the bar at zero fees for a suite of index funds, it has seen assets in the four funds grow to nearly $18 billion.

Invesco plans crypto-linked ETFs as way to get around SEC
MUTUAL FUNDS JUN 09, 2021
Invesco plans crypto-linked ETFs as way to get around SEC

It is proposing two exchange-traded funds that will have 85% of their assets in cryptocurrency-linked equities, and the remainder in trusts and funds that hold cryptocurrencies.

Online brokers avoid troubles amid internet outages
FINTECH JUN 08, 2021
Online brokers avoid troubles amid internet outages

The internet outages occurred after servers from content-delivery network Fastly Inc. went down, affecting Amazon, Twitter, PayPal, Spotify, Twitch and CNN, among others.