Goldman Sachs

Office address: 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282
Website: goldmansachs.com
Year established: 1869
Company type: financial services
Employees: 46,000+
Expertise: investment banking, asset management, wealth management, capital markets, M&A advisory, equities trading, fixed income, private equity, digital banking, transaction banking
Parent company: N/A
Key people: David Solomon (CEO), John Waldron (COO), Denis Coleman (CFO), John F.W. Rogers (EVP), Alex Golten (chief risk officer), Carey Halio (global treasurer), Sheara Fredman (chief accounting officer)
Financing status: corporation

Goldman Sachs is a global financial services firm based in New York. The company offers investment banking, asset management, wealth management, and digital banking, managing over $2 trillion in assets. With more than 46,000 employees, it is known for its top-rated expertise and strong client relationships.

History of Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs traces its story back to 1869, when Marcus Goldman set up a small office in Lower Manhattan. He offered local merchants a new way to get credit by buying their promissory notes, which helped shape the commercial paper business.

By the late 1800s, the firm had become Goldman, Sachs & Co. It also joined the NYSE in 1896 and gained a reputation for financial innovation.

Growth and innovation

Over the twentieth century, Goldman Sachs expanded across the US and into Europe, building a strong investment banking business. The firm introduced the price-to-earnings ratio as a new way to value companies, which became an industry standard. In the 1930s, Sidney Weinberg led the firm through the Great Depression and helped it become a top player in underwriting and trading.

Goldman Sachs’ global expansion

The firm kept growing by opening offices in London, Tokyo, and Zurich in the 1970s while also acquiring J. Aron & Company in 1981. In 1999, Goldman Sachs became a public company, trading on the NYSE under the ticker GS.

The 2000s brought new challenges, but the firm stayed strong. It moved into new headquarters at 200 West Street and launched major initiatives like 10,000 Women and 10,000 Small Businesses.

New era and strategic moves

In recent years, the company has focused on technology and consumer banking, launching Marcus and partnering with Apple for the Apple Card. The firm has also committed to sustainability and diversity, with major investments in climate and inclusive growth.

In 2024, Goldman Sachs announced a $1 billion stake in T. Rowe Price, a leading asset management firm. The firm aimed to create new investment options for retirement clients and financial advisors through the partnership.

Goldman Sachs’s products and services 

Goldman Sachs offers a wide range of financial products designed for institutional, corporate, and individual clients. Its solutions include:

Global banking and markets

• investment banking: financing and advisory for corporations and institutions
• mergers and acquisitions: strategic advice and execution for complex deals
• capital solutions: underwriting and capital raising for diverse needs
• FICC: trading and risk management in fixed income, currency, and commodities
• equities: equity trading, analytics, and structured products

Asset and wealth management

• asset management: investment services across public and private markets
• equity strategies: active investing in global equity markets
• fixed income: credit and currency investment solutions
• liquidity solutions: short-term, highly liquid investment options
• alternatives: private equity, real estate, and hedge fund investments
• multi-asset solutions: custom portfolios and risk management
• wealth management: personalized advice for high-net-worth clients
• private banking and lending: cash management and strategic borrowing

Consumer and platform solutions

• Ayco: workplace financial planning and benefits optimization
• Marcus: digital banking with savings and personal loans
• transaction banking: payments and liquidity management for businesses
• enterprise partnerships: embedded financial products for partner brands

These offerings are supported by advanced technology, global resources, and a strong focus on client service. Goldman Sachs also invests in sustainable finance and digital innovation to supplement its core products.

Culture and corporate values

Goldman Sachs states that its culture is driven by teamwork and a focus on collective achievement. The company reports that collaboration and a sense of belonging are central to its approach. Its values are:

1. integrity
2. partnership
3. client service
4. excellence

According to the company, employees have access to coaching, mentorship, and a range of benefits:

• compensation: annual reviews, competitive pay, and long-term incentives
• healthcare and insurance: medical, dental, disability, and life coverage
• vacation and holidays: paid time off, public holidays, and minimum vacation usage
• financial wellness: retirement plans, financial education, and support for higher education
• wellness programs: health services, fitness centers, and mental health support
• family care: on-site childcare, parental resources, and family leave options
• flexible work: part-time, job sharing, telecommuting, and alternate hours
• equity and wealth creation: equity awards and investment programs for eligible employees
• other benefits: travel assistance, education support, and reimbursement for meals and transportation

Goldman Sachs also welcomes over 2,600 new analysts and associates to more than 60 offices each summer. Students participate in programs and events that offer real-world business exposure and networking opportunities.

About CEO David Solomon and key people

David Solomon is the chairperson and CEO of Goldman Sachs and chairs the board of directors. Before this, Solomon was president and COO, and earlier led investment banking and financing groups. He also chairs Hamilton College’s board and serves on boards for the Robin Hood Foundation, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and the Paley Center for Media.

The executive team at Goldman Sachs leads the firm’s strategy and daily operations:

• John E. Waldron serves as president and COO, overseeing global business operations and client relationships
• Denis Coleman is CFO, managing the firm’s finances and capital planning
• John F.W. Rogers is executive VP, handling firmwide administration and public policy
• Alex Golten works as chief risk officer, responsible for risk management and firmwide controls
• Carey Halio is global treasurer, managing liquidity, funding, and balance sheet strategy
• Sheara J. Fredman serves as chief accounting officer, leading financial reporting and accounting standards

Goldman Sachs’s leadership team focuses on strong performance and responsible management for clients, shareholders, and employees.

The future at Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs released a report showing family offices are investing heavily in men’s sports, with far less interest in women’s leagues. It found that family offices are about four times more likely to invest in men’s sports than in women’s. By tracking these trends and advising on large deals, the firm helps clients find new opportunities in the growing sports investment market.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management also released a study showing that alternative investments grow more popular as wealth increases, especially among millennials. The report shows 91 percent of $20 million households use alternatives, and millennials allocate 20 percent to them. The company continues to share these findings to guide clients and advisors on market trends and private investment opportunities.