Transamerica

Office address: 1201 Wills St, Baltimore, MD 21231; 6400 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52499 (statutory home office)
Website: transamerica.com
Year established: 1904
Company type: financial services
Employees: 6,100+
Expertise: retirement plans, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, employee benefits, investment management, financial planning, workplace benefits, insurance claims, asset management
Parent company: Aegon
Key people: Will Fuller (CEO), Andrew Yorks (CIO), Matt Keppler (CFO), Bonnie Gerst (president, financial assets), Chris Giovanni (chief strategy and development officer), Todd Buchanan (president, World Financial Group), John McCrossan (chief risk officer)
Financing status: corporate-backed or acquired

Transamerica is a financial services company based in Baltimore, with a statutory home office in Cedar Rapids. The company serves over 10 million customers and manages $416 billion in revenue-generating investments. It offers retirement plans, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and employee benefits through a network of agents and financial professionals.

History of Transamerica

Transamerica’s story began in 1904, when Amadeo P. Giannini wanted to help people whom banks often ignored. The Bank of Italy opened in San Francisco to give small merchants and immigrant farmers a fair chance. After the 1906 earthquake, the bank offered loans from a makeshift desk on the docks, trusting people with just a handshake.

Growth and new ideas

Giannini’s banking group expanded its reach in 1921 by supporting a bank for women that was staffed entirely by women. In 1928, the Bank of Italy became Bank of America.

The group soon formed Transamerica Corporation to acquire Occidental Life Insurance Company. By 1946, Bank of America was the world’s largest private bank. In 1956, new federal banking laws led the firm to focus on insurance and divest its banking operations.

Transamerica’s landmark on the skyline

In 1972, the firm made a mark on San Francisco with the Transamerica Pyramid, an 853-foot tower designed by William Pereira. The building soon stood out as a landmark in the city’s financial district and remains part of the company’s logo. Even though Transamerica no longer owns the building, it remains a symbol of the company’s history.

Joining Aegon and modern milestones

The company became part of Aegon, a global financial group, in 1999. Since then, the company has served over 10 million customers and has managed $416 billion in investments.

In 2023, it focused on helping middle-market Americans with life insurance and retirement solutions. Aiming to offer pooled retirement plans for employers seeking simple options, Transamerica partnered with SageView, an independent RIA, in 2024.

Transamerica’s products and services 

Transamerica’s investment-related offerings are available through several channels and are tailored for individuals, employers, and financial professionals:

Individual solutions

• mutual funds: investment options for personal portfolios
• life insurance: coverage for families and individuals
• annuities: income solutions for retirement
• retirement accounts: IRAs and rollover options
• supplemental insurance: extra protection for health and accidents

Employer solutions

• 401(k) plans: employer-sponsored retirement savings plans
• 403(b) plans: retirement plans for non-profit employees
• workplace life insurance: group life coverage for employees
• disability insurance: income protection for workplace injuries
• workplace wellness: programs to support employee health

Financial institution and professional solutions

• DCIO: defined contribution investment only solutions
• institutional mutual funds: investment options for large clients
• stable value funds: low-risk investment choices
• responsible investing: options focused on sustainability
• market commentary: insights and resources for professionals

Some of its offerings are supported by research from the Transamerica Institute, a nonprofit foundation funded by Transamerica affiliates. Their studies and insights help clients and advisors make informed financial and retirement decisions.

Culture and corporate values

Transamerica states that it values diversity and inclusion through its workforce, workplace, and marketplace pillars. The company reports a culture that supports unique career paths, rewards accountability, and encourages work-life balance.

It says it also offers an environment focused on collaboration and helping people plan for the future. Employees have access to a range of benefits, including:

• health and wellness: medical, dental, vision, wellness program, and employee assistance
• financial security: 401(k) with match, pension, stock purchase plan, and investment products
• time off and leave: paid time off, holidays, adoption and parental leave, jury duty, bereavement
• family support: adoption help, foster care, back-up child and elder care, tuition assistance
• career development: mentorship, exam sponsorship, career programs, and professional growth opportunities
• internships: hands-on experience, networking, and paid internships for students
• employee discounts: access to company discount program
• industry recognition: awards for workforce diversity and client commitment

Building on its commitment to employees and communities, the company supports local and national causes through the Aegon Transamerica Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit that offers grants and matches employee donations. In 2024, it contributed over $8 million to help improve community well-being.

About CEO Will Fuller and key people

Will Fuller has been the president and CEO of Transamerica since 2021 and serves on the company’s Risk Committee. He has held senior leadership positions in financial services for 30 years, focusing on advocacy and education. Fuller earned a business and finance degree from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

The executive team leads Transamerica’s strategy and daily operations with expertise in finance, investment, and risk management:

• Andrew Yorks is chief investment officer, overseeing investment strategy and portfolio management for the company
• Matt Keppler, as CFO, manages company finances and financial planning for Transamerica
• Bonnie Gerst, as president for financial assets, directs asset management and financial operations across business lines
• Todd Buchanan, as president for World Financial Group and SVP, leads distribution and agency network development
• Chris Giovanni holds the role of chief strategy and development officer, guiding company growth and strategic initiatives
• John McCrossan is chief risk officer, managing enterprise risk and regulatory compliance for the organization

This team seeks to guide Transamerica’s strategy and daily management. Their leadership ensures the company’s goals and operations are aligned.

The future at Transamerica

The firm, through its Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, released a national survey highlighting retirement challenges for all generations. The study shows that Americans of all ages face common obstacles when planning for retirement. Its research gives advisors and clients valuable data on savings habits, stress, and financial gaps.

Through the same research center, Transamerica also surveyed over 10,000 middle-class Americans about retirement readiness. It found that many people fall short on savings, lack written financial plans, and need more guidance at every age. These findings allow the firm to create solutions that address real gaps and help clients prepare for retirement.