Office address: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Website: wellsfargo.com
Year established: 1852
Company type: banking
Employees: 217,000 (2024)
Expertise: retail banking, commercial banking, investment banking, wealth management, asset management, mortgage lending, treasury management, capital markets, insurance, global payments
Parent company: Wells Fargo & Company
Key people: Charles Scharf (CEO); Barry Sommers, Fernando Rivas, Michael Santomassimo, Derek Flowers, Scott Powell, and Kyle Hranicky (senior EVPs)
Financing status: corporation
Wells Fargo is a leading US bank headquartered in California, serving millions of clients nationwide. It delivers diverse financial and investment options, covering wealth management, asset management, and investment banking services. Managing over $2 trillion in assets, the company operates one of the largest investment advisory networks and is recognized as a Big Four US bank.
Wells Fargo began its story in 1852, when Henry Wells and William Fargo saw a need for reliable banking and express services during the California Gold Rush. Their company quickly became known for moving gold, mail, and freight across the growing American West. The famous Wells Fargo stagecoach soon became a symbol of trust and connection for people seeking opportunity.
The company played a key role in linking distant towns and cities, helping communities grow and thrive. By the late 1800s, Wells Fargo was handling express deliveries, banking, and even managing the western portion of the Pony Express. Its reach stretched from California to the Midwest, making it a household name for pioneers and businesses.
Wells Fargo faced many changes over the years, including government takeovers and new banking laws. In 1905, the express and banking businesses split, and the bank merged with Nevada National Bank. Through world wars, economic downturns, and the rise of new technologies, it adapted to meet the needs of each era.
A major milestone came in 1998, when Wells Fargo merged with Norwest Corporation, creating a coast-to-coast banking powerhouse. The company expanded further by acquiring Wachovia in 2008, which made it one of the largest banks in the US. Today, it stands as a leader in American banking, known for its resilience and commitment to serving millions of customers nationwide.
Wells Fargo’s offerings are structured to provide a range of options for independent advisors, individuals, and businesses. The company combines technology, national reach, and advisor support to deliver financial and investment solutions:
Wells Fargo also provides digital tools and platform enhancements to help advisors and clients manage their finances efficiently. The company’s national reach and experienced teams offer support and resources for a wide range of financial needs.
Wells Fargo states that its culture focuses on inclusion, support, and engagement for all employees. The work environment is described as one where people are encouraged to speak up and feel valued, with teamwork and respect emphasized.
Eligible employees at Wells Fargo receive a variety of benefits that support their health, finances, and work-life balance, including:
According to Wells Fargo, it supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability through business practices and community efforts. The company reports $178 billion deployed in sustainable finance over three years, including $16 billion for renewable energy. It also notes $55 billion in commitments to oil, gas, utilities, and over $15 billion for clean transportation.
Charles W. Scharf is CEO and President of Wells Fargo, leading the company’s strategy and operations since 2019. Scharf previously served as CEO of Bank of New York Mellon and Visa, and held executive roles at JPMorgan Chase. He brings over 30 years of experience in banking and payments, including leadership in both public and private companies.
Here are the key people overseeing Wells Fargo’s investment, banking, and financial management divisions:
The board and management state that they are committed to sound and effective corporate governance. Leadership aims to ensure strong oversight and clear accountability throughout the company.
Wells Fargo Investment Institute’s chief investment officer shared four signals that could support a longer bull market for clients. The firm highlights trends like AI growth, fiscal clarity, and broadening market strength as reasons for optimism through 2026. This analysis helps the company guide investors with strategies that match changing market conditions and future opportunities.
Wells Fargo Advisors also brought in four experienced professionals in 2025, adding nearly $1 billion in assets under management. The company’s new hires from UBS and JPMorgan show its focus on attracting advisors with strong client relationships and established books of business. This move expands Wells Fargo’s wealth management division and increases the firm’s total client AUM.
The veteran executive will oversee advisor development and planning infrastructure as the Chicago-based RIA leans harder into tax-driven strategies.
The move adds an 11-person ensemble to Wells Fargo’s independent network in Long Island as it continues to court elite advisory teams.
Wells Fargo poll reveals that saving tops ambitions but confidence is strong even as habits lag commitment.
The latest additions in Texas cap off what was an active 2025 recruitment season for Wells Fargo's private client group.
Schwab will discontinue its subscription-based hybrid robo advisor, joining JPMorgan, UBS and U.S. Bank in pulling back from such services. “The war is over. Human advisors won,” said RIA industry leader Josh Brown.
Wells Fargo Investment Institute president explains the forces he believes will drive growth, volatility, and returns in the year ahead
The latest advisors jumping to the wirehouse's traditional brokerage and FiNet channels include defectors from Edward Jones, Ameriprise, and UBS.
Cetera also extended its 2025 Commonwealth recruitment streak, while Citizens Private Wealth stepped into the retirement planning space with a 401(k)-focused advisory team.
The biggest team move to Wells Fargo Advisors this year highlights its efforts to court large ensembles, as well as UBS's continuing issues with advisor retention.
With nearly $90 billion in client assets, the Palo Alto-based fintech is eyeing an addressable market of digital natives projected to reach $140 trillion by 2045.
Lawsuit claims Wall Street banks misled investors as stock tumbles to half IPO price.
After a multi-state court fight and allegations he was "phased out of work" for younger advisors, Glenn Frank and Hightower told an Illinois federal judge they’ve reached the framework of a settlement.
The world's largest asset manager, which manages three of the city's pension funds, is on thin ice after allegedly falling short in its climate engagement efforts.
Seasoned veterans positioned to drive growth in increasingly competitive industry.
Latest JD Power ranking spotlights role of AI assistants, digital experience for leading advised and DIY platforms.
