Fisher client exodus nears $1 billion in backlash over remarks

The Boston Pension Board said Wednesday it is yanking $248 million that is managed by Fisher Investments.
OCT 16, 2019
Ken Fisher is taking a financial hit for his vulgar remarks. Boston joined two other pensions in yanking money from Fisher Investments, bringing the total to more than $900 million. "Boston will not invest in companies led by people who treat women like commodities," Mayor Martin Walsh said in a statement Wednesday. "Reports of Ken Fisher's comments and poor judgment are incredibly disturbing." Fisher Investments is seeing a growing backlash since the firm's founder made offensive comments about women, spoke of genitalia and then failed to immediately understand the gravity of his words. The firm, which manages $112 billion, is also facing scrutiny from several other pension funds which are examining their business with Mr. Fisher. [Recommended video: Financial planning wasn't even a thing 50 years ago]​ The Boston Pension Board will pull $248 million. The State of Michigan Retirement Fund's pension account ended its relationship with Fisher Investments, which managed $600 million for the state. The Philadelphia Board of Pensions also plans to divest $54 million in assets from Fisher. Organizations that have said they are reviewing their relationship with Fisher Investments include Fidelity Investments, which has $500 million with the firm; the Florida Board of Administration, which has $175 million; and the Haverhill, Mass., Retirement Board, which has $13 million. Mr. Fisher made his comments during an appearance at the Tiburon CEO Summit, sparking the ire of those in attendance. He has apologized, as did the organizer of the event.

Latest News

Cerulli: Advisors struggle to turn 401(k) savers into wealth clients
Cerulli: Advisors struggle to turn 401(k) savers into wealth clients

Just over 10% of advisors' wealth clients come from defined contribution plans, as capacity, data and technology gaps block the bridge to wealth

Alto to buy Forge Trust from Schwab in self-directed IRA push
Alto to buy Forge Trust from Schwab in self-directed IRA push

Deal creates a $20B-plus custody platform for private market investing in IRAs, months after Schwab closed its Forge Global purchase

Wall Street bonanza! The Street on track to hit a record $90 billion in profits: Report
Wall Street bonanza! The Street on track to hit a record $90 billion in profits: Report

Despite the good times, advisors should tread carefully, said one veteran industry executive.

Aspen Standard Wealth buys $1B Louisiana RIA Cullen Investment Group
Aspen Standard Wealth buys $1B Louisiana RIA Cullen Investment Group

Cullen marks the fourth firm the New York-based RIA aggregator has bought in 2026 as deal volume heads for a record year.

Strategy before technology: Establishing the foundation for measurable AI value
Strategy before technology: Establishing the foundation for measurable AI value

The quality of AI ROI measurement depends on pre-deployment decisions around business outcomes, leadership alignment, and establishing trusted information, among other factors.

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor