Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946 by Edward C. Johnson II in Boston, Massachusetts, [[United States of America (USA)]] where it remains headquartered. The company began as a mutual fund company and evolved into one of the largest financial services firms globally. Key developments: - 1946: Founded as Fidelity Management & Research Company - 1974: Launched first money market fund - 1995: First financial firm to offer online trading - 2018: Launched digital assets division - 2024: Launched spot [[Bitcoin]] [[ETF]] Ownership: - Privately held company - Johnson family controlled - Current CEO: Abigail Johnson (founder's granddaughter) Key services: - Asset management - Retirement services - Brokerage services - Institutional investment services - Digital assets - Banking services - Fund distribution The company has grown from a traditional mutual fund company to a diversified financial services giant, known for innovation in investment products and technology while maintaining its private ownership structure.