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.