Goldman Sachs is an American investment bank and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Its parent company is The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
The firm was founded in 1869 and is one of the best-known names in global finance. It serves corporations, financial institutions, governments, investors and wealthy individuals through investment banking, trading, asset management and wealth management.
History
Goldman Sachs traces its origins to Marcus Goldman, who began the firm in New York in 1869. Samuel Sachs later joined the business, and the Goldman Sachs name became associated with commercial paper, securities and investment banking.
The firm grew with the development of American capital markets. It became involved in public offerings, mergers, financing and institutional markets. Goldman Sachs became a public company in 1999.
Businesses
Goldman Sachs describes its strategy as centred on Global Banking and Markets and Asset and Wealth Management. These businesses include advisory work, underwriting, market-making, financing, investment management and services for wealthy clients.
Its main work includes:
- advising on mergers, acquisitions and restructuring
- underwriting equity and debt offerings
- trading and market-making across asset classes
- managing investments for institutions and individuals
- wealth management and private banking
- research and market analysis
Goldman Sachs has also operated consumer-facing services, including Marcus by Goldman Sachs, although the firm has scaled back parts of its consumer banking strategy.
Leadership
As of June 2026, David Solomon is chairman and chief executive officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Goldman Sachs says he became chief executive officer in October 2018 and chairman in January 2019.
The firm's leadership and strategy are closely watched because Goldman Sachs is a major investment bank and a systemically important financial institution.
Reputation and Criticism
Goldman Sachs has a reputation for influence, profitability and strong investment-banking talent. It is also frequently criticised because of its role in high finance, political connections, pay levels, conflicts of interest and controversies around financial crises and transactions.
The firm was heavily scrutinised after the 2008 financial crisis. It has also faced regulatory investigations, settlements and public criticism over particular deals and business practices. These controversies are part of its public profile and should be described with care and sources.
Philanthropy and Initiatives
Goldman Sachs runs philanthropic and business initiatives connected to entrepreneurship, education, small business and economic development. These programmes are separate from its core commercial activities and should not be confused with neutral assessments of the firm.
See Also
References
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