Ameriprise Financial Celebrates 125 Years of Putting Clients First

On June 29, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) will recognize its 125th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history as a leading wealth and asset manager. Since its founding in 1894, Ameriprise has helped millions of people, institutions and small businesses meet their long-term financial goals and retire with confidence. Having become a global financial leader, the company and its more than 21,000 financial advisors and employees in 19 countries are committed to putting clients’ needs first. Today, Ameriprise has nearly $900 billion in assets under management and administration¹ and ranks #249 on the Fortune 500 list – all while earning top scores for trust, customer loyalty and customer service².

“Our 125-year anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the proud history of our company,” said Jim Cracchiolo, chairman and chief executive officer. “Over the decades, we have remained true to our founding principles to deliver value, while always evolving and innovating. We’ve kept the company strong while continuously investing through market cycles with our clients and advisors at the forefront of our decisions and actions. We look ahead with optimism about our future, and how we’ll help clients achieve their most important goals for many years to come.”

Growing into one of the strongest financial services companies

Founded as Investors Syndicate in 1894, the company began with a vision to help everyday Americans achieve their financial goals. In addition to its days as Investors Syndicate, the company has been known as the brands Investors Diversified Services (IDS) and American Express Financial Advisors. In 2005, under the leadership of Cracchiolo, the firm successfully completed one of the largest spin-offs in U.S. history, debuting the new public company, Ameriprise Financial.

Throughout its history, the company has executed several important acquisitions including Threadneedle Investments, Columbia Management, J.&W. Seligman and H&R Block Financial Advisors to add to its capabilities and serve an even broader mix of individual, small business and institutional clients.

A legacy of integrity and resolve

At the heart of the company’s success is its strong financial foundation and its commitment to standing behind clients through good times and bad.

• During the Great Depression of 1929-1939, Ameriprise paid out every dollar owed on its due date – a total of $101 million to certificate holders.
• Fast forward to the Great Recession of 2008, and the company demonstrated its financial strength by respectfully declining the U.S. government’s offer of assistance – maintaining its record of never taking a bailout.
• And when the Reserve Fund “broke the buck” in one of its money market funds and froze assets, the company responded by advancing its clients approximately $700 million to help them meet immediate cash needs during a period of extreme market volatility.

These were critical moments that helped define the company’s culture and demonstrate its commitment to clients and advisors. Today, Ameriprise serves over 2 million individuals, institutions and small businesses. The firm’s market capitalization has grown from $8.8 billion since its spinoff in 2005 to approximately $20 billion³ by focusing its energy on clients, their goals and opportunities for growth.