Boston has emerged as a major hub for investment firms over the past few decades. With top universities like MIT and Harvard producing some of the best talent, Boston’s investment industry has seen tremendous growth. The city is now home to some of the most prestigious investment firms in the world. In this article, we take a look at some of the top investment firms based in Boston.
Fidelity Investments – The investment behemoth based in Boston
With over $11 trillion in assets under management, Fidelity Investments is not just one of the top firms in Boston but also one of the largest asset managers in the world. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Boston, Fidelity offers investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and other financial products. The firm serves more than 40 million individuals and has presence in over a dozen countries globally. Some of Fidelity’s key offerings include mutual funds, ETFs, equity and fixed income investments. Fidelity employs over 50,000 people worldwide with a major presence in Boston.
Putnam Investments – A leading active management firm
Established in 1937 and based in Boston, Putnam Investments is one of oldest and most reputed investment managers. With around $200 billion in assets under management, Putnam offers a diverse range of mutual funds, ETFs, advisory services and other financial products. The firm pioneered the concept of growth funds and is well-known for its active management style. Putnam is a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco and serves individuals, institutions, financial advisors and retirement plan sponsors. The company has offices across North America, Europe and Asia but retains a strong presence in Boston where it employs around 1,100 people.
Boston Partners – Focusing on value investing
Founded in 1995, Boston Partners is an investment firm specializing in value equity investing. The company manages over $90 billion in assets with a sharp focus on fundamental bottom-up stock picking. Boston Partners offers a range of value equity and small-mid cap strategies to clients including mutual funds, separate accounts, commingled funds and other vehicles. The firm employs over 115 investment professionals and takes pride in maintaining a boutique, collaborative culture. Boston Partners became fully employee-owned in 2016 through an ESOP structure and remains headquartered in the city.
Wellington Management – One of the largest private investment firms
Founded in 1928, Wellington Management is one of the oldest and largest private investment management firms in the world. With over $1.3 trillion in client assets under management, the company offers comprehensive investment management capabilities across equities, fixed income and multi-asset solutions. Wellington primarily serves pension funds, endowments, charitable foundations and other institutional investors globally. Headquartered in Boston, the firm employs over 2,400 people across offices in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Known for its rigorous research-based approach, Wellington Management remains majority owned by its partners.
Adage Capital Management – A leading hedge fund in Boston
Established in 2001, Adage Capital Management is a Boston-based hedge fund managing over $44 billion in assets. The firm pursues a long/short equity strategy while focusing primarily on U.S. stocks. Adage employs a team of over 250 professionals and invests on behalf of pensions funds, endowments, foundations and other institutional investors. The firm utilizes intensive bottom-up fundamental research to construct concentrated equity portfolios. Adage has frequently been ranked among the top hedge funds globally. Though headquartered in Boston, the firm also has an office in Philadelphia.
Boston has cemented its position as a premier hub for investment management, led by firms like Fidelity, Putnam, Boston Partners, Wellington and Adage Capital. With its deep talent pool, research capabilities and innovation, the city seems poised for even stronger growth in the investment industry going forward.