About Vanguard

Who we are

An investment company on a mission

Among our key facts: We're one of the world's largest and most respected mutual fund companies.

Our remarkable history includes launching the first index mutual fund.

Our long-tenured leaders oversee more than 14,000 crew members in 15 locations worldwide.

What sets Vanguard apart

Taking a stand for all investors

Unlike any other investment company, we are owned by our clients. No wonder we've led the way by operating our funds at costs that are less than one-fifth the industry average.*

Our time-tested investment principles, which have prudently built wealth for millions of clients, are implemented and backed with the highest degree of integrity.

Our clients

Putting their interests first—always

We serve millions of clients, including:

Individuals investing on their own.
Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Financial advisors.
Institutions.
Investors outside the United States.

Our crew members volunteer thousands of hours to charitable programs, donate millions of dollars to worthy causes, and support a free K-12 curriculum that teaches thousands of students basic financial concepts.

We're also expanding our efforts toward long-term environmental sustainability.

Fast facts:

. . . One of the world's largest investment management companies . . .
. . . More than $2 trillion in assets under management (as of September 2013) . . .
. . . In business since 1975 . . .
. . . Approximately 240 funds and ETFs offered worldwide . . .
. . . More than 14,000 employees . . .
. . . Oldest fund started in 1929 . . .
. . . Started first index mutual fund in 1976 . . .
. . . Average fund costs less than one-fifth the industry average* . . .

*Based on 2012 U.S. mutual fund industry average expense ratio of 1.11% and Vanguard's average expense ratio of 0.19%. Source: Lipper, a Thomson Reuters Company.