Goldman Sachs is one of the world's oldest and most prominent financial institutions, founded 157 years ago and headquartered globally with over 46,000 employees across the world. The firm operates as a full-service investment bank and financial services company serving institutional clients, corporations, governments, and wealthy individuals rather than retail consumers. The company's primary businesses include Global Banking & Markets (financing, advisory, risk distribution, and hedging), Asset & Wealth Management (institutional and private wealth advice and investing), Platform Solutions (financial products and services), and Global Investment Research.
Goldman Sachs distinguishes itself through its world-class, interconnected franchises, deep relationships with institutional clients, extensive research capabilities, and leadership in the investment banking space. The firm reports that over 95% of clients rate them as 'Best People' and 'Expertise,' and they receive over 1 million external job applications annually. However, Goldman Sachs is fundamentally not a consumer bank and does not offer traditional retail banking services like checking accounts, savings accounts, or consumer lending.
This is an institutional powerhouse designed for large corporations, institutional investors, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, not a resource for typical consumer finance needs.