How Many Employees at Vanguard? A Detailed Look at the Global Workforce
Have you ever wondered about the people behind one of the world's largest investment management companies? It's easy to focus on the numbers—the trillions of dollars in assets under management (AUM), the low-cost funds, and the innovative investment strategies. But behind those figures are thousands of dedicated professionals, often referred to as "crew" at Vanguard.
So, let's dive in and explore the size and scope of Vanguard's global workforce. You might be surprised to learn just how many people are working to serve millions of investors around the world.
How Many Employees At Vanguard |
Step 1: Discover the Big Picture
Let's get straight to the point: How many people work for Vanguard?
As of the latest available information from late 2024 and early 2025, Vanguard employs approximately 20,000 to 20,100+ people worldwide. This figure is a global headcount, meaning it includes all employees across their various offices and operations. It's a significant number that reflects the company's vast scale and global reach.
Are you one of the millions of investors who trusts Vanguard with your money? If so, this is the team that's working on your behalf, from investment managers and portfolio analysts to client service representatives and technology specialists. This "crew" is the engine that drives Vanguard's unique, client-owned structure.
Step 2: Understand the Global Reach
Vanguard is not just a U.S.-based company. Its workforce is spread across the globe to serve its diverse client base. Let's break down where these employees are located.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Sub-heading: The U.S. Headquarters and Beyond
The heart of Vanguard's operations is in the United States. Its corporate headquarters is in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and it has other key offices in the U.S., including locations in Arizona and North Carolina. The majority of the workforce is based in the U.S., handling everything from portfolio management to customer service for the millions of investors in its U.S.-domiciled funds.
Sub-heading: A Growing International Presence
In recent years, Vanguard has been expanding its international footprint to better serve investors in different regions. This includes a substantial presence in Europe and Australia.
Europe: Vanguard has over 1,000 employees in its European offices, which are located in cities like London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, and Zurich. This team is focused on delivering Vanguard's low-cost investment philosophy to a growing European client base.
Australia: Vanguard Australia has over 800 employees, bringing global investment expertise and local service to the Australian market, including their superannuation offerings.
Other Regions: The company also has offices in other parts of the world, such as Canada, Mexico, and Asia, contributing to the global headcount.
This widespread presence allows Vanguard to cater to the specific needs and regulations of different markets while leveraging the expertise and resources of its global business.
Step 3: Analyze the Employee Growth
Vanguard's employee count has been on a steady upward trajectory, reflecting the company's continuous growth in assets under management and its client base. Let's look at a quick trend:
2019: Approximately 17,000 employees
2020: Approximately 18,000 employees
2021: Approximately 18,800 employees
2022: Approximately 19,000 employees
2023: Approximately 20,000 employees
2024/2025: Approximately 20,000 - 20,100+ employees
This consistent growth is a testament to the increasing demand for Vanguard's products and services, as well as the company's commitment to building a strong team to support its operations. It shows that as more and more investors choose Vanguard, the company is scaling its workforce to meet that demand.
Step 4: Understand the Roles and Functions
So, what do all these employees actually do? The Vanguard workforce is a diverse mix of professionals with a wide range of skills and responsibilities. It's not just about managing money; it's about building technology, serving clients, and ensuring the company's operations run smoothly.
Sub-heading: Investment and Research
A significant portion of the workforce is dedicated to the core business of investment management. This includes portfolio managers, research analysts, traders, and risk management specialists who are responsible for the performance of Vanguard's vast lineup of funds and ETFs. These are the experts who ensure your investments are on track.
Sub-heading: Client Services and Support
Serving over 50 million clients globally requires a massive client service and support team. This includes financial advisors, customer service representatives, and operations staff who help clients with everything from opening accounts and making trades to answering questions about their portfolios and providing personalized financial advice. This is often the first point of contact for investors.
Sub-heading: Technology and Innovation
Vanguard is a technology-driven company. A large and growing segment of its workforce is dedicated to technology, data, and analytics. This includes software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, and cybersecurity experts who build and maintain the platforms, apps, and systems that power Vanguard's operations and provide a seamless digital experience for clients. They are at the forefront of using AI and machine learning to enhance client experiences and internal efficiency.
Sub-heading: Corporate Functions
Like any large corporation, Vanguard has a strong team supporting various corporate functions, including human resources, legal, compliance, marketing, finance, and administration. These teams are essential for running the business, managing the workforce, and ensuring the company operates with integrity and according to regulations.
10 Related FAQ Subheadings
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
How to find a job at Vanguard?
You can find job openings and career information on the official Vanguard careers website, which lists opportunities across various teams and locations.
How to contact Vanguard's customer service?
Vanguard provides several ways to contact customer service, including phone numbers, secure messaging through your account, and online chat, with different contact options for different types of accounts (e.g., personal investors, institutional clients).
How to understand Vanguard's unique ownership structure?
Vanguard's unique structure in the U.S. is that it is owned by its funds, which in turn are owned by their investors. This means profits are returned to investors in the form of lower costs and fees.
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How to learn about Vanguard's leadership team?
Information about Vanguard's management team and board of directors, including the current CEO, Salim Ramji, is available on the company's corporate website.
How to know if Vanguard is a good company to work for?
Vanguard is often recognized for its company culture, benefits, and focus on employee development. You can find employee reviews and insights on various job review platforms.
How to invest in Vanguard funds?
You can invest in Vanguard funds and ETFs directly through a Vanguard brokerage account or through other brokerage platforms that offer access to their products.
How to get financial advice from Vanguard?
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Vanguard offers different levels of financial advisory services, from digital advisory services to personalized financial planning with a certified financial planner, depending on your needs.
How to access Vanguard's latest financial reports?
As a private company, Vanguard's financial reports are not publicly available in the same way as a publicly traded company. However, they do release various reports and insights, such as the "How America Saves" report, which provide data on their operations.
How to understand the term "crew" at Vanguard?
"Crew" is the term Vanguard uses for its employees. It reflects the company's collaborative culture and the idea that everyone is working together toward a common goal of serving investors.
How to learn about Vanguard's history?
Vanguard was founded by John C. Bogle in 1975 with the revolutionary idea of a client-owned investment company. Its history is well-documented on its corporate website and in various financial publications.