Top 10 Largest Buy Side Firms in the World by AUM

Buy side firms are investment companies like hedge funds and pension funds that invest their own or clients’ money by researching and buying stocks, bonds, and other assets to earn long-term returns. These firms are responsible for allocating trillions of dollars across global markets, shaping investment trends and driving capital flows.

In this article, we look at the 10 largest buy side firms in the world, ranked by assets under management (AUM).

1. BlackRock ($11.6 Trillion AUM)

BlackRock is the largest buy-side firm globally, with over $11.6 trillion in assets under management as of early 2025. Headquartered in New York City, BlackRock operates in over 100 countries and has a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. BlackRock offers a full spectrum of investment solutions, including passive and active strategies, real assets, and alternatives.

The firm manages investments for a wide range of clients, from sovereign wealth funds to individual investors. BlackRock’s investment philosophy is deeply rooted in long-term value creation and sustainability. Its growing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors has positioned it as a leader in responsible investing.

2. Vanguard Group ($9.1 Trillion AUM)

Vanguard is a pioneer in low-cost index investing and manages approximately $9.1 trillion in assets. Headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Vanguard serves millions of investors in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Structured as a client-owned firm, Vanguard is highly regarded for its investor-first approach and its commitment to keeping fees low.

It offers a range of passive mutual funds and ETFs, alongside a smaller suite of actively managed strategies. While its hallmark is index-based investing, Vanguard is increasingly expanding into advisory services and digital platforms to serve retail investors.

3. Fidelity Investments ($5.3 Trillion AUM)

Fidelity is one of the largest and most diversified privately held financial services firms. With $5.3 trillion in AUM, Fidelity is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. It provides a strong mix of active management, retirement planning, brokerage services, and wealth management. Fidelity is known for its rigorous research process and in-house investment teams.

The firm offers more than 500 mutual funds and ETFs, spanning equities, fixed income, sector-specific themes, and international strategies. Fidelity has also invested heavily in technology, offering advanced platforms for retail and institutional investors alike.

4. State Street Global Advisors ($4.34 Trillion AUM)

As the investment arm of State Street Corporation, State Street Global Advisors is headquartered in Boston and operates globally, with offices in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Best known for its SPDR family of ETFs, the firm manages over $4.34 trillion and offers a wide range of index and active strategies across asset classes and geographies.

State Street’s core strengths lie in providing low-cost, institutional-grade investment vehicles, and it has built a reputation as a strategic partner for pension funds, governments, and endowments.

5. Morgan Stanley Investment Management ($3.63 Trillion AUM)

Morgan Stanley’s buy side operations have grown significantly, managing $3.63 trillion across traditional and alternative investments. The firm is headquartered in New York City and has a global footprint spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

The acquisition of Eaton Vance has strengthened its fixed income and ESG capabilities. The firm’s strategies include active equity, multi-asset, private equity, and infrastructure investments. Morgan Stanley’s global platform serves a wide array of institutional and high-net-worth clients seeking tailored investment solutions.

6. JPMorgan Asset Management ($3.56 Trillion AUM)

JPMorgan Asset Management, a division of JPMorgan Chase, manages $3.56 trillion in assets globally. Based in New York City, the firm has a strong presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Known for its deep research capabilities and strong active management, JPMorgan offers investment strategies across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions. It serves a diverse clientele, from retail investors to central banks.

7. Amundi (Crédit Agricole) ($2.86 Trillion AUM)

Amundi is Europe’s largest asset manager, overseeing $2.86 trillion in assets. Headquartered in Paris, France, Amundi has an extensive global network with operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. A subsidiary of Crédit Agricole, Amundi offers a wide range of investment solutions tailored to both institutional and retail clients.

The firm is especially known for its strength in fixed income, multi-asset, and ESG-oriented products. Amundi’s international presence and partnerships in Asia have fueled its growth, and it continues to emphasize responsible investing and digital innovation.

8. Goldman Sachs Asset Management ($2.85 Trillion AUM)

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, based in New York City, provides comprehensive investment management services with $2.85 trillion in assets. GSAM operates across more than 30 countries, with major offices in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Frankfurt.

Its platform spans active fixed income, public and private equity, liquidity strategies, and alternatives. GSAM has a robust client base that includes corporations, foundations, and governments.

9. UBS Asset Management ($2.62 Trillion AUM)

UBS Asset Management, a division of Swiss banking giant UBS, manages $2.62 trillion globally. Headquartered in Zurich and Basel, UBS has a global reach with offices across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

The firm offers both traditional and alternative investments, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term growth. UBS’s global investment approach is supported by a network of research professionals and ESG experts. Its offerings cater to institutions, financial intermediaries, and private clients seeking global diversification.

10. Capital Group ($2.60 Trillion AUM)

Capital Group is one of the oldest and most respected names in active investment management. With $2.60 trillion in AUM, the firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and maintains offices in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Best known for its American Funds suite, Capital Group employs a distinctive multi-manager system to ensure diversification and consistency in performance. The firm’s long-term investment philosophy, grounded in deep fundamental research and a low-turnover approach, has made it a trusted partner for millions of investors worldwide.

While the firms listed above represent the largest players in the buy-side industry, there are many other prominent institutions that, while not making this particular list, still manage significant assets and influence the global financial markets. Firms such as T. Rowe Price, Invesco, Franklin Templeton, and Schroders are key contributors to the investment landscape.