Goldman Sachs International Bank Information and Operations

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Goldman Sachs is one of the largest and most influential investment banks in the world. It was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in New York City.

The bank has a significant presence in London, with Goldman Sachs International being a major subsidiary. It was established in 1970 and is authorized by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

Goldman Sachs International has a diverse range of clients, including corporations, governments, and individuals. It provides a wide range of financial services, including investment banking, securities, and asset management.

The bank's operations are overseen by a strong leadership team, with CEO David Solomon at the helm.

If this caught your attention, see: International Investment Bank

About Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. It was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman.

The firm's early success was built on its ability to facilitate trade between European and American markets.

Goldman Sachs is headquartered in New York City, with significant operations in London, Hong Kong, and other major financial centers.

The company's name was changed to Goldman Sachs & Co. in 1882, when Marcus Goldman's partner, Samuel Sachs, became a full partner.

Bank Information

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The Goldman Sachs International Bank has a unique SWIFT code, GOSNGB2LJNB, which can be broken down into an 8-character code, GOSNGB2L, and a branch code, JNB.

Their London branch is located at Plumtree Court, 25 Shoe Lane, and is a part of the larger Goldman Sachs International Bank.

You can identify this branch by its name, Goldman Sachs International Bank, and it's situated in the city of London within the United Kingdom.

Bank

Bank information can be crucial when making transactions or sending money abroad.

You'll need to know the bank's name, which in this case is Goldman Sachs International Bank.

Their SWIFT code is GOSNGB2LJNB, but the shortened version is GOSNGB2L.

The bank's branch name is also Goldman Sachs International Bank, and their address is Plumtree Court, 25 Shoe Lane.

The branch code is JNB, which is useful to know when making transactions.

The bank is located in London, United Kingdom.

Curious to learn more? Check out: International Bank Swift Code

What is a SWIFT/BIC Code?

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A SWIFT/BIC code is a standard format of Business Identifier Codes approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It's used globally to identify financial institutions and banks during international transactions, ensuring that funds are sent to the correct place.

SWIFT/BIC codes are used to identify financial institutions and banks. They're a crucial part of international transactions.

These codes are a standard format, approved by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They're used to ensure that funds are sent to the correct place, preventing errors and misdirected payments.

Al Bank

Goldman Sachs International Bank is based in the United Kingdom.

The bank is also known as Goldman Sachs International.

Goldman Sachs International Bank has codes that are frequently searched, including the SWIFT/BIC codes.

Johannesburg Branch

The Johannesburg Branch of Goldman Sachs is a significant presence in Africa, with a history dating back to the 1990s.

Located in the heart of Johannesburg's financial district, the branch offers a range of services to clients in the region, including investment banking, market research, and asset management.

One of the key services provided by the Johannesburg Branch is market research, which helps clients make informed investment decisions in the African market.

A different take: Banks and Banking Services

How to Find Johannesburg Branch SWIFT Code

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You can find your Goldman Sachs International Bank, Johannesburg Branch SWIFT code on your bank statement.

It's also listed on the official Goldman Sachs International Bank, Johannesburg Branch website under banking information or help sections.

You can log into your online banking account to access your SWIFT code.

Contacting Goldman Sachs International Bank, Johannesburg Branch directly is another option.

Yes, you need a Goldman Sachs International Bank, Johannesburg Branch SWIFT code for international transfers.

A qué sucursales aplica el código SWIFT GOSNGB2LJNB?

The SWIFT code GOSNGB2LJNB corresponds to the Goldman Sachs International Bank branch in London, United Kingdom.

This SWIFT code is specific to the London branch, not the Johannesburg branch, which we'll discuss later.

The London branch is located in London, United Kingdom.

International Operations

Goldman Sachs has a significant presence in the international market, with operations in over 30 countries.

The bank's international operations are driven by its global client base, which includes corporations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.

Goldman Sachs has a major presence in Asia, with offices in cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo.

1930-1980

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In the 1930s, Goldman Sachs underwent significant changes, including the ousting of Catchings and the rise of Sidney Weinberg as senior partner, who shifted the firm's focus towards investment banking.

Weinberg's leadership led to major victories, such as advising on the $657 million initial public offering of Ford Motor Company in 1956 and the $350 million debenture offering by Sears Roebuck in 1958.

The firm also started an investment research division and a municipal bond department under Weinberg's leadership, becoming an early innovator in risk arbitrage.

Gus Levy joined the firm as a securities trader in the 1950s, introducing block trading and establishing this trend under his guidance.

The firm relocated its headquarters to 20 Broad Street, New York City, in 1957.

Levy took over Weinberg's role as Senior Partner in 1969 and built Goldman's trading franchise, adopting the philosophy of being "long-term greedy", which prioritized long-term gains over short-term losses.

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The firm's partners reinvested nearly all of their earnings in the firm, which helped to fuel its growth.

In 1970, the firm faced a financial crisis due to the bankruptcy of the Penn Central Transportation Company, which had issued commercial paper through Goldman Sachs.

The resulting lawsuits threatened the firm's partnership capital, survival, and reputation, but the firm was able to recover.

Under the direction of Senior Partner Stanley R. Miller, the firm opened its first international office in London in 1970 and created a Private Wealth Management division along with a fixed income division in 1972.

The firm pioneered the "white knight" strategy in 1974 during its attempts to defend Electric Storage Battery against a hostile takeover bid.

1981–2000

In the 1980s, the International Operations expanded to new regions, with a notable increase in the number of employees.

The company established a significant presence in Asia, with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo.

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This expansion was driven by growing demand for the company's services in these regions.

By the end of the decade, the International Operations had grown to include over 1,000 employees worldwide.

The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident in its hiring practices, with a focus on recruiting local talent.

In 1995, the International Operations launched a major initiative to increase its presence in the Middle East.

This effort included the establishment of a new office in Dubai and the hiring of local staff.

The company's focus on local hiring and community engagement helped to establish strong relationships with local partners and customers.

By the year 2000, the International Operations had become a key driver of the company's global growth.

2000–2007

In the early 2000s, Goldman Sachs expanded its international operations by taking a 45% stake in a joint venture with JBWere, the Australian investment bank, in March 2003.

This strategic move marked the beginning of Goldman's significant presence in the Australian market.

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In April 2003, Goldman acquired The Ayco Company L.P., a fee-based financial counseling service, further diversifying its services and expertise.

The Ayco Company L.P. was a valuable addition to Goldman's portfolio, providing specialized financial guidance to clients.

In 2003, Goldman's researchers led by Jim O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Gatley, published the influential paper "Dreaming With BRICs: The Path to 2050", which introduced the BRIC concept, identifying Brazil, Russia, India, and China as rising economic powers.

This groundbreaking research highlighted the growing economic influence of these emerging markets and had a lasting impact on the global economic landscape.

In May 2006, Goldman's leadership underwent a significant change with the departure of Henry Paulson, who left to serve as United States Secretary of the Treasury, and the promotion of Lloyd Blankfein to chairman and chief executive officer.

Lloyd Blankfein's leadership marked a new era for Goldman Sachs, and he played a crucial role in shaping the firm's future.

In January 2007, Goldman, along with CanWest Global Communications, acquired Alliance Atlantis, the company with the broadcast rights to the CSI franchise, further expanding its presence in the media and entertainment industry.

This acquisition demonstrated Goldman's willingness to invest in diverse sectors and expand its reach beyond traditional financial services.

If this caught your attention, see: Goldman Sachs Ceo Lloyd Blankfein

Swift Code Details

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A SWIFT code is a crucial piece of information for international transactions, and it's essential to understand its components. A SWIFT code is an 8-11 character code that identifies your country, city, bank, and branch.

The code is made up of four parts: bank code, country code, location code, and branch code. The bank code is a shortened version of the bank's name, usually four letters long.

The country code is a two-letter code representing the country the bank is in. This is a critical piece of information for international transactions, ensuring that funds are sent to the correct country.

The location code is two characters long and represents the bank's head office location. This code is usually made up of letters or numbers.

The branch code is three digits long and specifies a particular branch. 'XXX' represents the bank's head office.

Here's a breakdown of the SWIFT code structure:

  • Bank code: A-Z, 4 letters
  • Country code: A-Z, 2 letters
  • Location code: 0-9, A-Z, 2 characters
  • Branch Code: 0-9, A-Z, 3 digits

Involvement in the Eurozone Debt Crisis

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Goldman Sachs was heavily criticized for its involvement in the 2010 European debt crisis.

In 2001, Goldman arranged a secret loan of €2.8 billion for Greece disguised as an off-the-books "cross-currency swap".

This transaction hid 2% of Greece's national debt and earned Goldman a fee of €600 million.

The complicated deal helped Greece avoid non-compliance with the Maastricht Treaty.

Many European leaders with roles in the crisis had ties to Goldman Sachs.

Lucas Papademos, Greece's former prime minister, was the head of the Central Bank of Greece at the time of the derivatives deals with Goldman Sachs.

Petros Christodoulou, the general manager of the Greek Public Debt Management Agency, was a former employee of Goldman Sachs.

Mario Monti, Italy's former prime minister and finance minister, was an international adviser to Goldman Sachs.

Otmar Issing, a former board member of the Bundesbank and the European Bank, also advised Goldman Sachs.

Mario Draghi, then head of the European Central Bank, was the former managing director of Goldman Sachs International.

António Borges, the Head of the European Department of the International Monetary Fund, was the former vice chairman of Goldman Sachs International.

Expand your knowledge: Goldman Sachs Prime Brokerage

Oil Futures Speculation

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Oil futures speculation has been a major factor in driving up gasoline prices. Investment banks like Goldman Sachs have been accused of artificially raising the price of crude oil.

In 2011, confidential documents revealed that several investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays, had significant positions in the oil futures market just before the peak in gasoline prices in the summer of 2008.

These banks have deep pockets, allowing them to significantly sway prices, and unlike traditional market participants, they neither produce oil nor take physical possession of actual barrels of oil.

Goldman Sachs was warning investors in April 2011 that the price of oil had grown out of control due to excessive speculation in petroleum futures.

Net speculative positions were four times as high as in June 2008, when the price of oil peaked, according to Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs' concern over speculation did not prevent it from lobbying against regulations to establish position limits, which would cap the number of futures contracts a trader can hold.

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By 2012, prices on the oil commodity market had become influenced by hedge funds and bankers pumping billions of purely speculative dollars into commodity exchanges.

This problem started in 1991, when Goldman Sachs argued to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that Wall Street dealers who put down big bets on oil should be considered legitimate hedgers and granted an exemption from regulatory limits on their trades.

The commission granted an exemption that allowed Goldman Sachs to process billions of dollars in speculative oil trades, and other exemptions followed.

By 2008, eight investment banks accounted for 32% of the total oil futures market.

Controversies and Issues

Goldman Sachs has been criticized for its lack of ethical standards, working with dictatorial regimes, and driving up prices of commodities through futures speculation. This has led to concerns about the company's values and priorities.

The company has also been accused of abusive treatment of employees, with many working 100-hour weeks and experiencing high levels of stress. This has led to employee dissatisfaction and a lack of mental health resources.

Goldman Sachs has faced numerous investigations and lawsuits, including a $550 million settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in 2010. This was related to allegations that the company misled investors and profited from the collapse of the mortgage market during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Subprime Mortgage Crisis

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Goldman Sachs was criticized for allegedly misleading its investors and profiting from the collapse of the mortgage market during the 2007–2008 financial crisis.

The company was subject to investigations from the United States Congress, the United States Department of Justice, and a lawsuit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which resulted in a $550 million settlement in July 2010.

Goldman Sachs was "excoriated by the press and the public" according to journalists Bethany McLean and Joe Nocera, despite its non-retail nature of business that would normally have kept it out of the public eye.

A Senate panel released a report in 2011 accusing Goldman Sachs of misleading clients and engaging in conflicts of interest.

The settlement in July 2010 did not cover charges against Goldman vice president and salesman for Abacus, Fabrice Tourre, who was found liable on six of seven counts, including that he misled investors about the mortgage deal.

Tourre was fined $650,000 and forced to return a $175,000 bonus, and was not subject to criminal charges or jail time.

Bonuses Paid in 2009 Amid Crisis

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In June 2009, Goldman Sachs made some of the largest bonus payments in its history, setting aside a record $11.4 billion for bonus payments.

This decision was met with criticism from Andrew Cuomo, then New York Attorney General, who questioned the fairness of paying 953 employees bonuses of at least $1 million each after the firm received TARP funds in 2008.

CEO Lloyd Blankfein and 6 other senior executives, however, opted to forgo bonuses, stating they believed it was the right thing to do because they were part of the industry that caused economic distress.

Firm's Response to AIG Payments Criticism

Goldman Sachs has been criticized for its lack of ethical standards and working with dictatorial regimes.

The company has also been accused of driving up prices of commodities through futures speculation.

In 2010, Goldman Sachs paid a $550 million settlement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after being sued for allegedly misleading its investors.

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This incident was part of the broader criticism of Goldman Sachs during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

The company was accused of profiting from the collapse of the mortgage market and misleading its clients about its bets against mortgage-related security products.

Goldman Sachs denied wrongdoing, stating that its customers were aware of its bets and that it only used those bets to hedge against losses.

The company's response to criticism has been met with skepticism, with some journalists describing it as a "great vampire squid" that engineers market manipulation.

A Senate panel released a report in 2011 accusing Goldman Sachs of misleading clients and engaging in conflicts of interest.

Offshore Tax Havens Usage

Goldman Sachs reports having 987 subsidiaries in offshore tax havens, with 537 of those in the Cayman Islands, despite not operating a single legitimate office in that country.

The Cayman Islands are a popular destination for tax-avoidance tactics, with Goldman Sachs holding $28.6 billion offshore.

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In 2008, Goldman Sachs had an effective tax rate of only 3.8%, down from 34% the year before.

This drastic reduction in tax rate led to a significant decrease in Goldman Sachs's tax liability, from $6 billion in 2007 to just $14 million in 2008.

Major U.S. banks and companies are using similar tax-avoidance tactics, shifting their earnings to subsidiaries in low or no-tax nations.

Critics argue that these practices are unfair and allow large corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Political Contributions

Goldman Sachs and its employees collectively gave $3.3 million in the 2022 United States elections to various candidates and parties.

The largest beneficiary in 2022 was David McCormick, who received $336,000 in contributions.

Work Culture and Lawsuits

Goldman Sachs has faced significant challenges in creating a work culture that values and supports its female employees. A 2010 lawsuit claimed the firm fostered an "uncorrected culture of sexual harassment and assault".

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The lawsuit also cited cultural and pay discrimination, including frequent client trips to strip clubs and client golf outings that excluded female employees. Female vice presidents made 21% less than their male counterparts.

In 2023, Goldman Sachs agreed to pay $215 million to resolve claims made by nearly 2800 female staff over accusations of discriminatory practices. This settlement was made over allegations of providing women with lower salaries and lesser opportunities.

Work Culture

Work culture is a critical aspect of any organization, and its impact on employees' well-being cannot be overstated. Long working hours and lack of sleep can have serious effects on mental health.

In 2021, a group of first-year bankers revealed that they were working 100 hours a week with only 5 hours of sleep at night, highlighting the need for better work-life balance. This is unacceptable and can lead to burnout.

Goldman Sachs took a step in the right direction by implementing a flexible vacation policy in May 2022. Senior bankers now get unlimited vacation days, and all employees are expected to take a minimum of 15 days off every year.

This new policy aims to help employees "rest and recharge", which is essential for maintaining productivity and job satisfaction.

Gender Bias Lawsuit

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Goldman Sachs has faced a significant gender bias lawsuit. In 2010, two former female employees filed a lawsuit against the firm for gender discrimination.

The lawsuit claimed that the company fostered a culture of sexual harassment and assault, causing women to be either "sexualized or ignored". This included frequent client trips to strip clubs and client golf outings that excluded female employees.

Female vice presidents at Goldman Sachs made 21% less than their male counterparts. Government records revealed that female employees earned 20% less than their male counterparts, a significantly higher gap than the 9.4% national gender pay gap.

In 2023, Goldman Sachs agreed to pay $215 million to resolve claims made by nearly 2800 female staff. This settlement was over accusations of discriminatory practices, including lower salaries and lesser opportunities for women.

Roughly two-thirds of the women who were partners at the end of 2018 have left the firm or no longer have the title.

SEC Lawsuits and Investigations

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Goldman Sachs faced a $15 million fine in 2016 for improper securities lending practices, including granting locates without adequate review. This was a result of a team of employees arranging to borrow securities to settle short sales between 2008 and 2013.

The bank was also investigated for a $3 billion bond created for 1MDB, with US prosecutors looking into whether Goldman failed to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act. This act requires financial institutions to report suspicious transactions to regulators.

In 2018, former Goldman chairman Tim Leissner admitted that over $200 million in proceeds from 1MDB bonds went into his and a relative's accounts, bypassing compliance rules. Leissner and another former banker, Roger Ng, were charged with money laundering.

Malaysia filed criminal charges against Goldman subsidiaries and their former employees, alleging misleading statements to misappropriate $2.7 billion from 1MDB bond proceeds. This was in 2018, after the bond was arranged and underwritten by Goldman in 2012 and 2013.

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The Malaysian government eventually received $2.5 billion in cash from Goldman, along with a guarantee to return $1.4 billion in assets linked to 1MDB bonds. This was part of a settlement reached in 2020, which dropped all criminal charges against the bank.

In 2020, Goldman's Malaysian subsidiary admitted to mistakes in auditing and agreed to pay over $2.9 billion in fines. This was a significant amount, and it marked a major development in the bank's dealings with 1MDB.

Market Manipulation

Goldman Sachs has been accused of stock price manipulation, including issuing research reports with inflated financial projections for companies like Exodus Communications.

Goldman Sachs gave Exodus its highest stock rating despite knowing the company didn't deserve it, and was later sued for artificially inflating the stock price of RSL Communications.

In the dot-com bubble, Goldman Sachs was accused of intentionally undervaluing stocks in initial public offerings to generate profits for clients, who would then return some of the profits to Goldman Sachs as kickback bribes.

For more insights, see: Goldman Sachs Share Price History

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These practices were revealed through documents related to eToys.com's initial public offering in 1999, which showed that IPOs managed by Goldman Sachs were purposely underpriced to generate profits for clients.

Goldman Sachs' involvement in commodity price manipulation has also been criticized, as the company has branched out into owning raw materials such as food products, zinc, copper, tin, nickel, and aluminum.

This has raised concerns that Goldman Sachs has a conflict of interest, as it can both control the supply of these commodities and trade in related financial products.

Stock Price Manipulation

Stock price manipulation is a serious issue in the financial world. It involves artificially inflating or deflating stock prices to deceive investors and make a profit.

Goldman Sachs was charged for issuing research reports with extremely inflated financial projections for Exodus Communications. This led to accusations of giving Exodus its highest stock rating even though Goldman knew it didn't deserve such a rating.

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In 2003, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley were sued for artificially inflating the stock price of RSL Communications. They paid $3,380,000 for settlement.

Goldman Sachs was also accused of asking for kickback bribes from institutional clients who made large profits flipping stocks they had intentionally undervalued in initial public offerings. This practice was used during the dot-com bubble.

Companies selling undervalued stock and their initial consumer stockholders were both defrauded by this practice.

Commodity Price Manipulation

Commodity price manipulation is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for consumers and businesses alike.

A provision of the 1999 financial deregulation law, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, allows commercial banks to enter into any business activity that is "complementary to a financial activity and does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally".

Goldman Sachs and other investment banks have branched out into ownership of a wide variety of enterprises, including raw materials like zinc, copper, tin, nickel, and aluminum.

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Allowing a company to both control the supply of crucial physical commodities and trade in the financial products related to those markets is a recipe for manipulation, according to critics like Matt Taibbi.

In the case of aluminum, Goldman Sachs purchased a warehousing company called Metro International in 2010, and the wait for delivery of aluminum supplies to factories went from an average of 6 weeks to more than 16 months.

The premium on all aluminum sold in the spot market doubled, costing American consumers more than $5 billion from 2010 to 2013.

Goldman's ownership of a quarter of the national supply of aluminum in a network of 27 Metro International warehouses in Detroit, Michigan, was blamed for the delays and price manipulation.

The London Metal Exchange requires that at least 3,000 tons of aluminum be moved out each day to avoid hoarding and price manipulation, but Goldman dealt with this requirement by moving the aluminum from one warehouse to another.

Goldman was subpoenaed by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission in August 2013 as part of an investigation into complaints that Goldman-owned metals warehouses had intentionally created delays and inflated the price of aluminum.

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The company started paying traders extra to bring their metal to Goldman's warehouses rather than anywhere else, which allowed them to charge more rent and pass the premium on to the buyer.

The effect was amplified by another company, Glencore, which was doing the same thing in its warehouse in Vlissingen.

The case against Goldman Sachs and other companies accused of violating U.S. anti-trust laws was dismissed in 2015, but was revived in 2019 and eventually dismissed again in 2021.

Financial Performance and Ownership

Goldman Sachs has a long history of financial performance, with revenue ranging from $13.986 billion in 2002 to $59.339 billion in 2022.

The bank's net income has also fluctuated over the years, from $2.114 billion in 2002 to $21.151 billion in 2021.

Goldman Sachs' assets have grown significantly, increasing from $290 billion in 2000 to $1,642 billion in 2023.

Here's a breakdown of the bank's revenue and net income over the years:

The 10 largest shareholders of Goldman Sachs as of August 2024 are:

  • The Vanguard Group (8.96%)
  • BlackRock (7.33%)
  • State Street Corporation (6.15%)
  • Morgan Stanley (2.26%)
  • Capital World Investors (2.08%)
  • Geode Capital Management (2.94%)
  • Bank of America (1.94%)
  • Fisher Asset Management (1.86%)
  • Dodge & Cox (1.72%)
  • T. Rowe Price (1.60%)

Financial Performance

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The financial performance of a company can be a great indicator of its overall health and success.

According to the data, the company's revenue peaked in 2006 at $37.665 billion, but then experienced a decline in 2007 and 2008. This was likely due to the global financial crisis.

The company's net income also saw significant fluctuations over the years, ranging from a low of $2.041 billion in 2008 to a high of $21.151 billion in 2021. The net income has been steadily increasing in recent years, with a notable jump in 2021.

Here's a breakdown of the company's revenue and net income over the years:

The company's assets also saw a significant increase over the years, from $290 billion in 2000 to $1.642 billion in 2023. This suggests that the company has been investing heavily in its operations and expanding its reach.

The company's headcount also experienced fluctuations, with a peak of 43.9 thousand employees in 2022. This suggests that the company has been hiring and expanding its workforce in recent years.

Overall, the company's financial performance has been marked by significant fluctuations over the years, but it has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Ownership

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The ownership structure of Goldman Sachs is quite interesting. The 10 largest shareholders of the company as of August 2024 are dominated by institutional investors.

The Vanguard Group is the largest shareholder with an 8.96% stake in the company. This is a significant holding, considering the company's overall market value.

BlackRock is the second-largest shareholder with a 7.33% stake in Goldman Sachs. This highlights the significant influence that these institutional investors have over the company's operations.

State Street Corporation and Morgan Stanley also have notable stakes in the company, with 6.15% and 2.26% respectively. These investments are a testament to the company's financial health and stability.

Here's a list of the 10 largest shareholders of Goldman Sachs as of August 2024:

  • The Vanguard Group (8.96%)
  • BlackRock (7.33%)
  • State Street Corporation (6.15%)
  • Morgan Stanley (2.26%)
  • Capital World Investors (2.08%)
  • Geode Capital Management (2.94%)
  • Bank of America (1.94%)
  • Fisher Asset Management (1.86%)
  • Dodge & Cox (1.72%)
  • T. Rowe Price (1.60%)

Leadership and Personnel

Goldman Sachs has a diverse and experienced board of directors, consisting of 11 non-employee members, including notable individuals such as Lakshmi Mittal and Adebayo Ogunlesi.

These directors receive a significant annual compensation package, with non-employee directors receiving $100,000 in cash and $350,000 in restricted stock.

List of Chairmen and CEOs

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The leadership of Goldman Sachs has been in capable hands over the years. Marcus Goldman was the first chairman and CEO, serving from 1869 to 1894.

One of the longest-serving chairmen and CEOs was Sidney Weinberg, who held the position for an impressive 39 years from 1930 to 1969. He played a significant role in shaping the company's future.

Here's a list of the notable chairmen and CEOs who have led Goldman Sachs:

  1. Marcus Goldman (1869–1894)
  2. Samuel Sachs (1894–1928)
  3. Waddill Catchings (1928–1930)
  4. Sidney Weinberg (1930–1969)
  5. Gus Levy (1969–1976)
  6. John C. Whitehead and John L. Weinberg (1976–1985)
  7. John L. Weinberg (1985–1990)
  8. Robert Rubin (1990–1992)
  9. Stephen Friedman (1992–1994)
  10. Jon Corzine (1994–1998)
  11. Henry Paulson (1999–2006)
  12. Lloyd Blankfein (2006–2018)
  13. David M. Solomon (2018–present)

Lloyd Blankfein held the position of chairman and CEO from 2006 to 2018, before becoming senior chairman in 2019.

Officers and Directors

The officers and directors of the company play a crucial role in its leadership and decision-making process. They are responsible for setting the company's overall direction and strategy.

Non-employee members of the board of directors include notable figures such as M. Michele Burns, Mark Flaherty, and Lakshmi Mittal.

These individuals receive annual compensation, with non-employee directors receiving $100,000 in cash and $350,000 in restricted stock. Committee chairpersons receive an additional $25,000.

Personnel Turnover with U.S. Government

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Personnel turnover with the U.S. government is a significant issue, with many former Goldman Sachs employees moving into high-level government positions. This has led to concerns about conflicts of interest and the influence of Wall Street on government policy.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former U.S. Secretaries of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, Robert Rubin, and Henry Paulson are notable examples of this trend. They all have a history with Goldman Sachs.

The revolving door between Goldman Sachs and the government has been criticized for creating potential conflicts of interest. This is especially concerning given the significant influence Goldman Sachs has on the financial industry.

Goldman Sachs has received criticism for its revolving door relationship with the U.S. government, with some even dubbing it "Government Sachs".

Products and Services

Goldman Sachs International Bank offers a wide range of products and services to its clients. Its four primary strands of business include investing and lending, investment management, institutional client services, and investment banking.

Bank Notes
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The bank's investing and lending arm provides long-term loans to clients, while its investment management arm offers investment opportunities both directly and indirectly through managed funds. The institutional client services arm is a primary dealer in European government bonds and works in market making for these bonds, lending, deposit-taking, and secondary dealing.

The bank's investment banking arm works on European government bonds and bank loans, including underwriting and originating instruments of debt. Its services also include mergers and acquisitions, corporate defense, restructuring, and acquisition financing.

Here are the four primary strands of business offered by Goldman Sachs International Bank:

  • Investing and lending
  • Investment management
  • Institutional client services
  • Investment banking

Commodity Index and Food Bubble

Goldman Sachs created the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index, now known as the S&P GSCI, which helped passive investors speculate on food prices by betting on financial products based on the commodity index.

Frederick Kaufman argued that these financial products disturbed the normal relationship between supply and demand, making prices more volatile and defeating the price stabilization mechanism of the futures exchange.

From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland
Credit: pexels.com, From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland

The creation of the commodity index led to the 2005–2008 Food Bubble, where prices of food products became more volatile and unpredictable.

Passive investors like pension funds and mutual funds were drawn to the financial products based on the commodity index, further exacerbating the price volatility.

A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that commodities without futures markets also saw price rises during the same period, suggesting that the commodity index was not the sole cause of the price volatility.

In 2014, Goldman Sachs sold its aluminum warehousing business to Ruben Brothers, marking a shift away from its commodity trading activities.

Products and Services

Goldman Sachs International offers a wide range of products and services to its clients. The bank's services can be categorized into four primary strands of business: investing and lending, investment management, institutional client services, and investment banking.

The bank provides long-term loans to clients through its investing and lending arm, which also makes investments directly and indirectly via managed funds.

Man working on financial reports with calculator, money, and laptop on a desk.
Credit: pexels.com, Man working on financial reports with calculator, money, and laptop on a desk.

Here are the four primary strands of business offered by Goldman Sachs International:

  • Investing and lending
  • Investment management
  • Institutional client services
  • Investment banking

The bank's institutional client services arm is a primary dealer in European government bonds and works in market making, lending, deposit-taking, and secondary dealing. It also provides financing and other prime brokerage services to corporations, investment funds, governments, and financial institutions.

The investment banking arm works in European government bonds and bank loans, and provides services such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate defence, restructuring, and acquisition financing.

Consider reading: Church Finance Bonds

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goldman Sachs an American bank?

Yes, Goldman Sachs is an American bank, with its headquarters located in New York. It operates a significant portion of its assets domestically, with 87% of its total assets held within the US.

Greg Brown

Senior Writer

Greg Brown is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in the world of finance. With a focus on investment strategies, Greg has established himself as a knowledgeable and insightful voice in the industry. Through his writing, Greg aims to provide readers with practical advice and expert analysis on various investment topics.

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