Goldman Sachs is one of the most recognized names in global finance, operating at the intersection of investment banking, securities, and asset management. With a history stretching back to the 19th century, the firm has evolved into a Fortune 500 powerhouse with a market capitalization of approximately $140 billion as of early 2025. This profile examines the company’s structure, its consumer-facing ventures like Marcus, career opportunities in the UK, and its physical presence in London and Birmingham.
Founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman in New York City, the firm today is a publicly traded company (NYSE: GS) led by CEO David M. Solomon, who took the helm in October 2018. It manages roughly $3.61 trillion in assets under supervision and employs about 47,400 people worldwide. Whether you are an investor, a prospective intern, or a consumer curious about its credit card offerings, understanding what Goldman Sachs does and how it operates is essential.
What does Goldman Sachs do as a company?
1869, New York City
David M. Solomon
Public (NYSE: GS)
~$53.2 billion (est.)
Goldman Sachs operates across four main service divisions: investment banking, global markets, asset management, and consumer and wealth management. These segments cover a broad spectrum of financial activities, from advising corporations on mergers and acquisitions to providing funding and risk management for institutional clients trading securities.
- Goldman Sachs is one of the world’s largest investment banks, ranked #32 on the Fortune 500.
- Its ownership is distributed among institutional and retail investors; no single individual or entity owns the company.
- The Marcus division competes directly with consumer fintech firms, offering personal loans and savings accounts.
- The firm’s credit card was launched in 2022, initially through a partnership with Apple.
- UK offices are located in London (Plumtree Court) and Birmingham, marking a recent expansion.
- Internship acceptance rates are historically very competitive, estimated at around 1.5%.
- The firm’s asset management arm oversees strategies across public and private markets for institutions and individuals.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap (2025) | ~$140 billion | Yahoo Finance |
| Employees | ~45,400 | Annual Report 2024 |
| HQ Address | 200 West Street, New York, NY | Official |
| UK Office | Plumtree Court, London EC2A | Official |
| Key Subsidiary | Marcus by Goldman Sachs | Official |
Is Goldman Sachs a bank?
Goldman Sachs is a bank holding company and a financial institution that offers banking services, but it is not a traditional retail bank with physical branches in the way high street banks are. During the 2008 financial crisis, the firm converted to a bank holding company to gain access to Federal Reserve emergency lending. Today, through its consumer division Marcus, it provides online savings accounts and personal loans directly to individuals.
Does Goldman Sachs offer asset management services?
Yes, asset management is a core pillar of Goldman Sachs. The division, established in 1986, manages investments across public and private markets for institutions, financial intermediaries, and individuals. With over $3 trillion in assets under supervision, it is considered a leading global active asset manager.
Who owns Goldman Sachs?
Goldman Sachs is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GS. Ownership is distributed among a broad base of institutional investors—such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds—as well as individual retail investors. No single person or entity owns the firm. The largest shareholders are typically large asset management firms like Vanguard and BlackRock, but their holdings still represent a minority stake.
How much is Goldman Sachs worth (net worth / market cap)?
As of early 2025, Goldman Sachs had a market capitalization of approximately $140 billion. It is important to distinguish market cap from net worth: market cap reflects the total value of all outstanding shares, while net worth (shareholder equity) stood at roughly $124.97 billion in its 2025 filings. The company’s revenue was $58.28 billion, with a net income of $16.30 billion in the same period.
Market capitalization changes daily based on stock price fluctuations. The figure provided here is a snapshot as of the publication date. For real-time data, consult financial platforms like Yahoo Finance.
How do I get an internship or career at Goldman Sachs?
Goldman Sachs is widely recognized as the most prestigious investment bank on Wall Street, and its internship program is correspondingly competitive. Interns receive what former participants describe as “phenomenal training” and hands-on experience in real transactions. The application process typically opens between July and October for the following year, and candidates can apply through the firm’s careers portal.
Goldman Sachs internship application process
Interested candidates should visit the official Goldman Sachs careers page and submit an online application including a resume and cover letter. After an initial screening, applicants may face online assessments followed by a series of interviews, culminating in a final round known as a “superday.” The acceptance rate is historically estimated at around 1.5%, varying by division and year.
Goldman Sachs careers in the UK (London and Birmingham)
For those seeking Goldman Sachs careers in the UK, the firm operates major offices in London at Plumtree Court, London EC2A, and has expanded to Birmingham in a recent push to diversify its European footprint. Job listings can be filtered by location on the careers page. Roles span investment banking, operations, technology, and asset management.
What are the core values of Goldman Sachs?
The firm’s culture is built on an “unwavering commitment to client service” and an “unrelenting pursuit of exceptional performance.” Its officially stated core values are partnership, client service, integrity, and excellence. Additionally, Goldman Sachs runs impact-oriented programs including 10,000 Small Businesses, 10,000 Women, and One Million Black Women.
For UK applicants, highlight any relevant internships, coursework in finance or economics, and demonstrate knowledge of the firm’s values. The official careers portal is the only application channel.
What is the Goldman Sachs Marcus credit card and other consumer products?
Marcus by Goldman Sachs, launched in October 2016, is the firm’s online consumer banking brand. It initially offered no-fee unsecured personal loans and high-yield savings accounts, and later expanded into credit cards. In 2022, Marcus launched a credit card through a partnership with Apple, offering rewards and competitive APRs. The credit card is currently available in the United States.
Goldman Sachs Marcus credit card features and review
The card offers features such as daily cash back on purchases, no annual fee, and integration with Apple Wallet. It is designed for consumers who prefer digital banking and value simplicity. As of 2025, availability in the UK has not been confirmed, but the firm continues to explore international expansion for its consumer products.
Where is Goldman Sachs located in the UK?
Goldman Sachs has a significant presence in the United Kingdom, with its main office located at Plumtree Court, London EC2A. This site serves as the firm’s European headquarters. More recently, the company opened an office in Birmingham as part of a strategy to tap into regional talent and diversify its UK operations.
Goldman Sachs London office address and locations
The London office is situated at Plumtree Court, London EC2A. This is the primary UK address for the firm’s investment banking, global markets, and asset management teams. The building is a major landmark in the City of London financial district.
Goldman Sachs Birmingham office
The Birmingham office, opened in 2024, marks a strategic expansion beyond London. It primarily houses technology, operations, and analytics roles, reflecting the firm’s effort to build a more resilient and distributed workforce in the UK.
Timeline of key events in Goldman Sachs history
- 1869: Founded by Marcus Goldman in New York City.
- 1885: Samuel Sachs joins, and the firm is renamed Goldman, Sachs & Co.
- 1999: Initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 2008: Converted to a bank holding company during the financial crisis.
- 2016: Launch of Marcus by Goldman Sachs consumer platform.
- 2022: Launch of Marcus credit card (Apple Card partnership).
- 2024: UK expansion with a new Birmingham office opened.
Clarity: what is established and what remains uncertain
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Goldman Sachs is a publicly traded company on NYSE under ticker GS. | Market cap changes daily; the figure here is a publication-date snapshot. |
| Current CEO is David M. Solomon (confirmed as of 2025). | Net worth is not a standard metric; market cap is the closest proxy. |
| The London office is located at Plumtree Court, London EC2A. | Internship acceptance rates vary by division and year (historical estimates suggest ~1.5%). |
Context: the evolution of Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs has transformed from a small partnership focused on commercial paper into a global financial institution spanning investment banking, trading, asset management, and consumer finance. Its move into consumer banking through Marcus signals a strategic shift to diversify revenue beyond institutional clients. The UK expansion, with offices in London and Birmingham, highlights a continued commitment to the European market. High selectivity in its internship program helps maintain brand prestige and ensures a steady pipeline of talented employees.
Sources and key quotes about Goldman Sachs
“Goldman Sachs is one of the largest investment banks in the world by revenue.”
Wikipedia
“We aspire to be the world’s most exceptional financial institution, united by our shared values.”
LinkedIn / Official Company Page
“Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is registered with the SEC as both a broker-dealer and an investment adviser.”
Goldman.com (Wealth Management)
Summary: what to know about Goldman Sachs in 2025
Goldman Sachs remains a dominant force in global finance, balancing its traditional strengths in investment banking and asset management with newer consumer-focused ventures like Marcus. For job seekers, the firm offers prestigious but highly competitive career paths, particularly in its UK offices. Its financial health, with a market cap around $140 billion and revenue exceeding $58 billion, underscores its position as a Fortune 500 leader. For the latest on internships and applications, visit the Goldman Sachs careers hub.
Frequently asked questions about Goldman Sachs
How do I apply for a career at Goldman Sachs in the UK?
Visit the Goldman Sachs careers page (goldmansachs.com/careers). Filter by location (UK: London, Birmingham) and role. Submit online application, including resume and cover letter. The process includes online assessments, interviews, and a final round superday.
What are the core values of Goldman Sachs?
Partnership, client service, integrity, and excellence. These values are outlined on their official website and LinkedIn page.
Does Goldman Sachs offer asset management services?
Yes, through Goldman Sachs Asset Management (am.gs.com), which provides investment strategies to institutions, financial intermediaries, and individuals.
How much is Goldman Sachs worth (net worth / market cap)?
As of early 2025, Goldman Sachs market capitalization is approximately $140 billion. Net worth is a different metric; the company’s shareholder equity was ~$120 billion in the latest annual report.
Is Goldman Sachs a bank?
Yes, it is a bank holding company. It converted to this status during the 2008 financial crisis and offers consumer banking services through Marcus.
What is the Marcus credit card?
The Marcus credit card, launched in 2022 through an Apple partnership, offers daily cash back, no annual fee, and integration with Apple Wallet. It is currently available in the US.
Where is the Goldman Sachs London office?
The main London office is at Plumtree Court, London EC2A. A newer office in Birmingham opened in 2024.
What is the acceptance rate for Goldman Sachs internships?
Historical estimates suggest an acceptance rate of around 1.5%, though this varies by division and year.
Who is the current CEO of Goldman Sachs?
David M. Solomon has been the CEO since October 2018.
What is Goldman Sachs’ market cap in 2025?
Approximately $140 billion as of early 2025. This figure changes with the stock price.
Oliver Reeves leads fact-checking and editorial standards at BritView.uk.