Our history

Putting clients first since 1894

We're honored that generations of clients have entrusted Ameriprise Financial with their futures since 1894. For 130 years, we've remained true to our commitment of putting clients' interests first. 

The strength of our commitment to clients is matched by the strength of our firm: a strong financial foundation, passionate stewardship of the business and a track record of standing behind clients through good times and bad. Over the years, our singular focus on clients has helped us navigate market cycles, recessions, depressions, wars and a global pandemic. 

We look forward to the opportunity to help more investors achieve their most important financial goals for many years to come.

2024

Celebrating 130 years of putting clients first.

2023

Expanded financial institution presence with Comerica Financial Advisors. 

 

Relocated to new Minneapolis headquarters.

 

Charlotte, North Carolina office opens. 

 

For the fifth consecutive year, J.D. Power recognized Ameriprise for providing “an outstanding customer service experience” for phone support for advisors.1

2022

Columbia Threadneedle Investments refreshed its global brand, with a new purpose statement, Investing smarter for the world you want, to replace former brand promise.

2021

Columbia Threadneedle acquires Bank of Montreal's EMEA asset management business. 

2020

More than $1T in assets under management and administration, further differentiating the capital strength of the firm.

2019

Recognized 125th anniversary. 

 

Further strengthened wealth management capabilities with the launch of Ameriprise Bank, FSB. 

2017

Columbia Threadneedle Investments acquires Lionstone Investments, a data-analytics driven U.S. real estate investment firm.

 

Expanded into the financial institution channel through the acquisition of Investment Professionals, Inc.

2015

Launched Columbia Threadneedle Investments brand extending our reach as a top-50 global asset management firm.

2014

Launched the Confident Retirement®  approach which underpins our personalized approach to financial advice and wealth management.

2010

With the Columbia Management acquisition, Ameriprise Financial became the eighth-largest manager of long-term U.S. mutual fund assets.

2009

Ameriprise Financial announced a charitable partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

2008

During the Great Recession while others took bailouts, Ameriprise acquired H&R Block Financial Advisors – growing our advisor force by 30% and extending national reach and visibility.

2005

Ameriprise Financial became an independent, publicly-owned company through the 6th largest spin-off in U.S. history.

 

AMP begins trading on NYSE (Oct. 3).

 

Jim Cracchiolo became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ameriprise Financial.

 

As part of the company’s brand introduction, Ameriprise Financial renames American Express Property Casualty Insurance companies to Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance and announces the RiverSource brand. 

2003

AEFA increased its international presence by acquiring Threadneedle Asset Management, a leading British investment firm.

2002

AEFA acquired Dynamic Ideas, LLC, the quantitative platform of RiverSource Investments.

2000

James Cracchiolo named President and CEO of American Express Financial Advisors.

1995

IDS changed its name to American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA).

1984

American Express Company acquired IDS and established American Express Financial Advisors.

1975

Pioneered financial planning.

1957

Investors Syndicate Life Insurance and Annuity Company is formed (renamed IDS Life Insurance Company in 1973).

1949

Investors Syndicate changed its name to Investors Diversified Services.

1946

Ruth Abrahamson joined the company in 1946 and later became the top female sales representative in the country.

1940

Entered the mutual fund market with Investors Mutual Fund. Investors Stock Fund and Investors Selective fund follow in 1945.

1929

Stock market crashes.

 

During the decade of the Great Depression, Investors Syndicate paid every dollar on its due date to certificate owners.

1925

West Coast entrepreneur John R. Ridgeway purchased Investors Syndicate from founder John Tappan and his partners.

1914

Investors Syndicate reached $1 million in assets.

1894

John Tappan, age 24, founded Investors Syndicate.

 

By the end of the year, Investors Syndicate boasted assets of $2,500. 

1 J.D. Power 2023 Certified Customer Service ProgramSM recognition is based on successful completion of an operational evaluation and exceeding a customer satisfaction benchmark through a survey of recent servicing interactions. J.D. Power certified Ameriprise customer satisfaction performance for advisors in these factors: satisfaction with the IVR routing process, and the customer service representative which includes knowledge, courtesy, concern, promptness in getting to a representative, and timeliness of resolution in addition to overall satisfaction. Ameriprise paid a fee to J.D. Power to have their advisor support experience independently certified through this program and cite the results. Ameriprise’s public use of the certification is subject to a license fee. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com/awards.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.
The Confident Retirement® approach is not a guarantee of future financial results. 
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. 
Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.