Wells Fargo

Office address: 420 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104 
Website: www.wellsfargo.com 
Year established: 1852 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 250,000+ 
Expertise: asset management, credit card, wealth management, business banking, wholesale banking, mortgage, consumer finance, commercial finance 
Parent company: N/A 
CEO and key people: Charles W. Scharf (CEO), William M. Daley (Vice Chair, Public Affairs), Scott Powell (Sr. EVP & COO), Steven D. Black (Board Chair), Celeste A. Clark (Board Member), Wayne M. Hewett (Board Member)
Financing status: public 

Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services institution based in the Golden Gate City. The company has offices in more than 40 countries and has over 12,000 ATMs and $1.9 trillion in assets. It has a workforce of 250,000 employees and provides financial services in over 7,300 locations. 

History of Wells Fargo 

Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 as Wells Fargo & Company during the Gold Rush era by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, with John Butterfield. The company quickly became a powerful banking and express organization in America by the end of the Gold Rush through gold transportation and mail delivery.  

Wells Fargo, through consolidations, refocused their business model by separating express and banking operations. Over the years, the company has acquired multiple banks and other businesses until it became what it is known today. In 2022, it was reported that the company served over 70 million customers globally. 

Products and Services of Wells Fargo 

Wells Fargo’s products and services cater to the needs of its customers while considering their financial status and preferences. Key inclusions are: 

• checking and savings accounts: designed to meet the everyday banking needs of individuals and businesses 

• credit cards: a selection of cards offering rewards, low introductory rates, and financial flexibility 

• home loans: competitive mortgage options to help clients purchase or refinance their homes 

• personal and auto loans: financing solutions for personal needs and vehicle purchases 

• investment services: expert advice and tools for investment and wealth management 

• premier banking: exclusive banking services catering to the needs of high-net-worth individuals 

• educational tools: resources to aid in making informed financial decisions 

Culture at Wells Fargo 

Wells Fargo offers several programs for undergrads and post-graduates to support workers’ educational development. The company accommodates people with disabilities and neurodiversity with reasonable arrangements, coaching, training, and more. They also offer a range of comprehensive benefits, tools, and resources for their workers, such as:  

• health plans & well-being 

• parental & critical caregiving leaves 

• paid time off 

• 401(k) plan 

• discounts & savings 

• commuter & education benefits 

• adoption & surrogacy reimbursement 

Wells Fargo supports several charities, advocacies, and humanitarian groups. They help strengthen the community through volunteer work, veteran housing, and more. The company also donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help Ukrainian refugees escape the Russian invasion. 

About Wells Fargo CEO Charles W. Scharf and key people 

Charles W. Scharf was appointed in 2019 as the CEO and President of Wells Fargo. Scharf has over 30 years in the financial services industry and has served as the CEO of both Visa Inc. and Bank of New York Mellon. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University and holds an MBA from New York University. 

Other members of Wells Fargo’s leadership team are: 

• William M. Daley (Vice Chair of Public Affairs): oversees the bank's public policy and corporate responsibility initiatives 

• Scott E. Powell (Sr. EVP and COO): responsible for Wells Fargo’s day-to-day administrative and operational functions 

• Steven D. Black (Board Chair): guides the board in governance and oversight responsibilities 

• Celeste A. Clark (Board Member): expert in public policy and global sustainability practices 

• Wayne M. Hewett (Board Member): known for strategic insights into global business and finance 

The Future at Wells Fargo 

Wells Fargo has recently introduced LifeSync®, a digital platform within its mobile app designed to align customers' financial goals with their resources. This development reflects the bank's strategic push towards delivering personalized, digital-first financial advice. 

Wells Fargo is stepping up its efforts towards environmental sustainability by setting up the Institute for Sustainable Finance. This initiative aims to facilitate clients' transitions towards greener practices as the company pledges $500 billion for sustainable financing by 2030.