Investors look for security and reliability when building their wealth. They want a trusted partner for their long-term financial goals. Consider the massive amounts of money people entrust to these large institutions. The total value of client assets they hold is astounding. Understanding which companies manage this wealth is the first step. This is why we examine the biggest stock brokerage firms.
These firms do more than execute trades. They provide key advice, market research, and robust trading platforms. Millions of individual accounts rely on their technological infrastructure every day. Managing all those client accounts requires vast administrative operations. Their influence on global markets is undeniable. In this blog, we will investigate the services and stability of the biggest stock brokerage firms.
How do the Biggest Stock Brokerage Companies Manage Trades, Advice, and Wealth?
Stock brokerage firms, in their essence, are mediators. They act as intermediaries between investors and financial markets. So, if you want to buy stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or ETFs, you must go through them.
Here’s a clear explanation of what the biggest stock brokerage firms do:
| Category | Function | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Core Functions | Trade Execution | Executes client buy/sell orders on exchanges at the best available price. |
| Market Access | Provides trading platforms with real-time quotes and multi-market access. | |
| Custody & Settlement | Holds securities in demat accounts, settles trades, and maintains records. | |
| Advisory & Research | Investment Advice | Offers personalized recommendations based on risk profile and goals. |
| Research & Analysis | Publishes reports, forecasts, and stock analyses to guide decisions. | |
| Wealth & Portfolio Services | Portfolio Management | Manages and rebalances client portfolios on a discretionary or advisory basis. |
| Financial Planning | Helps with retirement, tax planning, estate planning, and goal-based investing. | |
| Additional Services | IPO & New Issues | Allows clients to apply for IPOs, rights issues, and other offerings. |
| Margin & Leverage | Provides margin loans for trading with borrowed capital. | |
| Educational Resources | Offers webinars, tutorials, tools, and market updates for investor learning. |
Criteria that Elevate Firms to the List of the Biggest Brokerages Worldwide
The Assets under Management (AUM) or Assets under Administration (AUA) is the measurement criterion for a brokerage firm’s size. It shows the scale of client wealth it handles. In the United States, several firms dominate the market, having grown significantly through organic growth and major acquisitions.
So, what are AUM and AUA? Here’s what you need to know:
AUM (Asset under Management): The total market value of financial assets that a firm actively manages on behalf of clients.
AUA (Asset under Administration: This is the total value of client-owned assets for which a firm provides administrative services. It includes custody, record-keeping, trade settlement, tax reporting, and compliance.
Now, according to this, what are the biggest stock brokerage firms in the world? Let’s find out!
Meet the Eight Largest Brokerage Firms Dominating Global Investor Assets
Here is a list of the eight biggest stock brokerage companies that you, as an investor, must know about:
1. Vanguard Group
- Asset Under Management: $10.1 trillion
- Asset Under Administration: Undisclosed
At the top among the biggest stock brokerage firms, Vanguard was founded in 1975 by John C. Bogle. The funds themselves own the company, prioritizing low costs for investors. They manage over $10.1 trillion in total assets.
Vanguard offers commission-free brokerage and thousands of low-cost index funds. CEO Salim Ramji leads the firm’s commitment to long-term, client-owned investing and low fees.
2. Fidelity Investments
- Asset Under Management: $6.8 trillion (Q3 2025)
- Asset Under Administration: $17.3T (Q3 2025)
Fidelity Investments is the biggest stock brokerage firm in the US. It is a massive financial firm serving over 50 million people worldwide. The Johnson family and employees own this company, led by CEO Abigail Johnson.
Fidelity manages $6.8 trillion in client assets and pioneered online trading and crypto services. They offer investors commission-free trading, 401(k) plans, and expert financial advice. The firm focuses on low costs and digital innovation for clients.
3. JPMorgan Chase (Wealth Management)
- Asset Under Management: ~$3T
- Asset Under Administration: $6 trillion
JPMorgan Chase Wealth Management provides extensive financial services to wealthy clients globally. According to their report, the wealth management division manages a whopping $6 trillion in total client assets as of 2025. They offer personalized advice, banking, and portfolio management.
They focus on active strategies and AI innovation for investment advice. They consistently achieve strong financial performance and long-term outperformance.
4. Invesco Ltd
- Asset Under Management: $2.17 trillion
- Asset Under Administration: Undisclosed
Invesco is a major global investment management firm, founded in 1935. It serves clients across over 120 countries. The firm actively manages a large $2.17 trillion in client assets (AUM).
Invesco provides diverse solutions like ETFs, mutual funds, and alternatives. They focus on continuous growth and sustainable investing strategies for investors.
5. Franklin Resources, Inc.
- Asset Under Management: $1.67 trillion
- Asset Under Administration: Undisclosed
Franklin Templeton is a major global investment firm, founded in 1947. They employ over 1,600 professionals worldwide. The firm manages a massive $1.67 trillion in client assets. Led by CEO Jenny Johnson, they offer diverse strategies like equity and fixed income.
They focus on active management, alternatives, and using technology to deliver strong investment outcomes for clients.
6. Morgan Stanley
- Asset Under Management: ~$1.5 trillion
- Asset Under Administration: $1.7–$2.0 trillion
Morgan Stanley, founded in 1935 in New York City, is one of the biggest stock brokerage firms. The company supports over 17,000 financial advisors serving wealthy clients across 42 countries. They manage roughly $2.0 trillion in client assets.
Led by CEO Ted Pick, the firm offers brokerage, investment banking, and personalized planning. Their strategy focuses on strong growth in their Wealth Management and institutional sectors.
7. Charles Schwab
- Asset Under Management: $688.9 billion
- Asset Under Administration: $10T+, including brokerage and retirement accounts.
Charles Schwab is a vast financial firm serving over 36 million client accounts. Founded in 1971 by Charles R. Schwab, the firm holds over $10.3 trillion in client assets. They offer commission-free trading, banking, and wealth management services.
Schwab serves individuals, employers, and independent advisors. The company is currently led by Rick Wurster. As of 2025, it continues to expand and prioritize a client-first approach.
8. Interactive Brokers
- Asset Under Management: ~$665 billion
- Asset Under Administration: $568.2 billion
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a major electronic firm founded in 1977 by Thomas Peterffy. They specialize in direct global trading for active, sophisticated investors. IBKR serves over 3.3 million accounts and holds nearly $665 billion in client assets.
They offer commission-free trading across 160 markets. The firm is known for its advanced technology and lowest-cost structure. This structure has helped it get a place in the biggest stock brokerage companies in the US.
Conclusion:
The financial world relies heavily on these massive institutions. When you look at the total assets and client accounts, you understand the influence of the biggest stock brokerage firms. They provide essential access, advice, and security for millions of investors building long-term wealth.
Selecting the right broker means finding a firm whose services, technology, and costs align with your financial needs. Always research your options before choosing one of the biggest stock brokerage firms.
FAQs
1. Which is the largest brokerage by client assets?
Currently, Charles Schwab and Vanguard are at the top. They each manage over $10 trillion in client assets.
2. Are these firms safe for my money?
Yes, they are highly regulated institutions. Client brokerage accounts are typically protected by SIPC insurance up to certain limits.
3. Do the biggest stock brokerage firms charge higher fees?
Not always. Many large firms offer commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs. Low-cost investing is now a key focus.
