Anatomy of an Icon: How Ameriprise Forged a 132-Year Financial Legacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – January 14, 2026 – Ameriprise Financial, a firm with roots stretching back 132 years, has been named the highest-ranked diversified financial services company on TIME magazine's inaugural “America’s Most Iconic Companies” list for 2026. Landing at number 48 out of 250 businesses, the recognition places the Minneapolis-based firm in the company of household names like Ford and Coca-Cola, highlighting a legacy built on more than just market returns.

The ranking, a joint effort between TIME and data firm Statista, surveyed over 10,000 U.S. residents to measure qualities like cultural impact, emotional connection, and resilience. It signals a growing emphasis on corporate reputation as a key asset, particularly in an industry where trust is the ultimate currency.

“To be identified among the most iconic companies is a distinction reflecting our 132-year legacy for devotion to our clients, the power of the Ameriprise value proposition and the generations we’ve helped achieve their most important financial goals,” said Jim Cracchiolo, Chairman and CEO of Ameriprise Financial, in a statement. He credited the achievement to the firm's global team and its “unwavering commitment to our clients, innovation and excellence.”

The Path from Spin-Off to Standalone Icon

While Ameriprise was founded in 1894, its modern identity was forged in 2005 when it was spun off from parent company American Express. The move was designed to allow American Express to focus on its core card and travel businesses, while freeing the financial advisory unit to chart its own course. The newly independent company, listed on the NYSE under the ticker “AMP,” embarked on a mission to establish its own brand identity.

The journey wasn't without initial turbulence. Shortly after its debut as a public company, Ameriprise settled allegations with the SEC and the National Association of Securities Dealers (now FINRA) regarding kickbacks and improper fund trading, paying over $70 million without admitting or denying wrongdoing. These early regulatory hurdles underscored the challenges of carving out a new path in a heavily scrutinized industry.

However, the long-term results of its independence are undeniable. The strategic freedom allowed Ameriprise to invest heavily in its wealth management division, which now accounts for over 80% of its revenue. An investor who put $1,000 into Ameriprise stock at its 2005 IPO would see that investment grow to nearly $20,000 by early 2026, a testament to its sustained growth. This financial performance, including a stable 'A-' credit rating from S&P Global and assets under management exceeding $1.1 trillion, provides the solid foundation upon which an iconic reputation is built.

Reputation as the New Currency

The TIME and Statista methodology focused on criteria that transcend financial statements: recognition, cultural significance, and legacy. Ameriprise's high ranking suggests that its long-term strategy of positioning itself as a steadfast partner in personal financial planning has resonated with the American public. This achievement is significant for the broader financial services sector, demonstrating that brand identity and public sentiment are powerful differentiators.

In an industry often perceived as complex and impersonal, being labeled 'iconic' suggests a level of trust and familiarity that competitors strive for. The recognition is not a measure of short-term stock performance but of perceived staying power and positive contribution over generations. For Ameriprise, it validates a narrative of resilience, having guided clients through numerous market cycles, from the Great Depression to the volatility of the 21st century.

Marrying Tradition with Technology

Central to the Ameriprise value proposition is its network of over 10,000 financial advisors, who deliver the firm's core promise of personalized financial planning. The company's claim of an “exceptional client experience” is a cornerstone of its brand. However, public sentiment reflects a more complex reality. While some clients praise the personalized service, online review platforms like Trustpilot show a pattern of complaints regarding website functionality, advisor responsiveness, and fee transparency. This feedback highlights an ongoing challenge for the firm: ensuring consistent quality across its vast and decentralized advisor network.

In response, Ameriprise has made significant investments in technology designed to empower its advisors and streamline the client experience. The firm has been repeatedly recognized for its innovation, earning BISA Technology Innovation Awards for its PracticeTech® platform in 2025 and its eMeeting capability in 2024. These tools provide advisors with integrated, secure systems for managing their practices, preparing for client meetings, and accessing marketing and asset management resources.

Furthermore, Ameriprise was named one of Fortune's “America's Most Innovative Companies” in 2025, and its leadership has spoken about leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics to help advisors identify opportunities and better serve clients. This strategic push into fintech demonstrates an effort to standardize and elevate service quality, blending its traditional, relationship-based model with the efficiency and data-driven insights of modern technology. The goal is to equip its advisors to build the very client confidence that forms the bedrock of an iconic brand.