Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual is a mutual financial services company founded in 1859 and operating throughout the United States. It delivers financial security to individual clients through a network of more than 8,000 financial advisors and through independent investment broker-dealer services. The firm reports serving 5.1 million clients, with a client retention rate of 97%.

Its work falls into three areas. Financial advisory services consist of personalised planning, in which advisors gather information about a client's goals and priorities and identify opportunities accordingly. As a mutual company, Northwestern Mutual returns profits to policyowners as dividends rather than to shareholders; it expects to pay $9.2 billion in policyowner dividends in 2026. A third arm provides investment brokerage and wealth management services, and is consistently ranked among the top U.S. independent investment broker-dealers.

The company's financial strength ratings are A++ from AM Best, AAA from S&P, Aa1 from Moody's and AA+ from Fitch - the highest available from each of the four major agencies. It has been in business for over 165 years.

Northwestern Mutual describes its culture as people-first, with relationships as the foundation of its work and a stated commitment to inclusion, diversity and fair treatment. Because its ownership structure makes it answerable to policyowners rather than shareholders, the company positions long-term client relationships - and the listening and questioning skills of its advisors - as central to how it operates.