Company Directory - The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Company Details - The Vanguard Group, Inc.
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
WebsiteMalvern, United States
Vanguard is an American registered investment advisor and one of the largest asset management companies in the world, offering a broad range of low‐cost mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment products designed to help investors achieve their financial goals.
CCI Score
CCI Score: The Vanguard Group, Inc.
-14.85
0.01%
Latest Event
Vanguard Group’s Political Influence and Revolving Door Practices
An analysis of Vanguard Group’s political activities based on OpenSecrets data reveals significant lobbying expenditures and notable revolving door practices among its lobbyists. In 2024, Vanguard spent $2,650,000 on lobbying, and a substantial portion of its lobbyists had prior government experience, raising concerns about corporate influence on democratic processes and potential support for authoritarian policies.
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ENABLER
The Vanguard Group, Inc. is currently rated as an Enabler.
Latest Events
- FEB192025
An analysis of Vanguard Group’s political activities based on OpenSecrets data reveals significant lobbying expenditures and notable revolving door practices among its lobbyists. In 2024, Vanguard spent $2,650,000 on lobbying, and a substantial portion of its lobbyists had prior government experience, raising concerns about corporate influence on democratic processes and potential support for authoritarian policies.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Vanguard Group’s reported lobbying expenditure of $2,650,000 in the 2024 cycle is indicative of a high level of political engagement aimed at influencing policy outcomes. From an anti-fascist perspective, such significant lobbying spending can be construed as an effort to shape regulations and policies that may favor authoritarian practices or undermine democratic accountability.
-30
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
The data indicates a strong revolving door phenomenon, with 18 out of 29 Vanguard lobbyists in 2024 having previously held government positions. This pattern of hiring former public officials suggests potential conflicts of interest and implicit support for blending corporate and governmental priorities, which can undermine democratic governance and foster authoritarian influences.
- FEB032025
Vanguard updated its proxy voting policy for U.S. portfolio companies by removing explicit language mandating board diversity in gender, race, and ethnicity. The change is attributed to evolving regulatory pressures and political scrutiny over DEI initiatives.
-30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
By diluting explicit requirements for board diversity within its proxy voting policy, Vanguard reduces a key metric intended to promote inclusive corporate governance. This weakening of DEI standards can undermine efforts to support marginalized groups, reflecting a concession to political and regulatory pressures that have aimed to curb affirmative action measures.
Vanguard Softens Stance on Board Diversity in Updated Policy
- JAN172025
Vanguard agreed to pay $106.41 million to settle SEC charges for providing materially misleading disclosures regarding capital gains distributions and tax consequences in its Investor Target Retirement Funds. The violations involved lowering the minimum investment threshold and inadequately warning retail investors about potential tax liabilities, resulting in significant investor harm.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
Vanguard's actions in misleading investors by failing to disclose the true tax implications and risks associated with its retirement funds represent a serious breach of ethical business practices. This event highlights corporate negligence that adversely affected retail investors, undermining trust and transparency in financial disclosures.
- JAN172025
Vanguard Group, Inc. is set to pay $106M to settle SEC charges stemming from distribution of materially misleading prospectuses, raising significant concerns about its commitment to ethical business practices.
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
Vanguard's settlement over misleading prospectuses reflects a serious breach of ethical responsibility. The dissemination of materially misleading information undermines investor trust and transparency, key pillars of ethical business practices. This failure contributes to a culture where corporate accountability is compromised, which can indirectly facilitate support for authoritarian tendencies by eroding democratic oversight.
Vanguard to Pay $106M to Settle Charges Over Misleading Statements
- JAN012025
An FT article accuses Vanguard of ignoring human rights despite its claim of employing a structured approach using third‐party UN Global Compact research. This controversy raises concerns about the adequacy of Vanguard's human rights monitoring practices in the context of its broader ethical responsibilities.
-30
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
January 1
The article highlights allegations that Vanguard is ignoring human rights, a critical component of labor relations and ethical responsibility. Even though Vanguard asserts that it uses a structured approach to monitor human rights abuses, the accusations indicate potential shortcomings in its policies and practices, thereby negatively impacting its ethical performance.
Fidelity, Vanguard and JPMorgan accused of ignoring human rights
- JAN012025
Vanguard, a leading investment management firm, has announced a new human‐rights investment policy aimed at integrating ethical criteria into its investment decisions. The policy, which may lead to the withdrawal of some shareholder resolutions (including proposals for a 'genocide‐free' investing mandate), represents a deliberate corporate stance to avoid investing in companies implicated in human rights abuses. This initiative is viewed as a progressive step to protect marginalized communities and align investment practices with broader human rights values.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
By instituting a human‐rights investment policy, Vanguard is taking concrete action towards ethical business practices. This policy demonstrates a commitment to avoiding investments in companies that violate human rights, thereby supporting progressive values and opposing authoritarian practices. Such a move benefits marginalized communities and aligns with a broader anti‐fascist, ethical investment approach.
Vanguard establishes human‐rights investment policy - Investment News
- JAN012025Vanguard DEI Commitment
87.39
Vanguard reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing an inclusive and equitable workplace that upholds robust labor rights and supports marginalized communities.
+90
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
Vanguard’s DEI initiative, as showcased on its corporate website, emphasizes a commitment to an inclusive and equitable workplace. This focus supports robust labor rights and aligns with anti-fascist values by empowering marginalized groups and promoting ethical workplace practices.
- NOV042024
The SEC ruled that Vanguard funds can exclude shareholder proposals aimed at establishing more transparent procedures to avoid investments that may contribute to human rights abuses. This decision has raised concerns among activist investors regarding accountability and ethical investment practices.
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 18
Vanguard's decision to bypass a shareholder proposal focused on human rights transparency can be seen as undermining ethical investment practices that aim to prevent indirect support of human rights abuses. From an anti-fascist perspective, enabling such exclusions may contribute to a lack of accountability, as it allows investments that could be linked to oppressive practices to go unchallenged.
SEC says Vanguard can nix human rights shareholder proposals from 2025 proxy materials
- OCT282024Vanguard Facilitates Dark Money Contributions to Far-Right Groups Through Donor-Advised Funds
-71.97
Vanguard’s donor-advised funds have been implicated in channeling dark money to organizations linked with Project 2025, raising concerns over the firm’s role in enabling untraceable political donations that support authoritarian and far-right agendas.
-80
Public and Political Behavior
March 18
Vanguard’s facilitation of untraceable dark money through donor-advised funds allows wealthy donors to covertly support far-right and authoritarian causes. This lack of transparency in political giving undermines democratic accountability and promotes extremist political agendas.
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 18
Despite its public commitment to ESG and client-focused values, Vanguard’s management of donor-advised funds has indirectly supported organizations that promote climate disinformation and extreme right-wing policies. This practice undermines ethical business principles and transparency in charitable giving.
- OCT282024
An investigation by DeSmog reveals that Vanguard's donor-advised funds have funneled significant dark money to far‐right Project 2025 groups, indirectly supporting authoritarian agendas and undermining its ESG commitments.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 18
Vanguard's donor-advised funds are being used to channel dark money into extremist political causes, specifically Project 2025 groups. This opaque funding mechanism undermines democratic transparency and enables political contributions that favor authoritarian policies.
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
Despite Vanguard’s public commitment to ESG principles, its facilitation of donor-advised funds that obscure the source of contributions raises serious ethical concerns. This approach indirectly supports controversial and extremist causes by prioritizing financial gain over transparent, responsible business practices.
-50
Economic Collaboration
March 18
By acting as a conduit for untraceable political contributions, Vanguard's donor-advised funds play a role in economically supporting and legitimizing extremist groups. This indirect economic collaboration with organizations that oppose progressive policies contributes to a structural influence that benefits authoritarian agendas.
- OCT032023
On October 3, 2023, reports emerged that Vanguard has expanded its investment portfolio to include Chinese companies that have been sanctioned for human rights abuses, raising concerns about its indirect support for authoritarian practices and unethical business conduct.
-50
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
Vanguard's decision to invest in Chinese companies that have faced sanctions for human rights abuses undermines ethical business practices. By providing financial support to companies with poor human rights records, Vanguard is indirectly complicit in supporting environments that tolerate or even promote labor abuses and broader human rights violations.
Vanguard financially strengthens Chinese companies sanctioned for human rights abuses.
-70
Economic Collaboration
March 18
By channeling investments into companies in China that are under sanctions for human rights abuses, Vanguard is engaging in economic collaboration that indirectly bolsters authoritarian regimes. This financial support can help sustain companies that contribute to oppressive state practices, reflecting a concerning alignment with repressive economic structures.
Vanguard financially strengthens Chinese companies sanctioned for human rights abuses.
- OCT012023
A Financial Times article accuses Vanguard, along with Fidelity and JPMorgan, of paying lip service to human rights, implying that the firm has neglected ethical responsibilities towards labor and human rights practices.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The article alleges that Vanguard has been ignoring human rights, suggesting that the company may be failing to protect labor rights and uphold ethical business practices. Such accusations point to a potential misalignment with progressive, anti-authoritarian values, thereby harming vulnerable worker groups.
Fidelity, Vanguard and JPMorgan accused of ignoring human rights
- JUL022023
Vanguard Group Inc. introduced a new human rights policy aimed at identifying companies involved in gross human rights violations, with potential divestment from those that fail to meet these standards. The policy, which was outlined in a letter to shareholders during the company’s annual meeting on July 2, reflects Vanguard’s commitment to ethical investment practices and sends a public signal against complicity in human rights abuses.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Vanguard’s public issuance of a human rights policy via a shareholder letter demonstrates noteworthy public and political engagement. This move can be seen as a stand against companies that perpetrate human rights abuses, sending a clear message that the firm prioritizes ethical considerations in its investment strategies.
+80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
By integrating human rights criteria into its investment decision-making process, Vanguard is taking proactive steps to ensure it does not channel funds to companies engaged in oppressive or abusive practices. This ethical approach reflects strong business practices and responsibility, aligning with anti-authoritarian principles.
- JUL022023
Vanguard introduced a new human rights policy that establishes criteria to identify companies whose involvement in crimes against humanity may warrant divestment. The policy, detailed in a letter to shareholders and highlighted at the July 2 annual shareholder meeting, signals the firm's commitment to ethical investing and holding companies accountable for human rights abuses.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
Vanguard's implementation of criteria to divest from companies linked to crimes against humanity is a positive step towards promoting human rights and ethical investment practices. This move reflects a commitment to holding corporations accountable and aligns with anti-fascist, progressive values by actively rejecting support for entities complicit in human rights abuses.
- APR242023
A 30-second television advertisement aired in rural Pennsylvania in early April 2023, sponsored by SOS (a network of civil-society organizations and financial experts), criticizes Vanguard for holding over $300 billion in fossil fuel equities. The ad claims that saving with Vanguard makes one complicit in a 'catastrophic climate future,' highlighting concerns over the company's investment practices and its broader structural impact on society.
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
The TV advertisement sharply criticizes Vanguard's substantial investments in fossil fuel companies, implying a failure to adhere to socially responsible and sustainable business practices. This neglect not only harms the environment but also disproportionately affects marginalized communities, reflecting weak ethical responsibility.
-20
Economic and Structural Influence
April 3
Vanguard's control over more than $300 billion in equities of fossil fuel companies significantly contributes to its economic and structural influence. This control indirectly supports industries that exacerbate climate change and environmental degradation, ultimately affecting vulnerable populations and perpetuating systemic risks.
- APR062023
A former Vanguard employee has filed a lawsuit alleging age, gender, and religious discrimination, raising concerns over the company's labor practices and commitment to human rights.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
The lawsuit alleges that Vanguard discriminated against an employee on the basis of age, gender, and religion. This event highlights potential failures in upholding fair labor practices and respecting worker rights, contributing to a broader pattern of corporate behavior that can indirectly support oppressive regimes by neglecting human rights.
- JAN012023
Vanguard Group, Inc. announced that it has paused contributions by its political action committee in order to conduct a thorough review of its political spending practices. This decision, reported by Yahoo Finance, signals a move to reassess the firm's role in funding political entities that could potentially support authoritarian policies.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Vanguard's decision to pause its political contributions reflects a cautious approach to reviewing its political spending and reducing the risk of inadvertently funding political agendas that may align with authoritarian or fascist movements. By halting contributions, Vanguard is taking a positive step toward limiting corporate influence in political processes.
- NOV012022
Vanguard’s PAC contributed campaign donations to GOP lawmakers who have publicly criticized ESG initiatives, raising questions about potential conflicts between corporate interests and progressive policies. The article highlights donations including a $5,000 contribution in November 2022, underpinning concerns about political influence in reshaping policy.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
Vanguard’s political donations through its PAC to GOP lawmakers, who are known for opposing ESG and progressive reforms, signal a willingness to financially engage with lawmakers driving reactionary policies. This action aligns with patterns of corporate political influence that can inadvertently bolster authoritarian tendencies by undermining progressive oversight in financial market regulation.
- JUN242021
Vanguard's increased investments in companies based in Xinjiang, a region accused of human rights abuses, have raised alarms about potential economic collaboration with authoritarian regimes.
-80
Economic Collaboration
March 18
Vanguard's investment in Xinjiang companies, which are largely state-controlled in a region documented for systemic human rights abuses, represents a form of economic collaboration with authoritarian regimes. This financial involvement indirectly supports an oppressive system, adversely impacting human rights.
In windfall for Xinjiang, huge US mutual funds invest millions in its companies
- JAN122021
Vanguard Group contributed $187,000 via its political action committee to Republican lawmakers who objected to certifying President-elect Biden’s election results. This financial support is seen as enabling anti-democratic actions by bolstering legislators opposed to democratic processes.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 18
The article highlights that Vanguard Group donated $187,000 to 30 Republican lawmakers who objected to certifying the 2020 presidential election. From a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, this act is problematic as it indirectly supports anti-democratic stances and authoritarian sympathies. Such financial contributions can empower political figures who undermine democratic processes, thereby contributing to the rise of authoritarianism.
Big firms gave $1.1m to Republicans who objected to Biden’s win
- JAN112021
Vanguard Group Inc paused contributions by its political action committee in December to conduct a thorough review of its program, marking a shift towards more cautious and responsible political engagement.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 18
Vanguard's decision to pause political contributions by its PAC indicates a deliberate move to re-examine and potentially curb its support for political spending that could indirectly favor authoritarian or far-right agendas. This action is seen as a positive step in terms of corporate responsibility, ensuring that their financial engagements are scrutinized and aligned with ethical political behavior.
- MAR122009
Vanguard has implemented a human‐rights investment policy aimed at promoting ethical investment practices and ensuring that its portfolio does not support companies with poor human rights records. This move is seen as a positive step in aligning financial strategies with anti‐fascist and socially responsible values.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
By establishing a human‐rights investment policy, Vanguard has demonstrated its commitment to ethical business practices and the protection of human rights. This initiative helps to ensure that investment decisions do not indirectly support companies implicated in human rights abuses or authoritarian practices. The policy is a clear signal of the company’s alignment with anti‐fascist values and a move towards increased corporate accountability in addressing social justice concerns.
Vanguard establishes human‐rights investment policy - Investment News
- FEB292008
The EEOC settled a lawsuit against The Vanguard Group for $500,000 after retaliatory actions against an African American employee who complained about race discrimination, highlighting severe labor rights and human rights failures.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
Vanguard's conduct in retaliating against an employee who raised concerns over racial discrimination demonstrates a significant breach in labor relations and human rights practices. This action not only violated anti-discrimination laws but also undermined trust in fair workplace practices, aligning with broader concerns about corporate complicity in oppressive systems.
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