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Comprehensive Guide to Black Owned Investment Firms
In a world where the investment industry has long been dominated by White men, it can be a struggle for Black entrepreneurs and investors to find firms that truly understand their needs and goals. But the good news is that there are a growing number of Black-owned firms that are breaking down barriers and helping to level the playing field.
Whether you're looking to invest in a socially responsible way or seeking out specialized services, this comprehensive guide will introduce you to some of the top Black-owned investment firms in the industry today.
For personalized guidance on investing, connect with William Huston, a leading wealth manager in the Bay Area.
Key Takeaways
- Black owned investment firms are few in the industry, however, there are a number of them that are thriving
- Banking Black as well as transacting with Black-owned finance firms creates wealth for Black and other communities
- Leading Black-owned investment firms range from Ariel Investments and Cross Culture Ventures to Harlem Capital Partners and Reach Capital
- Black-owned banks include City First Bank and OneUnited Bank among its leading banks
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are for educational purposes only. They are not intended to be a source of professional financial advice. You will find experts on financial planning and financial management here. More on disclaimers here.
Recent Trends
Black investors have consistently been underrepresented in the U.S. stock market. Just three years ago, a study by the Federal Reserve revealed that only 33.5 percent of Black households owned stocks. But that trend is beginning to change for the better.
Throughout the states, a new generation of black wealth managers is creating establishments that offer business opportunities for the black community by improving investing accessibility. In the process, this helps close the racial wealth gap and could lead to a generational impact.
The Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey (2020) found that Black Americans under 40 were increasingly engaged in stock investment. In fact, 63 percent of those interviewed acknowledged that they held assets. Their white counterparts also had the same rate. Furthermore, 29 percent said that they began investing the same year, compared to 16 percent of white respondents.
This immense boost in stock market involvement results from the social justice resurgence and pandemic situation. COVID-19 social distancing mandates and lockdowns made people spend less money and time on recreational activities. Suddenly, young adults had surplus resources to invest and sufficient time to consider their options.
Be a part of the revolution and contribute to closing the racial wealth gap by considering Black-owned investment firms.
Why You Should Consider Black Finance Institutions
Wealth and Its Benefits
Wealth, the measure of a family's or a person's financial net worth, offers vast opportunities for American households. It enables seamless transitions between jobs, movement to new communities, and payment of bills. Through wealth, people can pay for their kids' education and build economic sustainability once retirement hits.
Importantly, this is the full measure of a household's future economic well-being. After all, we rely on wealth to address our needs and invest.
Racial Wealth Gap
Unfortunately, the country's wealth is unequally distributed based on race, particularly between Black and White households. In essence, the average African American family enjoys a portion of the wealth the average White family owns. This leaves them more economically vulnerable and with far rarer economic mobility opportunities.
Less wealth means fewer upward mobility opportunities, made worse by lower income and less likelihood of building wealth or passing accumulated assets own to the next generation.
The other factor is limited access to tax-advantaged savings, partly due to the long employment discrimination history and other inequitable practices. A well-documented history of investment market discrimination leaves Blacks significantly less likely to create finance or investment firms.
Agent of Change
Being part of the change towards a smaller wage gap involves considering banking Black or joining a Black-led investment firm, and there're many reasons to do so.
Black-led financial institutions are known to be part of community activities by re-investing their resources and time to support their values and goals. With the economic laps that resulted from the pandemic situation, it's really crucial that such firms continue supporting the households surrounding them.
Moreover, Black-led and Black-owned investment firms let entrepreneurs access capital to begin, expand and keep their business running. By funding these entrepreneurs' dreams, you'll help them gain and also benefit the country's economy.
Which Are the Leading Black-Owned Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Investment Firms
From hedge funds and mutual funds to private equities and venture capitals, consider these options when looking for a successful Black-owned investment firm to partner with:
Bay Street Capital Holdings
A leading Black-owned investment firm in Palo Alto, California.
Ariel Investments
Ariel investments is one of the leading investment firms in the US.
Authentic Ventures
This leading Black-owned venture capital firm has gained a reputation by funding young organizations and startups to create solutions to major societal problems.
The Bronze Venture Fund
This agency's primary focus is to make and manage innovative investments that can line up robust financial returns with a significant environmental, social, or economic impact.
Brown Capital Management
An investment management firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, that focuses on investing in small and mid-sized companies with strong growth potential.
Cross Culture Ventures
The firm invests in businesspersons delving into technology that transforms cultural norms through enhanced workplace diversity.
GenNx360 Capital Partners
This private equity invests in organizations within the business and industrial services sector.
Harlem Capital Partners
Another successful Black-owned venture capital entity whose objective is to transform operations within entrepreneurship by investing in diverse, innovative founders.
Impact America Fund
This reputable Black-owned investment firm finances organizations and startups within the technology space focused on positively impacting marginalized communities.
KIC Ventures
This investment holding organization serves the healthcare sector. Its main objective is to develop efficient, top-shelf tech solutions in this highly crucial industry.
Precursor Ventures
Like other Black-owned investment agencies, this capital firm invests in innovative businesspersons by providing sufficient resources to get them started and help them scale.
Reach Capital
This leading Black-owned investment firm funds education. The agency considers academics a valuable resource because it strengthens the community and facilitates the establishment of equal opportunities.
The above list comprises Black-owned entities for investment purposes only. If you require a retail financial service provider to offer checking and savings account services, several Black-owned banks will serve you adequately.
Other Black-owned Banks and Financial Institutions
Here are the leading Black-owned banks in the United States and their precise locations:
Unity National Bank, which serves three cities in Georgia and Texas
Columbia Savings and Loan in Milwaukee, Wyoming
Industrial Bank NA with multiple locations in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland
Columbia Savings & Loan ASSN in Milwaukee, Wyoming
GN Bank in Chicago, Illinois
Commonwealth National Bank in Mobile, Alabama
Citizens Trust Bank, which serves 15 cities across the U.S.
Mechanics & Farmers Bank, operating in five cities in North and South Carolina
Tri-State Bank of Memphis, which operates in Memphis, Tennessee
Broadway Federal Bank FSB's two locations in Los Angeles and Inglewood, California
United Bank of Philadelphia, situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First Independence Bank with locations in two cities within Michigan
Harbor Bank of Maryland, serving three cities in Maryland
OneUnited Bank, which has offices in three cities across the country
American Bank, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama
Liberty Bank & Trust Co, which serves ten cities across the United States
Optus Bank serving Columbia, South Carolina residents
Carver Federal Savings Bank, located in three New York cities
Carver State Bank in two locations within Savannah, Georgia
Important Considerations When Looking For Black-Owned Investment Firms
The choice to support Black-owned investment firms is a great decision. It'll go a long way to keep the entities running and afloat. Step by step, these investments will lessen the disparity gap that has hurt Minority communities for generations.
Here are important considerations when choosing an investment firm:
What Are Your Individual Needs?
While checking out your different Bank-owned investment firms, it's essential to identify your primary needs. Are you looking for excellent customer service? Is accessibility important to you? Create an elaborate list comprising deal-breakers and must-haves, then begin searching. The main objective is to ensure you pick a Black-owned firm perfectly tailored to your needs.
What Are the Firm's Perks?
Reputable investment firms have great perks to reward new members, and there's no harm in trying to get the most from them. What is your preferred financial institution ready to offer? Some institutions reward joining members with a money bonus (such as a gift card), while others provide discounts on member-exclusive necessities like transportation and hotels. This shouldn't be among the main decision-makers, but it doesn't hurt to try them.
Where Is the Entity Located?
An investment firm's physical location is crucial if you have to sort out a more significant percentage of your activities and processes physically on the premises. In this case, the firm's proximity to the areas you frequent, your office, or your home is critical for easy access. And if you're a frequent traveler for leisure or work, consider an investment firm with an entity allowing transactions in multiple locations globally.
How Much Are the Interest Rates?
These work both ways. You must consider the interest rates you pay when borrowing through a loan or credit card and the rates earned on the resources you deposit with the firm. Ideally, you should consider a financial institution that will charge you lower-than-average interest on loans and higher-than-average interest on what you've deposited.
How Are Their Services?
It's essential to consider the standard financing services you're expecting from your new Black-owned investment firm. Regardless of whether you're partnering with them for business or personal endeavors, you want to be sure that you can access critical services. For instance, you may want a tax professional to address your tax concerns and answer tough questions.
You want to consider plenty of services when looking for an investment firm. Therefore, create a list, then compare it against what's available on the specific investment firm's website, or ring them to verify.
What are Your Digital Needs?
When looking for a reliable Black-owned investment firm, you must consider their internet, mobile, and digital banking capabilities. This is particularly important to rely on these mediums to facilitate your daily transactions. Besides considering all these features when selecting your next financial institution, make sure the firm offers cybersecurity and is compliant with all relevant compliance regulations.
Partner with The Best
You need an experienced investment advisory, financial planning, and wealth management agency to help you get the right Black-owned investment firms and get the most from your planned investment. Fortunately, you're on the right site.
Bay Street Capital Holdings
Bay Street Capital Holdings is an independent, Black-owned wealth management, financial planning, and investment advisory agency.
Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, we manage vast portfolios to increase and maintain income and total assets while prioritizing volatility and absolute risk. While most advisors prioritize returns maximization, our firm focuses on volatility and risk management.
The firm is led by William Huston, who is both its founder and chief investment officer.
