Goldman Sachs: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking and financial services company founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman in New York City. Over more than 150 years, the firm expanded from a commercial paper business into one of the most recognized institutions in global finance. Samuel Sachs joined the firm in 1882, cementing the partnership that gave the company its name. Goldman Sachs became a public company in 1999, listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GS. Today the firm is headquartered in New York City and employs approximately 46,500 people across offices in more than 30 countries.

The firm operates across two primary business segments. Global Banking and Markets provides investment banking advisory services, equity and debt underwriting, and market-making across asset classes including equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities. Asset and Wealth Management offers investment management, financial planning, and private banking services to institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, and includes the firm's alternatives business spanning private equity, real estate, and hedge fund strategies.

David Solomon has served as Chairman and CEO since 2018. Goldman Sachs consistently ranks among the leading global investment banks by revenue, and the firm is subject to oversight from the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, FINRA, and the SEC, among other regulators in jurisdictions where it operates.

Company culture and employee programs:

Goldman Sachs describes its culture around values of partnership, client service, integrity, and excellence. The firm maintains a number of internal programs aimed at professional development and inclusion, including formal mentorship programs, affinity networks for underrepresented groups, and the One Million Black Women initiative, which commits $10 billion in investment capital and $100 million in philanthropic capital to address racial and gender equity for Black women. The company offers compensation and benefits that include health and wellness coverage, a 401(k) with employer matching, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs. Goldman Sachs also supports continuing education and professional development through tuition assistance and internal training platforms.

Yes. Goldman Sachs conducts background checks on candidates for substantially all positions, including investment banking, asset management, technology, operations, and corporate functions. The specific components of the Goldman Sachs background check process may vary by role, location, and applicable regulatory requirements. Positions that involve client-facing responsibilities, access to client funds, or registration with financial regulators such as FINRA or the SEC typically require more extensive screening than roles without those requirements.

One to two weeks is a common range for the Goldman Sachs background check timeline, though timing varies based on the role, the candidate's background, and the scope of searches required. Straightforward domestic screenings often complete faster, while more complex situations can extend the process. Factors that commonly affect the Goldman Sachs background check timeline include:

For more information on what affects screening turnaround, see Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times.

A background report for a Goldman Sachs position may include:

Look-back periods depend on state law, the type of record, and the specific role. For most criminal record searches, employers commonly focus on the past seven years, which aligns with FCRA guidelines and many state laws. Certain positions in financial services may involve a broader review where applicable law permits. Some states limit how far back employers may look or restrict the use of older records in hiring decisions. Candidates should review applicable state "ban-the-box" laws and fair-chance hiring regulations to understand what limitations may apply in their jurisdiction.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law governing how consumer reporting agencies collect and report background check information and how employers may use it. Under the FCRA, Goldman Sachs must:

Not automatically. Goldman Sachs is expected to conduct individualized assessments of criminal history consistent with EEOC guidance rather than applying blanket disqualification policies. Whether a misdemeanor affects a hiring decision generally depends on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the responsibilities of the role. A misdemeanor involving financial misconduct, fraud, or theft would receive closer scrutiny for a role involving client assets or fiduciary duties than for a technology or support position. Candidates with concerns about a specific record can review applicable state fair-chance laws, which may limit how or when an employer can consider certain convictions.

Yes, for applicable roles. A Goldman Sachs background check credit review is a standard component of the screening process for positions involving fiduciary responsibility, access to client funds, trading activity, or other financially sensitive duties. This is common practice across financial services firms and is required for some FINRA-registered roles. The review is conducted in compliance with the FCRA, which requires candidate consent, limits how credit information may be used, and mandates disclosure if credit information contributes to an adverse hiring decision. Not every Goldman Sachs role involves a credit check, and candidates are typically informed which components apply to their position at the time they receive the background check authorization.

Yes, where listed. Education verification is a standard part of the Goldman Sachs background check process. If a candidate lists their GPA on their resume or application, it may be subject to verification as part of the education check. Goldman Sachs recruits heavily from undergraduate and graduate programs for its analyst and associate classes, and accuracy in academic credentials is taken seriously during the pre-employment review. Candidates should ensure that any GPA or academic honors listed on application materials are accurate before submitting.

No single factor automatically results in disqualification, and the firm is expected to conduct individualized assessments in accordance with EEOC guidance. However, the following may lead to adverse action or further review during the Goldman Sachs background check process:

If Goldman Sachs intends to take adverse action based on background check findings, the FCRA requires that the candidate receive a pre-adverse action notice along with a copy of the report and a reasonable opportunity to review and dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information. A final adverse action notice is required before the hiring decision is finalized.

The Goldman Sachs hiring process for most roles follows a sequence similar to this:

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Goldman Sachs may see and identify any inaccuracies before they become an issue during the hiring process. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively to recruiters or hiring managers, build a free Checkr Profile.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.