When people talk about trusted names in global asset management, Northern Trust Investments often comes up first. This firm has been helping clients for decades by guiding them through uncertain markets and focusing on long‑term goals.
By late 2024, it managed around $1.3 trillion in assets, and by mid‑2025 its custody business had grown to more than $14 trillion. In this review, you will find an easy‑to‑understand look at what makes it different from other investment managers.
Overview of Northern Trust Investments
Northern Trust Investments is the investment advisory arm of Northern Trust, offering a wide range of professional services designed to help clients grow and manage their wealth with confidence.
Who Is Northern Trust?
Northern Trust Corporation is a well-known financial services company that was founded in 1889 in Chicago, Illinois. It started as a local bank but has grown into a large global organization over more than 130 years. Today, Northern Trust serves a wide range of clients, including institutions, corporations, family offices, and wealthy individuals.
The company focuses on three main areas:
- Asset servicing: helping organizations manage and safeguard financial assets.
- Wealth management: offering personalized financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth clients.
- Investment management: providing investment strategies across different markets and asset types.
Northern Trust is especially known for working with large institutional clients like pension funds, endowments, and foundations, but it also helps individuals with big portfolios manage their money carefully.
About Northern Trust Investments
Northern Trust Investments is a part of Northern Trust. Today, Northern Trust Asset Management (often called NTAM) is the division that handles the firm’s global investment business. And in the United States, the main advisory unit is Northern Trust Investments, Inc. (NTI).
This group builds and manages portfolios for clients. Northern Trust investment banking services include separately managed accounts that are customized for individuals or institutions, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index-based investment options, and pre‑built model portfolios. NTI operates on a fee‑based structure and acts as a fiduciary, meaning it has a legal duty to place client interests first when making investment decisions.
As of early 2025, NTI managed around $1.1 trillion across more than 41,000 investment accounts. These numbers show that Northern Trust has both the experience and the trust of a large number of clients worldwide. Whether you’re an institution or an individual with complex financial needs, Northern Trust provides expert guidance and a wide range of investment options.
Core Investment Solutions
Northern Trust Investments Incorporated handles more personalized investment services. They work closely with clients to tailor portfolios based on their unique goals, risk tolerance, and financial situations. NTI provides a wide range of tools and solutions:
Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
NTI offers customized investment portfolios through Separately Managed Accounts, also known as SMAs. With these accounts, professionals will manage them for you and investments are made depending on your:
- Financial goals
- Comfort level with risk
- Need for liquidity
- Tax considerations
Each portfolio is tailored to suit your personal circumstances. This makes SMAs a good fit for people who want hands-on, personalized portfolio management.
Wealth Management & Asset Allocation Planning
While Northern Trust Investments doesn’t offer full financial planning, it does provide investment-focused wealth management. This includes help with:
- Selecting the appropriate asset mix (bonds, stocks, etc.)
- Planning how to invest over time to meet long-term goals
- Reviewing how your portfolio is expected to perform under different market conditions
This guidance is especially helpful for clients who want to build a long-term investment strategy but don’t need a full financial plan.
Traditional and Outsourced Investment Services
In addition to direct Northern Trust investment management, NTI also offers:
- Brokerage services for buying and selling investments
- Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services for institutions that want professional oversight of their entire investment program
- Wrap fee programs and model portfolios (both NTI’s own and those developed by outside managers)
These Northern Trust investment banking services are designed for clients who want either a fully managed experience or help choosing from a list of recommended investment models.
Investment Pool Management
Northern Trust Investments also manages and advises on investment pools. These include:
- Mutual funds
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Bank common and collective funds
Some of these funds are managed by NTI directly, while others are offered through third-party firms. These pooled investments allow clients to gain exposure to a variety of asset classes without needing to buy each one individually.
Multi-Manager Strategies
For clients who want access to multiple expert managers, NTI offers a multi-manager approach. This service includes:
- Selecting investment managers
- Regularly monitoring their performance
- Replacing underperforming managers when needed
It’s a hands-off option for clients who want a well-diversified investment team behind their portfolio.
Overlay & Transition Services
Northern Trust Investments also supports clients with overlay and transition strategies. These are advanced investment services that help improve portfolio efficiency, including:
- Currency hedging: Reducing the risk of international currency movements
- Beta management: Managing risk exposure to the market
- Cash equitization: Making sure idle cash in your portfolio is still working for you
- Transition management: Helping you restructure or move assets smoothly between managers or strategies
- Index services: Managing portfolios that track major market indexes
These services are often used by institutional investors but can also apply to high-net-worth individuals with complex needs.
Investment Research & Advisory Services
NTI provides custom investment research and strategy guidance. This service is helpful if you’re managing your own portfolio but want expert insights on:
- Current market trends
- Potential opportunities in different asset classes
- Specific recommendations based on your objectives
These research services can be purchased separately or included as part of a broader advisory relationship.
Northern Trust Investments AUM
As of March 2025, Northern Trust Investments (NTI), through Northern Trust Asset Management, manages around $1.3 trillion in assets for clients worldwide. This includes investments across stocks, bonds, multi-asset portfolios, and alternative strategies.
The larger Northern Trust Corporation oversaw about $1.6 trillion in total assets under management (AUM) and $16.9 trillion in assets under custody (AUC) by the first quarter of 2025.
Most of the assets are managed using passive strategies, but NTI also offers active management and customized portfolios. With this scale, NTI ranks among the top 20 global asset managers, giving clients access to deep research, advanced tools, and global market insights.
In short, the massive Northern Trust Investments AUM reflects its reputation for trusted, large-scale investment management built for both individual goals and institutional needs.
Northern Trust Investment Philosophy
The way Northern Trust Investments approaches money management is very deliberate. The firm believes that taking risks is necessary to grow wealth, but only when those risks are fully understood and taken with purpose. NTAM does not focus only on chasing performance numbers or beating a benchmark. Instead, they begin with client goals, design strategies to match those goals, and manage the portfolio so that every risk taken is intentional.
Their philosophy can be summarized in three ideas:
- Understand risk before acting.
- Avoid unwanted surprises by controlling for unintended risks.
- Focus on outcomes, not just rankings.
This philosophy has earned NTAM a reputation for being disciplined and thoughtful, especially during volatile market periods.
Key Strengths of Northern Trust Investments
Northern Trust stands out in the world of investment management for many reasons. They have the size, experience, and tools to serve a wide variety of clients from individuals to global institutions. Here are some of their most important strengths:
Global Reach and Deep Experience
Northern Trust has been around since 1889. That’s more than 130 years of experience helping clients grow and protect their money. Today, Northern Trust Asset Management (NTAM) handles more than $1.3 trillion in assets (as of September 2024). This makes them one of the largest and most respected investment firms in the world.
Their investment team includes professionals with an average of 18 years of industry experience. This level of expertise gives clients access to thoughtful strategies, even in complex or volatile markets.
Meanwhile, Northern Trust Investments, Inc. (NTI) serves over 41,000 client accounts, with a client-to-advisor ratio of roughly 1:1,296. This means they have the scale to manage large portfolios, but still aim to offer personal service.
Strong Risk Management Culture
At Northern Trust, risk is not just a number but a responsibility. Their teams work closely across research, trading, portfolio construction, and compliance to monitor and manage risk at every step.
Whether they’re building a stock portfolio, a bond strategy, or a liquidity fund, every product is designed with risk in mind. This helps protect investors from unexpected losses and gives them more confidence in their financial journey.
Wide Range of Investment Options
Northern Trust offers a broad lineup of investment solutions across asset classes. This allows them to serve different client goals, risk levels, and time horizons.
They also provide overlay services, custom model portfolios, and transition management for clients with more advanced or institutional needs.
ESG and Stewardship Leadership
Northern Trust is a global leader in sustainable investing. As of September 2024, they managed over $193 billion in ESG-focused strategies, and they’re one of the top 10 ESG index fund managers in the world.
But they don’t just invest in “green” companies. They go a step further by:
- Evaluating ESG risks and opportunities
- Engaging with company leadership
- Using their voting power to drive better governance and social responsibility
They believe that ESG issues like climate risk, labor practices, and board diversity can have a real impact on financial results. So, their goal is to help clients make money and make a difference.
High Ratings from Independent Reviewers
Northern Trust often receives praise from third-party analysts and industry publications. For example:
- In Pensions & Investments’ 2024 rankings, Northern Trust was recognized as a top-tier global money manager.
- They also rank among the largest institutional liquidity managers in the U.S. and Europe.
- Their FlexShares ETFs have received awards for ESG and smart beta innovation.
These independent rankings show that Northern Trust is trusted by professionals and peers around the world.
Fees of Northern Trust Investments Services
When you invest with Northern Trust Investments, it’s important to understand how the firm charges for its services. Like many professional investment firms, Northern Trust earns revenue through a fee-based structure. This means they charge management fees, and in some cases, they may also earn performance-based fees or commissions. Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
SMAs are personalized investment portfolios that NTI manages on your behalf. The fees are based on the type of Northern Trust investment strategy:
| Portfolio Strategy | Annual Fee (Max) |
|---|---|
| Third-Party Strategies | Up to 1.00% |
| Quantitative Equity | Up to 0.65% |
| Passive Equity | Up to 0.30% |
| Fixed Income | Up to 0.45% |
| Multi-Asset Portfolios | Up to 0.50% |
| Cash Management | Up to 0.12% |
These fees are usually charged quarterly or monthly, and are either deducted directly from your account or billed separately (depending on your agreement).
Fees of Investment Pools
If you invest in one of Northern Trust Investments’ mutual funds, ETFs, or other pooled strategies, the fees are slightly different. Here’s a general guide:
| Investment Pool Strategy | Annual Fee (Max) |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Equity | Up to 0.53% |
| Passive Equity | Up to 0.40% |
| Fixed Income | Up to 0.99% |
| Cash Management | Up to 0.33% |
| Multi-Asset Strategies | Up to 0.60% |
These funds are typically more cost-efficient for investors who don’t need a fully customized portfolio.
Fees of Other Investment Services
Some of Northern Trust’s specialized or institutional services have negotiable fees. These include:
- OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) services
- Model portfolios
- Overlay strategies
- Transition management
- Index services
- Currency hedging
- Investment advisory and research
If you’re a large institution or working with a complex investment plan, Northern Trust may customize the pricing based on the size and scope of your assets.
Minimum Investment Requirements
Finally, if you’re thinking about investing with Northern Trust, it’s important to know the minimum amounts required to get started and keep your account active.
| Requirement Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Account Opening Minimum | $2,500 |
| Automatic Investment Plan – Initial | $250 |
| Future Contributions (Recurring) | $50 |
How to Open a Northern Trust Investment Account
Getting started with Northern Trust Investments is a straightforward process, but it’s a bit different from opening an account at a typical online brokerage:
- Visit Their Website: Start by going to the official Northern Trust website. From there, navigate to their Contact or Advisory Services page.
- Use the Branch Locator Tool: Northern Trust operates offices across the United States and in several countries around the world. If you prefer to meet in person, you can use the branch locator tool on their website. Just enter your location, and the tool will show the nearest office along with contact information and directions.
- Call or Reach Out Directly: If you’d rather speak to someone first, you can call their general inquiries line at 1-312-630‑6000. A representative can answer your initial questions, explain what services might fit your needs, and connect you with an advisor in your region.
- Speak with an Advisor: Once you’ve made contact, Northern Trust Investments will usually schedule a consultation, either in person or virtually. This step helps them tailor their offerings to your personal or organizational needs.
- Review the Investment Advisory Agreement: Before your Northern Trust investment account can be opened, Northern Trust will present you with an Investment Advisory Agreement. This document will clearly outline:
- The services you will receive
- Any account minimums that apply
- The fee structure (how and when you’ll be charged)
- How your investments will be managed
- Your responsibilities as a client
- Account Setup and Funding: After signing the agreement, you’ll go through the process of setting up your account. This typically includes:
- Providing identification and financial documents
- Choosing your preferred investment strategies or model portfolios
- Deciding how to fund your Northern Trust investment account
Who Can Use Northern Trust Investments?
Northern Trust mainly works with institutional clients and wealthy individuals. These include:
- Pension funds, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance companies
- Family offices and independent financial advisors
- Corporations and nonprofit organizations needing custom strategies
The firm offers separately managed accounts (SMAs), multi-manager portfolios, custom liquidity solutions, and overlay services. Investment plans are tailored to fit each client’s financial goals, tax situation, and liquidity needs.
However, it’s important to note that Northern Trust does not offer general financial planning services like retirement calculators or step-by-step budgeting help. Their strength lies in managing investments, not personal financial coaching.
FAQs about Northern Trust Investments
What is Northern Trust Investments?
- Northern Trust Investments is the part of Northern Trust that helps manage money for wealthy individuals and large institutions. They create and handle investment strategies based on the client’s needs and goals.
Is Northern Trust planning to merge with BNY Mellon?
- No. Northern Trust has made it clear that they do not plan to merge. Even though there have been rumors, the company intends to stay independent. Any such deal would also face strict legal reviews.
What types of ETFs does Northern Trust offer?
- Northern Trust offers ETFs under the FlexShares brand, focusing on smart beta, ESG, income generation, and risk-targeted strategies.
Can individuals invest directly with Northern Trust?
- Yes, but minimums may apply. Individual investors can access services like separately managed accounts or invest through Northern Funds and FlexShares ETFs.
Is Northern Trust a fiduciary?
- Yes. Northern Trust Investments, Inc. is a fiduciary, meaning they are legally required to act in its clients’ best financial interest at all times.
In conclusion, Northern Trust Investments is a well‑established advisory firm. It serves wealthy individuals and institutions. It offers rich investment services and a transparent fee structure. For large portfolios seeking multi‑asset, alternative, and custom strategies supported by top‑tier research, NTI is a solid option. It brings scale, stability, and long‑term vision.
