Ameriprise Financial began in 1894 when John Tappan founded Investors Syndicate in Minneapolis. The company became independent in 2005 after separating from American Express. Today, it operates through three main divisions: wealth management services, asset management under Columbia Threadneedle Investments, and insurance/annuities products. The firm provides comprehensive financial planning through advisors while maintaining global asset management capabilities. Ameriprise serves both individual and institutional clients through various financial products and advisory services.