Ariel Investments is a Black-owned global asset management firm headquartered in Chicago. John W. Rogers, Jr. founded the firm in 1983. Ariel describes its history as the first Black-owned mutual fund company in the United States. Today, John Rogers and Mellody Hobson serve as co-CEOs.

Ariel serves individual and institutional investors. Its investment products include mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and private investment strategies. Individual investors can use Ariel mutual funds for regular investment accounts, IRAs, retirement rollovers, and college savings.

The firm also manages investments for pension plans, foundations, endowments, and other institutional clients. Ariel follows a long-term investment approach. Its investment teams use fundamental research to identify companies they believe offer long-term value.

Ariel has expanded beyond traditional mutual funds. Ariel Alternatives manages private-market strategies, including Project Black. Project Level focuses on investment opportunities in women’s sports.

Headquartered on East Randolph Street, Ariel Investments also has offices in New York and San Francisco. The firm reported $16.3 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026.