Who Owns WSFS Financial Company?

WSFS Financial Bundle

Get Bundle
Get Full Bundle:
$15 $10
$15 $10
$15 $10
$15 $10
$15 $10
$15 $10

TOTAL:

Who Owns WSFS Financial Corporation?

Understanding WSFS Financial Corporation's ownership is key to its strategy and market standing. Established in 1832 as Wilmington Savings Fund Society, it's now a significant financial services entity.

Who Owns WSFS Financial Company?

WSFS Financial Corporation, with $20.8 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, is the oldest and largest bank in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region.

Who owns WSFS Financial Company?

Who Founded WSFS Financial?

WSFS Financial Corporation's origins trace back to 1832 as the Wilmington Savings Fund Society, established by a group of Wilmington community leaders. Its initial purpose was to serve the working citizens of Wilmington by encouraging savings and wealth accumulation.

Founding Year Initial Structure Primary Objective Key Figure
1832 Mutual Savings Bank Serve working citizens, safeguard savings Willard Hall (First President)
Icon

Community Focus

The bank was founded to benefit the local community. Its early operations were deeply intertwined with the lives of Wilmington residents.

Icon

Depositor Ownership

As a mutual savings bank, depositors were considered the owners. This structure prioritized client interests over traditional shareholder profits.

Icon

Founding Vision

The founding vision centered on financial accessibility and community well-being. This laid the foundation for its long-standing presence.

Icon

Early Operations

The bank's early operations were characterized by a close connection to the community. Even the treasurer and his family resided on the bank's premises.

Icon

No Equity Splits

In its initial form, there were no individual equity splits or shareholdings as seen in modern corporations. Ownership was fundamentally tied to being a depositor.

Icon

Enduring Presence

This community-centric approach and focus on safeguarding savings established a strong foundation for the institution's enduring presence in the Delaware Valley.

The initial ownership structure as a mutual savings bank meant that the primary stakeholders were the depositors themselves, reflecting a commitment to serving the financial needs of the community rather than maximizing shareholder value in the way a stock corporation would. This model influenced the bank's early strategic decisions and its deep integration within the fabric of Wilmington. Understanding this foundational aspect is key to grasping the company's evolution and its approach to corporate governance, which has been detailed in discussions about the Marketing Strategy of WSFS Financial.

Icon

Founders and Early Ownership Details

The establishment of WSFS Financial Corporation in 1832 as a mutual savings bank marked a distinct approach to ownership and community service.

  • Founded as Wilmington Savings Fund Society by community leaders.
  • Initial ownership vested in depositors, prioritizing their interests.
  • Objective was to encourage savings and wealth accumulation for working citizens.
  • Willard Hall served as the first President, guiding early operations.
  • The mutual structure meant no traditional shareholder equity at inception.

WSFS Financial SWOT Analysis

  • Complete SWOT Breakdown
  • Fully Customizable
  • Editable in Excel & Word
  • Professional Formatting
  • Investor-Ready Format
Get Related Template

How Has WSFS Financial’s Ownership Changed Over Time?

The ownership structure of WSFS Financial Corporation saw a pivotal shift in 1986 with its conversion from a mutual savings bank to a public entity via an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This move democratized ownership, opening the company's stock to a wider investor base and laying the groundwork for its current shareholder composition.

Institutional Investor Percentage of Shares Owned Number of Shares (Approx.) As of Date
BlackRock, Inc. 15.20% 8,545,984 March 30, 2025
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 11.79% 6,630,107 March 30, 2025
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP 6.74% 3,788,407 March 30, 2025
State Street Global Advisors, Inc. (State Street Corp) 5.351% 2,995,051 August 14, 2025
Franklin Resources, Inc. 4.665% 2,610,976 August 12, 2025
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. 4.22% 2,374,424 March 30, 2025

Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively command a significant majority of WSFS Financial Corporation's stock, holding approximately 88.49% of its shares. This substantial institutional ownership, with major players like BlackRock, Inc. and The Vanguard Group, Inc. leading the way, indicates a broad distribution of influence among large investment firms. These entities often play a crucial role in shaping a company's strategic direction through their collective voting power. Recent strategic moves, such as the acquisitions of Beneficial Bancorp in 2019 and Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation in 2022, have demonstrably expanded WSFS's footprint and market presence, particularly within the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware Valley regions.

Icon

Key WSFS Financial Corporation Shareholders

Understanding the major shareholders of WSFS Financial Corporation is key to grasping its corporate governance and strategic trajectory. These large institutional owners significantly influence the company's direction.

  • Institutional investors hold a dominant 88.49% stake.
  • BlackRock, Inc. is the largest single institutional owner.
  • The Vanguard Group, Inc. also maintains a substantial ownership percentage.
  • These holdings reflect broad investor confidence in WSFS Financial Corporation's strategy.
  • For a deeper understanding of the company's journey, explore the Brief History of WSFS Financial.

WSFS Financial PESTLE Analysis

  • Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
  • No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
  • Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
  • Instant Download, Ready to Use
  • 100% Editable, Fully Customizable
Get Related Template

Who Sits on WSFS Financial’s Board?

The WSFS Financial Corporation board of directors is responsible for the company's strategic direction and oversight. Led by Rodger Levenson as Chairman, President, and CEO, the board comprises experienced individuals dedicated to representing shareholder interests. The composition of the board is set to evolve, with Christopher T. Gheysens taking on the Lead Independent Director role following the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Director Name Role Tenure (Average)
Rodger Levenson Chairman, President, and CEO 8.2 years
Christopher T. Gheysens Lead Independent Director (Effective July 1, 2025) 8.2 years
Jennifer W. Davis Former Lead Independent Director 8.2 years
Anat Bird Director 8.2 years
Michael Donahue Director 8.2 years
David Turner Director 8.2 years
Karen Buchholz Director 8.2 years
Lynn McKee Director 8.2 years
Eleuthere du Pont Director 8.2 years
Nancy Foster Director 8.2 years
Francis Brake Director 8.2 years

WSFS Financial Corporation operates under a governance structure that emphasizes shareholder participation, with stockholders entitled to vote on company proposals. While the company does not publicly highlight dual-class share structures, the standard voting rights suggest a one-share-one-vote system for common stock. Insiders, including the executive team and directors, collectively hold approximately 1.2% of the company's shares, representing about US$36 million as of August 18, 2025. This ownership stake, with Chairman and CEO Rodger Levenson holding 0.3% valued at $9.13 million, indicates a commitment to aligning management's interests with those of other WSFS Financial Corporation shareholders.

Icon

Understanding WSFS Financial Corporation Ownership

The ownership structure of WSFS Financial Corporation is primarily distributed among its shareholders. Understanding who owns WSFS Bank involves looking at both institutional and individual holdings.

  • Institutional investors are significant WSFS Financial Corporation shareholders.
  • Individual investors also form a part of the WSFS Financial Corporation ownership structure.
  • The WSFS Financial Corporation management team holds a stake, aligning their interests with shareholders.
  • Detailed WSFS Financial Corporation company ownership details can be found in regulatory filings.

WSFS Financial Business Model Canvas

  • Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
  • Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
  • Investor-Ready BMC Format
  • 100% Editable and Customizable
  • Clear and Structured Layout
Get Related Template

What Recent Changes Have Shaped WSFS Financial’s Ownership Landscape?

WSFS Financial Corporation has experienced substantial growth and strategic shifts in its ownership landscape over the past three to five years. Key acquisitions, leadership changes, and a continued strong presence of institutional investors define its current ownership trends.

Development Year Impact
Acquisition of Beneficial Bancorp 2019 Expanded asset base and market presence
Acquisition of Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation 2022 Further increased asset base and Mid-Atlantic footprint
CEO Transition (Rodger Levenson succeeds Mark Turner) 2019 New leadership direction
Executive Leadership Team Restructuring January 1, 2025 Key appointments in finance, operations, wealth, and commercial banking
Insider Selling (Jamie Hopkins) Last year (as of August 18, 2025) US$467k in shares sold at $57.75 per share
Strategic Plan Rollout Early 2025 Focus on talent, growth, and impact for sustained performance

The company's financial performance and shareholder returns are closely watched. As of June 30, 2025, WSFS Financial Corporation reported $20.8 billion in assets and $92.4 billion in assets under management and administration. Capital has been actively returned to shareholders, with $91.4 million distributed in 2023 and $87.3 million in Q2 2025, underscoring a commitment to rewarding its WSFS Financial Corporation shareholders.

Icon Institutional Dominance in WSFS Financial Corporation Ownership

Institutional investors and hedge funds hold a significant majority of WSFS Financial Corporation stock. As of recent data, 88.49% of the company's stock is owned by these entities, indicating a mature public company profile and the substantial influence of large investment firms on WSFS Financial Corporation ownership structure.

Icon Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions

Recent years have seen strategic acquisitions that have reshaped WSFS Financial Corporation's market position. The 2022 acquisition of Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation, following the 2019 Beneficial Bancorp deal, significantly expanded its asset base and geographic reach in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Icon Executive Leadership and Strategic Vision

Leadership transitions and team restructuring are key developments. Rodger Levenson became CEO in 2019, and a significant executive leadership team restructuring took effect on January 1, 2025, with new appointments in critical financial and operational roles. The company's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, launched in early 2025, outlines a clear path focused on talent, growth, and impact.

Icon Shareholder Value and Insider Activity

WSFS Financial Corporation has demonstrated a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, with substantial amounts returned in 2023 and Q2 2025. While institutional ownership is high, some insider selling has occurred, such as Jamie Hopkins selling shares valued at US$467k in the past year, providing insights into WSFS Financial Corporation stock movements.

WSFS Financial Porter's Five Forces Analysis

  • Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
  • Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
  • 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
  • Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
  • Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked
Get Related Template

Disclaimer

All information, articles, and product details provided on this website are for general informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim any ownership over, nor do we intend to infringe upon, any trademarks, copyrights, logos, brand names, or other intellectual property mentioned or depicted on this site. Such intellectual property remains the property of its respective owners, and any references here are made solely for identification or informational purposes, without implying any affiliation, endorsement, or partnership.

We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content or products presented. Nothing on this website should be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical, or other professional advice. In addition, no part of this site—including articles or product references—constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any securities, franchises, or other financial instruments, particularly in jurisdictions where such activity would be unlawful.

All content is of a general nature and may not address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. It is not a substitute for professional advice or services. Any actions you take based on the information provided here are strictly at your own risk. You accept full responsibility for any decisions or outcomes arising from your use of this website and agree to release us from any liability in connection with your use of, or reliance upon, the content or products found herein.