Correct! Brown Brothers Harriman, founded in 1818, is considered the oldest U.S. investment bank still operating today. Established initially as a merchant banking partnership, it played a pivotal role in shaping early American finance. Long before institutions like JPMorgan Chase or Goldman Sachs became household names, Brown Brothers Harriman was financing major infrastructure projects, transatlantic trade, and industrial expansion across the U.S. Unlike many of its contemporaries that merged or collapsed during financial upheavals, BBH remained a private partnership — a structure that allowed it to maintain a conservative approach to risk. This longevity and prudence earned it a reputation for stability, discretion, and trustworthiness in high-net-worth and institutional banking circles. Its influence extended into politics as well: several partners, including W. Averell Harriman, held prominent government roles. While it may not be as publicly visible as today’s big-name banks, its legacy forms a foundational chapter in the history of American finance.