From the largest cities to the smallest towns, and across all 50 states, American investors are participating in the success of the US economy through regulated funds. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary throughout 2026, ICI is highlighting how regulated funds have helped build America’s economy—and how our industry remains deeply invested in its future.
Protecting the American Dream
For more than 100 years, regulated funds have powered the American Dream and supported middle-class wealth creation. Millions of Americans rely on regulated funds to achieve their long-term financial goals, like homeownership, higher education, and retirement.
Regulated funds are established financial vehicles with a robust regulatory framework and strong built-in investor protections that give Americans an affordable way to attain diversification and professional management of their money. These funds are a primary vehicle for retirement savings, helping Americans grow their nest eggs in 401(k)s, IRAs, and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
As the nation looks to its next 250 years, these benefits will continue to help new generations of Americans build security and opportunity for their families.
Funding Our Communities
Communities across America depend on strong public infrastructure, from schools and hospitals to roads and bridges. Regulated funds help make these projects possible by directing investor capital into state and local bonds that finance critical public investments in every corner of the country.
Regulated funds hold nearly one-third of all municipal securities, providing steady demand that keeps borrowing costs lower for cities, counties, and states. When a town needs to update its water system or a state wants to repair an aging bridge, regulated funds provide the financing for these projects on behalf of millions of American savers.
By ensuring communities can access affordable financing, regulated funds strengthen Main Streets across America while giving investors a financial stake in their hometowns’ futures.
Powering America’s Economic Growth
American businesses have long been an engine of innovation, developing technologies that drive economic growth and provide good paying jobs. Regulated funds help fuel that progress by channeling household savings into the companies that move America forward.
Regulated funds manage $39 trillion in assets, holding about one-third of U.S. corporate stock and one-quarter of corporate bonds. That capital helps manufacturers expand production, technology companies develop new breakthroughs, and businesses of all sizes access the financing they need to grow.
By connecting millions of savers to thousands of businesses, regulated funds ensure America’s private sector has the stable, long-term capital it needs to compete and thrive.
Key Resources
Investing in America’s Next 250 Years
As Americans gather throughout the year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, we are presented with a rare moment to reflect on the ideas and institutions that have shaped our...
ICI Partnership with America250 Spotlights 76 Million Households Building Wealth Through Funds
ICI announced a partnership with America250 to launch digital content and a national advertising campaign showcasing the investment fund industry’s role in supporting the U.S. economy, communities, and families.
How Regulated Funds Help Power the US Economy
Congress will soon weigh a new set of reforms aimed at boosting capital formation—a worthy goal that could translate into faster economic growth, more jobs, and greater household wealth.
The Wealth-Building Power of 401(k) Plans
The 401(k) plan continues to offer workers across all income levels a disciplined way to save and invest, helping them build significant assets over time. The continued success of these plans shows...