Founded in 1850, American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services provider. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. Headquartered in New York City, American Express has more than 84,000 employees worldwide. The company reported net income of US $1.31 billion in 2001.

The Company operates through three main subsidiaries: American Express Travel Related Services, American Express Financial Advisors and American Express Bank.

American Express Travel Related Services provides a host of comprehensive products and services to customers around the globe. It is one of the world's largest travel agencies with over 1,700 Travel Service locations around the world. Travel Related Services offers charge and credit cards and Travelers Cheques to individuals; Corporate Card and expense management tools to corporations to help them manage their travel, entertainment and purchasing expenses; and travel and related consulting services to individuals and corporations around the world.

American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA) makes available a variety of financial products and services to help individuals, businesses and institutions establish and achieve their financial goals. The core of AEFA's business is financial planning and advice. AEFA's financial advisors work with retail clients to develop strong relationships and long-term financial strategies. To fulfill the needs of its retail clients, AEFA also develops and offers financial products and services, including insurance and annuities and a variety of investment products.

American Express Bank serves wealthy and affluent individuals and financial institutions and operates one of the largest international branch networks among U.S.-based banks. It provides private banking, personal financial services, services for financial institutions and global trading through a network of 77 offices in 40 countries.