# Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

> investment company

**Wikidata**: [Q106240682](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106240682)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/australian-foundation-investment-company-limited

## Summary
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited (AFI) is a public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, operating as an investment company based in Australia. It is known for its long-standing presence in Australia's equity markets and is recognized for its investment in a diversified portfolio of listed securities.

## Key Facts
- It is a public company limited by shares, legally incorporated in Australia.
- The company trades under the stock code "AFI" on the Australian Securities Exchange.
- Its legal entity identifier is 254900YODBY7EY7U4G44.
- The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
- It is classified as an investment company under the Australian financial system.
- Market capitalization was A$9,992,155,323 as of November 18, 2021.
- The company's official name is AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
- It is registered on the Australian Securities Exchange with the ticker symbol AFI.
- The company's website is https://www.afi.com.au/, in English.
- It is listed as a public company on financial directories such as the ASX directory.
- It is not to be confused with public enterprises or government agencies.

## FAQs
**What is the legal structure of Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited?**  
It is a public company limited by shares, registered in Australia, and operates under the legal form of a joint-stock company. It is distinct from private companies and government-owned entities.

**Where is the company headquartered?**  
The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

**On which stock exchange is the company listed?**  
It is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the ticker symbol AFI.

**What is the company's main business?**  
It operates as an investment company, focusing on a diversified portfolio of listed securities.

**What is the company's market capitalization?**  
As of November 18, 2021, its market capitalization was approximately A$9.99 billion.

**What is the official name and legal identifier of the company?**  
The official name is AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED, and its Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is 254900YODBY7EY7U4G44.

**What is the company's website?**  
The company's official website is https://www.afi.com.au/, and the content is in English.

**What is the company known for?**  
It is known for being a long-standing investment company listed on the ASX, with a focus on providing investors access to a diversified portfolio of Australian and international equities.

**What distinguishes it from other public companies?**  
It is one of Australia’s oldest continuous investment vehicles, with a history spanning several decades and a strong presence on the ASX.

## Why It Matters
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited plays a critical role in Australia's financial market as a diversified investment vehicle. It provides retail and institutional investors with access to a portfolio of high-quality listed equities, often including blue-chip Australian and international companies. The company enables broad market exposure without requiring investors to directly manage a portfolio of individual stocks. Its long history and consistent performance make it a trusted name in passive investment strategies. It contributes to financial inclusion by offering a simple, transparent way to invest in a diversified portfolio.

## Notable For
- Being one of Australia’s oldest investment companies with a continuous listing on the ASX.
- Maintaining a diversified portfolio of listed equities, including both domestic and international holdings.
- Operating as a public company with a strong focus on long-term value for shareholders.
- Providing access to a broad range of investments through a single ASX-listed vehicle.
- A market capitalization exceeding A$9.9 billion as of November 2021.
- Being a publicly traded entity with a transparent, regulated structure.

## Body

### Legal and Regulatory Classification
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited is a public company limited by shares, incorporated in Australia. It is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the stock code "AFI." The company is registered as an investment company and is distinct from private or government-owned entities. Its legal entity identifier is 254900YODBY7EY7U4G44, and it is headquartered in Melbourne.

### Financial Profile and Market Presence
As of November 18, 2021, the company had a market capitalization of A$9,992,155,323. It is listed in directories such as the ASX trade directory and is recognized in financial resources like Investopedia and academic databases. The company's stock has been traded since at least June 30, 1962, making it one of the long-standing listed entities on the ASX.

### Operations and Business Model
The company operates as an investment vehicle, focusing on a diversified portfolio of listed securities. It does not engage in operational businesses but instead invests in a range of equities to provide shareholders with broad market exposure. This model allows investors to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio without the need to manage individual stock selections.

### Digital Presence and Resources
The company maintains a public website at https://www.afi.com.au/, which provides information on its investment strategy, portfolio, and performance. The site is in English and serves as a key resource for investors seeking transparency and insight into the company's operations.

### Regulatory and Legal References
The company is referenced in official sources such as the ASX directory and is governed by Australian financial regulations. It is required to adhere to strict disclosure and reporting standards, ensuring transparency for its shareholders and the public.

### Historical Context and Longevity
The company has been continuously listed on the ASX since at least 1962, making it one of the longest-standing investment companies in Australia. This longevity underscores its stability and the trust placed in it by investors over decades.

### Related Entities and Classifications
- **Instance of**: Public company
- **Synonyms/Aliases**: AFIC, AFI, Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited
- **Stock Exchange**: Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- **Ticker Symbol**: AFI
- **Country**: Australia
- **Headquarters**: Melbourne
- **Legal Form**: Public company limited by shares
- **Investment Type**: Diversified portfolio of listed securities
- **Market Capitalization**: A$9,992,155,323 (as of 2021-11-18)
- **Legal Entity Identifier**: 254900YODBY7EY7U4G44
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11c6w2qvtj
- **Crunchbase ID**: australian-foundation-investment-company

### Language and Global Recognition
The company is recognized in English-speaking financial and academic contexts and is listed in global knowledge bases such as Wikipedia in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. It is a subject of discussion in financial resources like Investopedia and academic databases like ScienceDirect.

### Governance and Structure
As a public company, it is governed by a board of directors elected by shareholders. The company adheres to the standard corporate governance model where ownership is separated from management, with shareholders holding equity and the board providing oversight. It is not to be confused with public enterprises or government agencies, which are state-owned and operate under different governance models.

## References

1. [Source](https://www2.asx.com.au/markets/trade-our-cash-market/directory)
2. Global LEI Index