# Washington Mutual > former American bank holding company **Wikidata**: [Q926203](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q926203) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Mutual) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/washington-mutual ## Summary Washington Mutual was a major American bank holding company that operated as a savings and loan association, providing retail banking and financial services. Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Seattle, it became one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S. before its dissolution in 2009. ## Key Facts - Washington Mutual was a former American bank holding company classified as a savings and loan association. - It was founded in 1889 and dissolved in 2009. - Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. - Operated in the financial services industry, specializing in retail banking. - Affiliated with notable figures such as Sally Jewell, a former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and CEO of REI. - Preceded by Dime Savings Bank of New York, originally known as Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn, founded in 1859. - Classified as a credit institution, enterprise, and business organization. - Website: http://www.wamu.com/ - Wikidata description: "former American bank holding company" ## FAQs **What was Washington Mutual?** Washington Mutual was a prominent American bank holding company that operated as a savings and loan association, offering retail banking and financial services to individual consumers. **When was Washington Mutual founded and when did it dissolve?** Washington Mutual was founded in 1889 and dissolved in 2009. **Where was Washington Mutual headquartered?** The company was headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. **What type of financial institution was Washington Mutual?** Washington Mutual was classified as a savings and loan association, a type of financial institution that primarily deals with banking and credit provision. **Who are some notable figures affiliated with Washington Mutual?** Sally Jewell, a former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and CEO of REI, was affiliated with Washington Mutual. **What was the relationship between Washington Mutual and Dime Savings Bank of New York?** Washington Mutual was preceded by Dime Savings Bank of New York, which was originally known as Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn and was founded in 1859. ## Why It Matters Washington Mutual played a significant role in the American financial landscape as one of the largest bank holding companies. Its operations in retail banking and financial services impacted countless consumers and businesses, contributing to the economic fabric of the United States. The dissolution of Washington Mutual in 2009 marked a pivotal moment in the financial crisis, highlighting the vulnerabilities and challenges within the banking sector. ## Notable For - Being one of the largest bank holding companies in the United States. - Operating as a savings and loan association, a critical type of financial institution. - Its headquarters in Seattle, a major city in the Pacific Northwest. - Affiliation with prominent figures like Sally Jewell. - Its role in the financial services industry, particularly in retail banking. ## Body ### History and Background Washington Mutual was founded in 1889 and operated as a significant player in the American financial sector for over a century. The company was headquartered in Seattle, Washington, a city known for its economic vitality and strategic location in the Pacific Northwest. Washington Mutual was classified as a savings and loan association, a type of financial institution that focuses on providing banking and credit services to individual consumers. ### Financial Services and Operations Washington Mutual was deeply involved in the financial services industry, with a primary focus on retail banking. This involved offering a range of services to individual consumers, including savings accounts, loans, and other financial products. As a credit institution, Washington Mutual played a crucial role in the allocation of financial resources, contributing to the economic activities of its customers and the broader community. ### Affiliations and Notable Figures One of the notable figures affiliated with Washington Mutual was Sally Jewell. Jewell is a prominent U.S. politician, business executive, and corporate director who served as the Secretary of the Interior and CEO of REI. Her association with Washington Mutual underscores the company's connections to influential leaders in both the business and political arenas. ### Predecessors and Successors Washington Mutual was preceded by Dime Savings Bank of New York, which was originally known as Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. Founded in 1859, Dime Savings Bank of New York was a significant financial institution in its own right, operating in the savings and loan sector. The relationship between these institutions highlights the evolutionary nature of the banking industry in the United States. ### Classification and Industry Washington Mutual was classified under several categories, including business, enterprise, and credit institution. These classifications reflect the company's multifaceted role in the financial sector, encompassing commercial, industrial, and professional activities. As an enterprise, Washington Mutual benefited from a degree of autonomy in decision-making, particularly in the allocation of its current resources. ### Dissolution and Legacy Washington Mutual was dissolved in 2009, a year that marked a significant turning point in the global financial crisis. The dissolution of such a major financial institution had far-reaching implications for the banking sector and the broader economy. Washington Mutual's legacy continues to be studied and discussed in the context of financial history and the evolution of banking regulations. ### Website and Online Presence Washington Mutual's website, http://www.wamu.com/, served as a digital platform for the company's operations and customer interactions. The website provided information about the company's services, financial products, and corporate details, facilitating communication and transactions with its clientele. ### Wikidata and Online References Washington Mutual is described in Wikidata as a "former American bank holding company," reflecting its historical significance and role in the financial sector. The company's Wikipedia title, "Washington Mutual," and its sitelink count of 27 indicate its prominence and the extent of its documentation across various online platforms. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/) 3. Quora