No, FIS (Fidelity National Information Services) is not currently owned by Fidelity. While there is a historical connection involving a company with "Fidelity" in its name, FIS operates today as an independent, publicly traded company.
Historical Relationship and Naming Origin
The origin of FIS is linked to a company named Systematics, founded in Little Rock in 1968. This company later became part of ALLTEL Information Services as its Financial Services division. A significant turning point occurred in 2003 when this division was acquired by Fidelity National Financial (FNF), a prominent title insurance giant. It was Fidelity National Financial that subsequently renamed the division to Fidelity Information Services (FIS). This rebranding marked the initial strong association between the FIS name and a "Fidelity" entity.
To illustrate the company's evolution:
| Year | Key Event | Associated Entity/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Company founded (as Systematics) | Independent (Systematics) |
| Post-1968 | Acquired by ALLTEL | ALLTEL Information Services |
| 2003 | Division sold to Fidelity National Financial | Fidelity National Financial (renamed to FIS) |
| Post-2003 | Became an independent entity | Publicly Traded Company (FIS) |
Current Status of FIS
Despite its naming origin from Fidelity National Financial, FIS has since spun off and established itself as a standalone, independent global leader in financial services technology. It provides a wide range of solutions to financial institutions and businesses worldwide.
It's important to distinguish between:
- Fidelity National Financial (FNF): The title insurance company that once owned and renamed FIS. FNF is still an active, independent company focusing on title insurance and real estate-related services. You can learn more about them at Fidelity National Financial.
- FIS (Fidelity National Information Services): The independent financial technology company. FIS operates separately from FNF. You can find more information about FIS on its official website: FIS Global.
- Fidelity Investments: An entirely separate financial services company primarily known for its mutual funds, brokerage services, and retirement planning. It has no direct ownership or operational relationship with FIS.
In conclusion, while FIS's name reflects its historical acquisition by Fidelity National Financial, it is not currently owned by FNF, nor is it affiliated with Fidelity Investments.
