Does the LDS Church Invest in Stocks, Real Estate & Businesses?

LDS Perspective

Yes, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains investments in stocks, real estate, and commercial businesses as part of its financial stewardship. The Church manages these commercial investments primarily through Ensign Peak Advisors (EPA), a nonprofit organization that oversees a diversified portfolio including equity securities and real estate holdings. To comply with legal reporting requirements while maintaining appropriate privacy, EPA utilizes various limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporate structures to administer these

Historical Perspective

The LDS Church maintains substantial investment portfolios in public equities through its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors. Documents released by Mormon Leaks in 2018 revealed that the church holds more than $32 billion in stock investments alone, managed through diversified portfolios. These investments have drawn regulatory scrutiny, culminating in a $5 million SEC fine for concealing investment activities and filing practices. The church's equity holdings represent a significant portion of its overall financial strategy, functioning essentially as a large investment fund that accumulates wealth through market returns alongside traditional tithing revenue. Beyond securities, the church possesses extensive real estate assets estimated at approximately $102 billion according to the Wi