72 Sustainability Report 2021 Inclusive Growth | Defining and Executing on Our Strategy Sterling Employee Ownership Goldman Sachs is partnering with background check firm Sterling as it shares the benefits of company success to drive financial inclusion and build a stronger partnership across the employee base. Goldman Sachs Asset Management has been a controlling shareholder in Sterling for nearly seven years, working with the company’s management team to build Sterling into one of the largest providers of pre-employment background screening and identity services globally. Goldman Sachs acted as lead bookrunning manager for the company’s IPO offering in September 2021, where Sterling granted stock awards to each of its 5,513 employees globally. The companywide stock grant represents a continuing commitment by the company and Goldman Sachs Asset Management as a controlling shareholder to expand access to wealth and ensure every Sterling employee has compensation that grows alongside the company. For most employees granted the IPO stock award, it was their first opportunity to share in company equity. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Joins Ownership Works Consortium In efforts to further our shared ownership program, Goldman Sachs joined a newly-formed coalition led by Ownership Works, a nonprofit focused on partnering with companies and investors to provide employees with the opportunity to build wealth at work. As a founding partner, Goldman Sachs is committing to implement new models of employee ownership within at least three controlled portfolio companies by 2023. • SurvivorSupport ® Ayco’s SurvivorSupport ® provides specialized financial guidance in times of personal crisis and loss, supporting individuals and families through challenging financial decisions. It offers services to more than 130 corporate clients, covering more than 3.2 million employees in the US. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended our services to hospital systems on a fee- waived basis. • Diversity and Inclusion Ayco is partnering with our corporate clients’ global diversity and inclusion networks and HR teams to provide diverse communities with group education sessions. Ayco Financial Wellness Goldman Sachs’ Ayco Personal Financial Management’s Wellness Platform is an industry-pioneering digital platform designed to enable a more productive, financially well, and engaged workforce. In partnering with Ayco, organizations can provide their employees with key resourcing, including financial coaching, helpful reports and viewpoints, and tailor- made programs for every career stage. Ayco also works with corporate teams to advance their diversity and inclusion initiatives. We partnered with IBM to support its P-TECH hiring programs. P-TECH is a public-education model that provides high school students from underserved backgrounds with the academic, technical, and professional skills and credentials they need for competitive STEM jobs. SurvivorSupport® is a registered trademark of the Ayco Company, L.P. and is provided exclusively by the Ayco Company, L.P. Empowering Workers We believe that engaged employees will be a driving force in building a more inclusive financial future. 5 Commitment and Leadership INCLUSIVE GROWTH