Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. The Columbia and Threadneedle companies are owned by leading U.S. financial services firm Ameriprise Financial, Inc., and together form the 30th largest global asset management group as at 31 December 2013.Source: Pensions & Investments/Towers Watson Global 500 Ranking-Year End 2013.1As at 30 June 2015.he Columbia and Threadneedle companies are owned by leading U.S. financial services firm Ameriprise Financial, Inc., and together form the 30th largest global asset management group as at 31 December 2013. Source: Pensions & Investments/Towers Watson Global 500 Ranking-Year End 2013. 1As at 30 June 2015.