If you are an employee, you may be able to buy company stock at a discount (often up to 15%) through automated payroll deductions.
Many fund families, such as Fidelity and Vanguard, allow you to buy mutual fund shares directly from the provider. How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Buying stocks without a traditional broker is primarily done through and Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) , which allow you to buy shares directly from a company via its transfer agent. Core Methods to Buy Directly
While buying directly offers "street name" ownership on the company's books, modern online platforms provide more flexibility for many investors. Buying Stocks without a Broker | SoFi