1.
BlackRock: Overview & History
1. BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, handling over $10 trillion in
assets (as of 2024).
2. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink, Robert S. Kapito, and others in New York.
3. Initially focused on risk management and fixed-income investments.
4. Became a public company in 1999 – Listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under BLK.
5. Expanded globally through acquisitions, including Merrill Lynch Investment
Managers (2006) and Barclays Global Investors (2009).
2. BlackRock’s Core Business
6. Provides investment management, risk management, and advisory services to
institutional and retail clients.
7. Known for passive investing – Offers a range of index funds and ETFs.
8. iShares is BlackRock’s leading ETF brand, holding over $3 trillion in assets.
9. Also manages actively managed funds, hedge funds, and private equity investments.
10. Aladdin is BlackRock’s risk management platform, used by banks, pension funds,
and sovereign wealth funds.
3. BlackRock’s Investment Strategies
11. Invests in equities, fixed income, commodities, and alternative assets like real
estate and private equity.
12. Has a strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) focus – Advocates
sustainable investing.
13. Supports shareholder activism, often influencing corporate policies on governance
and climate issues.
14. Invests heavily in technology and AI, including fintech and digital assets.
15. Has exposure to Bitcoin ETFs, marking its entry into the crypto sector.
4. BlackRock’s Influence in Global Markets
16. Manages assets for governments, pension funds, and major institutions
worldwide.
17. One of the largest shareholders in major corporations, including Apple,
Microsoft, and Amazon.
18. A key player in the US Treasury and bond markets – Manages large portions of
debt instruments.
19. Consults central banks and governments on financial stability and economic
policies.
20. Has been criticized for its enormous influence in financial markets, sometimes
called "the fourth branch of government."
5. Controversies & Criticisms
21. Accused of monopolizing financial markets due to its ownership stakes in major
firms.
22. Criticized for its ESG policies, with some arguing they are politically motivated.
23. Faced backlash for investing in fossil fuels, despite promoting sustainability.
24. Questioned for its role in housing markets, as it owns large real estate investments.
25. Has political connections – Former executives have held key government positions.
6. Future of BlackRock
26. Expanding into AI-driven investment management with machine learning
algorithms.
27. Growing its private equity and real estate investments for higher returns.
28. Strengthening its ESG and climate initiatives, despite political pushback.
29. Continuing global expansion, with increasing influence in emerging markets.
30. Adapting to the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital assets.