BlackRock

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment company. Founded in 1988, initially as an enterprise risk management and fixed income institutional asset manager, BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with US$10 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023. Headquartered at 50 Hudson Yards in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, BlackRock has 78 offices in 38 countries, and clients in 100 countries. BlackRock is the manager of the iShares group of exchange-traded funds, and along with The Vanguard Group and State Street, it is considered to be one of the Big Three index fund managers. Its Aladdin software keeps track of investment portfolios for many major financial institutions and its BlackRock Solutions division provides financial risk management services. As of 2023, BlackRock was ranked 229th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by revenue.
blackrock

Some of the key events about BlackRock

  • 1988
    Founded as a risk management and fixed income institutional asset manager
  • 1988
    Faced criticism for aggressive trading strategies in mortgage-backed securities during savings and loan crisis
  • 1999
    Launched its first retail mutual funds
  • 2000
    Acquired State Street Research & Management, expanding its mutual fund business
  • 2006
    Merged with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, significantly expanding its global presence
  • 2008
    Acquired Barclays Global Investors, raising concerns about market concentration
  • 2009
    Acquired Barclays Global Investors, becoming the world's largest asset manager
  • 2009
    Received controversy for managing toxic assets from Bear Stearns and AIG bailouts
  • 2012
    Launched the iShares Core series, offering low-cost ETFs to retail investors
  • 2012
    Fined $340,000 by the SEC for improperly disclosing conflicts of interest
  • 2014
    Criticized for potential conflicts of interest in its stock analyses and corporate governance research
  • 2015
    Acquired FutureAdvisor, entering the digital wealth management space
  • 2015
    Fined $12 million by the SEC for failing to disclose a conflict of interest
  • 2017
    Launched the Aladdin Risk for Wealth Management platform, extending its risk management technology to financial advisors
  • 2017
    Faced scrutiny for its dual role as both shareholder and advisor to companies
  • 2018
    Criticized for inadequate oversight of gun manufacturers in its index funds
  • 2019
    Investigated by Congress for potential anticompetitive behavior in the ETF market
  • 2020
    Committed to make sustainability its new standard for investing
  • 2020
    Faced backlash for inconsistencies between climate change rhetoric and fossil fuel investments
  • 2021
    Launched the BlackRock Impact Opportunities Fund to support businesses and projects owned by underrepresented groups

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

BlackRock Latest news

Indian Shares Poised for Rebound After Five-Day Decline

Indian Shares Poised for Rebound After Five-Day Decline

Indian stock market expected to open higher following strong U. S. jobs data. Investors may view recent correction as buying opportunity despite ongoing Middle East tensions.

Business, Economics • October 7 2024 , 03:01 AM  •  587 views
UK Pension Funds Embrace 'LDI 2.0' Strategy Two Years Post-Crisis

UK Pension Funds Embrace 'LDI 2.0' Strategy Two Years Post-Crisis

Two years after a market crisis threatened UK pensions, the Liability Driven Investment strategy is gaining popularity. Providers claim improved safety measures, while regulators maintain vigilance over the £2 trillion industry.

Business, Economics • October 4 2024 , 06:20 AM  •  220 views
Tech Giants' Green Energy Gamble: Powering AI's Future

Tech Giants' Green Energy Gamble: Powering AI's Future

Major tech companies are rapidly securing green energy for AI data centers, balancing innovation with financial risks. The surge in power needs raises questions about sustainability and profitability in the AI era.

Business, Economics, Science • October 3 2024 , 10:22 AM  •  493 views
Debunking False Claims: Trump Assassination Suspect Not in BlackRock Ad

Debunking False Claims: Trump Assassination Suspect Not in BlackRock Ad

Fact-checkers refute social media claims linking Ryan Routh, suspect in Trump assassination attempt, to BlackRock ad. Video actually shows Routh at pro-Ukraine protest in Kyiv.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024 , 09:17 PM  •  91 views
BlackRock's Bold Bet: Revolutionizing Private Market Investing

BlackRock's Bold Bet: Revolutionizing Private Market Investing

BlackRock aims to transform alternative assets with index-like products, following its $3. 2 billion Preqin acquisition. Despite challenges, the potential for democratizing private markets drives this ambitious strategy.

Business, Economics • September 19 2024 , 10:16 AM  •  186 views
US SIF CEO Navigates ESG Investing Landscape Amid Political Challenges

US SIF CEO Navigates ESG Investing Landscape Amid Political Challenges

Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, discusses the state of sustainable investing in the US compared to Europe, addressing ESG backlash and political challenges while emphasizing the industry's resilience and growth.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 16 2024 , 12:21 PM  •  4288 views
Bajaj Housing Finance's IPO Surge Raises Questions About Indian Market Valuations

Bajaj Housing Finance's IPO Surge Raises Questions About Indian Market Valuations

Bajaj Housing Finance's shares soar 125% on debut, reflecting strong demand in India's mortgage market. The $16 billion valuation sparks concerns about broader market trends and sustainability of the rally.

Business, Economics • September 16 2024 , 12:07 PM  •  118 views
Northvolt's Setbacks Raise Concerns for Europe's Battery Industry

Northvolt's Setbacks Raise Concerns for Europe's Battery Industry

Swedish battery maker Northvolt scales back operations, sparking doubts about Europe's EV battery production capabilities. The company's struggles highlight the continent's dependence on Asian suppliers.

Business, Economics, Science • September 13 2024 , 04:16 AM  •  753 views
MSCI's ESG Growth Slows: A Barometer for Sustainable Finance Trends

MSCI's ESG Growth Slows: A Barometer for Sustainable Finance Trends

MSCI's ESG segment faces growth challenges amid broader sustainable finance headwinds. Despite slowing revenue, the company remains committed to ESG, citing long-term opportunities in the evolving market landscape.

Business, Economics • September 11 2024 , 01:25 PM  •  374 views
Exxon CEO Warns Activists, Defends Legal Action on Climate Proposals

Exxon CEO Warns Activists, Defends Legal Action on Climate Proposals

Exxon's CEO cautions activist shareholders about climate-related proposals, defending the company's legal actions. He emphasizes balancing emissions concerns with global energy needs and suggests a carbon accounting system.

Business, Politics • September 10 2024 , 07:12 PM  •  429 views
Bajaj Housing Finance's $782M IPO Set to Launch Amid Strong Investor Interest

Bajaj Housing Finance's $782M IPO Set to Launch Amid Strong Investor Interest

Bajaj Housing Finance's $782 million IPO opens for public subscription, attracting major institutional investors. The offering is poised to make the company India's most valuable listed home loan provider.

Business, Economics • September 9 2024 , 05:09 AM  •  518 views
Nonprofit Sues Texas Over Law Targeting Fossil Fuel-Conscious Businesses

Nonprofit Sues Texas Over Law Targeting Fossil Fuel-Conscious Businesses

A nonprofit has filed a lawsuit against Texas, challenging a law that restricts state investments in companies supporting reduced fossil fuel use. The case highlights tensions between environmental policies and state regulations.

Business, Politics • August 29 2024 , 07:24 PM  •  532 views
BlackRock Cuts Support for Environmental and Social Shareholder Proposals

BlackRock Cuts Support for Environmental and Social Shareholder Proposals

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, reduced its backing for environmental and social shareholder proposals to 4% in the recent AGM season. Overall support for shareholder resolutions increased due to governance-related issues.

Business, Economics • August 21 2024 , 01:10 PM  •  538 views
Chinese Investors Rush for Offshore Investments, Straining QDII Quotas

Chinese Investors Rush for Offshore Investments, Straining QDII Quotas

Chinese demand for offshore investments surges, challenging QDII quota limits. Foreign firms employ creative strategies to manage quotas as investors seek alternatives to sluggish domestic markets.

Business, Economics • August 13 2024 , 08:15 AM  •  1087 views
NYSE Proposal to Eliminate Closed-End Fund Meetings Sparks Debate

NYSE Proposal to Eliminate Closed-End Fund Meetings Sparks Debate

NYSE's proposal to exempt closed-end funds from annual shareholder meetings faces opposition. Critics argue it could limit investor rights and protect underperforming funds from activist challenges.

Business, Economics • August 7 2024 , 06:48 PM  •  5266 views
Coinbase Q2 Revenue Soars Amid Crypto Market Resurgence

Coinbase Q2 Revenue Soars Amid Crypto Market Resurgence

Coinbase reports substantial Q2 revenue growth, driven by increased trading volumes and regulatory approvals for crypto ETFs. The company sees gains in transaction and subscription revenues.

Business, Economics • August 1 2024 , 10:12 PM  •  1520 views