BlackRock
BlackRock, Inc. is a prominent American multinational investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. Established in 1988 by Larry Fink, Robert S. Kapito, Susan Wagner, and others, BlackRock has grown to become the world's largest asset manager, overseeing trillions of dollars in assets under management (AUM) as of my last update in 2023.
The company provides a wide range of investment and risk management services to institutional and individual clients worldwide. Its offerings include mutual funds, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), hedge funds, and various other investment vehicles. BlackRock is particularly well-known for its iShares ETFs, which are among the most widely traded ETFs globally.
BlackRock also emphasizes technology and data analytics in its investment processes, utilizing its proprietary Aladdin platform to manage risk and optimize portfolio performance. The firm is a significant player in the financial markets and has a substantial influence on global economic policies and corporate governance practices due to its vast holdings in various companies and sectors.
In addition to its investment services, BlackRock is involved in advocating for sustainable investing and has been increasingly focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in its investment decisions. The company has pledged to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and has been vocal about the importance of addressing climate change through its investment strategies.