BlackRock

What is BlackRock?

BlackRock is one of the world's largest asset management firms, with over $9 trillion in assets under management as of recent years. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink and several partners, the company began as a risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager, but it has since grown to manage a vast array of investment products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and alternatives across global markets. BlackRock's signature product is iShares, a suite of ETFs that allows retail and institutional investors access to diversified portfolios.

The firm is known for its technology platform, Aladdin, a powerful tool used for managing and assessing investment risk. Aladdin is used both by BlackRock and by other financial institutions worldwide to analyze investment portfolios and manage risks. BlackRock has significant influence in global financial markets and has faced scrutiny due to its extensive holdings, corporate governance practices, and the influence it wields in sectors like energy, technology, and health care.

Its involvement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing has positioned BlackRock as a leader in sustainable investing, although it also faces criticism and demands for stronger action on climate change due to its investments in fossil fuel companies.