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BlackRock, Inc.
World's Largest Asset Manager
Investment Management Corporation
Overview
BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager with over $10 trillion in assets under management, making it arguably the most powerful financial institution on Earth. Through its Aladdin risk management system, it manages more wealth than the GDP of every country except the United States and China. Its CEO Larry Fink wields extraordinary influence over corporate governance, climate policy, and the global economy. BlackRock has been criticized for its conflicts of interest, revolving door with the US Treasury, and outsized control over housing markets, fossil fuel investments, and corporate boards.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
ALADDIN SYSTEM: Risk management platform manages $21+ trillion in assets, creating systemic dependency and single point of failure for global finance
HOUSING MONOPOLY: Purchased tens of thousands of single-family homes, driving up prices and converting ownership housing to rentals
REVOLVING DOOR: Multiple executives have moved between BlackRock and US Treasury/Federal Reserve
COVID BAILOUT: Hired by Federal Reserve to manage emergency bond-buying program while simultaneously profiting from it
FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENTS: Despite ESG rhetoric, remains one of world's largest investors in fossil fuel companies
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: As largest shareholder of nearly every major US corporation, wields unprecedented proxy voting power
ANTI-ESG BACKTRACK: After years of ESG advocacy, retreated under political pressure from Republican states
Related Investigations (2)
Criminal Charges & Violations
1 documented violations
Antitrust ConcernsCommon ownership across competing companies raises antitrust questions(Monopoly)
Known Associates & Connections
Larry Fink
Co-founder and CEO
Sources & Documentation
1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Also Known As
- BLK
Education
Key Timeline
1988
Founded by Larry Fink and partners
2009
Acquires Barclays Global Investors, becomes world's largest asset manager
2020 (Mar)
Federal Reserve hires BlackRock to manage emergency bond purchases
2023
AUM surpasses $10 trillion