BlackRock, Inc. is the world’s largest asset management company, overseeing trillions of dollars in assets for investors across the globe. Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink and several partners, the firm began as a risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager. Over the decades, it has evolved into a powerful player shaping the world’s financial markets.
Size and Reach
As of 2025, BlackRock manages over $10 trillion in assets. Its clients include governments, pension funds, corporations, insurance companies, and individual investors. The company operates in more than 100 countries and employs thousands of people worldwide.
Products and Services
BlackRock offers a broad range of financial products and services:
Mutual funds and ETFs – Its iShares brand is the world’s largest provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), offering affordable investment options for individual and institutional investors.
Risk management technology – BlackRock’s Aladdin platform provides sophisticated portfolio management and risk analytics to institutional clients and even rival asset managers.
Sustainable investing – The firm has increased its focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, although it has faced criticism from both sides of the climate debate.
Influence and Criticism
BlackRock’s enormous size gives it significant influence over global markets and corporations. This power has led to both praise and criticism. Supporters say BlackRock helps bring financial stability and innovation, while critics worry about its sway over public policy, corporate governance, and its potential conflicts of interest.
The Future
Under the leadership of CEO Larry Fink, BlackRock continues to expand into new markets, including private equity, infrastructure, and fintech. As sustainability and technology reshape finance, BlackRock aims to remain a dominant force in the global economy.
