BlackRock

BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, overseeing approximately $12.53 trillion in assets as of mid-2025. Founded in 1988 in New York by Larry Fink and seven co-founders, the company focuses on asset and risk management services for both institutional and retail clients. BlackRock went public in 1999 and has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions, including the merger with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and the acquisition of Barclays Global Investors. The company offers a range of products, including iShares ETFs, mutual funds, and risk management solutions powered by its proprietary Aladdin platform. In 2024, BlackRock expanded into cryptocurrency with the launch of the iShares Bitcoin Trust and iShares Ethereum Trust, which quickly became the largest crypto ETFs globally. With a workforce of around 14,900 employees and offices in over 30 countries, BlackRock serves a diverse client base, including central banks and financial regulators.