BlackRock worldwide
BlackRock is a global company with 78 offices in 36 countries, giving us unique global reach and local relationships.
Because we cover all corners of the globe, we bring the best of the world to how we invest in the UK.
Who we are
Bringing financial well-being to the most important economies of all
For us, it’s always been about contributing to a more resilient economy that benefits more people.
Empowering investors to make better, safer decisions. And advocating for a financial system that is more inclusive and sustainable for all stakeholders.
We’re an investment manager, and we help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives.
Our purpose
How do we help more and more people experience financial well-being?
Helping more people retire securely
A secure retirement for port workers
We work closely with Forth Ports to manage a large part of their pension plan that helps employees save for retirement by investing in stocks, bonds, real estate and infrastructure – including ports. In that way, these investments give Forth Ports’ employees access to opportunities in the local economy they helped build.1
Making investing easier, more affordable and more accessible
Helping a UK charity fulfill its mission
As a volunteer-led health and first aid charity, St John Ambulance treats and transports thousands of patients each year. We’ve been managing St John Ambulance’s entire investment portfolio for over 15 years, making it easier for them to maximize their focus on their philanthropic mission.2
Creating more sustainable investing opportunities
Powering UK homes and creating jobs
We've invested £1.2bn in renewable power projects across the UK, that will power 1.8m UK homes every year.3 These renewable projects are also creating thousands of good long-term jobs in the Northeast, like the wind farm project in the port town of Grimsby.
Building more resilient economies that benefit more people
From garage start-up to big UK job creator
Nearly a decade ago, our private credit investors saw potential in a technology platform that takes beauty and wellness brands direct to consumers online. The Hut Group (THG), based in Manchester, began in a garage with one person, and today employs 8,000 people locally. Our partnership has been one of the key enablers of their success.4
1 Source: Forth Ports and BlackRock, as of September 30, 2020. The company mentioned above is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be a recommendation to buy or sell any security or be depicted as investment advice in any capacity.
2 Source: St John Ambulance and BlackRock, as of September 30, 2020. The company mentioned above is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be a recommendation to buy or sell any security or be depicted as investment advice in any capacity.
3 Metrics estimated over the lifetime of BlackRock's renewable power assets and funds. Employment figures are estimated using Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Green Growth, "A U.S. Program for Controlling Climate Change and Expanding Job Opportunities."
4 Sources: BlackRock, The Hut Group, as of September 30, 2020. The company mentioned above is shown for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be a recommendation to buy or sell any security or be depicted as investment advice in any capacity.
Possibly the most important word in investing
The money we invest and manage is not our own – it belongs to our clients. And every investing decision we make has to be made in their best interests – and theirs alone. It’s a great responsibility, which we take very seriously.
The word for this is fiduciary. It’s an important word.
3,953
*Employees in the United Kingdom and Ireland5
11
*Million+ pension schemes managed by BlackRock in the UK6
£500
*Billion invested into the UK on behalf of our clients
5Source: BlackRock as of 30 September 2023, 6Source: BlackRock as of 31 March 2022, 7Source: BlackRock as of 31 March 2022
Our people
Hands down, our best investment yet
Our people are our strongest asset — take that from an asset manager
We started with 8 people in a room. Today, we have 3,300 people in the UK alone. We’re under no illusion – it’s our people who should take credit for any success.
Sarah Melvin
Head of UK
At BlackRock we are dedicated to advancing a more sustainable future. By putting our clients’ money to work in green businesses, infrastructure and projects, and by supporting companies transition to net zero, we’re making a positive difference to our planet. Our investment has powered wind farms in Grimsby and solar power production in Pembrokeshire - in turn powering 1.8 million British homes. It has supported the installation of smart meter technology in our houses across the country. And it has enabled whiskey distillery in Speyside turn waste into energy for their local community. Through our BlackRock Foundation, we’re helping more and more people across the country build financial security by funding programmes that remove barriers to employment in technology, healthcare and green jobs and that help people participate in the transition to a low-carbon future. BlackRock is supporting important solutions to global problems, right here… all across Britain.
We are entrusted to manage the pension of millions of people in the UK. This responsibility drives us every day to deliver the very best outcomes we can for our clients.
Sarah Melvin
Head of BlackRock UK and Ireland
Our progress
An honest look in the mirror
We see a company that’s not there yet with racial and gender equality. But we also see a company that wants to do better.
By 2024, our goal is to increase representation of black professionals by 30%. And grow our women senior leaders to 32.5% globally by 2024 from 30%
We’ve always believed what makes the individual different makes everyone stronger.
And we will be stronger.
One of our biggest questions: Can money be a force for good?
Through careful human insight and technological innovations, our people are working to make a positive impact on the world every day. We believe you can make money in any job, but can you also make a difference?
There’s never been a more important time for the right answer.
