BlackRock proves its commitment to sustainable investing
Following criticism that the company wasn’t using its market strength to offset climate change, BlackRock has responded with sweeping new investments.
The New York-based investment company has estimated assets of US$7trn and operates in 70 offices spread across 30 countries. The size and scope of BlackRock’s portfolio have led to it being called the ‘world’s largest shadow bank’.
The company intends to increase its sustainability-focused ESG ETF offerings to 150 (double the previous amount), expand sustainable active investment strategies, and boost overall sustainable assets from $90bn to $1trn before the year 2030.
Recognising what needs to be done
In a letter published on BlackRock’s website, CEO Larry Fink said, “Climate change has become a defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects. Last September, when millions of people took to the streets to demand action on climate change, many of them emphasised the significant and lasting impact that it will have on economic growth and prosperity – a risk that markets to date have been slower to reflect.”
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However, no longer content to maintain an ambiguous stance on the issue, Fink declared that BlackRock was ready to lend its strength to the initiative. “Awareness is rapidly changing, and I believe we are on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance.”
Believing that investment in sustainability projects makes sound business sense, as well as ecological sense, Fink was adamant in his decision, “Our investment conviction is that sustainability and climate-integrated portfolios can provide better risk-adjusted returns to investors. And with the impact of sustainability on investment returns increasing, we believe that sustainable investing is the strongest foundation for client portfolios going forward.”
BlackRock’s commitment
In another letter addressed to its clients, the company stated that “Our role as a fiduciary is the foundation of BlackRock’s culture,” and pledged that its decision is in the interest of everyone.
“The steps we are taking today will help strengthen our ability to serve you [...] Sustainability is becoming increasingly material to investment outcomes, and as the global leader in investment management, our goal is to be the global leader in sustainable investing.”
