BlackRock Enables Voting Choice for $2.6 Trillion in Assets Under Management

BlackRock, a leading provider of financial technology, is making waves in the investment world with its Voting Choice program. This innovative offering allows clients representing $598 billion in assets under management to have a say in proxy voting decisions.

The program, which was previously only available to institutional clients, is now being extended to individual investors with eligible accounts. This move opens up Voting Choice to more than three million U.S. retail shareholder accounts invested in the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, totaling about $200 billion of the fund’s $399 billion in assets under management.

Joud Abdel Majeid, Global Head of BlackRock Investment Stewardship, expressed excitement about the expansion of Voting Choice, stating that it empowers investors by making proxy voting easier and more accessible. Rachel Aguirre, Head of U.S. iShares Product at BlackRock, highlighted the company’s commitment to democratizing investing and enabling more investors to participate in shareholder voting.

Eligible shareholders participating in the program will have the option to choose from six third-party proxy voting policies or continue to have their shares voted according to BlackRock’s own policy. Those who do not wish to participate will have BlackRock vote on their behalf.

With clients representing $598 billion in assets already utilizing BlackRock’s Voting Choice, the program is proving to be a valuable tool for investors looking to have a voice in corporate governance decisions. As BlackRock continues to innovate in the ETF space, Voting Choice is set to play a significant role in shaping the future of proxy voting.

For more information on BlackRock’s Voting Choice program and how to participate, interested parties can visit the company’s website.