BlackRock Considers Private Market Indexing with Preqin Acquisition

By Patricia Miller

Jul 02, 2024

BlackRock's Preqin acquisition could offer retail investors access to high-growth private market assets, enhancing diversification and performance opportunities.

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BlackRock Targets Private Market Growth Through Preqin Purchase

What You Need To Know

BlackRock Inc. (NYSE: BLK) CEO Larry Fink announced the acquisition of data provider Preqin, signaling the firm's move into private market indexing. The $3.2 billion deal aims to apply indexing principles to fast-growing private assets, expanding BlackRock's reach beyond its traditional index funds. This move follows previous acquisitions, such as Global Infrastructure Partners, highlighting BlackRock's strategic shift towards alternative assets.

The company sees data and analytics as key drivers in democratizing access to private markets, aligning with the industry's rapid growth trajectory. Fink emphasized the transformative power of data in public markets and aims to replicate this success in private markets. With the transaction set to close by year-end pending regulatory approvals, BlackRock is poised to leverage Preqin's extensive database to enhance its offerings in the evolving asset management landscape.

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Why This Is Important for Retail Investors

  1. Enhanced Access: Retail investors may gain access to traditionally exclusive private market assets through BlackRock's indexing approach.

  2. Diversification Opportunities: The move opens up diversification possibilities beyond traditional stocks and bonds, potentially reducing overall portfolio risk.

  3. Performance Potential: Private market investments have shown strong performance, offering retail investors a chance to tap into potentially high-growth opportunities.

  4. Increased Transparency: By applying data and analytics to private markets, BlackRock may improve transparency, helping retail investors make more informed investment decisions.

  5. Alignment with Industry Trends: As private markets grow rapidly, retail investors aligning with BlackRock's private market strategies may benefit from the overall industry expansion.

Market Flashback

BlackRock Inc., founded in 1988 by Larry Fink and partners, began as a risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager. The company quickly grew, driven by its innovative approach to risk management. In 1999, it launched the iShares ETF platform, revolutionizing the investment landscape. Over the years, BlackRock expanded through strategic acquisitions, becoming the world's largest asset manager. Its journey reflects a consistent focus on innovation and diversification, shaping the financial industry. The acquisition of Preqin continues this legacy, highlighting BlackRock's commitment to evolving and leading in the asset management space.

Read What Others Are Saying

FT: BlackRock to acquire UK data group Preqin for £2.55bn

Bloomberg: BlackRock Buys Preqin for $3.2 Billion in Private Data Push

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Popular ETFs

Some investors prefer to invest in stocks via an exchange-traded fund for ease and reduced risk. Some popular ETFs include the following:

  • iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV): Tracks the S&P 500 index, providing exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies.

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  • iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT): Invests in U.S. Treasury bonds across various maturities, offering exposure to government debt.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.