BlackRock Slashes Hundreds of Jobs, Trimming 1% of Global Staff
Overview
BlackRock Inc. is cutting hundreds of jobs, reducing its global headcount by approximately 1%. The reductions, totaling around 250 employees, affect investment and sales teams. This move aligns with CEO Larry Fink's strategy to push into alternative investments and integrate recent acquisitions, while other Wall Street firms also pursue cost-control measures.
Workforce Reduction Details
BlackRock Inc. has initiated substantial job cuts, eliminating hundreds of positions firmwide. This reduction amounts to approximately 1% of its global workforce, impacting roughly 250 employees. The affected roles span critical areas including investment and sales teams.
Strategic Realignment
A BlackRock spokesperson stated, "Improving BlackRock is a constant priority." The company emphasizes that annual decisions are made to ensure resources align with objectives, positioning the firm for future client service. This move supports Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink's agenda to deepen the company's focus on alternative investments following the $12 billion acquisition of HPS Investment Partners.
Industry Trend
These layoffs place BlackRock alongside other major financial institutions actively managing headcount and controlling costs. Citigroup Inc. is eliminating about 1,000 jobs, while UBS Group AG plans multiple rounds of cuts related to its Credit Suisse integration. BlackRock previously enacted two similar rounds of 1% headcount reductions last year. The asset manager is set to report fourth-quarter earnings on January 15th. As of September, the company employed approximately 24,600 individuals and managed $13.5 trillion.
