UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

Filed by the Registrant    

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant    

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

 

    Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2))

 

    Definitive Proxy Statement

 

 

    Definitive Additional Materials

 

 

    Soliciting Material Pursuant to§240.14a-12  §240.14a-12    

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

 

No fee required.

 

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules14a-6(i)(1) and0-11.

 

 

1)    

 

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

2)    

 

2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

3)    

 

3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

4)    

 

4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

5)    

 

5)

Total fee paid:

 

 

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 1) 

Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

2)

 

2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

3)

 

3)

Filing Party:

 

4) 

4)

Date Filed:

 


LOGO

2018 PROXY STATEMENT Notice of Annual Meeting May 23, 2018 New York, New YorkLOGO


Generating Long-Term

ShareholderDelivering Value

to All

BlackRock’s mission isStakeholders to provide better financial futures for our clients. Our framework for creating long-term shareholder value is directly aligned with that mission.Generate

Durable Returns For

Shareholders

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock” or the “Company”) has strategically investedis a global asset manager with approximately 16,500 employees in more than 30 countries. Our purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being and we do this by helping millions of people invest to build savings, making investing easier and more affordable, advancing sustainable investing and contributing to a broad,more resilient economy. By operating with a strong sense of purpose each and every day, we position ourselves to deliver better outcomes for clients no matter the market environment, create opportunities for employees, support communities and generate more consistent financial results for shareholders.

We have continuously invested in our business to build the world’s largest and most comprehensive investment platform across active and index funds, with solutions ranging from illiquid alternatives to cash management strategies. Our diverse investment platform strongis supported by our technology and risk management capabilitiessystem, Aladdin®, which helps us better identify risks and a global footprint to meet clients’ needs in all market environments.

Our diverseopportunities and make portfolios more resilient for our clients. The stability of BlackRock’s globally integrated asset management and technology platform enables us to generatedrives strong, long-term performance and consistent financial results, which allows us to continuously and continuouslydeliberately invest in our business through market cycles. We believe that continuously investing in our platform to meet clients’ evolving needs enables usand enhances BlackRock’s ability to:

 

    Generate

    Leverage our scale

Generate

differentiated

organic growth        

    Return capital to

    differentiated

    for the benefit of all

  

    

Leverage our

scale for the

benefit of clients

and shareholders on

    organic growth

    stakeholders

  

    

Return capital

to shareholders

on a consistent and

and    predictable basis

basis

 

ThisOver the long term, BlackRock has delivered on each of these pillars. We have generated differentiated organic growth and delivered operating margin expansion. We have prioritized investment in our business to first drive growth and then returned excess cash flow to shareholders. Our capital return strategy has been balanced between dividends, where we target a 40-50% payout ratio, and a consistent share repurchase program.

Our framework for generating long-term shareholder value was developed in close collaboration with our Board of Directors (the “Board”), and the Board continues to play an active role in overseeingactively oversees our broader strategy and in measuring our ability to successfully execute it.

BlackRock remains focused on investing for the future. Throughout BlackRock’s history, we have demonstrated an ability to optimize organic growth in the most efficient way possible while prudently returning capital to shareholders. We prioritize investment in our business to first drive growth and then return “excess” cash flow to shareholders. Our capital return strategy is balanced between dividends, where we target a 40-50% payout ratio, and a consistent share repurchase program.

In 2018,2021, we will continue to strategically and efficiently invest in BlackRock’sBlackRock to optimize future growth to growbenefit all of our stakeholders. We will accelerate investments in areas we believe have high growth potential such as ETFs, illiquid alternatives and technology; keep active management at the heart of BlackRock; lead as a whole portfolio advisor across asset managementclasses; and technology capabilities, to expandfurther integrate sustainability across our geographic footprint and to further enhance our talent – to ensure we are meeting our daily responsibilities to our clients and delivering financial returns for shareholders.platform.


                LOGOLOGO

 

 

                LOGOLOGO  

 

 

LOGO

 

 

The hardships

  experienced by people

  globally in 2020, and

  the inequities further

  exacerbated by the

  pandemic, have only

  strengthened

  BlackRock’s sense of

  responsibility to help

  millions of people invest

  to build savings; make

  investing easier and

  more affordable;

  advance sustainable

  investing; and

  contribute to a more

  resilient economy.”

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York, 10055

April 13, 2018[], 2021

To Our Shareholders:

ThankJust as BlackRock is a fiduciary to our clients, helping them invest for the future, I recognize many of you are investing in BlackRock to achieve your own long-term goals and I want to thank you for your continued support and confidence in BlackRock. It is my pleasureour company. More than 13 months after COVID-19 became a global health crisis, we are still confronting its impacts daily. On behalf of BlackRock and our Board of Directors, we hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe.

In consideration of continued health concerns relating to inviteCOVID-19, we are once again holding BlackRock’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually. We welcome you to our 2018 Annual Meeting, to be heldjoin us on May 23, 201826, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. EDT at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021. You may vote your shares via the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.Internet and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021. As we do each year, we will review our business and financial results for the year, address the voting items in thethis year’s Proxy Statement and take your questions. WhetherRegardless of whether you plan to attendjoin the meeting, or not, your vote is important, and we encourage you to review the enclosed materials and submit your proxy.

As BlackRock celebrates its 30th anniversary thisOver the past year, I have the opportunity to reflectCOVID-19 pandemic has enveloped the entire globe and changed it permanently. It has both exacted a horrific human toll and transformed the way we live – the way we work, learn, access medicine, and much more. While we face great challenges ahead on the most pressing issues facing investors todaypath to recovery, I am a long-term optimist and how BlackRock must continueam encouraged by the positive societal changes that are emerging from this pandemic. As I wrote in January, we are seeing an acceleration in the tectonic shift towards sustainability and people, companies and governments working together to adaptconfront the global threat of climate change. In one of the great triumphs of modern science, multiple vaccines were developed in record time. And importantly, the pandemic has amplified the need for companies to operate with a clear sense of purpose and serve clients’ needs effectively. Itall of their stakeholders – customers, employees and communities – in order to deliver long-term, durable returns for their shareholders.

I am incredibly proud of BlackRock’s unwavering commitment to living our purpose and maintaining a clear long-term vision throughout these challenging times. The hardships experienced by people globally in 2020, and the inequities further exacerbated by the pandemic, have only strengthened BlackRock’s sense of responsibility to help millions of people invest to build savings; make investing easier and more affordable; advance sustainable investing; and contribute to a more resilient economy.

Our strong 2020 performance is a great privilegetestament to the trust our clients place in us to help them navigate uncertain markets and responsibilityour ability to manage the assets entrusted to us, most of which are invested for long-term goals such as retirement. Just as we believe in the importance and benefits of clients investing for the long-term, we also approach BlackRock with that same future perspective. You can find more detail about BlackRock’s purpose and strategy for future growth in my letter to shareholders in this year’s Annual Report.

In 2017, BlackRock continued to deliver on each component of our framework for creating long-term shareholder value, while simultaneously investing in our business.meet their needs. Our diverse global investment platform – with active and index strategies across all asset management platform, industry leadingclasses, integrated technology, data and risk management, capabilities and thought leadership enabledglobal scale and connectivity enables us to generate $367deliver strong and consistent investment performance and more stable outcomes for clients. Our differentiated approach is resonating with clients and, as a result, they entrusted BlackRock with $391 billion of net new assets in 2020. We saw incredible momentum across our entire business during the year: we generated record net inflows into active equity, sustainable, cash and alternative strategies and had more than $1 billion of net inflows during the year, representing 7% organic asset growthin each of 19 countries and 104 different products, reflecting the truststrength and depth of our diversified platform. Our technology services business eclipsed $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time, as the pandemic has accelerated the need for robust operating and risk management technology. And we have earned from clients to help solve their most difficult investment challenges. We continued to investexecuted on our shareholder value framework by delivering revenue, operating income and earnings growth. After investing back in our business for future growth while simultaneously expandingto serve all our operating margin andstakeholders, we returned $2.8approximately $3.8 billion of cash to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases.

The executionstrength and consistency of BlackRock’s results, regardless of the market environment, are directly linked to our strategy is dependent on adiverse and engaged Board, and strong corporate governance framework. Whether acting as a fiduciary for clients or shareholders, we believe that good corporateand sustainability frameworks. BlackRock’s Board plays an integral role in our governance, is critical to meeting our overall objectives. That includes engaging with you, our shareholders, to better understand and address issues that are important to you. To support our mission of creating better financial futures for clients, we are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership, prudent management practices and thoughtful strategic deliberations. We believe that BlackRock has implemented such a set of principles, guidelines and practices that support sustainable financialstrategy, growth and long-term value creation for shareholders and hope that you will agree as you read the Proxy Statement.

success. It has always been important that BlackRock’sour Board of Directors functions as a key strategic and governing body that both challenges and advises our leadership team and guides BlackRock into the future. It is also critical that we have a robust corporate governance framework to be betterensure we are executing on our strategy, fulfilling our fiduciary responsibilities to clients and serving all of our stakeholders over the long-term.

BlackRock is committed to living our purpose of helping more and more innovative. BlackRock’s Board continues to play an integral rolepeople experience financial well-being. It is critical that we continue aggressively investing in our governance, growthbusiness to serve clients, inspire our employees and success.support our communities, so we can continue delivering durable profits for you, our shareholders, and make a positive impact on society. Now, more than ever, compassion and forward-thinking will be essential to our future.

Thank you again for your continued commitment to BlackRock. Our Board of DirectorsBlackRock and I look forwardhope to seeingsee you on May 23, 2018 in New York City.person next year.

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGOLOGO

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Just as we believe in the importance and benefits of clients investing for the long-term, we also approach BlackRock with that same future perspective.


LOGO

Notice of 2018

Annual Meeting

of Shareholders

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 



PRELIMINARY COPY — SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

Notice of 2021

Annual Meeting of

Shareholders

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

Date:

LOGO

 

 

Date & Time

Wednesday, May 23, 2018LOGO

 

   Location                                     

Time:LOGO

 

 

Record Date

8:00 AM EDT

 

Place:

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
 

Record Date:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ 

Monday, March 29, 2018

2021
8:00 a.m. EDTBLK2021 

Agenda and Voting Matters

At or before ourthe 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”), we ask that you vote on the following items:

 

Proposal

  

Board

Recommendation

Page
Reference

Item 1 Election of Directors

LOGOVote FOR each

director nominee            

   

Page
Reference

11
 

Item 1 Election of Directors

FOR

8

Item 2Approval, in a Non-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers

LOGO

Vote FOR

53

Item 3 Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

LOGO

Vote FOR

91

Items 4A-4CApproval of Amendments to Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) to (i) provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting, (ii) eliminate certain supermajority vote requirements and (iii) eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions

LOGO

Vote FOR

94

Item 5 Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”

LOGO

Vote AGAINST

  

 

 

 

FOR99

 

 

Item 6 Shareholder Proposal – Amend Certificate of Incorporation to Convert to a Public Benefit Corporation

LOGO

Vote AGAINST

  

 

 

 

44102

 

 


Your vote is important — How to vote:

LOGO

  Internet

LOGO

  Mail

 

Item 3 ApprovalVisit the website listed on your proxy card. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card when you access the web page.

Complete and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage pre-paid envelope.

LOGO

  Telephone

LOGO

  During the Meeting

If your shares are held in the name of an Amendment toa broker, bank or other nominee: Follow the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amendedtelephone voting instructions, if any, provided on your voting instruction card. If your shares are registered in your name: Call 1-800-690-6903 and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Planfollow the telephone voting instructions. You will need the control number that appears on your proxy card.

 

 

 

 

FORThis year’s meeting will be virtual. For details on voting your shares during
the Annual Meeting, see “Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting.”

Please note that we are furnishing proxy materials and access to our Proxy Statement to our shareholders via our website instead of mailing printed copies to each of our shareholders. By doing so, we save costs and reduce our impact on the environment.

Beginning on April [], 2021, we will mail or otherwise make available to each of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, which contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online. If you attend the Annual Meeting virtually, you may withdraw your proxy and vote online during the Annual Meeting if you so choose.

Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

 

 

77How to Sign up for Electronic Delivery

 

It’s easier and faster to receive future shareholder materials electronically. Remember, you can change your preference at any time. To sign up for electronic delivery:

If your shares are registered in your name, please visit www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions.

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, please contact them for instructions on how to sign up for electronic delivery.

 

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson III

Corporate Secretary

April [], 2021

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street,

New York, New York 10055

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Annual Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021: our Proxy

Statement and 2020 Annual Report are available free of charge on our

website at http://ir.blackrock.com/


Contents




Annex C
Amendment to Our Charter to Provide Shareholders the Right to Call Special Meetings – Item 4AC-1
Annex D
Amendment to Our Charter to Eliminate Supermajority Voting Requirements – Item 4BD-1
Annex E
Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions That Are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4CE-1

    
     Index of Frequently Requested Information  

How to vote:Your vote is important

     

 BlackRock’s Impact on its People38 

 

LOGO

Sustainability at BlackRock36 

 

LOGO

Board Diversity13 

 

LOGO

CEO Pay Ratio89 

 

LOGO

 Clawback Policy80

Director Independence12

Hedging and Pledging Policy80

Peer Group66

Public Policy Engagement42

Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors44

Stock Ownership Guidelines for NEOs80

     

Internet

Visit the website listed on your
proxy card. You will need the
control number that appears on
your proxy card when you access
the web page.

 

Mail

Complete and sign the proxy card
and return it in the enclosed postage
pre-paid envelope.

Telephone

If your shares are held in the name of
a broker, bank or other nominee: follow
the telephone voting instructions, if any,
provided on your voting instruction card.
If your shares are registered in your
name: call1-800-690-6903 and follow
the telephone voting instructions. You will
need the control number that appears on
your proxy.

In Person

You may attend the Annual Meeting
and vote by ballot. Your admission
ticket to the Annual Meeting is either
attached to your proxy card or is in
the email by which you received your
Proxy Statement.

  

Please note that we are furnishing proxy materials and access to our Proxy Statement to our shareholders via our website instead of mailing printed copies to each shareholder. By doing so, we save costs and reduce our impact on the environment.


BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT

Beginning on April 13, 2018, we will mail or otherwise make available to each of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, which contains instructions about how to access our proxy materials and vote online. If you attend the



Helpful Resources

Where You Can Find

More Information

Annual Meeting you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person, if you so choose.

Proxy Statement:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Annual Report:

http://ir.blackrock.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy

Voting Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly whether or not you plan to attendProxy via the 2018 Internet Before the

Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BlackRock, Inc.Meeting:

By Order of the www.proxyvote.com

Board of Directors

 

http://ir.blackrock.com/board-of-directors

LOGOCommunications with the Board

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview under the heading

“Contact Our Board of Directors”

Governance Documents

http://ir.blackrock.com/governance-overview

 

Categorical Standards of Director Independence

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Committee Charters

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers

Lead Independent Director Guidelines

Investor Relations

http://ir.blackrock.com

Sustainability

www.blackrock.com/corporate/sustainability

Other

Public Policy “Insights”:

www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/public-policy

Lobbying Disclosure Act:

www.senate.gov/legislative/lobbyingdisc.htm

Federal Election Commission:

www.fec.gov/data/reports/pac-party

Definition of Certain Terms

or Abbreviations

R. Andrew Dickson III

Corporate Secretary

April 13, 2018

BlackRock, Inc.

40 East 52nd Street,

New York, New York 10022

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2018 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018: our Proxy
Statement and 2017 Annual Report are available free of charge on our website at
www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/investor-relations


Contents

Proxy Summary

AUM
  1Assets under Management
ITEM 1 Election of DirectorsCEO  Chief Executive Officer
8
CFO  Chief Financial Officer
CommitteesThe Audit, Management Development & Compensation, Nominating, Governance & Sustainability, Risk and Executive Committees
Compensation CommitteeManagement Development & Compensation Committee
COOChief Operating Officer
DeloitteDeloitte & Touche LLP
ESG

Environmental, social and governance

GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States
GECGlobal Executive Committee

Director NomineesGovernance

Committee

  Nominating, Governance & Sustainability Committee
8
NEO  Named Executive Officer
NTMNext Twelve Months
NYSENew York Stock Exchange
PACPolitical Action Committee
PNCThe PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
RSURestricted Stock Unit
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission

Director Nomination ProcessTraditional

Peers

  9

Criteria for Board Membership

10

Director Candidate Search

11

Director Nominee Biographies

12

Corporate Governance

21

Our Corporate Governance Framework

21

Our Board Leadership Structure

22

Board Evaluation Process

23

Board Refreshment

24

Board Committees

25

Corporate Governance PracticesTraditional Peers refers to public company asset managers: Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Invesco and Policies

29

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

31

Communications with the Board

31

2017 Director Compensation

32

Other Executive Officers

35
Ownership of BlackRock Common and Preferred Stock36
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance38
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions39
Management Development and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation43
ITEM 2 Approval, in a Non-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers44T. Rowe Price
 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    1


 

Proxy Summary


This summary provides an overview of selected information in this year’s Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

 

Date

LOGO

 

 

Date & Time

Wednesday, May 23, 2018LOGO

 

  Location                                     

TimeLOGO

 

 

8:00 AM EDT

Record Date

Location

 

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Record Date

Wednesday, May 26, 2021
 

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/Monday, March 29, 2018

2021
8:00 a.m. EDTBLK2021

Voting Matters

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:

 

 

  

Board

Recommendation

Page

Reference

 

ITEM 1.Election of Directors

 

The Board believes that each of the director nominees havehas the knowledge, experience, skills and backgroundsbackground necessary to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board.

  

LOGO

Vote FOR

each
director nominee

11

ITEM 2.Approval, in a Non-Binding Advisory Vote, of the Compensation for Named Executive Officers

 

BlackRock seeks anon-binding advisory vote from its shareholders to approve the compensation of the named executive officersNEOs as disclosed and discussed in this Proxy Statement. The Board values the opinions of our shareholders and will take into accountconsideration the outcome of the advisory vote when considering future executive compensation decisions.

LOGO 

 

VoteFOR

53

ITEM 3. Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan

BlackRock is asking shareholders to approve an amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (“Stock Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan. This increase will allow BlackRock to continue to provide equity incentive awards as part of ourpay-for-performance compensation program, which the Board believes is essential to maintaining a competitive compensation program aligned with shareholder interests.

VoteFOR

ITEM 4.Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte LLP to serve as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal2021 calendar year and this appointment is being submitted to our shareholders for ratification. The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of Deloitte LLP to serve as BlackRock’s independent auditorsauditor is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

LOGO 

 

Vote FOR

91

ITEMS 4A-4C.Approval of Amendments to Our Charter

The Board recommends that shareholders approve amendments to BlackRock’s Charter, which would (i) provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting, (ii) eliminate certain supermajority vote requirements and (iii) eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions.

LOGO

 

VoteFOR

94

ITEM 5.Shareholder Proposal Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expendituresthe “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”

 

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponent are unnecessary and not in the best interest of our shareholders.

LOGO 

 

VoteAGAINST

99

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    1


ITEM 6. Shareholder Proposal – Amend Certificate of Incorporation to Convert to a Public Benefit Corporation

The Board believes that the actions requested by the proponent are unnecessary and not in the best interest of our shareholders.

  LOGO Proxy Summary  Board Composition

Vote AGAINST

  102 

 


 

   What’s            

   New?2

 

This year, we have updated our Proxy Statement to help you better understand BlackRock’s governance and compensation practices. We believe a broader understanding of BlackRock and our perspective on governance will be beneficial to you as you consider this year’s voting matters. This year’s updated items include:

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

Board refreshment through the election of three new directors


Proxy Summary  |  Governance Highlights

What’s New?

We continually review our approach to corporate governance, culture, sustainability and compensation to make certain that BlackRock is in a position to consistently deliver on its commitment to sustaining a culture of high performance, collaboration, innovation and fiduciary responsibility. We believe providing a broader understanding of our perspectives on these items will be beneficial to you as you consider this year’s voting matters. This year’s updated items include:

 

Disclosures of Board-level oversight in connection with COVID-19 – see “Board Oversight of COVID-19 Response” on page 25

 



Enhanced disclosure on BlackRock’s approach to sustainability – see “Sustainability at BlackRock” on page 36

Enhanced disclosure on human capital management, including our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy – see “BlackRock’s Impact on its People” on page 38

Enhanced disclosure on Board diversity – see “Board Profile and search process (seeDiversity” andBoard Diversityand “Director Candidate Searchon pages 104 and 11, respectively)

Enhanced disclosure on our Board and BlackRock’s culture (see“Our Board and Culture: Engaged and vital to our success” on page 21 and“Director Engagement — BlackRock Corporate Culture and Purpose” on page 24)

Updates to our Compensation Disclosure and Analysis

BlackRock’s Mission Statement on Sustainability13

Governance Highlights

Board Composition

(1816 director nominees)

The NominatingBoard believes that its size, albeit larger than the average public company board, is imperative to achieving the diversity of thought, experience and geographical expertise necessary to oversee our large and complex global business. The range of insights and experience of our Board supports BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our diverse platform of alpha-seeking active, index and cash management investment strategies across asset classes, as well as technology services and advisory services and solutions.

The Governance Committee (the “Governance Committee”) regularly reviews the overall composition of the Board and its Committees to assess whether they reflectit reflects the appropriate mix of skill sets,skills, experience, backgrounds and qualifications that are relevant to BlackRock’s current and future global strategy, business and governance. Over the course of the past year, the Governance Committee identified three new candidates with strong senior executive, international, technology and financial services experience who were elected to the Board in March of this year.strategy.

Board Tenure(1)

The Board considers length of tenure when reviewing nominees in order to maintain an overall balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective.

 

LOGO

8 years: Average tenure of

all director nominees

6 years: Average tenure of

independent director nominees

Board Refreshment

Thoughtful consideration is continuously given to the composition of our Board in order to maintain an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, introduce fresh perspectives and broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on the Board.

Over the past 5 years:

LOGO

(1)

Percentages do not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

   0 - 5 Years:

 

5 - 10 Years:

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT
 

10+ Years:

7 years:Average tenure of all director nominees

3

7 director nominees

   (39%)


Proxy Summary  |  Governance Highlights

 

5 director nominees

(28%)

6 director nominees

(33%)

5 years:Average tenure of independent director nominees

Board Profile

LOGO

Current & Former CEOs

12 of 18

LOGO

Non-U.S. or

Dual Citizens

6 of 18

LOGO

Women

5 of 18

Board Independence and Lead Independent DirectorLeadership

Each year the Board reviews and evaluates our Board leadership structure. The Board has appointed Laurence D. Fink as its Chairman and Murry S. Gerber as its Lead Independent Director.

                      LOGO

Board Profile and Diversity

The partnership and oversight of a diverse board with proven leadership experience is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.

                      LOGO

BlackRock and its Board believe diversity in the boardroom is critical to the success of the Company and its ability to create long-term value for our shareholders. The diverse backgrounds of our individual directors help the Board better oversee BlackRock’s management and operations and assess risk and opportunities for the Company’s business model from a variety of perspectives.

LOGO

Director self-identification of race/ethnicity:

  1 Black / African American

  1 Hispanic / Latin American

  1 Middle-Eastern / North African

The Board has and will continue to make diversity in gender, race/ethnicity, age, career experience and nationality – as well as diversity of mind – a priority when considering director candidates.

Board and Committee Oversight of Environmental, Social and Sustainability Matters

BlackRock’s governance of climate and sustainability-related matters reflects our commitment to strong leadership and oversight at the senior management and Board levels. BlackRock’s Board engages with senior leaders on near- and long-term business strategy and reviews management’s performance in delivering on our framework for long-term value creation, including as it relates to sustainability. Additionally, the Governance Committee is directly responsible for overseeing:

 

LOGO

  Investment   Stewardship

LOGO   

Social

Impact

LOGO   

Corporate Sustainability

LOGO   

Public

Policy

The Governance Committee periodically reviews corporate and investment stewardship-related policies, programs and significant publications relating to environmental (including climate change), social and other sustainability matters.

The Governance Committee reviews BlackRock’s philanthropic program (“Social Impact”) and its strategy, which is focused on efforts to support a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

The Governance Committee periodically reviews BlackRock’s corporate sustainability program, including through reports from BlackRock’s Corporate Sustainability team, which is responsible for overseeing efforts to incorporate sustainability into BlackRock’s business practices, operations and strategy and setting environmental sustainability objectives and strategy for our operations.

The Governance Committee has oversight of the Company’s corporate political activities and periodically reviews BlackRock’s public policy and advocacy activities, including public policy priorities, political contributions and memberships in trade associations.

Governance Committee oversight provides an additional layer of accountability to assist in BlackRock’s progress on these important initiatives for the benefit of all stakeholders. As appropriate, the Governance Committee makes recommendations on these matters to the full Board.

4

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 15

of BlackRock’s 18 director

nominees are independent

2BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Proxy Summary  |  Governance Highlights

Our Director Nominees

  

Age at
Record
Date

      Committee Memberships
(effective following the Annual Meeting)

 

Nominee

 Primary Occupation Director
since
  Audit  Compensation Governance Risk Executive

Bader M. Alsaad

 63 Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development  2019   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

    

 

Pamela Daley

 68 Former Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development, General Electric Company  2014      

 

  

 

  

Jessica P. Einhorn

 73 Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University  2012   

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

Laurence D. Fink

 68 Chairman and CEO of BlackRock  1999   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

William E. Ford

 59 Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic  2018   

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

Fabrizio Freda

 63 President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies Inc.  2012   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

Murry S. Gerber

Lead Independent Director

 68 Former Chairman and CEO of EQT Corporation  2000      

 

   

 

 

Margaret “Peggy”

L. Johnson

 59 CEO of Magic Leap, Inc.  2018       

 

  

 

  

 

Robert S. Kapito

 64 President of BlackRock  2006   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Cheryl D. Mills

 56 Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group  2013   

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

  

 

Gordon M. Nixon

 64 Former President and CEO of Royal Bank of Canada  2015   

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

Charles H. Robbins

 55 Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc.  2017   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

Marco Antonio

Slim Domit

 52 Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V.  2011       

 

  

 

  

 

Hans E. Vestberg

 55 Chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications, Inc.  N/A      

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Susan L. Wagner

 59 Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock  2012      

 

  

 

  

Mark Wilson

 54 Co-Chairman and CEO of Abacai  2018     

 

 

 

  

 

Number of Committee Meetings Held in 2020:

  

 

 

 

 

 

  14  9 6 7 0

 Chairperson

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Proxy Summary  Our Director NomineesLOGO5

Our Director Nominees

        

 

Committee Memberships

  

Nominee

 

 

Age at
Record
Date

 

 

Primary Occupation

 

 

Director
since

 

 

Audit

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Governance

 

 

Risk

 

 

Executive

 

  

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 

 

73

 

 

Former Chairman of UBS, Vice Chairman of Swiss Re Ltd. and of Marsh & MacLennan Companies, Inc.

 

 

 

2007

 

 

   

 

 

 

    

 

Pamela Daley

 

 

65

 

 

Former Senior Vice President of General Electric Company Corporate Business Development and Senior Advisor to Chairman

 

 

 

2014

 Chair     

 

 

 

  

 

William S. Demchak

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

Chairman, CEO and President of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

 

2003

 

       

 

 

 

  

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

 

 

70

 

 

Former Dean of Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University and former Managing Director, World Bank

 

 

 

2012

 

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

Laurence D. Fink

 

 

 

65

 

 

Chairman and CEO of BlackRock

 

 

 

1999

 

 

         Chair  

 

William E. Ford

 

 

 

 

56

 

 

CEO of General Atlantic

 

 

2018

            

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

 

 

60

 

 

President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

 

 

 

 

2012

     

 

      

 

Murry S. Gerber

Lead Independent Director

 

 

 

 

65

 

 

Former Executive Chairman, Chairman, President and CEO of EQT Corporation

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 

     

 

  

 

Margaret L. Johnson

 

 

56

 

 

Executive Vice President of Business Development of Microsoft Corporation

 

 

 

 

2018

            

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

 

61

 

 

President of BlackRock

 

 

 

 

2006

            

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

 

 

70

 

 

Former Senior Advisor, Partner and Managing Director of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

     Chair 

 

  

 

Cheryl D. Mills

 

 

53

 

 

Founder and CEO of BlackIvy Group and former
Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

 

 

 

 

2013

   

 

 

 

      

 

Gordon M. Nixon

 

 

61

 

 

Former President, CEO and Director of
Royal Bank of Canada

 

 

 

 

2015

   

 

 Chair 

 

 

 

  

 

Charles H. Robbins

 

 

52

 

 

Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Inc.

 

 

2017

 

 

       

 

    

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

 

 

71

 

 

Former Chairman and CEO of Verizon
Communications Inc.

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 Chair 

 

   

 

  

 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

 

49

 

 

Chairman of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V.

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

        

 

Susan L. Wagner

 

 

56

 

 

Former Vice Chairman of BlackRock

 

 

 

 

2012

       

 

    

 

Mark Wilson

 

 

 

51

 

 

CEO of Aviva plc

 

 

 

2018

            

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    3


Proxy Summary  Governance Highlights

 

Proxy Summary  |  Governance Highlights

Governance HighlightsPractices

We are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership and strategic deliberation, prudent management practices and transparency.

Highlights of our governance practices include:

 

Annual election of directors

 

Majority voting for directors in uncontested elections

 

Lead Independent Director may call special meetings of directors without management present

 

Executive sessions of independent directors

 

Annual Board and Committee evaluations

 

Risk oversight by Board and Committees

Strong investor outreach program

 

RobustMeaningful stock ownership requirements for directors and executives

Annual advisory approval ofvote on executive compensation

 

Adoption of proxyProxy access for shareholders

 

Annual review of Committee charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

Human capital management oversight by Board and Committees

Governance Committee oversight of corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs relating to social, environmental and other sustainability matters, BlackRock’s philanthropy program and strategy and corporate political activities
 

 

Additionally, shareholders are being asked to approve amendments to our Charter at this Annual Meeting, which would further enhance our corporate governance practices by providing shareholders with the right to call a special meeting.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s Global Executive Committee (“GEC”)GEC members to own and maintain shares with a target value of:

 

   $10 million for the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”);
$10 million for the CEO;

$5 million for the President; and

$2 million for all other GEC members.

As of December 31, 2020, all NEOs exceeded our stock ownership guidelines.

 

As of December 31, 2017, all NEOs exceeded our stock ownership guidelines.

   $5 million for the President; and
   $2 million for all other GEC members.    

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Our Shareholder Engagement Process

We conduct shareholder outreach throughout the year to engage with shareholders on issues that are important to you.them. We report back to our Board on this engagement and onas well as specific issues to be addressed.

Executive management, Investor Relations

LOGO

6

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Proxy Summary  |  Compensation Discussion and the Corporate Secretary engage on a regular basis with shareholders to understand their perspectives on a variety of corporate governance matters, including executive compensation, corporate governance policiesAnalysis Highlights

Compensation Discussion and corporate sustainability practices. We also communicate with shareholders through a number of routine forums, including quarterly earnings presentations, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, the Annual Report and Proxy Statement, the annual shareholder meeting, investor meetings and conferences and web communications. We relay shareholder feedback and trends on corporate governance and sustainability developments to our Board and its Committees and work with them to both enhance our practices and improve our disclosures.

Analysis Highlights

Compensation Policies and Practices

Our commitment to designdesigning an executive compensation program that is consistent with responsible financial and risk management is reflected in the following policies and practices:

 

LOGO

 

What We Do

 

LOGOReview pay and performance alignment;

LOGOBalance shortshort- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

LOGOMaintain a clawback policy;

policy that allows for the recoupment of annual and long-term performance-based compensation in the event that financial results require a significant restatement due to the actions of an employee;

LOGO  Provide for the forfeiture of equity awards upon certain restrictive covenant breaches and other actions constituting cause for termination;

LOGORequireone-year minimum vesting for awards granted under the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Plan;

Award and Incentive Plan (the “Stock Plan”);

LOGOMaintain robustmeaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines;

LOGOProhibit hedging, pledging or short selling of BlackRock securities;

securities by Section 16 officers and directors;

LOGOLimit perquisites;

LOGOAssess and mitigate compensation risk;

LOGOSolicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation; and

LOGOAnnually review the independence of the compensation consultant retained by the Management Development & Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).Committee.

 

 
LOGO

 

 

What We Don’t Do

LOGONo ongoing employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements for NEOs;

LOGONo automatic single trigger vesting of equity awards or transaction bonus payments upon a change-in-control;

LOGONo dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned restricted stock, restricted stock units,RSUs, stock options or stock appreciation rights;

LOGONo repricing of stock options;

LOGONo cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

LOGONo tax reimbursements for perquisites;

LOGONo taxgross-ups for excise taxes;

LOGONo supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs; and

LOGONo supplemental severance benefits for NEOs beyond standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s Severance Pay Plan.Plan (the “Severance Plan’’).

Incentive Program – Pay-for-Performance Highlights

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance, as highlighted in the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis sections:

 

4BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

what we do what we don’t do


What to Look for

Where to Find it

LOGOCompensation program objectives“Our Compensation Program” beginning on page 61
LOGOPerformance assessments for NEOs based on weighted, pre-set objectives“How We Determine Total Incentive Amounts for NEOs” on page 9
LOGO

Assessments include financials as the highest

weighted input, including relative and

year-over-year performance

“2020 Financial Performance” on page 57

“2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 68

LOGOTotal incentive outcomes tied to formulaic percentage ranges

“Pay and Performance Alignment for NEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination” on page 58

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary” on page 59

LOGOActual performance of historical incentive awards2017 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and Payout” on page 64

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Proxy Summary  2017 Performance HighlightsLOGO7


 

2017Proxy Summary  |  Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

2020 Financial Performance Highlights1(1)

The strength of BlackRock’s 20172020 results reflect our differentiated ability to deliver global insights, strategic advice and comprehensive solutions to our clients in a challenging market environment. We generated $391 billion of total net inflows for the long-term strategic advantages we have created by consistently investingfull year, representing 5% organic asset growth and 7% organic base fee growth. We delivered revenue, operating income and earnings growth, expanded our margin and returned $3.8 billion to shareholders. Despite a volatile market environment and uncertain economic backdrop, BlackRock continued to invest in our business. Full-year results reflected industry-leading organicbusiness to serve all our stakeholders, drive long-term growth with record full-year net inflowsand lead the evolution of $367 billion, continued Operating Margin expansion and consistent capital management. Investmentthe asset management industry. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 20172020 remain strong and are detailed in Part I, Item 1 Businessof our 20172020 Form10-K.

 

Differentiated Organic Growth

Organic Assetgrowth of 7% in 2017

contributed to strong Organic Revenue

growth2

LOGO

Consistent Capital Return

$2.8 billion was returned to shareholders

in 2017 through a combination of dividends

and $1.1 billion of share repurchases

LOGO

Operating Leverage

Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 44.1%

was up40 bps from 2016

LOGO

Earnings Growth

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted,

of $22.60increased 17% versus 2016


LOGO

Differentiated Organic Growth

Operating Leverage

BlackRock generated 5% organic asset
growth
and 7% organic base fee growth in 2020

BlackRock improved its Operating Margin,

as adjusted, by 120 bps to 44.9% in 2020

 

1
LOGOLOGO
Consistent Capital Return

Earnings Per Share Growth

BlackRock returned $3.8 billionto
shareholders in 2020

BlackRock grew diluted earnings per share,
as adjusted, by 19% to $33.82 in 2020

LOGOLOGO

(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States,GAAP, please see Annex A.

2Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net newAladdin revenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/ (depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue earned in such given year.

 

(2)

Traditional Peers refers to public company asset managers: Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Invesco and T. Rowe Price.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    5

Assets Under Management ($B) Revenue ($M) Operating Income ($M) (as adjusted)2 Operating Margin (as adjusted)2 Cash Dividend Per Share ($)Share Buyback ($M) Net Income ($M) Earnings Per Share (as adjusted)2 ($M)


8

 Proxy Summary  

BLACKROCK, INC. How We Determine Annual Incentive Amounts for Our CEO and President

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

Proxy Summary  |  Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

How We Pay NEOs

Each of BlackRock’s NEOs, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. Under the NEO total incentive award determination framework, the Compensation Committee assesses each NEO’s performance individually, based on three categories, with 50% of the award opportunity dependent on BlackRock’s achievement of financial performance goals, 30% dependent on BlackRock’s progress towards meeting our strategic objectives as measured by our business strength and 20% dependent on BlackRock’s progress towards meeting its organizational priorities. Our commitment to sustainability is incorporated within our Business Strength and Organizational Strength objectives. The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment is directly related to each NEO’s total incentive outcome, which includes all variable pay.

For each NEO’s performance assessment, please refer to the section “2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” on page 68.

How We Determine AnnualTotal Incentive Amounts

for Our CEO and PresidentNEOs

 

 

BlackRock Performance

% of Award Opportunity    

 

   

Measures

 

   

BlackRock Performance

 

    

 

2016                             

 

  

 

2017                             

 

  

 

Change                         

 

Financial

Performance

 

LOGO

 

   

 

Net New Business ($bn)

 

   

 

$202

 

  

 

$367

 

  

 

+82%

 

   

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

   

 

4%

 

  

 

7%

 

  

 

+300bps

 

   

 

Operating Income, as adjusted1 ($m)

 

   

 

$4,674

 

  

 

$5,287

 

  

 

+13%

 

   

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted1

 

   

 

43.7%

 

  

 

44.1%

 

  

 

+40 bps

 

  

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted1

 

  

 

$19.29

 

  

 

$22.60

 

  

 

+17%

 

   

 

Share Price Data

   

 

BLK

  

 

LC Traditional Peers2            

   

 

NTM P/E Multiple3

 

   

 

20.2x

 

  

 

                 14.3x

 

   

 

Annual appreciation

 

   

 

35%

 

  

 

                 28%

 

Business

Strength

 

LOGO

   

 

Deliver superior client experience through competitive investment performance across global product groups

 

   

 

BlackRock’s alpha-seeking investments platform delivered very strong performance in 2017 and improved performance against peers

 

   

 

Drive organization discipline through execution of our strategic initiatives

   

 

Demonstrated successful execution across multiple complex strategic initiatives that have positioned the Company well for growth

 

   

 

Lead in a changing world

   

 

Elevated the use of technology across the organization and made progress in advancing BlackRock’s technology agenda

 

 

Organizational

Strength

 

LOGO

 

   

 

Drive high performance

   

 

Advanced the high performance goal through execution of key senior talent moves in 2017

 

   

 

Build a more diverse and inclusive culture

   

 

Strong progress in 2017 diverse hiring to meet or exceed company-wide 2020 diversity targets

 

   

 

Develop great managers and leaders

   

 

Continued to focus on manager excellence, succession planning, the depth of our leadership bench, and proactive development of key talent

 

 

  

BlackRock Performance

% of Award Opportunity

 

 

Measures

 

 

Indicative BlackRock Performance Metrics

 

   
    

2019

 

2020

 

  Financial

  Performance

 

 

 

LOGO

 

Net New Business ($ billion)

 

$429

 

$391

 

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

5%

 

7%

 

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

$5,551

 

$6,284

 

    Year-over-year change

 

+0%

 

+13%

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

43.7%

 

44.9%

 

    Year-over-year change

 

- 60bps

 

+ 120bps

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

$28.48

 

$33.82

 

    Year-over-year change

 

+ 6%

 

+ 19%

 

Share Price Data

 

BLK

 

Traditional Peers(2)

 

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

20.6x

 

10.1x

 

Annual appreciation/depreciation

 

+ 44%

 

+ 10%

 

  Business

  Strength

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Deliver for clients

 

   Drove exceptional long-term investment performance across BlackRock’s active platform, delivering over $30 billion of alpha for clients in 2020, as over 85% of fundamental active equity, systematic active equity and taxable fixed income assets performed above their respective benchmarks or peer medians for the trailing five-year period.

 

   Expanded ETF investment options to clients, resulting in $185 billion of inflows across iShares® and $89 billion of the net inflows in Fixed Income iShares; launched over 100 new sustainable products.

 

   Aladdin provided operational resilience and risk management for clients amidst record market volatility and increased client demand drove a record $1.1 billion of annual technology services revenue.

 

Evolve how we serve clients

 

   Executed against sustainability commitments, strengthening BlackRock’s ability to serve clients with sustainability research, investment solutions and technology.

 

   Grew the illiquid alternatives platform to $86 billion AUM. Raised a record $25 billion of client capital in 2020, led by infrastructure, private equity solutions and private credit.

 

Lead in a changing world

 

   Quickly responded in supporting clients during the pandemic and volatile markets, leveraging our scale and connectivity to deliver strong investment performance and more stable outcomes for clients.

  

   Focused on advancing racial equity through public policy and legislative outcomes where we operate.

 

 

  Organizational

  Strength

 

 

LOGO

 

 

Attract and inspire talent

 

   Increased senior leader accountability of talent and succession, with more rigorous Talent Bench Reviews and the roll-out of sponsorship programs for underrepresented talent.

 

Inclusion and diversity

 

   Progressed toward our senior women leadership target of 30%, increasing 80 basis points from the prior year to 29.7% representation in senior roles at the end of 2020.

 

   Built a strong pipeline of future talent through the most diverse Graduate Analyst Program class yet, with 58% female representation globally and 29% Black and Latinx representation in the U.S.

 

Purpose and culture

 

   Despite the challenging environment, fostered a purpose driven culture globally, which was evidenced by the Employee Opinion Survey results, with 91% of employees indicating that they are proud to work at BlackRock and over 80% feeling that BlackRock is invested in their well-being.

  

   Prioritized the health and safety of employees during the pandemic, providing COVID-19 testing globally, free telemedicine options and additional support for families.

 

 

1.(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, in the United States, please see Annex A.

2.(2)Large Cap (“LC”)

Traditional Peers refers to public company asset managers: Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., Franklin Resources, Inc., Eaton Vance, Invesco Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price.

3.(3)

NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 20172020, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from Factset.FactSet.

In addition to annual incentive awards, the Compensation Committee expects to continue to make annual grants of long-term equity awards to both Messrs. Fink and Kapito, with at least half of such awards being contingent on future financial or other business performance requirements in addition to share price performance.

6BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Proxy Summary  NEO Total Annual Compensation SummaryLOGO9


 

Proxy Summary  |  Compensation Discussion and Analysis Highlights

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

Following a review of full-year business and individual Named Executive Officer (“NEO”)NEO performance, the Compensation Committee determined 20172020 total annual compensation outcomes for each NEO, as outlined in the table below.

 

    
      2017 Annual Incentive Award                      

 

   

2020 Total Incentive Award

 

    

 

    

 

 
     

Name

  

Base
Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred
Equity

 

   

Long-Term
Incentive Award
(“BPIP”)

 

   

Total Annual
Compensation
(“TAC”)

 

   

% change in
TAC vs. 2016

 

   

Performance-
Based Stock
Options

 

   

Base

Salary

   Cash   

Deferred

Equity

   

Long-Term

Incentive Award

(BPIP)

   

Total Annual

Compensation

(“TAC”)

   

% change in

TAC vs. 2019

 

Laurence D. Fink

  $

 

900,000

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

  $

 

4,600,000

 

 

 

  $

 

12,450,000

 

 

 

  $

 

27,950,000

 

 

 

   

 

10%

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$1,500,000

 

  

 

$9,500,000

 

  

 

$3,950,000

 

  

 

$14,900,000

 

  

 

$29,850,000

 

  

 

18%

 

Robert S. Kapito

  $

 

750,000

 

 

 

  $

 

8,125,000

 

 

 

  $

 

3,514,000

 

 

 

  $

 

9,626,000

 

 

 

  $

 

22,015,000

 

 

 

   

 

10%

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

$1,250,000

 

  

 

$8,250,000

 

  

 

$3,937,500

 

  

 

$11,187,500

 

  

 

$24,625,000

 

  

 

23%

 

Robert L. Goldstein

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

3,275,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,325,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,100,000

 

 

 

  $

 

8,200,000

 

 

 

   

 

12%

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$3,175,000

 

  

 

$2,325,000

 

  

 

$5,750,000

 

  

 

$11,750,000

 

  

 

19%

 

Mark S. McCombe

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,725,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,775,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

  $

 

6,950,000

 

 

 

   

 

11%

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

Mark Wiedman

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,675,000

 

  

 

$1,725,000

 

  

 

$5,600,000

 

  

 

$10,500,000

 

  

 

24%

 

Gary S. Shedlin

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,750,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,850,000

 

 

 

  $

 

6,800,000

 

 

 

   

 

11%

 

 

 

  $

 

7,500,000

 

 

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,800,000

 

  

 

$1,850,000

 

  

 

$3,350,000

 

  

 

$8,500,000

 

  

 

18%

 

The amounts listed above as “2017 Annual2020 Total Incentive Award: Deferred Equity”Equity and “Long-Term2020 Total Incentive Award: Long-Term Incentive Award (“BPIP”)(BPIP)” were granted in January 20182021 in the form of equity and are separate fromin addition to the cash award amounts listed above as “2017 Annual2020 Total Incentive Award: Cash.Cash.” In conformance with SEC requirements, the 20172020 Summary Compensation Table on page 6882 reports equity in the year granted but cash in the year earned.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. For more information regarding these performance-based stock options, see “Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOs

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. More than 90% of our regular annual executive compensation is performance based and “at risk.” Compensation mix percentages shown below are based on 20172020 year-end compensation decisions for individual NEOs by the Compensation Committee.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

1(1)

All grants of BlackRock equity, (includingincluding the portion of the annual incentive awards granted in Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)RSUs and the portion granted under the BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (“BPIP”BPIP Awards”) Awards), our long-term incentive plan, are approved for each NEO by the Compensation Committee under the Stock Plan, which has been previously approved by shareholders. The Stock Plan allows for multiple types of awards to be granted.

2(2)

The value of the 2017 long-term incentive2020 BPIP Awards and the value of the equity portion of the bonus for 2017 annual incentive deferred equity awards waswere converted into RSUs by dividing the award value by $566.44,$739.22, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2018.15, 2021.

3(3)

For NEOs other than the CEO and President, higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company’s deferral policy, as detailed on page 50.61.

 

2017 CEO Total Annual Compensation-$27.95M Base Salary (Cash) $900k 97% of total compensation is variable and based on performance Annual Incentive (Cash) $10.00M 125% of target Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2) $4.6M Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) $12.45M 75% of equity is awarded in BPIP 2017 President Total Annual Compensation- $22.02M Base Salary (Cash) $750k Annual Incentive (Cash) $8.13M 125% of target Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2) $3.51M Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) $9.63M 75% of equity is awarded in BPIP 60-61% of total annual compensation is awarded in equity 2017 Total Annual Compensation for NEOs (excluding CEO and President) Base Salary (Cash) 7-8% of pay 92-94% of total compensation is variable and based on performance Annual Incentive (Cash3) 39-40% of pay Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2,3) 26-28% of pay Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) 26-28% of pay 53-54% of total annual compensation is awarded in equity

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    7


10

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Item 1:


Election of

Directors

“BlackRock’sBoard plays an integral role in our governance, strategy, growth and success. It has always been important that our Board functions as a key strategic governing body that both challenges and advises our leadership team and guides BlackRock into the future.”

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Director Nominees

Our Board has nominated 16 directors for election at this year’s Annual Meeting on the recommendation of our Governance Committee. Each director will serve until our next annual meeting and until his or her successor has been duly elected, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or retirement.

We expect each director nominee to be able to serve if elected. If a nominee is unable to serve, proxies will be voted in favor of the remainder of those directors nominated and may be voted for substitute nominees, unless the Board decides to reduce its total size.

If all 16 director nominees are elected, our Board will consist of 16 directors, 14 of whom, representing approximately 88% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Majority Vote Standard for Election of Directors

Directors are elected by receiving a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections, which means the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director nominee. In a contested election, directors are elected by receiving a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. A contested election is a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. Whether an election is contested is determined seven days in advance of when we file our definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC.

Director Resignation Policy

Under the Board’s Director Resignation Policy, any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board about whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action. The Board will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who tenders his or her resignation under the Director Resignation Policy will not participate in the Board’s decision.


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 11

   Item 1:

   Election of

   Directors

LOGO

Director Nominees

Our Board has nominated 18 directors for election at this year’s Annual Meeting on the recommendation of our Governance Committee. Each director will serve until our next annual meeting and until his or her successor has been duly elected, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or retirement.

We expect each director nominee to be able to serve if elected. If a nominee is unable to serve, proxies will be voted in favor of the remainder of those directors nominated and may be voted for substitute nominees, unless the Board decides to reduce its total size.

If all 18 nominees are elected, our Board will consist of 18 directors, 15 of whom, representing approximately 83% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) listing standards.

Stockholder Agreement with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

BlackRock’s stockholder agreement with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (the “PNC Stockholder Agreement”) provides, subject to the waiver provisions of the agreement, that BlackRock will use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders so that the Board will consist of:

no more than 19 directors,

not less than two nor more than four directors who will be members of BlackRock management,

two directors who will be designated by PNC, and

the remaining directors being independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and not designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) has designated one member of the Board, William S. Demchak, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC. PNC has notified BlackRock that for the time being it will not designate a second director to the Board, although it retains the right to do so at any time in accordance with the PNC Stockholder Agreement. PNC has additionally been permitted to invite an observer to attend meetings of the Board as anon-voting guest. The PNC observer is Gregory B. Jordan, the General Counsel and Head of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs of PNC. Laurence D. Fink and Robert S. Kapito are members of BlackRock’s management team and are currently members of the Board. For additional detail on the PNC Stockholder Agreement, see“Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – PNC Stockholder Agreement” on page 40.

8BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

It has always been important that BlackRock’s Board of Directors functions as a key strategic and governing body that challenges our leadership team to be better and more innovative. Laurence D. Fink Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Item

ITEM 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominees

Majority Vote Standard for  Election of Directors

Directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections (the number of shares voted “for” a director nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director nominee). In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors would be a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Whether an election is contested is determined seven days in advance of when we file our definitive Proxy Statement with the SEC.

  |  Director Resignation Policy and Mandatory Retirement AgeNominees

Under the Board’s Director Resignation Policy, any incumbent director who fails to receive a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board. The Governance Committee would then make a recommendation to the Board about whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action. The Board will act on the Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and rationale within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who tenders his or her resignation under the Director Resignation Policy will not participate in the Board’s decision.

The Board has established a mandatory retirement age of 75 years for directors, as reflected in BlackRock’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Director Nomination Process

The Governance Committee oversees the director nomination process. The Governance Committee leads the Board’s annual review of Board performance and reviews and recommends to the Board BlackRock’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which include the minimum criteria for membership on the Board.Board membership. The Governance Committee also assists the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommends to the Board a slate of candidates, which may include both incumbent and new director nominees, to submitnominate for election at each annual meeting of shareholders. The Governance Committee also may also recommend that the Board elect new members to the Board to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Identifying and Evaluating Candidates for Director

The Governance Committee seeks advice on potential director candidates from current directors and executive officers when identifying and evaluating new candidates for director. The Governance Committee also may direct management to engage third-party firms that specialize in identifying director candidates to assist with its search. Shareholders can recommend a candidate for election to the Board by submitting director recommendations to the Governance Committee. For information on the requirements governing shareholder nominations for the election of directors, pleaseseeplease see “Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders”on page 92.107.

The Governance Committee then reviews publicly available information regarding each potential director candidate to assess whether the candidate should be considered further. If the Governance Committee determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, then the Chairperson (or a person designated by the Governance Committee) will contact the candidate. If the candidate expresses a willingness to be considered and to serve on the Board, then the Governance Committee typically requests information from the candidate and reviews the candidate’s accomplishments and qualifications against the criteria described below.

The Governance Committee’s evaluation process does not vary based on whether a candidate is recommended by a shareholder, although the Governance Committee may consider the number of shares held by the recommending shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been held.

 

LOGO

In March of this year, the Governance Committee identified Hans E. Vestberg as a candidate with significant leadership and experience in international business, Continental Europe, sustainability and the technology sector, and recommended him to the Board for consideration. Mr. Vestberg was recommended for consideration to the Governance Committee by our CEO. On March 24, 2021, the Board voted unanimously to nominate Mr. Vestberg for election at the Annual Meeting.

Criteria for Board Membership

Director Independence

Each year, the Board determines the independence of directors in accordance with NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules. No director is considered independent unless the Board has determined that he or she has no material relationship with BlackRock.

The Board has adopted the Categorical Standards of Director Independence (the “Categorical Standards”) to help determine whether certain relationships between the members of the Board and BlackRock or its affiliates and subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with BlackRock) are material relationships for purposes of NYSE listing standards. The Categorical Standards provide that the following relationships are not material for such purposes:

Relationships arising in the ordinary course of business, such as asset management, acting as trustee, lending, deposit, banking or other financial service relationships or other relationships involving the provision of products or services, so long as the products and services are being provided in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including price, as would be available to similarly situated customers;

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    9


12

 Item 1: Election of Directors  

BLACKROCK, INC. Criteria for Board Membership

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Criteria for Board Membership

Relationships with companies of which a director is a shareholder or partnerships of which a director is a partner, provided the director is not a principal shareholder of the company or a principal partner of the partnership;

Contributions made or pledged to charitable organizations of which a director or an immediate family member of the director is an executive officer, director or trustee if (i) within the preceding three years, the aggregate amount of such contributions during any single fiscal year of the charitable organization did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of the charitable organization’s consolidated gross revenues for that fiscal year and (ii) the charitable organization is not a family foundation created by the director or an immediate family member of the director; and

Relationships involving a director’s relative unless the relative is an immediate family member of the director.

As part of its determination, the Board also considers the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” on page 50.

In March 2021, the Governance Committee made a recommendation to the Board regarding the independence of our director nominees based on its annual review. In making its independence determinations, the Governance Committee and the Board considered various transactions and relationships between BlackRock and the director nominees as well as between BlackRock and entities affiliated with a director nominee, including the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” on page 50. The Governance Committee also considered that Messrs. Robbins and Vestberg are, and Ms. Johnson was, employed by organizations that do business with BlackRock, where each of such transactional relationships was for the purchase or sale of goods and services in the ordinary course of BlackRock’s business, and the amount received by BlackRock or such company in each of the previous three years did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of either BlackRock’s or such organization’s consolidated gross revenues. As a result of this review, the Board determined that Mses. Daley, Einhorn, Johnson, Mills and Wagner and Messrs. Alsaad, Ford, Freda, Gerber, Nixon, Robbins, Slim, Vestberg and Wilson are “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and that none of the relationships between these director nominees and BlackRock are material under the NYSE listing standards. In addition, the Board had previously determined that Ivan G. Seidenberg, who retired from the Board effective May 21, 2020, and Mathis Cabiallavetta, who was a director for all of 2020 and is not standing for re-election, were “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Following the Annual Meeting, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, BlackRock’s Board is expected to consist of 16 directors, 14 of whom, representing approximately 88% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.

Director Qualifications and Attributes

The Governance Committee and the Board take into consideration a number of factors and criteria inwhen reviewing candidates for nomination to the Board. The Board believes that, at a minimum, a director candidatenominee must demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’s oversight of the business and affairs of BlackRock. Equally important, a director candidatenominee must have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in his or her professional and personal activities.

In addition, nominees for director are selected on the basis of experience, diversity, knowledge, skills, expertise, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of BlackRock’s business environment and a willingness to devote adequate time and effort to the responsibilities of the Board.

Board Diversity

BlackRock and its Board believe diversity in the boardroom is critical to the success of the Company and its ability to create long-term value for our shareholders. The Board has and will continue to make diversity in gender, race/ethnicity, age, career experience and geographic locationnationality – as well as diversity of mind – a priority when considering director candidates. The diverse backgrounds of our individual directors help the Board better evaluateoversee BlackRock’s management and operations and assess risk and opportunities for the Company’s business model.model from a variety of perspectives. BlackRock’s commitment to Board diversity enhances Boardthe Board’s involvement in our Company’s multi-facetedmultifaceted long-term strategy and inspires deeper engagement with management, employees and clients around the world.

Our Board has nominated 18 directors16 candidates for election, 1514 of whom are independent. The Boardslate of director nominees includes 5five women 1 of whom is African American, and 6 directors who aresix non-U.S. or dual citizens. Several of our nominees live and work overseas in countries and regions that are key areas of growth and investment for BlackRock, including Canada, Mexico, Canada, the United KingdomMiddle East and Continental Europe.

Additionally, beginning this year, we asked each director nominee to self-identify as to his or her racial/ethnic diversity. Based on the responses, three of our 14 independent director nominees self-identified as racially/ethnically diverse, with one as Black/African American, one as Hispanic/Latin American and one as Middle-Eastern/North African.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT13


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Criteria for Board Membership

As BlackRock’s business has evolved, so has itsour Board. Our Boardslate of director nominees consists of senior leaders, (includingincluding 12 current or former company CEOs)CEOs, with substantial experience in financial services, consumer products, manufacturing, technology, banking and energy, andas well as several directorsdirector nominees who have held senior policy and government positions. To learn more about our Board, we encourage you to visit our website athttp://ir.blackrock.com/board-of-directors. Core qualifications and areas of expertise represented on our Board include:

 

 

LOGOLOGO

10BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Item 1: Election of Directors  Criteria for Board Membership

Board Tenure, Retirement Age and Size

Board Tenure.To ensure the Board has an appropriate balance of experience, continuity and fresh perspective, the Board considers, among other factors, length of tenure when reviewing nominees. The average tenure of BlackRock’s director nominees is approximately 7eight years whileand the average tenure forof independent director nominees is approximately 5six years.

SixFollowing the Annual Meeting, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, there will be six directors, comprising 33%38% of the Board, who have joined the Board within the past five years and bring fresh perspective to Board deliberations. Seven directors, comprising 44% of the Board, have served between five and 10 years. Three directors, comprising 19% of the Board, have served more than 10 years and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge concerning BlackRock. Five(1) The Board believes it is important to balance refreshment with the need to retain directors comprising 28%who have developed, over time, significant insight into the Company and its operations and who continue to make valuable contributions to the Company that benefit our shareholders.

Retirement Age. The Board has established a retirement age policy of 75 years for directors, as reflected in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board believes that it is important to monitor its composition, skills and needs in the context of the Company’s long-term strategic goals, and, therefore, may elect to waive the policy as it deems appropriate.

Board have served between 5 and 10 years.

Following the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, there will be seven directors, comprising 39% of the Board, who have joined the Board within the past 5 years and bring fresh perspective to Board deliberations.

Size.The Board has not adopted a policy that limits or sets a target for Board size and believes the current size and diverse composition of the Board is best suited to evaluate management’s performance and oversee BlackRock’s global strategy, complex operations and risk management. The range of insights and experience of our Board supports BlackRock’s business and strategic growth areas, which include our diverse platform of alpha-seeking active, index and cash management investment strategies across asset classes, as well as technology services and advisory services and solutions.

(1)

Percentages do not sum to 100% due to rounding

14

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Criteria for Board Membership

As described in“Board Evaluation Process” on page 23,28, the Governance Committee and the Board evaluate Board and Committee performance and effectiveness on at least an annual basis and, as part of that process, ask each director to consider whether the size of the Board and its standing Committees are appropriate. In response to the 2020 Board and Committee evaluations, directors praised the open, collaborative and highly engaged Board culture. Our directors also commented that the size and structure of the Board promotes diversity of thought and engagement, and it was noted that thoughtful consideration has been given to the refreshment of Board members.

Compliance with Regulatory and Independence Requirements

The Governance Committee takes into consideration regulatory requirements, including competitive restrictions, and financial institution interlocks, independence requirements under the NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, in its review of director candidates for the Board and its Committees. The Governance Committee also considers a director candidate’s current and past positions held, including past and present board and committee memberships, as part of its evaluation.

Service on Other Public Company Boards

Each of our directors must have the time and ability to make a constructive contribution to the Board as well as a clear commitment to fulfilling the fiduciary duties required of directors and serving the interests of the Company’s shareholders. Neither BlackRock’s CEO does notnor President currently serveserves on the board of directors of any other public company, and none of our current directors serve on more than four public company boards, including BlackRock’s Board.

Director Candidate Search

Consistent with BlackRock’sage-based retirement policy, at least 6 of BlackRock’s current directors will retire within the next 6 years, inclusive of Messrs. Al-Hamad and Grosfeld. In order to maintain a Board with an appropriate mix of experience and qualifications, the Governance Committee, with the help of management and an outside consultant, engages in a year-round process to identify and evaluate new director candidates in conjunction with its recurring review of Board and Committee composition. Consistent with our long-term strategic goals and the qualifications and attributes described above, search criteria include significant experience in financial services, the technology sector and consumer branding, as well as international experience. In March of this year, the Governance Committee selected William E. Ford, Margaret L. Johnson and Mark Wilson as directorParticular emphasis is also placed on diverse candidates with significantcurrently serving in leadership and experience in asset management, technology and international financial services, respectively, and recommended each to the Board for consideration as director candidates for the Board. Ms. Johnson was recommended for consideration to the Governance Committee by a third-party search firm and Messrs. Ford and Wilson were referrals from our CEO. On March 15, 2018, following a review of the candidates’ qualifications and independence, the Board voted unanimously to elect each director candidate to our Board.positions.

Board Recommendation

For this year’s election, the Board has nominated 1816 director candidates. The Board believes these director nominees provide BlackRock with the combined depth and breadth of skills, experience and qualities required to contribute to an effective and well-functioning Board. The composition of the current Board reflects a diverse range of skills, qualifications and professional experience that is relevant to our global strategy, business and governance.

The following biographical information about each director nominee highlights the particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills possessed by eachsuch director nominee that led the Board to determine that he or she should serve as director. All director nominee biographical information is as of March 29, 2018.2021.

LOGO

 

LOGO

 The Board of Directors recommends shareholders vote“FOR”BLACKROCK, INC. the election of each of the following 18 director nominees.2021 PROXY STATEMENT15

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    11


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

Director Nominee Biographies

LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

Director Nominee Biographies

LOGO

 

 

Mathis CabiallavettaBader M. Alsaad

 

Mr. CabiallavettaAlsaad has served as Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development (the “Fund”) since September 2020. As Director General, Mr. Alsaad serves as the chief executive officer of the Fund. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Swiss Re Ltd.the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), a position he has held since 2008 and2003. He served as Managing Director of the Vice Chairman of its board between 2009 and 2015.KIA from December 2003 until April 2017. Prior to his appointment at KIA, Mr. Cabiallavetta retiredAlsaad served as Vice Chairman, Office of the Chief Executive Officer of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and as Chairmanone of Marsh & McLennan Companies Internationalthe leading investment companies in 2008. Prior to joining Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. in 1999,Kuwait, The Kuwait Financial Center. Mr. Cabiallavetta was ChairmanAlsaad is currently a member of the Global Advisory Council of Bank of America, a member of the board of directors of Union Bankthe Kuwait Fund for Economic Development and a member of Switzerland (“UBS A.G.”).the supervisory board of Daimler AG. He also served as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds from its inception in 2009 until October 2015.

 

Qualifications

As a former leader

Mr. AIsaad’s extensive experience in the strategically important Middle East region and over 35 years of Swiss Re Ltd.experience in investments and Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. as well as UBS A.G., Mr. Cabiallavetta brings executive experience from these largethe financial sector provides the Board with an experienced outlook on international business strategy and complex multinational businesses and provides substantial expertise in global capital markets, and, as a result, he offers unique insights to the Board’s oversight of BlackRock’s global operations and risk management.markets.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Swiss Re Ltd. (2008Daimler AG (2017 – present) (Vice Chairman from 2009 – 2015)

Age

63

Tenure

1 Year

Committees

•  Governance

•  Risk

 

Qualifications

 Philip Morris International Inc. (2002 – 2014)  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

LOGOLOGO  

 

Pamela Daley

 

Ms. Daley retired from General Electric Company (“GE”)(GE) in January 2014, having most recently served as a Senior Advisor to its Chairman from April 2013 to January 2014. Prior to this role, Ms. Daley served as GE’s Senior Vice President of GE’s Corporate Business Development from 2004 to 2013 and as Vice President and Senior Counsel for Transactions from 1991 to 2004. As Senior Vice President, Ms. Daley was responsible for GE’s mergers, acquisitions and divestiture activities worldwide. Ms. Daley joined GE in 1989 as Tax Counsel. Previously, Ms. Daley was a Partner of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, a large U.S. law firm, where she specialized in domestic and cross-bordertax-oriented financings and commercial transactions. Ms. Daley currently serves as a director of SecureWorks Corp. Ms. Daley previously served on the board of BG Group, an international oil and gas company traded on the London Stock Exchange, until it was acquired by Royal Dutch Shell, and Patheon N.V., until it was acquired by Thermo Fisher, Inc.

 

Qualifications

With over 35 years of transactional experience and more than 20 years as an executive at GE, one of the world’s leading multinational corporations, Ms. Daley brings significant experience and strategic insight to the Board in the areas of leadership development, international operations, transactions, business development and strategy.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  BP p.l.c. (2018 – present)

  SecureWorks Corp. (2016 – present)

  Patheon N.V. (2016 – 2017)

Age

68

Tenure

7 Years

Committees

•  Audit (Chair)

•  Executive

•  Risk

 

Qualifications

 BG Group (2014 – 2016)  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

12BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age 73 Tenure 10 Years Committees Audit Nominating & Governance Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Company & Financial Reporting Age 65 Tenure 4 Years Committees Audit (Chair) Executive Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business

  Financial Services

•  Global Business

  Public Company & Financial Reporting

  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

16

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

 

 

William S. Demchak

Mr. Demchak has served as Chairman of the board of directors of PNC since April 2014, as Chief Executive Officer since April 2013 and as President since April 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Demchak held a number of supervisory positions at PNC, including Senior Vice Chairman, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining PNC in 2002, Mr. Demchak served as the Global Head of Structured Finance and Credit Portfolio for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and additionally held key leadership roles at J.P. Morgan prior to its merger with Chase Manhattan Corporation in 2000.

Qualifications

As the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PNC, a large, national diversified financial services company providing traditional banking and asset management services, Mr. Demchak brings substantial expertise in financial services, risk management and corporate governance to bear as a member of the Board. Mr. Demchak was designated to serve on the Board by PNC pursuant to the PNC Stockholder Agreement.

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 PNC (2013 – present) (Chairman from 2014 – present)

LOGO

Jessica P. Einhorn

 

Ms. Einhorn served as Dean of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at The Johns Hopkins University from 2002 until June 2012. Prior to becoming Dean, she was a consultant at Clark & Weinstock, a strategic consulting firm. Ms. Einhorn also spent nearly 20 years at the World Bank, concluding as a Managing Director in 1998. Between 1998 and 1999, Ms. Einhorn was a Visiting Fellow at the International Monetary Fund. Prior to joining the World Bank in 1978, she held positions at the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. State Department and the International Development Cooperation Agency of the United States. Ms. Einhorn currently serves as a Director of boththe National Bureau of Economic Research and was formerly a Director of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the National Bureau of Economic Research.Economics. As of July 2012, Ms. Einhorn is resident at The Rock Creek Group in Washington, D.C., where she is a Senior Advisor and longstanding member of The Rock Creek Group Advisory Board.

 

Qualifications

Ms. Einhorn’s leadership experience in academia and at the World Bank, along with her experience in the U.S. government and at the International Monetary Fund, provides the Board with a unique perspective and anin-depth understanding of international finance, economics and public policy. Through her service with other public companies, Ms. Einhorn also has developed expertise in corporate governance and risk oversight.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Time Warner, Inc. (2005 – present)June 2018)

Age

73

Tenure

8 Years

Committees

•  Compensation

•  Risk

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

Age 55 Tenure 15 Years Committees Executive Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Company & Financial Reporting Branding & Marketing Age 70 Tenure 5 Years Committees Management Development & Compensation Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Policy & Government/Regulatory Affairs

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    13


LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

    

 

Laurence D. Fink

 

Mr. Fink is founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock. He also leads the firm’s Global Executive Committee. He is responsible for senior leadership development and succession planning, defining and reinforcing BlackRock’s vision and culture, and engaging relationships with key strategic clients, industry leaders, regulators and policy makers. Mr. Finkco-founded BlackRock in 1988, and under his leadership, the firm has grown into a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients.

 

Qualifications

As one of the founding principals and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock since 1988, Mr. Fink brings exceptional leadership skills andin-depth understanding of BlackRock’s businesses, operations and strategy. His extensive and specific knowledge of BlackRock and its business enable him to keep the Board apprised of the most significant developments impacting the Company and to guide the Board’s discussion and review of the Company’s strategy.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  None

Age

68

Tenure

21 Years

Committees

•  Executive (Chair)

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT17


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

 

LOGO

LOGO  

 

William E. Ford

 

Mr. Ford ishas served as the Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic a position he has held since 2007. He also serves as Chairman of General Atlantic’s Executive Committee2007 and is a member of the firm’s Investment and Portfolio Committees.Chairman. Mr. Ford is actively involved with a number of educational andnot-for-profit organizations. He is a member organizations and also serves on the Executive Committee of the board of Rockefeller University, where he is Vice Chair, and serves onPartnership for New York City, the board of directors of the National Committee on United States-China Relations and is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative. Mr. Ford has formerly served on the boards of First Republic Bank, NYSE Euronext, E*Trade, Priceline, NYMEX Holdings and NYMEX Holdings.Computershare.

 

Qualifications

Mr. Ford brings to the Board extensive global investment management experience and financial expertise acquired over his 25 years at General Atlantic, one of the world’s leading growth equity investment firms.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 Axel Springer (2016 – present)

 

  IHS Markit Ltd. (2010(2016 – present)

  Royalty Pharma plc (2020 – present)

  Axel Springer (2016 – April 2018)

Age

59

Tenure

3 Years

Committees

•  Audit

•  Compensation (Chair)

•  Executive

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

 

14BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age 65 Tenure 18 Years Committees Executive (Chair) Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Company & Financial Reporting Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Age 56 Tenure 0 Years Committees None Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Public Company & Financial Reporting Global Business Financial Services


LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

    

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

Mr. Freda has served as President, and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (“Esté(Estée Lauder”)Lauder) since July 2009 and is also a member of its board of directors.2009. Mr. Freda previously served as Estée Lauder’s President and Chief Operating Officer from March 2008 to July 2009. Estée Lauder is a global leader in beauty with more than 25 brands and over 40,000 employees worldwide. Prior to joining Estée Lauder, Mr. Freda held various senior positions at Procter & Gamble Company over the span of 20 years. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Freda directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci SpA.

 

Qualifications

Mr. Freda’s extensive experience in product strategy, innovation and global branding brings valuable insights to the Board. His chief executive experience at Estée Lauder, an established multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige brands, provides the Board with unique perspectives on the Company’s marketing, strategy and innovation initiatives.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (2009 – present)

Age

63

Tenure

8 Years

Committees

•  Governance

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Branding & Marketing

•  Global Business

•  Risk Management & Compliance

•  Technology

18

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

 

LOGOLOGO  

 

Murry S. Gerber*

 

Mr. Gerber has served as a member of the boards of directors of U.S. Steel Corporation since July 2012 and Halliburton Company since January 2012. Previously, Mr. Gerber served as Executive Chairman of EQT Corporation, an integrated energy production company, from 2010 until May 2011, as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 20072000 to 2010, as its President from 1998 to 2007 and as its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer from 1998 to 2007.2000. Prior to joining EQT Corporation, Mr. Gerber served as the CEO of Coral Energy (now Shell Trading North America) from 1995 to 1998. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Mr. Gerber currently serves as BlackRock’s Lead Independent Director.

 

Qualifications

As a former leader of a large, publicly traded energy production company and as a current or former member of the board of directors of three large, publicly traded companies, Mr. Gerber brings to the Board extensive expertise and insight into corporate operations, management and governance matters, as well as expert knowledge of the energy sector.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  U.S. Steel Corporation (2012 – present)

  Halliburton Company (2012 – present)

Age

 

* The Board selected Mr. Gerber to serve as the 68

Tenure

21 Years

Lead Independent Director effective as of May 25, 2017.

Committees

•  Audit

•  Executive

•  Governance

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Risk Management & Compliance

•  Technology

 

Age 55 Tenure 15 Years Committees Executive Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Company & Financial Reporting Branding & Marketing Age 70 Tenure 5 Years Committees Management Development & Compensation Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Policy & Government/Regulatory Affairs

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    15


LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

 

 

Margaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

 

Ms. Johnson has been the Chief Executive Officer of Magic Leap, Inc., an American augmented reality company, since August 2020. Previously, she was Executive Vice President of Business Development at Microsoft Corporation sincefrom September 2014. She is2014 to July 2020 and was responsible for driving strategic business deals and partnerships across various industries. Ms. Johnson joined Microsoft from Qualcomm Incorporated, where she served in various leadership positions across engineering, sales, marketing and business development. She most recently served as Executive Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and President of Global Market Development. Ms. Johnson is a Directoran Advisor to Huntington’s Disease Society of PATH and a Trustee of The Paley Center for Media.America, San Diego Chapter.

 

Qualifications

Ms. Johnson brings to the Board substantive experience in the field of technology as well as business and strategic development expertise acquired over her 28 years at Microsoft and Qualcomm.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Live Nation Entertainment (2013 – present)June 2018)

Age

59

Tenure

3 Years

Committees

•  Audit

•  Compensation

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Branding & Marketing

•  Global Business

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Technology

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT19


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

 

LOGOLOGO  

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

Mr. Kapito has been President of BlackRock since 2007 and is a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee and Chairman of the Global Operating Committee. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of iShares, Inc. Mr. Kapitoco-founded BlackRock in 1988 and is also a director of iShares, Inc.1988. He is responsible for theday-to-day oversight of BlackRock’s key operating units including Investment Strategies, Client Businesses, Technology & Operations and Risk & Quantitative Analysis. Prior to 2007, Mr. Kapito served as Vice Chairman of BlackRock and Head of BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group.

 

Qualifications

As one of our founding principals, Mr. Kapito has served as an executive leader of BlackRock since 1988. He brings to the Board industry and business acumen in additionto in-depth knowledge about BlackRock’s businesses, investment strategies and risk management, as well as extensive experience overseeingday-to-day operations.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  None

Age

64

Tenure

14 Years

Committees

•  None

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Branding & Marketing

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

16BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age 56 Tenure 0 Years Committees None Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Technology Branding & Marketing Age 70 Tenure 11 Years Committees None Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Branding & Marketing


LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

 

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

Sir Deryck served as a Senior Advisor of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (“KKR”) from January 2013 until December 2014. Previously, he was a Partner and Head of the Financial Institutions Group of KKR since 2009 and a Managing Director since 2005. He was Chairman of KKR Asia from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining KKR, Sir Deryck served as Vice Chairman of Citigroup from 1998 to 2004, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Brothers from 1992 to 1997 and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Brothers Asia from 1986 to 1991. He also served as Vice Chairman of the NYSE from 1996 to 2000. Prior to joining Salomon Brothers in 1983, Sir Deryck worked at Goldman Sachs. He served in H.M. Treasury (UK Economics and Finance Ministry) from 1969 to 1979. Sir Deryck also served as a director of GlaxoSmithKline plc from 2004 to 2016 and Thomson Reuters from 2008 to 2014.

Qualifications

Sir Deryck’s internationally focused leadership positions at KKR, a global leader in private equity, fixed income and capital markets, and at Citigroup and Salomon Brothers provide the Board with a valuable perspective on international finance and global capital markets and extensive experience in assessing value, strategy and risks related to various business models.

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 GlaxoSmithKline plc (2004 – 2016)

 Thomson Reuters (2008 – 2014)

LOGO

Cheryl D. Mills

 

Ms. Mills is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackIvy Group, an investmenta private holding company that grows and builds businesses inSub-Saharan Africa. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Counselor to the U.S. Department of State from 2009 to 2013. Ms. Mills was with New York University from 2002 to 2009, where she served as Senior Vice President for Administration and Operations, and as General Counsel. She also servedCounsel and as Secretary of the University’s Board of Trustees. From 1999 to 2001, Ms. Mills was Senior Vice President for Corporate Policy and Public Programming at Oxygen Media. Prior to joining Oxygen Media, Ms. MillsShe also served as Deputy Counsel to President Clinton and as the White House Associate Counsel. She began her career as an Associate at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Hogan & Hartson. Ms. Mills previously served on the boards of Cendant Corporation (now Avis Budget Group, Inc.), a consumer real estate and travel conglomerate, and Orion Power.Power, an independent electric power generating company.

 

Qualifications

Ms. Mills brings to the Board a range of leadership experiences from private equity, government and academia, and through her prior service on the boards of corporations andnon-profits, she provides expertise on issues concerning government relations, public policy, corporate administration and corporate governance.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  NoneiHeartMedia, Inc. (2020 – Present)

Age

56

Tenure

7 Years

Committees

•  Compensation

•  Governance

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Branding & Marketing

•  Global Business

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

Age 53 Tenure 4 Years Committees Management Development & Compensation Nominating & Governance Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Branding & Marketing

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    17

20

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

    

 

Gordon M. Nixon, C.M., O.Ont.

 

Mr. Nixon wasserved as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) from 2001 to 2014. He first joined RBC Dominion Securities Inc. in 1979, where he held a number of operating positions and served as Chief Executive Officer from December 1999 to April 2001.2001 was Chief Executive Officer of RBC Capital Markets (the successor company to RBC Dominion Securities Inc.). Mr. Nixon has served on the board of directors of BCE Inc. since 2014 and was namedas Chairman of the board upon hisre-election in Aprilsince 2016. He is also a director of George Weston Limited and is on the advisory board of Kingsett Capital.

 

Qualifications

With 13 years of experience leading a global financial institution and one of Canada’s largest public companies, Mr. Nixon brings extensive expertise and perspective to the Board on global markets and anin-depth knowledge of the North American market. His experience growing a diversified, global financial services organization in a highly regulated environment also provides the Board with valuable insight into risk management, compensation and corporate governance matters.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  BCE Inc. (2014 – present)

(Chairman from 2016 – present)

  George Weston Limited (2014 – present)

Age

64

Tenure

5 Years

LOGO

Committees

•  Compensation

• Executive

• Governance (Chair)

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

LOGO  

Charles H. Robbins

 

Mr. Robbins serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”)(Cisco). Prior to assuming this role in July 2015, he was Senior Vice President of Cisco’s Worldwide Field Operations and led its Worldwide Sales and Partner Organization where he helped drive and execute many of Cisco’s investment areas and strategy shifts. He serves asis Chairman Emeritus of the U.S.-Japan Business Council Chair of the IT Governors Steering Committee for the World Economic Forum and isserves as a member of the International Business Council for the World Economic Forum andForum. Mr. Robbins is also on the board of directors of the Business Roundtable.Roundtable and is a Trustee of the Ford Foundation.

 

Qualifications

Mr. Robbins brings to the Board extensive experience in the fields of technology, global sales and operations acquired over his 1920 years at Cisco, one of world’s leading information technology companies.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Cisco Systems, Inc. (2015 – present) (Chairman from 2017 – present)

Age

55

Tenure

3 Years

Committees

•  Risk

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Branding & Marketing

•  Global Business

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Technology

 

18BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age 61 Tenure 2 Years Committees Executive Nominating & Governance (Chair) Management Development & Compensation Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Age 52 Tenure 1 Year Committees Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Branding & Marketing Technology

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT21


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

LOGO

 

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

Mr. Seidenberg retired as the Chairman of the board of directors of Verizon Communications Inc. in December 2011 and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2011. Prior to the creation of Verizon Communications Inc., Mr. Seidenberg was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX Corp. Mr. Seidenberg has been an Advisory Partner of Perella Weinberg Partners, a global independent advisory and asset management firm, since June 2012.

Qualifications

Mr. Seidenberg brings extensive executive leadership, technological and operational experience to the Board from his tenure at Verizon Communications Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of communications services. Through his extensive experience on the boards of public companies, he has developed anin-depth understanding of business and corporate governance.

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 Boston Properties, Inc. (2014 – 2016)

LOGO

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

Mr. Slim has been Chairman of the board of directors of Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. since 1997 and previously served as its Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Financiero Inbursa from 1997 until April 2012. Mr. Slim is also a member of the board of directors of Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. and Chairman of The Carlos Slim Health Institute and of Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en América Latina, S.A.B. de C.V. (IDEAL), an infrastructure company. Mr. Slim was a member of the board of directors of Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V. from 1995 until April 2014.

 

Qualifications

Mr. Slim’s experience at Grupo Financiero Inbursa provides the Board with knowledge and expertise in international finance, and particular insight into emerging and Latin American markets. In addition, as a member of the board of directors of several international companies that invest globally, Mr. Slim brings substantive expertise in developing new businesses in international markets, shareholder rights, and business strategy and integration to the Board.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. (1991 – present)

  Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V. (Chairman from 1997 – present)

  Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en América Latina, S.A.B. de C.V.
(Chairman (Chairman from 2012 – present)

Age

52

Tenure

9 Years

Committees

•  Audit

•  Compensation

 

Qualifications

 Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V. (1995 – 2014)  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Risk Management & Compliance

 

Age 71 Tenure 7 Years Committees Audit Executive Nominating & Governance Management Development & Compensation (Chair) Qualification Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Public Company & Financial Reporting Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Branding & Marketing Technology global business Age 49 Tenure 6 Years Committees Audit Management Development & Compensation Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Company & Financial Reporting

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    19


LOGO  

 Item 1: Election of Directors  Director Nominee Biographies 

Hans E. Vestberg

Mr. Vestberg has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon) since 2018 and as Chairman since March 2019. Prior to these roles, Mr. Vestberg served as Verizon’s Chief Technology Officer and President of Global Networks from 2017 to 2018. Before joining Verizon in 2017, Mr. Vestberg served for six years as President and CEO of Ericsson, a multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company headquartered in Sweden. Mr. Vestberg is a board member of the UN Foundation and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative. He also serves as Chairman of the World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance. Mr. Vestberg has lived and worked in China, Chile, Brazil and Mexico, in addition to the U.S. and Sweden.

Qualifications

As the CEO of Verizon and former leader of Ericsson, Mr. Vestberg brings executive experience from these large multinational companies as well as substantial expertise in the field of technology acquired through his experience as Verizon’s Chief Technology Officer and over his 25-year career at Ericsson.

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

  Verizon Communications Inc. (2018 – present) (Chairman from 2019 – present)

  Hexagon AB (2017 – 2018)

  Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (2010 – 2016)

Age

55

Tenure

0 Years

 

Committees

•  None

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

•  Technology

 

22

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


ITEM 1:  Election of Directors  |  Director Nominee Biographies

 

 

LOGOLOGO  

 

 

Susan L. Wagner

 

Ms. Wagner retired as Vice Chairman of BlackRock after serving in that role from 2006 to 2012. Ms. Wagner also served as a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive Committee and Global Operating Committee. Ms. Wagner previously served as BlackRock’s Chief Operating Officer and as Head of Corporate Strategy. She serves as a member of the board of trustees of Wellesley College. Ms. Wagner also currently serves as a director of Color Genomics, Apple Inc.Health (privately held) and Swiss Re Ltd.Samsara (privately held).

 

Qualifications

As one of the founding principals of BlackRock, Ms. Wagner has over 25 years of experience across various positions. Accordingly, she is able to provide the Board with valuable insight and perspective on risk management, operations and strategy, as well as a broad and deep understanding of the asset management industry.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Apple Inc. (2014 – present)

  Swiss Re Ltd. (2014 – present)

Age

59

Tenure

8 Years

Committees

•  Audit

•  Executive

•  Risk (Chair)

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Risk Management & Compliance

•  Technology

 

LOGOLOGO  

 

Mark Wilson

 

Mr. Wilson ishas served as Co-Chairman and CEO of Abacai, an insurance technology company, since February 2021. Mr. Wilson previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Aviva plc (“Aviva”)(Aviva), a multinational insurance company headquartered in the UK.U.K., from January 2013 to October 2018. Prior to joining Aviva, Mr. Wilson worked in Asia for 14 years, including as Chief Executive Officer of AIA Group Limited, a leading pan-Asian company. Mr. Wilson is recognized for his leadership on sustainability issues and is a member of the UN Business and Sustainable Development Commission. In addition, he is a member of the Development Board of the Royal Foundation for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle.

 

Qualifications

As the former Chief Executive Officer of Aviva and CEO of Abacai, Mr. Wilson brings to the Board extensive experience in the Europe Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) regionAsia and his operational and executive expertise in the insurance and pensions industry and in international finance provides the Board with an experienced outlook on international business strategy, development and sustainability.

 

Other Public Company Directorships (within the past 5 years)

 

  Aviva plc (2013 – present)October 2018)

20BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Age 53 Tenure 4 Years Committees Management Development & Compensation Nominating & Governance Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs Branding & Marketing Age 61 Tenure 2 Years Committees Executive Nominating & Governance (Chair) Management Development & Compensation Risk Qualifications Senior Executive & Corporate Governance Global Business Risk Management & Compliance Financial Services Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs


Age

54

Tenure

3 Years

Committees

•  Risk

Qualifications

•  Senior Executive & Corporate Governance

•  Financial Services

•  Global Business

•  Public Company & Financial Reporting

•  Public Policy & Government/ Regulatory Affairs

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 23


Corporate Governance

BlackRock’s corporate governance framework is a set of principles, guidelines and practices that support sustainableconsistent financial performance and long-term value creation for our shareholders.

Our commitment to corporate governance is integral to our business and reflects not only regulatory requirements, NYSE listing standards and broadly recognized governance practices, but also effective leadership and oversight by our senior management team and Board.

We regularly conduct callsmeet with our shareholders to solicit feedback on our corporate governance framework. We make an effortstrive to incorporate this feedback through enhanced policies, processes and disclosure.

Our Corporate Governance Framework

Our Board is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance at BlackRock. Our Board is guided by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provide a framework for the governance of the Company and the responsibilities of our Board. The Corporate Governance Guidelines address director qualifications, director orientation and continuing education, director access to management and independent advisors and Board responsibilities, as well as the annual self-evaluation process of the Board and its standing Committees.

Because corporate governance practices evolve over time, our Board reviews and approves our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee charters and other governance policies at least once a year and approves or updates them as necessary and appropriate.

Our Additionally, both the Board is guided byand management recognize that creating long-term value for the Company’s shareholders requires consideration of the concerns of our other stakeholders and interested parties including clients, employees and the communities in which BlackRock operates, as covered in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which addresses director responsibilities, director access to management, director orientation and continuing education, director retirement and the annual performance evaluationsGuidelines.

The full versions of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other corporate governance policies are available on our website at www.blackrock.com under the headings “Our Company and Sites / About BlackRock / Investor Relations / Governance / Governance Overview.”

Our Board and Committees.Culture

BlackRock’s culture is vital to our success

BlackRock’s culture is a key differentiator of our strategy and helps to drive our results and long-term growth. Our culture embraces our fiduciary commitment to serve clients and stay ahead of their needs and unifies the firm. Our approach to instilling, reinforcing and enhancing our culture is deliberate and intentional.

BlackRock’s culture is underpinned by five core principles that we refer to as the BlackRock Principles:

We are a fiduciary to our clients;

We are One BlackRock;

We are passionate about performance;

We take emotional ownership; and

We are committed to a better future.

We rely on the BlackRock Principles to guide how we interact with each other, our clients, the communities in which we operate and all of our other stakeholders. The Corporate Governance Guidelines also directs that the Governance Committee consider the periodic rotation of Committee membersBlackRock Principles represent our core values, our aspirations and Committee Chairs as a means of introducing fresh perspectives and broadening and diversifying the views and experience represented on Committees.our cultural language. To learn more, please visit our website www.blackrock.com.

 

24

Our Board and Culture:BLACKROCK, INC.Engaged and vital to our success 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  Our Board and Culture

Our Board is deeply engaged in understanding the culture at BlackRock

We believe our Board should have a strong understanding of BlackRock’s culture, because it is the foundation for our Company’s strategic plans. We also believe that our Board should be deeply engaged, provide informed and honest guidance and feedback and maintain an open dialogue with management based on a clear understanding of our strategic plans.

 

Oversight of Growth StrategyOur Board plays an integral oversight role in our growth and success. At each Board meeting, we review components of our long-term strategy with our directors and engage in constructive dialogue, which our leadership team embraces. These discussions are not without disagreement – and those honest conversations push us to make the difficult decisions required to build a better BlackRock.
Role in Talent Development

Building a generation of future leaders is vital to BlackRock’s long-term success. Accordingly, our Board plays a critical part in our talent development and dedicates one meeting per year to talent review. As part of its review, the Board evaluates whether we have the right people in the right places to execute our long-term strategy, examines the results of employee opinion surveys and provides oversight of management to ensure that we are developing people to fill key roles in the future.

 

For more information on our Board’s role in talent development, please refer to “BlackRock’s Impact on its People” on page 38.

Employee Engagement & Additional ResourcesOur directors have full and free access to all BlackRock officersmanagement and employees at any time to address questions, comments or concerns. Our directors may arrange these meetings independently and without the presence of senior management. Additionally, the Board and its Committees have the power to hire independent legal, financial or other advisors without approval from, or consultation with, BlackRock management.

Embracing Best Practices  

Our Board plays an active part in our talent development as well, dedicating at least one meeting per year to talent review, evaluating whether we have the right people in the right places to execute our long-term strategy, as well as to make certain we are developing others to fill these roles in the future. Building a generation of leaders, open to both Board and external ideas, is vital to BlackRock’s long-term success.

Our Board also takes an active role in ensuring we embrace “best practices” in corporate governance. In 2017, we incorporatedMembers of the Governance Committee are briefed on significant trends and developments in corporate governance and regulatory issues, including briefings from BlackRock’s Investment Stewardship, Corporate Sustainability and Global Public Policy teams, as well as feedback from shareholders. In 2020, we acted on feedback from our shareholders to focusenhance disclosure on how the Board oversees our Company’s corporate culture.approaches its composition and diversity.

 

The partnershipFor more information, see “Board Profile and oversight of a strongDiversity” and multi-faceted Board with diverse perspectives rooted in deep experience in finance, industry, academia, technologyDiversity” on pages 4, and government is essential to creating long-term shareholder value.13, respectively.

 

Board Oversight of COVID-19 Response

The Board has been highly engaged with management on BlackRock’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions with the Board and Committees have included, among other topics:

the impact of the pandemic on markets and how we are helping clients navigate uncertainty;

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    21our strategy and the pandemic’s implications for our firm-wide priorities;

business continuity and the protocols and policies put in place to protect ongoing operations;

information security and technology controls to manage work from home threats;

the firm’s controls to maintain the integrity of financial reporting;

measures taken to support employees globally and to protect their health and safety; and

the Company’s return-to-work procedures.

Additionally, during the early stages of the pandemic, our CEO provided the Board with weekly strategic, financial and operational updates.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT25


Corporate Governance  |  Our Board and Culture

 Corporate Governance  

Beyond the BoardroomOur Board Leadership Structure

 

Director Engagement

Our Investment Stewardship team hosts an annual Director Dialogue Day, where employees, members of management and independent directors of other companies engage on topics such as the team’s engagement priorities, emerging trends in U.S. corporate governance and compensation and public policy affecting long-term investments. BlackRock’s directors are invited to, and have attended this event in the past.

All of our directors who were serving on the Board and nominated for re-election in 2020 attended the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Additionally, our Lead Independent Director answered questions from shareholders and addressed questions about the Board’s composition, size and engagement with management.

Director Orientation

BlackRock provides each new director with an orientation program conducted over the course of the first three months of their tenure. The orientation program includes the opportunity to rotate through each of the Board’s standing Committees and participate in presentations by senior management to familiarize new directors with BlackRock’s:

 Financial position and strategic plans;

 Significant financial, accounting and risk management policies;

 Compliance programs, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other key policies; and

 Principal officers and internal and independent auditors.

Directors also have full and free access to all BlackRock officers and employees and are encouraged to meet with members of management to further enhance their familiarity with BlackRock’s business and strategy.

Continuing Education

All directors are encouraged to attend continuing educational programs offered by BlackRock or sponsored by universities, stock exchanges or other organizations related to fulfilling their duties as Board or Committee members and are reimbursed for any reasonable expenses in connection with such programs. For example, members of our Audit Committee have participated in conferences and symposiums hosted by our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte. Additionally, directors are provided, on a quarterly basis, with a curated list of optional educational opportunities and events covering issues and trends that are relevant to their service on BlackRock’s Board.

Every week our directors receive summaries and copies of press coverage, analyst reports and current events relating to our business.

Individual Discussions and Mentoring Management

Outside of regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings, our directors may have discussions with each other and our CEO at their discretion. Directors have access to management at any time and are encouraged to have small group or individual meetings, as necessary.

All directors are encouraged to meet with management outside of Board and Committee meetings and several directors have established informal mentoring relationships with key members of senior management.

26

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Corporate Governance  |  Our Board Leadership Structure

 

Our Board Leadership Structure

Why our Board leadership structure is right for BlackRock

Our Board and Governance Committee regularly reviewreviews and evaluateevaluates the Board’s leadership structure.structure on at least an annual basis. Mr. Fink serves as both BlackRock’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, which the Board has determined is the most appropriate and effective leadership structure for the Board and the Company at this time. Mr. Fink has served in this capacity since founding BlackRock in 1988 and, as such, brings over 30 years of strategic leadership experience and an unparalleled knowledge of BlackRock’s business, operations and risks to his role as Chairman of the Board.

The Board does not have a policy on whether the roles of the Chairman and CEO should be separated but believes the current combination of the two roles provides BlackRock with, among other things, a clear and effective leadership structure to communicate the Company’s business and long-term strategy to its clients, shareholders and the public. The combinedChairman-CEOIn addition, the Board believes that this structure also providesallows for robust and frequent communication between the Board’s independent directors and the management of the Company.

To further facilitate coordination with the independent directors and to ensure the exercise of independent judgment byenables the Board to better understand the independent directors annually select one of the independent membersCompany and work with management to serve as the Lead Independent Director.enhance shareholder value.

Under our Lead Independent Director Guidelines, when the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are combined or the Chairman is not independent, the independent directors will appoint a Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director will then be electedappointed annually by BlackRock’s independent directors and serve until a successor is elected.duly appointed and qualified, his or her removal or resignation, or he or she is no longer an independent member of the Board. Although electedappointed annually, we generally expect the Lead Independent Director to serve for more than one year.

The Board believes the role and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director help to ensure the exercise of independent judgment by the Board and further facilitate coordination with the independent directors.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

Our Lead Independent Director:

Murry S. Gerber

 

Director: Murry S. Gerber

First Elected inServing since 2017

  

The Role of the Lead Independent Director

 

Our Lead Independent Director has significant authority and responsibilities to provide for an
effective and independent Board. In this role, Mr. Gerber:

 

   SetsDevelops and approves the agenda for Board
    meetings, in consultation with the Chairman
and leads executive sessions.

Committee Chairs.

 

   At eachLeads executive session,sessions and facilitates
    discussion of the Company’s strategy, key
    governance issues (including succession
    planning) and the performance of BlackRock
    senior executives.executives at each executive session.

 

   Serves as liaison between independent
    directors and the Chairman.

   Focuses on Board effectiveness, performance
    and composition with input from the
    Governance Committee.

 

   Oversees and reports on annual Board and
    Committee performance self-evaluations,evaluations, in
    consultation with the Governance Committee.

 

   Serves as the primary Board contact for
    shareholder engagement.

Mr. Gerber has substantial experience with corporate governance and public company management, as well as deep knowledge of the Company and its governance practices. The Board believes Mr. Gerber’s long tenure as a director enables him to provide a valuable perspective on BlackRock’s growing business and risk management and enhances his ability to challenge members of senior management.

The Board, as reflected in responses to the 2020 Board and Committee evaluations, particularly commended Mr. Gerber’s effectiveness as Lead Independent Director, highlighting his leadership of executive sessions and encouragement of candid feedback on the performance and effectiveness of the Board.

 

 

Executive Sessions

Executive sessions ofnon-management directors are held at mostevery regularly scheduled Board meetings,meeting, and six executive sessions were held in 2017.2020. Each session is chaired by the Lead Independent Director, who facilitates discussion of various topics throughout the year, including the Company’s strategy, key governance issues, succession planning and the performance of senior executives. Anynon-management director may request that an additional executive session be scheduled. At least once a year an executive session is held of only those directors determined to be “independent,” within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.

 

The full versions of our Lead Independent Director Guidelines Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other corporate governance policies are available on our website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com under the headings “Our Company and SitesGovernance / Our Firm / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance”Governance Overview.

 

22BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Corporate Governance  Board Evaluation Process27


Corporate Governance  |  Board Evaluation Process

 

Board Evaluation Process

The effectiveness of the Board and its Committees is critical to BlackRock’s success and to the protection of our shareholders’ long-term interests. To ensuremaintain their effectiveness, the Board and each standing Committee annually conduct comprehensive annual self-evaluationsevaluations to identify and assess areas for improvements.

The evaluation process includes the following steps:

 

LOGOLOGO

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    23


28

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  Board Refreshment

LOGO

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Corporate Governance  Board Refreshment29

Board Refreshment

The Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential director candidates, reviewing Board and Committee composition and making recommendations to the full Board. This ongoing process includes:

LOGO

Director Engagement – BlackRock Corporate Culture and Purpose

Twice a year, our Board and Committee meetings are held outside of New York, including at least one round of meetings outside of the United States. Theseoff-site meetings provide our directors with an opportunity to do a focused review of regional strategies, to meet with employees and management based outside of our New York corporate headquarters and to engage with local clients and government officials. These meetings provide our directors with firsthand exposure to BlackRock’s corporate culture and how employees globally demonstrate BlackRock’s principles and purpose. In 2017, the Board travelled to Toronto, Canada and Copenhagen, Denmark.

In addition to Board and Committeeoff-site meetings, members of our Board are encouraged to makeon-site visits to other BlackRock offices at their convenience. In 2017, the Chair of the Audit Committee visited Budapest, Hungary, London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland to speak with local management and employees, tour our new facilities and personally expand her knowledge of BlackRock’s global operations.

This year, our directors also attended the BlackRock NY TechFest, a showcase of the latest in BlackRock’s technology capabilities and initiatives by and for employees. As a key part of our commitment to technology and innovation, our directors experienced first-hand where our technology is today and where it is leading us tomorrow.

Director Onboarding and Continuing Education

All new directors participate in an orientation program, to be conducted within three months of their election. Orientation includes presentations by senior management to familiarize our new directors with BlackRock’s strategic plans, significant financial, accounting and risk management issues, compliance programs, conflict policies, code of ethics and other controls, our principal officers and internal and independent auditors. All Directors are also encouraged to attend continuing educational programs offered by BlackRock or sponsored by universities, stock exchanges or other organizations related to fulfilling their duties as Board or Committee members.

Management Succession Planning

Our Board plays an integral oversight role in talent development by recognizing the importance of succession planning for the CEO and other key executives at BlackRock. The Board, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, dedicates at least one meeting per year to talent to ensure BlackRock has the right people in place to execute our long-term strategic plans and appropriate succession for key individuals. The Board also works with the Compensation Committee to consider potential successors to the CEO

24BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Corporate Governance  Board Refreshment

Corporate Governance  |  Board Committees

 

in the event of an emergency or the CEO’s retirement. Our CEO recommends and evaluates potential successors for BlackRock’s top executives, along with a review of any development plans for these individuals.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. We do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation. For more information about these awards, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

Board Committees

Each Committee is governed by a Board-approved Charter.

Board Committee Meetings and Members

The Board has five committees:Committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance Committee, the Risk Committee and the Executive Committee. Below is a summary of our current Committee structure and membership information.

 

Member

 

  

Audit             

 

  

 

Management             

Development &             

Compensation             

 

  

Nominating &             

Governance             

 

  

Risk             

 

  

Executive             

 

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

 

               

 

Abdlatif Y.Al-Hamad

 

                   

 

             

 

   

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 

             

 

                

 

             

 

   

 

Pamela Daley

 

             

 

                   

 

             

 

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

 

                

 

                

 

   

 

William E. Ford

 

               

 

Fabrizio Freda

 

                   

 

      

 

Murry S. Gerber

(Lead Independent Director)

 

  

 

●          

 

  

 

●          

 

        

 

●          

 

 

James Grosfeld

 

                

 

             

 

      

 

Margaret L. Johnson

 

               

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

 

             

 

                   

 

             

 

 

Cheryl D. Mills

 

                

 

             

 

      

 

Gordon M. Nixon

 

                

 

             

 

             

 

             

 

 

Charles H. Robbins

 

                      

 

   

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

 

             

 

             

 

             

 

                

 

 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

             

 

             

 

         

 

Susan L. Wagner

 

                      

 

   

 

Mark Wilson

 

          

 

NON-INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

 

               

 

Laurence D. Fink

 

                         

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

               

 

William S. Demchak

 

                      

 

             

 

 

Number of Meetings Held in 2017

 

  14          

 

  10          

 

  6          

 

  6          

 

  0          

 

Chairperson

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    25


     

Member

        Audit            Compensation        Governance            Risk            Executive    

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Bader M. Alsaad

Mathis Cabiallavetta(1)

Pamela Daley

Jessica P. Einhorn

William E. Ford

Fabrizio Freda

Murry S. Gerber

(Lead Independent Director)

Margaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

Cheryl D. Mills

Gordon M. Nixon

Charles H. Robbins

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

Susan L. Wagner

Mark Wilson

NON-INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Laurence D. Fink

Robert S. Kapito

Number of Meetings Held in 2020

149670

(1)  Mr. Cabiallavetta will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

  Corporate Governance  

  Board Committees

Chairperson

The Board met seven10 times during 2017.2020. In 2017,2020, each nominated directorof our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of: (i) the total number of meetings of the Board held during the period for which such director was a member of the Board and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board on which such director served, if any, during the period served by such director. Directors are encouraged to and do attend the annual meetings of BlackRock shareholders. Fifteen of the 17All 16 directors who were serving on the Board last yearand nominated for re-election in 2020 attended the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Messrs. Al-Hamad and Grosfeld are retiring from the

30

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  Board and will not be standing for re-election at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Committees

Board Committee Refreshment

The Governance Committee considers the periodic rotation of Committee members and Committee Chairs to introduce fresh perspectives and to broaden and diversify the views and experience represented on the Committees.

On January 11, 2018,November 20, 2019, the Board appointed Mr. RobbinsAlsaad to serve as a member of the Risk Committee. HeCommittee and a member of the Governance Committee, each appointment effective January 28, 2020. Mr. Alsaad brings expertise in international business strategy and global business, technology, public policycapital markets as well as experience in investments and governmentthe financial sector.

On March 18, 2020, the Board appointed Mr. Ford to serve as Chair of the Compensation Committee and regulatory affairs. In addition,as a member of the Executive Committee, each appointment effective May 21, 2020. Mr. Ford brings extensive management expertise and a valuable perspective on international finance from his experience as Chief Executive Officer of General Atlantic, one of the world’s leading growth equity investment firms.

On March 24, 2021, the Board appointed Messrs. FordVestberg and Wilson to serve as members of the Audit Committee, effective May 26, 2021 (following the Annual Meeting and Ms. Johnson,subject to their election by shareholders). Mr. Vestberg brings financial expertise from having served as recent additions toa former chief financial officer, as well as a valuable perspective on international business. Mr. Wilson brings expertise in international finance and strategy and significant executive management expertise from his experience as a former chief executive officer. Also, on March 24, 2021, the Board appointed Mr. Ford to serve as a member of the Governance Committee, effective May 26, 2021 (following the Annual Meeting and subject to his election by shareholders).

Outlined below are rotating throughthe Board’s Committees with brief descriptions of each CommitteeCommittee’s membership, roles and if elected, will be appointed to one or more Committees in 2018 following a reviewresponsibilities as of existing Committee composition.the date of this Proxy Statement.

 

 

Audit Committee

CHAIR

MEMBERS

 

Pamela DaleyChair

 

 

Pamela Daley

Members

Mathis Cabiallavetta

Murry S. GerberWilliam E. Ford

 

  

 

Sir Deryck MaughanMurry S. Gerber

Ivan G. SeidenbergMargaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

 

  

 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

Susan L. Wagner

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include oversight of the integrity of BlackRock’s financial statements and public filings, the independent auditor’sregistered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence, the performance of BlackRock’s internal audit function and independent auditor and BlackRock’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

The Audit Committee receives reports on:

 

   The progress and results of the internal audit program, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s Head of Internal Audit, and approves BlackRock’s internal audit plan;

 

   External audit findings, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”);

Deloitte;

 

   Financial controls regarding compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, annually, as preparedprovided by the Head of Financial Controls and presented by management;

   The Company’s Risk Management program, as provided by BlackRock’s Chief Risk Officer;

  

 

   Financial updates, regularly, as provided by the Chief Financial Officer;

 

   Cybersecurity updates, as provided by the Chief Information Security Officer;

 

   Compliance updates, as provided by the Global Chief Compliance Officer;

 

   Litigation, regulatory and material ethics matters, regularly, as provided by BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer; and

 

   Risk matters regularly,addressed at the Risk Committee, as provided by the Chair of the Risk Committee.

 

Additionally, as part of the Audit Committee’s responsibility for oversight of the Company’s major financial risk exposures, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management the Company’s approach to assessing and managing risk in coordination with the Risk Committee.

 

The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit BlackRock’s financial statements. The Audit Committee approves all audit engagement fees and terms associated with the retention of Deloitte. In addition to ensuring the regular rotation of the lead audit partner, as required by law, the Audit Committee selects, reviews and evaluates the lead audit partner and determines whether there should be periodic rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Audit Committee regularly holds separate sessions with BlackRock’s management, internal auditors and Deloitte.

 

The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under applicable SEC rules, and is “financially literate”literate,” and has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards.

All members of the Audit Committee, with the exception of Ms. Johnson, qualify as “audit committee financial experts” under applicable SEC rules.

 

 

 

26BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Corporate Governance  31


Corporate Governance  |  Board Committees

 

 

Management Development and& Compensation Committee

CHAIR

MEMBERS

 

Ivan G. SeidenbergChair(1)

 

 

William E. Ford

Members

Jessica P. Einhorn

Murry S. GerberMargaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

 

    

 

James Grosfeld

Cheryl D. Mills

        Gordon M. Nixon

 

 

 

Gordon M. Nixon

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

   Reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation, evaluating the CEO’s performance in light of those goals and objectives and determining and approving the CEO’s overall compensation levels based on this evaluation;

 

   Reviewing BlackRock’s executive compensation program and establishing the compensation framework of BlackRock’s executive officers;

 

   Periodically reviewing and approving director compensation;

Reviewing, and making recommendationsapproving, recommending to the Board, about director compensation;or delegating to management the oversight of, BlackRock’s benefits plans;

   Considering and discussing the results of the advisory “say-on-pay” vote;

 

   Providing oversight of BlackRock’s employee benefitexecutive compensation program and compensation plans;determining whether our program remains effective to attract, motivate and retain senior officers capable of making significant contributions to BlackRock’s long-term success;

 

   Reviewing, assessing and making reports and recommendations to the Board on BlackRock’s talent development and succession planning,strategies relating to human capital management, with an emphasis on talent development, performance against talent and diversity goals and succession planning, in each case, at the highest management levels; and

 

   Appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other advisor retained by the Compensation Committee.

The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules and qualifies as a“non-employee director” under applicable SEC rules and is an “outside director” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.rules.

 

Additional information on the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration of NEO compensation is addressed in the Management Development &Compensation Committee Report on page 4554 and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 46.55.

 

 

 

Nominating, and Governance & Sustainability Committee

CHAIR

Chair

 MEMBERS

 

Gordon M. Nixon

  

 

Abdlatif Y.Al-HamadMembers(1)

Bader M. Alsaad

Mathis Cabiallavetta

 

    

 

Fabrizio Freda

James GrosfeldMurry S. Gerber

 

  

 

Cheryl D. Mills

Ivan G. Seidenberg

 

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

   Recommending to the Board criteria for the selection of new directors to serve on the Board;

 

   Identifying candidatesindividuals qualified to become members of the Board;

 

   Recommending to the Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders;shareholders or candidates to fill vacancies or newly created directorships that may occur between annual meetings;

 

   Recommending to the Board director nomineesmembers for each Committee;

   Leading the Board in its annual review of the Board’s performance;

 

   Evaluating monitoring and making recommendationsrecommending to the Board with respect to the corporate governance policies, practices and procedures ofguidelines applicable to the Company;

   Recommending to the Board the Corporate Governance Guidelines applicable to BlackRock; and

 

   Overseeing BlackRock’s Related Persons Transaction Policy.Policy;

   Reviewing the Company’s engagement with shareholders on governance matters and considering shareholder proposals and proposed responses;

   Periodically reviewing corporate governance trends, best practices and regulations applicable to the corporate governance of the Company;

   Periodically reviewing the Company’s significant publications relating to environmental, social and other sustainability matters, such as BlackRock’s Task Force for Climate Related Disclosures (“TCFD”) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) disclosures; and

   Periodically reviewing the Company’s philanthropic programs and related strategy, as well as the Company’s public policy and advocacy activities, including public policy priorities, political contributions and memberships in trade associations.

During 2020, the Board formalized the review of corporate and investment stewardship-related policies and programs and significant publications relating to environmental (including climate change), social and other sustainability matters at the Governance Committee.

In March 2021, to reflect the Governance Committee’s oversight and to provide clarity to our stakeholders, the Board changed the name of the Committee to the “Nominating, Governance & Sustainability Committee” to highlight the Board’s ongoing oversight of sustainability matters.

The Board has determined that each member of the Governance Committee is “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules, qualifies as a “non-employee director” under applicable SEC rules.

 

(1)

Ivan G. Seidenberg served as Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Governance Committee until May 21, 2020.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    27


32

 Corporate Governance  

BLACKROCK, INC. Board Committees

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Corporate Governance  |  Board Committees

 

 

Risk Committee

CHAIR

Chair

 MEMBERS

 

Sir Deryck MaughanSusan L. Wagner

  

 

Abdlatif Y.Al-HamadMembers(1)

Mathis Cabiallavetta

Bader M. Alsaad

Pamela Daley

 

    

 

William S. Demchak

Jessica P. Einhorn

Gordon M. NixonCharles H. Robbins

 

  

 

Charles H. Robbins

Susan L. WagnerMark Wilson

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

The Risk Committee assists the Board with its oversight of the Company’s levels of risk, risk assessment, risk management and related policies and processes in connection with the following types of risk and related areas:

 

Enterprise Risks

 

   Market risks from volatility in financial markets;

 

   Credit risk of default byContractually indemnified securities lending counterparties;risks;

 

   Operational risks from failed or inadequate processes relating to operations,investment management processes, new products and services, third-party vendorthird–party relationships, model risk and model risk;change;

   Risks related to regulatory trends and public policy developments;

   Technology and cybersecurity risks relating to information security, business continuity/resiliency and system capacity; and

 

   The impact of firm-wide risk assessments, including the quantification and analysis of requirements (liquidity, insurance, capital or other risk mitigation) associated with ourBlackRock’s key risks;risks.

    Risks related to regulatory reform; and

    Technology and cybersecurity risks relating to information security, business continuity/resiliency and system capacity.

  

Fiduciary Risks

 

   Investment risks being taken on behalf of clients in their portfolios or accounts;

 

   Risks of default by client counterparties; and

 

   Pricing and valuation risk that BlackRock’s counterparties misprice assets in client portfolios or accounts.

 

Other

 

   Reputational risk; and

Any other areas of risk delegated to the Risk Committee by the Board.

The Committee regularly reviews a detailed risk profile report prepared by the Chief Risk Officer which covers a wide range of topics and potential issues that could impact BlackRock.

 

The Risk Committee also reviewed and discussed with management the Risk Factors included in the 20172020 Form10-K and received reports from members of management responsible for identifying and monitoring these risks.

 

 

 

Executive Committee

CHAIR

MEMBERS

 

Laurence D. FinkChair

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

Members(1)

Pamela Daley

William S. DemchakE. Ford

 

    

 

Murry S. Gerber

Sir Deryck MaughanGordon M. Nixon

 

  

 

Gordon M. Nixon

Ivan G. SeidenbergSusan L. Wagner

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

The Executive Committee has all the powers of the Board, except as prohibited by applicable law the PNC Stockholder Agreement and BlackRock’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”), and except to the extent another Committee has
been accorded authority over the matter. The Executive Committee may meet to exercise such powers between meetings of the Board.

 

The

(1)

William S. Demchak served as a member of the Risk Committee and Executive Committee will only meet if a quorum for a full Board meeting cannot be obtained between regular meetings for emergency business.

until May 15, 2020.

 

28BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Corporate Governance  Board Committees33


Corporate Governance  |  Board Committees

 

Board and Committee Oversight of Strategy

The Board actively engages with senior management by providing guidance on the formation and implementation of strategic initiatives. On an annual basis, our CEO previews the Board’s proposed agenda with the Governance Committee, focusing on business reviews and the strategic topics for the coming year, and receives its feedback and input. Based on this agenda, members of senior management and business leads will brief directors on the strategic opportunities, priorities and implementation of strategy for their respective lines of business. These presentations serve as the basis for an active, ongoing dialogue between the Board and senior management about strategic risks and opportunities facing BlackRock and its lines of business.

Board and Committee Oversight of Risk Management

 

LOGO

KEY STRATEGY & RISK OVERSIGHT AREAS

Investment Performance & Markets

Technology and Cybersecurity

Operations and Business Continuity

Regulation, Compliance and Legal Developments

Sustainable Investing and Corporate Sustainability

Human Capital

34

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  Board Committees

Board and Committee Oversight of Cybersecurity

Our Board is actively engaged in the oversight of BlackRock’s cybersecurity and information security programs. Several of our director nominees bring experience with managing and mitigating cybersecurity and technology risks at regulated entities, which provide the Board with insight into such risks and aid in overseeing the firm’s Information Security, operations and systems, as well as our continuing investment in and development of the program.

   Our Risk Committee receives reports on the Company’s cybersecurity program and developments in information security from our Chief Information Security Officer at each of our regular meetings, which occur six times a year. These reports include analyses of recent cybersecurity threats and incidents across the industry, as well as reviews of BlackRock’s own security controls, assessments and program.

   On an annual basis, senior members of BlackRock’s technology, risk and information security teams provide a comprehensive overview of BlackRock’s cyber risk and information security program to a joint session of the Risk and Audit Committees.

Cybersecurity Governance Highlights:

   BlackRock employs an in-depth, multilayered strategy of control programs, using internal teams and independent third parties, including monitoring external and internal threats and events, managing access, facilitating use of appropriate authentication options, validating controls and programs and testing of various compromise scenarios that are overseen by a global information security team.

   BlackRock invests in threat intelligence and participates in financial services industry and government forums to improve both internal and sector cybersecurity defense.

   BlackRock routinely performs penetration tests.

   BlackRock’s cyber risk program incorporates external expertise.

Our global information security team, in collaboration with our technology risk team and independent third parties, assesses risks and changes in the cyber environment and adjusts our cybersecurity program as needed.

Board and Committee Oversight of Environmental, Social and Sustainability Matters

BlackRock’s governance of climate and sustainability-related matters reflects our commitment to strong leadership and oversight at the senior management and Board levels. Our Board engages with senior leaders on near- and long-term business strategy and reviews management’s performance in delivering on our framework for long-term value creation, including as it relates to sustainability. Several of our director nominees have experience in environmental, corporate responsibility and sustainability matters, including managing these issues in senior leadership roles as business imperatives and in relation to long-term strategy, through knowledge and experience in the energy sector, or through key involvement with global initiatives and alliances.

During 2020, the Board received presentations on and discussed our sustainability strategy, including as it relates to the integration of ESG factors into our investment processes and our sustainable investment strategies. The Board also received a briefing from BlackRock’s new Global Head of Investment Stewardship and an update on The BlackRock Foundation, our charitable foundation.

Additionally, the Governance Committee is directly responsible for overseeing:

 

LOGO

  Investment   Stewardship

LOGO   

Social

Impact

LOGO   

FULL BOARDCorporate Sustainability

LOGO   

Public

The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for oversight of BlackRock’s risk management activities.
The Risk, Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees assist the Board in fulfilling this important role.

The Committees report to the full Board at least 6 times a year with updates on their areas of designated risk oversight responsibilities. These Committees work together and with the full Board to help ensure that the Committees and the Board have received all information necessary to permit them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities with respect to oversight of risk management activities.Policy

 

The Governance Committee periodically reviews corporate and investment stewardship–related policies, programs and significant publications relating to environmental (including climate change), social and other sustainability matters.

During 2020, the Governance Committee received presentations on and discussed the Investment Stewardship team’s engagement priorities, which include climate risk and sustainability reporting, and the team’s progress toward enhancing transparency.

The Governance Committee reviews BlackRock’s philanthropic program (“Social Impact”) and its strategy, which is focused on efforts to support a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

During 2020, BlackRock’s Social Impact team reviewed our philanthropic priorities with the Board and discussed the launch of The BlackRock Foundation, our $50 million commitment to COVID-19 relief and recovery, and developments associated with BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative.

The Governance Committee periodically reviews BlackRock’s corporate sustainability program, including through reports from BlackRock’s Corporate Sustainability team, which is responsible for overseeing efforts to incorporate sustainability into BlackRock’s business practices, operations and strategy and setting environmental sustainability objectives and strategy for our operations.

During 2020, the Governance Committee reviewed BlackRock’s corporate sustainability program and disclosures, including our TCFD and SASB disclosures.

The Governance Committee has oversight of the Company’s corporate political activities and periodically reviews BlackRock’s public policy and advocacy activities, including public policy priorities, political contributions and memberships in trade associations.

During 2020, the Governance Committee reviewed BlackRock’s public policy priorities, including global financial regulatory developments, as well as memberships in trade associations.

Governance Committee oversight provides an additional layer of accountability to assist in BlackRock’s progress on these important initiatives for the benefit of all stakeholders. As appropriate, the Committee makes recommendations on these matters to the full Board.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT35


Corporate Governance  |  Sustainability at BlackRock

Sustainability at BlackRock

As an asset manager, we believe that a company’s ability to integrate sustainable business practices into its strategy and operations is integral to delivering long-term value. We also recognize the importance of leading by example and providing transparency to stakeholders on how we integrate these business practices into our own strategy and operations.

Our Goals

Our Business Practices

Operating a Sustainable Company

   Our long-term success is dependent on our people. We make a deliberate effort to unify our culture, advance diversity, equity and inclusion, cultivate and retain the best talent, and foster an environment that provides a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees.

   We hold ourselves accountable to all our stakeholders through our commitment to transparency. We prioritize disclosing our strategy, governance and risk management processes to manage ESG risks and opportunities.

   BlackRock is also focused on saving, protecting and restoring our natural environment by better managing our resources in our business operations. We set corporate targets for operational sustainability, which are designed to reduce our carbon footprint, and we are transparent about our progress towards these targets through disclosures aligned to the TCFD recommendations and SASB framework.

   In January 2021, as communicated in a letter to our clients, we committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, and we have taken steps to help investors prepare their portfolios for a net zero world.

Sustainable Investing is Our Standard

   As of November 2020, 100% of our active portfolios and advisory strategies are ESG Integrated, meaning that portfolio managers are accountable for managing exposure to material ESG risks and documenting where in the investment process these risks are considered.

   As of December 31, 2020, BlackRock managed $200 billion in sustainable investment strategies on behalf of our clients across over 200 different products.

   We are putting Aladdin at the center of sustainable investing by enhancing analytical tools and data for BlackRock’s investors and the Aladdin community. In 2020, we created AladdinClimate to help financial institutions and investors quantify climate risk in their portfolios.

Responsible Stewards of Our Clients’ Assets

   BlackRock Investment Stewardship (“BIS”) plays a key role in enabling BlackRock to achieve its purpose of helping more and more people experience financial well-being. Investment stewardship is how BlackRock uses its voice as an investor to promote sound corporate governance and business practices to help maximize long-term shareholder value for our clients.

   In 2020, BIS took several actions to enhance transparency in stewardship, including publishing global quarterly stewardship reports and engagement activity, quarterly vote disclosures, vote bulletins and portfolio-specific company engagement reports.

   During 2020, BIS intensified its focus and engagement with companies on sustainability-related risks and asked that companies publish reports aligned with the recommendations of the TCFD and the SASB.

Making a Positive Social Impact

   BlackRock’s Social Impact team identifies, funds and partners with high-potential organizations to test and build evidence for innovative solutions with potential long-term impact, strong leadership and measurable outcomes. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has been focused on helping non-profit organizations who deliver direct services to the frontlines, including food banks and hospitals.

   In 2020, BlackRock launched The BlackRock Foundation and made a philanthropic commitment of $589 million to promote an inclusive and sustainable economy. We also continued to support the Emergency Savings Initiative to help companies and organizations identify, shape and test solutions for creating short-term financial stability for vulnerable workers, customers and communities.

   Also in 2020, BlackRock made a $10 million commitment to help support the upward mobility of Black and Latinx communities. Our action plan includes deploying $5 million to organizations supporting racial equity, launching a $5 million fund to help elevate Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and doubling support for employee giving.

LOGO36

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

LOGO


Corporate Governance  |  Sustainability at BlackRock

 

LOGO

LOGO

RISKSustainability is

COMMITTEEintegrated into

BlackRock’s strategy for

delivering long-term

growth and into how we

operate our business

Sustainability in Our Strategy:

 

ResponsibleInvesting to be the global leader in sustainable investing by making sustainability integral to the way we manage risk, construct portfolios, design products and engage with companies on behalf of our clients

Sustainability in Our Operations:

Advancing sustainable business practices to support the long-term sustainability of our own firm and deliver value for
assessing and
overseeing BlackRock’s
levels of risk and risk
management and
related policies and
processes in connection
with fiduciary and
enterprise risks and
other areas of risk
determined by the
Board. Reflecting the
increased importance
of information security,
the Risk Committee has
added cybersecurity as
a recurring topic at
each meeting. all stakeholders

 

 

AUDIT

COMMITTEE

Oversees the integrity of
BlackRock’s financial
statements and other
disclosures, the
effectiveness of the
internal control
environment, the internal
audit function and the
external auditors, and
compliance with legal
and regulatory
requirements.

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Responsible for
overseeing risks
associated with
BlackRock’s executive
and employee
compensation practices
and the effective
management
of executive succession.

NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Oversees risks related to
Board and Committee
succession and other
corporate governance
policies and practices.            

Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Director Independence

The Board determines annually the independence of directors in accordance with NYSE listing standards and applicable SEC rules. No director is considered independent unless the Board has determined that he or she has no material relationship with BlackRock. The Board has adopted categorical standards to help determine whether certain relationships between the members of the Board and BlackRock or its affiliates and subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with BlackRock) are material relationships for purposes of NYSE listing standards. The categorical standards provide that the following relationships are not material for such purposes:Integrating sustainability into our long-term growth strategy

 

Relationships arising in the ordinary course of business, such as asset management, acting as trustee, lending, deposit, banking or other financial service relationships or other relationships involving the provision of products or services, so long as the products and services are being provided in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms and conditions, including price, as would be available to similarly situated customers;

 

Relationships with companies of which a director is a shareholder or partnerships of which a director is a partner, provided the director is not a principal shareholder of the company or a principal partner of the partnership;

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    29


  Corporate Governance  

Dedicated Sustainable Investment Platform

  $200 billion of AUM as of December 31, 2020

Corporate Governance Practices200+ sustainable choices offered

100 new sustainable products launched in 2020

  Data &   Technology

We’ve released over 1,000 ESG metrics on the Aladdin platform, and Policieswe continue to develop tools to better manage climate risk in portfolios

   

Advisory Capabilities

We support clients across a range of bespoke ESG-focused activities, including strategic framework setting, implementation, risk management, analytics and climate stress testing

  ESG   Integration

100% of our active and advisory BlackRock strategies are ESG integrated—covering $2.9 trillion in AUM as of December 31, 2020

Investment Stewardship

3,000+ stewardship engagements on issues that impact long term financial performance1

  Research &   Thought   Leadership

Dedicated sustainable research team and thought leadership through the BlackRock Investment Institute

 

1

For the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT37


Corporate Governance  |  BlackRock’s Impact on its People

Environmental

Enhancing environmental disclosures through the publication of BlackRock’s inaugural TCFD report

The TCFD report discusses our approach to managing climate-related risks and opportunities and provides an enterprise-level climate-related scenario analysis that assesses the potential implications of climate-related transition risks to BlackRock

Social

Connecting BlackRock’s purpose to value creation for all stakeholders

We released a report explaining how we provide value to our stakeholders and how we activate our purpose

Advancing DEI

Our goal is to double representation of Black senior leaders and increase overall representation by 30% by 2024

Promoting a more inclusive economy

We launched The BlackRock Foundation, our charitable foundation

Governance

Enhancing disclosure on Board level oversight of sustainability

Enhancing shareholder rights: Shareholder right to call special meetings

In September 2020, our Board approved changes to our Charter to provide shareholders with the right to call special meetings. This amendment is subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting. Please see “Item 4A: Approval of an Amendment to Our Charter to Provide Shareholders the Right to Call Special Meetings” on pages 95 to 96 for additional information on this amendment

BlackRock’s Commitment to Transparency

BlackRock is committed to providing transparency on meaningful sustainability-related information to stakeholders. We made significant progress in 2020 and we are working to further enhance our corporate sustainability strategy and disclosure in the years ahead. Recent publications include our:

 

Contributions

SASB Report, which includes information regarding our workforce diversity, risk management and incorporation of ESG factors in our investment management processes

TCFD Report, which discusses how BlackRock manages climate-related risks and opportunities

U.S. EEO-1 Report, which provides information on our U.S. employee base across gender and race/ethnicity categories

Additionally, BIS publishes global governance and engagement guidelines, as well as quarterly and annual activity reports, which are available on our website.

BlackRock’s Impact on its People

With approximately 16,500 employees in more than 30 countries, BlackRock provides a broad range of investment and technology services to institutional and retail clients in more than 100 countries across the globe. As an asset manager, our long-term success depends on our people and how we manage our workforce.

Culture and Principles

BlackRock believes that maintaining a strong corporate culture is an important component of its human capital management practices and is critical to the firm’s long-term success. Our culture is underpinned by the BlackRock Principles, which unify our workforce and guide how we interact with each other, our clients, the communities in which we operate and all of our other stakeholders:

We are a fiduciary to our clients

We are passionate about performance

We are committed to a better future
We are One BlackRock

We take emotional ownership

Read more about the BlackRock Principles on our website at www.blackrock.com.

38

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  BlackRock’s Impact on its People

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”)

We believe a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive working environment are key factors in achieving better outcomes across all levels of our business. We have made or pledgeda long-term commitment to charitable organizationscultivating diversity in our workforce and leadership team, through our hiring, retention, promotion and development practices. As part of our long-term commitment, we have instituted a multi-year DEI strategy that we believe is actionable, measurable and designed to apply across the many countries in which the firm operates. Our DEI strategy is aligned with the firm’s business priorities and long-term objectives, and we expect that it will evolve as the firm learns and adapts to a director or an immediate family memberchanging macro environment. Our DEI strategy centers on three key pillars:

1.

Talent and Culture – which includes building, developing and retaining a diverse pipeline of talent and fostering a connected culture among our 16,500 global employees;

2.

Fiduciary to Our Clients – which includes delivering differentiated investment products and strengthening our client relationships by engaging them on DEI; and

3.

Policy and Social Impact in Underserved Communities – which includes continuing to enhance transparency on our diversity disclosures and supporting the long-term success of underserved communities.

Key goals of the directorTalent and Culture pillar of our DEI strategy include:

Expanding partnerships with external organizations and developing strategies to increase the diversity of our applicant pool;

Strengthening talent acquisition and management processes in an effort to eliminate bias; and

Implementing leadership development, sponsorship and coaching initiatives to engage and develop diverse talent.

Another focus of our DEI strategy is to cultivate an executive officer, director or trustee if (i) withininclusive work environment in which employees feel connected to BlackRock’s culture and supported in pursuit of their goals. To this end, we have committed to raising awareness of racial equity issues and resetting behavioral expectations for employees, as well as to holding firm leaders and managers accountable for continued progress against the preceding three years, the aggregate amount of such contributions during any single fiscal year of the charitable organization did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of the charitable organization’s consolidated gross revenues for that fiscal year,firm’s goals.

Employee Engagement

We value continuous dialogue with our employees about their experiences. We have several employee feedback mechanisms including:

quarterly employee opinion pulse surveys;

interactive townhalls and (ii) the charitable organization is not a family foundation created by the director or an immediate family member of the director;communications; and

 

Relationships involvingthe sponsorship of employee, professional and social impact networks.

In 2021, we shifted from annual to quarterly employee opinion surveys to create a director’s relative unlessmore continuous feedback channel with our employees. The opinion surveys and other engagement mechanisms provide us with actionable feedback for each team and for the relativefirm as a whole.

2021 Q1 Employee Opinion Survey highlights:

94%   of respondents have a clear understanding of the BlackRock Principles and their importance in how one delivers his or her work

87%   of respondents agree that the firm’s efforts to prepare clients for a net zero world make them proud to work at BlackRock

Employee Networks

Employee, professional and social impact networks also provide forums and opportunities for employees with diverse backgrounds to connect with one another and shape the firm’s culture. The networks, which continue to grow in number, are sponsored by Global Executive Committee members and designed by employees, for employees.

More recently, these networks played an active role in our response to COVID-19, including by instituting programs to combat isolation and more deeply understand the employee experience during the pandemic. The networks also have served a critical role in the firm’s dialogue around issues of racial injustices and inequities.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT39


Corporate Governance  |  BlackRock’s Impact on its People

BlackRock believes that it is imperative to support employees as a local force for good in the communities in which we live and operate, and to help build a more equitable and resilient future for our neighbors. In 2021, we launched the Gives Network, whose mission is to empower employees to channel their passions to positively impact their communities and work collectively to shape BlackRock’s local footprint. During 2021, we also launched the Asian & Middle Eastern Professionals & Allies Network to foster community, camaraderie and a sense of belonging for Asian and Middle Eastern professionals and allies at the firm.

LOGO

Learning and Development

We believe that developing the capabilities of our employees is integral to delivering long-term value. Our human capital management practices are designed to provide opportunities for employees to learn, innovate and enhance their skillsets at every stage of their career. The opportunities include:    

BlackRock Academies, BlackRock’s comprehensive suite of online interactive resources and courses whichenable employees to build skills and thought leadership in specific facets of our business;

Leadership programs,which help accelerate growth and include executive coaching, in-person and virtual learning and senior management sponsorship; and

People Manager Enablement Sessions, which are designed to equip managers with tools and resources to lead inclusively and keep teams motivated, informed and inspired.

Compensation, Wellness and Benefits

We believe that investing in the physical, emotional, mental and financial well-being of our employees is a critical component of our human capital management strategy.

Our compensation and benefits practices are designed to: attract and retain employees; align employee incentives and risk-taking with that of the firm’s and the interests of its clients; and support employees across many aspects of their lives. We have a strong pay-for-performance culture and an annual compensation process that takes into consideration firmwide results, individual business results and employee performance, as well as market benchmarks.

We also offer a wide range of benefits that are regularly reviewed in accordance with industry best practices and the local requirements of our offices, including retirement savings plans, a Flexible Time Off (“FTO”) policy and flexible working arrangements, and parental leave and family support benefits, including fertility benefits, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and backup elder and childcare benefits. Comprehensive healthcare and mental-health benefits are also offered to eligible employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, health savings and spending accounts, counseling services, an employee assistance program and access to telemedicine services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of keeping employees safe and healthy.

BlackRock implemented several initiatives to support employees following the onset of the pandemic, including:

   Offering free COVID-19 testing benefits, including at-home testing, for employees and their dependents;

   Prioritizing communication about the telemedicine and digital health resources available to employees, including mental, emotional and physical health offerings; and

   Extending cross-border healthcare coverage and support to employees and their dependents temporarily working, or on FTO, outside of their home country as a result of the pandemic.

40

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Corporate Governance  |  BlackRock’s Impact on its People

We prioritize protecting the rights of our workforce and the equitable treatment of employees. We have implemented policies related to harassment prevention and compliance with equal employment opportunity and overtime regulations, and are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. To do this, we design global programs, including environmental and occupational health and safety programs, to meet or exceed local requirements. Moreover, we encourage all employees to raise issues of concern and assure employees that they may do so without fear of retaliation.

Transparency and Accountability

We view transparency and accountability as a critical part of our DEI strategy and as a means to inform, measure and improve our human capital management practices.    

In 2020, we published our first SASB-aligned disclosure, which we plan to update annually. We also, for the first time, published our annual EEO-1 report, which includes information regarding workforce diversity. During 2020, we also set and published goals for increasing the overall workplace representation of Black and Latinx employees and growing the number of female and U.S. Black and Latinx leaders at the Director level and above.

Board Oversight of Human Capital Management

Our Board plays an immediate family memberimportant role in the oversight of human capital management at BlackRock and devotes one full Board meeting annually to an in-depth review of BlackRock’s culture, talent development, retention and recruiting initiatives, DEI strategy, leadership and succession planning and employee feedback.

Moreover, year-end business assessments, which include a review of the director.

progress that is being made against the firm’s DEI goals, influence individual compensation outcomes that are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. For a discussion on how organizational strength objectives such as attracting and inspiring talent and developing a more diverse and inclusive culture are factored into performance assessments of BlackRock’s NEOs, see “2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” beginning on page 68.

Additionally, succession planning for BlackRock’s CEO and other senior executives is a key part of the Board’s annual review of human capital management issues. As part of its determination, the Board also considered the relationships described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” Following itsthis review, the Board focuses on whether BlackRock has determined that Mses. Daley, Einhorn, Johnson, Millsthe right people in place to execute the Company’s long-term strategic plans, and Wagneron BlackRock’s ability to identify, attract, develop and Messrs. Cabiallavetta, Ford, Freda, Gerber, Maughan, Nixon, Robbins, Seidenberg, Slim and Wilson are “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards and that noneretain future senior executives. An important element of the relationships between these directorssuccession planning across the organization is a commitment to building leadership from within and BlackRock are material underincreasing diversity in leadership roles.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT41


Corporate Governance  |  Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

Management Succession Planning

Our Board recognizes the NYSE listing standards.importance of succession planning for the CEO and other key executives at BlackRock. The Board, had also previously determined that Messrs.Al-Hamad, Grosfeld, Komansky, O’Brienin consultation with the Compensation Committee, dedicates one full meeting per year to talent development review to ensure BlackRock has the right people in place to execute our long-term strategic plans and Varley, who were directorsappropriate succession for all or part of 2017 and are not standing forre-election, were “independent.” Following the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, assuming all of the nominated directors are elected, BlackRock’s Board is expected to consist of 18 directors, 15 of whom, representing approximately 83% of the Board, will be “independent” as defined in the NYSE listing standards.key roles.

DURING THESE REVIEWS, THE BOARD DISCUSSES:

Our succession process and pipeline, including DEI and Company culture goals for building future senior leaders;

Potential successors to the CEO in the event of an emergency or the CEO’s retirement; and

CEO recommendations and evaluations of potential successors for BlackRock’s top executives, along with a review of any development plans for these individuals.

BlackRock Public Policy Engagement Transparency and Protecting InvestorsPolitical Participation Policies

As part of our responsibilities to our shareholders and clients, BlackRock advocates for public policies that we believe are in our shareholders’ and clients’ long-term best interests. We support the creation of regulatory regimes that increase financial market transparency, protect investors and facilitate responsible growth of capital markets, while preserving consumer choice and properly balancing benefits versus implementation costs. BlackRock comments on public policy topics through, among other things, our published ViewPoints, which examine public policy issues and assess their implications for investors, and through comment letters and consultation responses that we submit to policy makers. We believe in the value of open dialogue and transparency on these important issues; our position papers and letters are available on the “Insights – Public Policy” section of our website.

Governance of Public Policy Engagement

BlackRock believes that responsible corporate citizenship requires active engagement in legislative and regulatory processes. Our engagement with policy makers and advocacy on public policy issues is coordinated by our Global Public Policy Group. Members of the Global Public Policy Group work closely with the Company’sBlackRock’s business and legal teams to identify legislative and regulatory priorities, both regionally and globally, that will protect investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth.

The headBlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer and members of the Global Public Policy Group is a member of the Company’s Global Executive and Operating Committees and regularly briefs these committees on our public policy priorities and related advocacy efforts. BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officer and the head of the Global Public Policy Group brief both the Board’s Risk Committee and Governance Committees to keep directors apprised of, and engaged in, the Company’sBlackRock’s legislative and regulatory priorities and advocacy initiatives. The Global Public Policy Group and executive leadership regularly meet with and exchange views on legislation and regulatory priorities with public officials and policy makers, regionally and globally, and provide such individuals with educational materials to help inform their decisions.

Trade Associations

As part of the Company’sBlackRock’s engagement in the public policy process, BlackRock participates in a number of trade organizations and industry groups. The principal trade associations that we belongadvocate for and shape public policy positions that are important to are the Investment Company Institute, the Asset Management Group of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the European Fund and Asset Management Association and the Investment Association. The Company makes payments to these organizations, including membership fees and/or dues. However, BlackRock does not control these entities and may not always be aware of the entities’ activities. We recognize that these organizations and groups represent numerous other companies and there may be instances where their positions on certain issues diverge from those of BlackRock.

As an asset manager, BlackRock focuses on issues that impact the asset management industry and the clientsglobal business community. Trade associations also provide educational, training and professional networking opportunities for whomtheir members. BlackRock participates in these associations for such opportunities and to help build consensus on issues that we actbelieve will serve investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth. We do not control these organizations, and our membership and participation in them are not endorsements of all their activities or positions. Accordingly, there may be instances where specific positions diverge from those of BlackRock.

BlackRock discloses the principal trade associations to which we belong as agentwell as those trade associations to which we paid in managing assets. In general,excess of $25,000 in 2020 for membership fees and/or dues on our Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies webpage. BlackRock periodically reviews our memberships in these trade associations, and the positions they support, to evaluate whether there is alignment between our views and those of these organizations on public policy matters we consider material to our efforts to serve our investors and clients. Where we identify a significant inconsistency on a material strategic policy issue, we will discuss and review our options with respect to such organization, including the benefits and challenges associated with our continued membership. Actions that we may take to address material misalignment include engagement with the trade association, clarifying BlackRock’s efforts are focused atposition through public statements or termination of our membership in the national or regional level, rather than at a state-specific level.trade association.

 

30BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


42

 Corporate Governance  

BLACKROCK, INC. Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Corporate Governance  |  Corporate Governance Practices and Policies

 

Political Participation

Our ability to engage policy makers and participate in the public policy arena is subject to extensive laws and regulations at the international, federal, state and local levels. Under United StatesU.S. federal law, BlackRock may not contribute corporate funds or makein-kind contributions to candidates for federal office or to national party committees. In addition to federal limits on corporate political action, our political contributions at the state and local level in the United StatesU.S. are governed by Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board RuleG-37, SEC Rule206(4)-5 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and CFTC Rule 23.451, as well as applicable state and local law. Accordingly, BlackRock does not contribute corporate funds to candidates, political party committees, political action committees or any political organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. Although permitted under federal law, BlackRock has voluntarily elected not to spend corporate funds directly on independent expenditures, including electioneering communications, and does not currently engage in “grassroots lobbying” or support or oppose ballot initiatives. AllInformation about BlackRock’s lobbying activities, including contributions required to be disclosed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, areis publicly available athttp://lobbyingdisclosure.house.govwww.senate.gov/legislative/lobbying.

BlackRock maintains a federal political action committee (“PAC”)PAC that is funded in accordance with applicable federal law on a voluntary basis by U.S.-based employees of the Company.Company who are U.S. citizens or green card holders. The PAC makes contributions at the federal level on abi-partisan basis consistent with the Company’s contribution policies and public policy goals and without regard to the private political preferences of management. As required by law, all political contributions by the PAC are reported to the Federal Election Commission and are publicly disclosed atwww.fec.gov.

BlackRock maintains compliance processes designed to ensure that its activities are conducted in accordance with this policyour Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies and all relevant laws governing political contributions in the United States. All employees are required to annually review and acknowledge their compliance responsibilities regarding political contributions and must submit all of their proposed personal political contributions to our Legal and Compliance Department to determine if such contributions are consistent with applicable legal restrictions.

Shareholder Engagement and Outreach

Our Shareholder Engagement Process

We conduct shareholder outreach throughout the year to engage with shareholders on issues that are important to them. We report back to our Board on this engagement as well as specific issues that need to be addressed.

Executive management, Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary engage on a regular basis with shareholders to solicit feedback on a variety of corporate governance matters, including but not limited to executive compensation, corporate governance policies and corporate sustainability practices. BlackRock also routinely interacts and communicates with shareholders through a number of other forums, including quarterly earnings presentations, SEC filings, the Annual Report and Proxy Statement, the annual shareholder meeting, investor meetings and conferences and web communications. We share our shareholder feedback and trends and developments about corporate governance matters with our Board and its Committees as we seek to enhance our governance and sustainability practices and improve our disclosures.

LOGO

Also see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”Analysisbeginning on page 4655 for a discussion of our compensation related shareholder engagement initiatives and our historical2020 say-on-pay vote resultsresult.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT43


Corporate Governance  |  Communications with the Board

Communications with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties may contact any member (or all members) of the Board, any Committee or any Chair of any such Committee by mail or electronically.

Correspondence may be sent by:

 

 

LOGO

Mail:

 

BlackRock, Inc.

Attn: Board of Directors

c/o Corporate Secretary

40 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10022

 

LOGO

 

 

Online:

 

Go to the BlackRock website atwww.blackrock.com. Under the headings“Our FirmCompany and Sites / About BlackRock / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview / Contact Our Board of Directors”Directors, you will find a link that may be used for writing an electronic message to the Board, the Lead Independent Director, any individual director or any group or committee of directors.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    31


  Corporate Governance  Communications with the Board
  

BlackRock’s Corporate Communications, Investor Relations and Legal and Compliance Departments will review all communications received to determine whether the contents represent a message to or matter for our directors’ review. Requests for a meeting with any member of the Board will also be reviewed accordingly and, if appropriate, arranged by Investor Relations and the Corporate Secretary. Concerns relating to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters are brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and handled in accordance with procedures established for reporting certain matters to the Audit Committee.

Shareholders are encouraged to visit the “Our Firm / Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Governance Overview”Overview page of the BlackRock website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com to see the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers and additional information about BlackRock’s Board and its Committees and corporate governance policies.

The charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance Committee, the Risk Committee and the Executive Committee can be found at the same website address. In addition, BlackRock intends to satisfy any disclosure requirements regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on its corporate website.

BlackRock will provide a copy of these documents without charge to each shareholder upon written request. Requests for copies should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary, BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.

20172020 Director Compensation

DirectorsIndependent directors receive compensation, including feesretainers and reimbursements of expenses, for their service and dedication to our Company. We recognize the substantial time and effort required to serve as a director of a large global investment firm. The goal of our director compensation program is to help attract, motivate and retain directors capable of making significant contributions to the long-term success of our Company. In order to further align the interest of our directors with the interests of our shareholders, our independent directors are required to own and maintain a minimum target number of shares, having a value equivalent to five times their annual board retainers within five years of being elected to the Board.as described below.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing director compensation periodically and making recommendations to the Board. The Compensation Committee reviews the Board’s compensation levels semi-annually. The Compensation Committee also reviews the Boarddirector compensation practices of peer corporations. For more information on these peer groups, please refer to“Role of the Compensation Consultant” on page 57.66. The Compensation Committee determined that no changes to our director compensation program were necessary for 2020.

HOW OUR DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM ALIGNS WITH LONG-TERM SHAREHOLDER INTERESTSHow Our Director Compensation Program Aligns with Long-Term Shareholder Interests

 

 

FOCUS ON EQUITY COMPENSATION

  

 

STOCK/EQUITY OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENT

OWNERSHIP

REQUIREMENT

The largest portion of independent director compensation is the annual equity grant, payable in deferred stock units.

  

All independent directors are required to own and maintainshares valued at a minimum target number of shares, equivalent to$500,000 (over five times the annual board retainer.retainer) within five years of joining the Board. All directors have met or are on track to meet this requirement.

 

 

32BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


44

 Corporate Governance  

BLACKROCK, INC. 2017 Director Compensation

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Corporate Governance  |  2020 Director Compensation

 

20172020 Elements of Director Compensation

The following table shows the elements of director compensationFor services provided by BlackRock in 2017. For 2017,2020, each independent director received an Annual Retainer of $75,000 plus Meeting Fees of $1,500,annual retainer paid quarterly in January, April, July,arrears at an annualized rate of $85,000, as well as Committee annual retainers paid quarterly in arrears at the following annualized rates: $40,000 for Chair, and October, based on service during the prior quarter. At least $25,000 for members of, the Annual Retainer, or a pro rata portion thereofAudit Committee; and $30,000 for Chairs, and $15,000 for members of, the Compensation, Governance and Risk Committees. Our Lead Independent Director received an additional annual retainer paid quarterly in the event that a director’s service is less than a full year, is paid in the formarrears at an annualized rate of BlackRock common stock. Each$100,000. In addition, each independent director who received compensation had the right to elect to receive BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value in lieu of all or a portion of his or her annual Boardretainer and Committee retainers in excess of $25,000.annual retainers.

In addition, each independent director received an annual equity grant, awarded in deferred stock units valued at $175,000$240,000. For 2020, these equity awards were granted to each director following their election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on the last business day of the first quarter of 2017. TheseMay 21, 2020. The deferred stock units are fully vested on the date of grant and are generally settled in shares of BlackRock common stock on the earlier of the third anniversary of the date of grant and the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board. Deferred stock units have no voting rights. Dividend equivalents accrue and are paid

The following table shows the elements of director compensation provided by BlackRock for services in the form of cash. Additional cash compensation was paid for certain Committees and other services, as described below.2020.

 

  

Director Compensation Element

  

Payment or Value of Equity

 

   

 

Payment or Value of Equity

 

Board Service(1)

     LOGO          

 

LOGO

Annual Retainer(1)

  

 

$      75,000 (at least td5,000 in common stock)

 

 

Annual Equity Grant(2)

  

 

$    175,000 deferred stock units

 

 

Board Meeting Fees(1)

  

 

$        1,500

 

    

Annual Retainer(2)

   $85,000  

Annual Equity Grant(3)

   td40,000 deferred stock units 
   

Lead Independent Director

  

 

$      40,000

 

      

 

 

 

td00,000

 

 

 
   

Committee Service

        

Committee Annual Retainers(1)

  

 

Chair

 

  

 

Member

 

 

Committee Annual Retainers(2)

   Chair   Member 

Audit Committee

  

 

$      30,000

 

  

 

$      15,000

 

 LOGO         $40,000   td5,000  

 

LOGO

Compensation Committee

  

 

$      20,000

 

  

 

$      10,000

 

    $30,000   td5,000 

Governance Committee

  

 

$      15,000

 

  

 

$        5,000

 

    $30,000   td5,000 

Risk Committee

  

 

$      15,000

 

  

 

$        5,000

 

    $30,000   td5,000             

Committee Meeting Fees(1)

  

 

$        1,000

 

 

  

 

$        1,000

 

 

 
   

 

(1)New

Board members rotating through Committees receive one general Committee retainerService and Committee meeting feesService Retainers. Directors have the right to elect to receive their annual retainers in the form of BlackRock common stock. Directors also have a right to elect, no later than December of the prior calendar year, to receive their annual retainers in the form of deferred stock units that are fully vested on the date of grant, and to elect for such deferred stock units, as well as deferred stock units granted as part of the meetings they attend.annual equity grant, to be settled in shares of BlackRock common stock in a lump sum on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board or in five equal installments beginning on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board and continuing on each of the next four anniversaries of such date.

(2)

Timing of Payments. Board Service and Committee Service Retainers and meeting fees are paid in January, April, July and October, based on service during the prior quarter. New Board members rotating through the standing Committees receive one general Committee retainer. From time to time, the Company also makes available, as an accommodation to all of its directors upon request, basic office space at its existing locations and administrative support, as needed.

 

(2)(3)

Annual Equity Grant. Directors were granted an annual equity award grantedfollowing their election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on the last business day of the first quarter of each year to all directors serving on that date andMay 21, 2020. The award will be delivered on the earlier of (i) the third anniversary of the date of grant and (ii) the date sucha director ceases to be a member of the Board.

Director Compensation – Changes for 2018

The Compensation Committee engaged its independent compensation consulting firm, Semler Brossy, to conduct a competitive market study of its director compensation program for 2018. Based on the study’s findings, and in light of increasing demands and engagement from our Board, the Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to simplify and modify its director compensation program effective as of the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. As a result, in early 2018 the Compensation Committee agreed to:

Increasing the Annual Retainer to $85,000, while no longer requiring a portion be received in common stock;

Increasing the Annual Equity Grant of deferred stock units to $240,000;

Increasing the annual fee for service as Lead Independent Director to $100,000;

Eliminating fees paid for attendance at Board and Committee meetings; and

Adjusting the payments awarded for Committee service. The Committee Annual Retainers for 2018 were approved as follows:

$40,000 for Chair and $25,000 for members of the Audit Committee; and

$30,000 for Chairs and $15,000 for members of our other three compensated Committees.

Additionally, during 2017 the Compensation Committee agreed to provide directors an election to defer future compensation into deferred stock units that are fully vested on the date of grant and are settled in shares of BlackRock common stock on the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board.

The modifications to total director compensation preserve our program’s emphasis on deferred equity compensation, which aligns the interests of our directors with the performance of the firm in addition to promoting long-term shareholder interests.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    33


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Corporate Governance  2017 Director Compensation45


Corporate Governance  |  2020 Director Compensation

 

20172020 Total Director Compensation

Directors in 20172020 who were also employees of BlackRock or designees of PNC are not listed in the table below table because they did not receive compensation for serving as directors or Committee members. In 2017,2020, directors who were not employees of BlackRock or PNC each received the amounts set forth in the below table and were also reimbursed for reasonable travel and related expenses. Each director who received compensation received at least $25,000 of his or her annual retainer, or a pro rata portion thereof in the event that a director’s service is less than a full year, in the form of BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value. In addition, each director who received compensation had the right to elect to receive BlackRock common stock valued at an equivalent fair market value in lieu of all or a portion of his or her annual retainer in excess of $25,000.

20172020 Total Director Compensation Table

 

 

Name

  

Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash ($)
(1)

 

   

Stock Awards ($)(2)(3)

 

   

Total ($)

 

   

 

Fees Earned
or Paid in  Cash
($)
(1)

   Stock Awards
($)
(2)
   

Total

($)

 

Abdlatif Y.Al-Hamad

   

 

82,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

282,500

 

 

 

Bader M. Alsaad

  

 

114,120

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

353,628

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta

   

 

111,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

311,500

 

 

 

  

 

124,040

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

363,548

 

Pamela Daley

   

 

115,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

315,500

 

 

 

  

 

139,153

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

378,661

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

   

 

85,000

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

285,000

 

 

 

  

 

115,000

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

354,508

 

William E. Ford

  

 

135,634

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

375,142

 

Fabrizio Freda

   

 

71,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

271,500

 

 

 

  

 

98,451

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

337,959

 

Murry S. Gerber

   

 

144,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

344,500

 

 

 

  

 

225,000

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

464,508

 

James Grosfeld

   

 

89,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

289,500

 

 

 

David Komansky(4)

   

 

22,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

222,500

 

 

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

   

 

125,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

325,500

 

 

 

Margaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

  

 

124,040

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

363,548

 

Cheryl D. Mills

   

 

88,250

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

288,250

 

 

 

  

 

115,096

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

354,604

 

Gordon M. Nixon

   

 

106,750

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

306,750

 

 

 

  

 

128,811

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

368,319

 

Thomas H. O’Brien(4)

   

 

56,000

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

256,000

 

 

 

Charles H. Robbins

  

 

98,451

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

337,959

 

Charles H. Robbins(5)

   

 

41,250

 

 

 

   

 

25,000

 

 

 

   

 

66,250

 

 

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

   

 

126,500

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

326,500

 

 

 

Ivan G. Seidenberg(3)

  

 

64,219

 

  

 

–  

 

  

 

64,219

 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

   

 

102,000

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

302,000

 

 

 

  

 

123,507

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

363,015

 

John S. Varley(6)

   

 

32,000

 

 

 

   

 

200,000

 

 

 

   

 

232,000

 

 

 

Susan L. Wagner

  

 

139,019

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

378,527

 

Susan L. Wagner

   

 

 

71,500

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

200,000

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

271,500

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Wilson

  

 

98,577

 

  

 

239,508

 

  

 

338,085

 

 

(1)

Includes thefees paid in cash and shares of common stock granted on March 31, June 30, September 2930 and December 29, 2017,31, 2020, respectively, based on the closing market prices on such dates of $383.51, $422.41, $447.09$439.97, $544.09, $563.55 and $513.71,$721.54, respectively, awarded at the election of the director in lieu of all or a portion of his or her board annual retainer and/or meeting fees in excess of $25,000.retainers. Each of the following directors elected to receive common stock in lieu of the following amounts:Mr. Al-HamadAlsaad$82,500;$37,449; Mr. Cabiallavetta – $20,495;$40,702; Ms. Daley – $115,500;$139,153; Ms. Einhorn – $0; Mr. Ford – $135,634; Mr. Freda – $71,500;$98,451; Mr. GrosfeldGerber$89,500; Mr. Maughan$0; Ms. Johnson$125,500;$40,702; Ms. Mills – $88,250;$0; Mr. Nixon – $106,750;$128,811; Mr. Robbins – $41,250;$98,451; Mr. Seidenberg – $126,500; and$64,219; Mr. Slim – $102,000.$81,845; Ms. Wagner – $45,681; and Mr. Wilson – $31,907.

 

(2)

Includes the annual grants to each non-employeedirector of 456471 deferred stock units of BlackRock with a grant date fair value of $175,000$240,000 pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions offor the awards, see Note 1418 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20172020 Form10-K. As of December 31, 2017,2020, eachnon-employee director held the following outstanding deferred stock units: 1,3062,166 deferred stock units for Ms. Daley; 2,046 deferred stock units for Mr. Ford; 1,770 deferred stock units for Mr. Nixon; 1,607 deferred stock units for Mr. Seidenberg; 1,551 deferred stock units for Mr. Slim; 1,506 deferred stock units for Ms. Johnson; 1,472 deferred stock units for Mr. Wilson; 1,380 deferred stock units for Mr. Gerber; 1,355 deferred stock units for each of Messrs.Al-Hamad, Cabiallavetta, Freda, Gerber, Grosfeld, Maughan, Seidenberg, Slim, Ms.Robbins and Mses. Einhorn, Ms. Daley, Ms. Mills and Ms. Wagner;Wagner and 896471 deferred stock units for Mr. Nixon. Messrs. Komansky, O’Brien, and Varley did not have any deferred stock units outstanding as their units were settled upon retirement from the Board. Mr. Robbins was not granted an annual deferred stock unit grant in 2017.Alsaad.

 

(3)Includes the shares of common stock granted on March 31, June 30, September 29 and December 29, 2017, respectively, based on closing market prices on such dates of $383.51, $422.41, $447.09 and $513.71, respectively, awarded in respect of the $25,000 of the annual retainer that is required to be paid in the form of common stock. The entire expense for these awards was recorded on the date of grant.

(4)Mr. Komansky and Mr. O’BrienSeidenberg retired from the Board effective May 25, 2017.21, 2020.

 

(5)Mr. Robbins joined the Board effective May 25, 2017.

(6)Mr. Varley retired from the Board effective June 20, 2017

34BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


46

 Corporate Governance  

BLACKROCK, INC. Other Executive Officers

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Corporate Governance  |  Other Executive Officers

 

Other Executive Officers

In addition to Messrs. Fink and Kapito, whose biographical information is included on pages 1417 and 16,20, respectively, the following is a list of individuals serving as executive officers of BlackRock as of the date of this Proxy Statement, each of whom also serves on BlackRock’s GEC. All of BlackRock’s executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board and CEO.

 

  

Stephen Cohen

age 45

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of EMEA since April 2021. Prior to this, Mr. Cohen served as Head of EMEA iShares and Wealth and oversaw Index Investments in EMEA from 2017 to 2021 and served as Global Head of Fixed Income Indexing from 2011 to 2017. Mr. Cohen joined BlackRock in 2011 from Nomura, where he was the Global Head of Equity Linked Strategy.

Robert L. Goldstein

age 4447

  

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock since 2014 and has been the Head ofBlackRock Solutions,, which leverages the firm’sCompany’s unique risk analytics capabilities and capital markets insights to deliver unbiased advice and expertise to other institutions, since 2009. Mr. GoldsteinHe led BlackRock’s Institutional Client Business from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Goldstein has spent his entire career at BlackRock, beginning in 1994 as an analyst in the Company’s Portfolio Analytics Group.

J. Richard Kushel

age 5154

  

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of the Portfolio Management Group, which encompasses BlackRock’s Fixed Income, Fundamental Equities, Systematic Investments, Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions and the Global Lending, Liquidity and Private Investors businesses since 2020. Prior to that, he served as the Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Global Fixed Income since 2018.from 2018 to 2020. Mr. Kushel was the Head of Multi-Asset Strategies from 2016 to 2018, the Chief Product Officer and Head of Strategic Product Management of BlackRock from 2014 to 2016, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock from 2012 to 2014, the Head of the Portfolio Management Group of BlackRock from 2010 to 2012 and the Chairman of BlackRock’s International platform from 2009 to 2010. Mr. Kushel has been with BlackRock since 1991.

Rachel Lord

age 5255

  

Senior Managing Director, has been named Chair and Head of Asia Pacific, a position she will assume beginning May 2021. Prior to this, Ms. Lord served as Head of EMEA since 2017. Ms. Lord also chairs the EMEA Executive Committee and is the Global Executive Sponsor of the Women’s Initiative Network. From 2013 to 2017, she was EMEA Head ofiShares and Head of Global Clients, ETF and Index Investments. Ms. Lord joined BlackRock in November 2013 from Citigroup where she was the Global Head of Corporate Equity Derivatives.

Mark S. McCombe

age 5255

  

Senior Managing Director, has been HeadChief Client Officer since 2019. In addition, Mr. McCombe serves as Co-Head of Americas since 2017.Global Client Portfolio Solutions. Previously, he served as Head of Americas from 2017 to 2019, Global Head and Chairman of BlackRock Alternative Investors. Mr. McCombe served as theInvestors from 2015 to 2017, Global Head of BlackRock’s Institutional Client Business from 2014 to 2016 and as the Chairman of BlackRock Alternative Investors from 2014 to 2017. He was the ChairmanHead of BlackRock’s Asia Pacific region from 2012 to 2014. Before joining BlackRock, Mr. McCombe served as Chief Executive Officer in Hong Kong for HSBC from 2010 to 2012.

Christopher J. Meade

age 4952

  

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Legal Officer of BlackRock since 2016 and General Counsel since 2015. Before joining BlackRock in 2015, Mr. Meade was the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Previously, he was a partner with the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. Earlier in his career, Mr. Meade served as a law clerk to Justice John Paul Stevens on the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Manish Mehta

age 50

Senior Managing Director, has been Global Head of Human Resources since 2019. Prior to this, Mr. Mehta was Global Head of Markets & Investments for ETF and Index Investments from 2016 to 2019, Head of Product & Markets for iShares from 2015 to 2016 and Chief Operating Officer for iShares from 2011 to 2015. Mr. Mehta joined BlackRock in 2009 as part of the acquisition of Barclays Global Investors, where he was Head of Strategy and Corporate Development and Chief of Staff to the CEO.

Gary S. Shedlin

age 5457

  

Senior Managing Director, has been Chief Financial Officer of BlackRock since 2013. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Shedlin was Vice Chairman, Investment Banking and a Managing Director in the Financial Institutions Group at Morgan Stanley from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Shedlin worked at Citigroup from 2004 to 2010, where he most recently served as Chairman of the Financial Institutions Group. Previously, Mr. Shedlin served as theCo-Head of the Financial Institutions Group at Lazard Ltd.

Jeffrey A. Smith, Ph.D.Mark Wiedman

age 4750

  

Senior Managing Director, has been Head of International and of Corporate Strategy since 2019. From 2011 to 2019, Mr. Wiedman served as Global Head of Human Resources of BlackRock since 2009. In this capacity,iShares and Index Investments. Mr. Smith supports and advises the business, and the Board, on all aspects of its investment in people and culture and the management of organizational change. Mr. Smith’s service with the firm dates back to 2006, including his years with Barclays Global Investors (“BGI”), which merged withWiedman joined BlackRock in 2009. At BGI, Mr. Smith was Global Head of Human Resources.

Ryan D. Stork

age 46

Senior Managing Director, has been BlackRock’s Chairman and Head of Asia Pacific since 2014. From 20082004 to 2014, Mr. Stork was Global Head ofhelp start what became theAladdin® business withinBlackRock Solutions and from 2005 to 2008 he was based out of BlackRock’s London office and responsible for business development and client service across the region. Between 1999 and 2005, Mr. Stork worked within BlackRock’s institutional business. Financial Markets Advisory Group. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Stork workedhe was Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at PennCorp Financial Groupthe U.S. Treasury and Conning Asset Management.a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    35


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 47


Ownership of BlackRock

Common and Preferred Stock

Common Stock

The following table includes certain information about the beneficial ownership of BlackRock’s voting securities as of March 31, 20182021, by: (i) each

Each person who is known by BlackRock to own beneficially more than 5% of any class of outstanding voting securities of BlackRock; (ii) each

Each of BlackRock’s directors and nominees; (iii) each
Each of the executive officers named in the 20172020 Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all

All of BlackRock’s executive officers and directors as a group.

Except as otherwise noted, each individual exercises sole voting power or investment power over the shares of voting securities shown. The number of shares of voting securities shown in the following Security Ownership Table as beneficially owned by each director and executive officer is determined under the rules of the SEC. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. For purposes of the Security Ownership Table, beneficial ownership includes any shares of voting securities as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares of common stock which the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2018,2021, through the exercise of any option, warrant or right. All fractional shares have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

 

36BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


48

 Ownership of BlackRock Common and Preferred Stock  

BLACKROCK, INC. Common Stock

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Ownership of BlackRock Common Stock 

 

As of March 31, 2018,2021, there were 160,308,362[] shares of BlackRock’s common stock outstanding.

 

  

 

Amount of beneficial
ownership
of common stock
(1)

 

   

 

Percent of
common stock
outstanding

 

 

 

 

Deferred/
Restricted Stock

Units(2)

 

   

Total

 

  

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and affiliates(3)

  

 

 

 

34,438,549

 

 

  

 

 

 

21.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

34,438,549

 

 

One PNC Plaza

       

249 Fifth Avenue

       

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

           

The Vanguard Group, Inc.(4)

  

 

 

 

8,576,055

 

 

  

 

 

 

5.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

8,576,055

 

 

  

            Amount of  beneficial

ownership
of common stock
(1)

   

Percent of

            common  stock
outstanding

   

Deferred/

            Restricted  Stock

Units(2)

                        Total 

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

   12,137,641(3)    7.96%        12,137,641(3) 

100 Vanguard Blvd.

               

Malvern, PA 19355

                       

Abdlatif Y.Al-Hamad

  

 

 

 

5,177

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,260

 

 

  

 

 

 

6,437

 

 

Mathis Cabiallavetta(5)

  

 

 

 

5,922

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

7,141

 

 

Bader M. Alsaad

   []    *    []    [] 

Mathis Cabiallavetta(4)

   []    *    []    [] 

Pamela Daley

  

 

 

 

2,242

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,287

 

 

  

 

 

 

3,529

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

William S. Demchak

  

 

 

 

1,200

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,200

 

 

Jessica P. Einhorn

  

 

 

 

1,914

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

3,133

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Laurence D. Fink

  

 

 

 

1,086,024

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,105

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,106,129

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

William E. Ford

  

 

 

 

2,000

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

360

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,360

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Fabrizio Freda

  

 

 

 

3,053

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

4,272

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Murry S. Gerber

  

 

 

 

39,136

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,231

 

 

  

 

 

 

40,367

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Robert L. Goldstein

  

 

 

 

33,773

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,620

 

 

  

 

 

 

43,393

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

James Grosfeld

  

 

 

 

506,371

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,275

 

 

  

 

 

 

507,646

 

 

Margaret L. Johnson

  

 

 

 

11

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

323

 

 

  

 

 

 

334

 

 

Robert S. Kapito(5)

  

 

 

 

392,891

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,325

 

 

  

 

 

 

408,216

 

 

Sir Deryck Maughan

  

 

 

 

14,504

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

15,723

 

 

Mark S. McCombe

  

 

 

 

18,997

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,270

 

 

  

 

 

 

26,267

 

 

Margaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

   []    *    []    [] 

Robert S. Kapito(4)

   []    *    []    [] 

Cheryl D. Mills

  

 

 

 

1,729

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,948

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Gordon M. Nixon

  

 

 

 

362

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,262

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,624

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Charles H. Robbins

  

 

 

 

193

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

323

 

 

  

 

 

 

516

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Ivan G. Seidenberg

  

 

 

 

11,991

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,295

 

 

  

 

 

 

13,286

 

 

Gary S. Shedlin

  

 

 

 

18,318

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,153

 

 

  

 

 

 

25,471

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

  

 

 

 

2,979

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,266

 

 

  

 

 

 

4,245

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Hans E. Vestberg

   []    *    []    [] 

Susan L. Wagner

  

 

 

 

477,341

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,219

 

 

  

 

 

 

478,560

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

Mark Wiedman

   []    *    []    [] 

Mark Wilson

  

 

 

 

7

 

 

  

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

323

 

 

  

 

 

 

330

 

 

   []    *    []    [] 

All directors and executive officers as a group (29 persons)(5)

  

 

 

 

2,811,542

 

 

  

 

 

 

1.75

 

 

 

 

 

105,004

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,916,546

 

 

All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (26 persons)(4)

   []    []%    []    [] 

 

*

The number of shares of common stock held by such individual is less than 1.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock.

 

(1)

Does not include unvested restricted stock (“RS”), unvested/unsettled RSUs and unvested stock options.

 

(2)

Does not include BPIP awards.Awards.

 

(3) Based on the Schedule 13G of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and affiliates filed on February 2, 2018.

(4)Based on the Schedule 13G of The Vanguard Group, Inc. filed on February 14, 2018.10, 2021. The Vanguard Group, Inc. reported it held 0 shares with sole voting power, 236,313 shares with shared voting power, 11,496,927 shares with sole dispositive power and 640,714 shares with shared dispositive power.

 

(5)(4)

Includes shares of BlackRock common stock held jointly, indirectly and/or in trust (other than shares the beneficial ownership of which has been disclaimed).

Preferred Stock

As of March 31, 2018, there were 823,188 shares of BlackRock’s Series Bnon-voting convertible participating preferred stock issued and outstanding, which has a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and 143,458 shares of BlackRock’s Series Cnon-voting convertible participating preferred stock issued and outstanding, which has a liquidation preference of $40.00 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”). As of March 31, 2018, PNC owned all issued and outstanding shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    37


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 49

Section 16(a) Beneficial

Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our directors, Section 16 officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of BlackRock’s equity securities to file reports of holdings of, and transactions in, BlackRock shares with the SEC and the NYSE. To the best of BlackRock’s knowledge, based on copies of such reports and representations from these reporting persons, we believe that in 2017, our directors, Section 16 officers and 10% holders met all applicable SEC filing requirements.

38BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Certain Relationships and

Related Transactions

PNC and its Subsidiaries

AsOn May 15, 2020, a subsidiary of March 31, 2018, PNC beneficially owned approximately 21.2%completed a secondary offering of 31,628,573 shares of the Company’s common stock, which included 823,188 shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of BlackRock’s Series B Convertible Participating Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and 2,875,325 shares of common stock outstanding and 21.7%under the fully exercised underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

Also on May 15, 2020, BlackRock completed its repurchase from PNC of BlackRock’s capital stock, which includes outstanding2,650,857 shares of common stock pursuant to a stock repurchase agreement, between PNC andnon-voting preferred stock.

BlackRock. Additionally, William S. Demchak Chairman, Presidentresigned from the BlackRock Board on May 15, 2020.

The secondary offering and Chief Executive Officerthe Company’s share repurchase resulted in PNC’s exit of PNC, serves asits entire ownership position in the Company. As a director of BlackRock. Although PNC has a right to, and reserves the right to do so under the PNC Stockholder Agreement, PNC has elected not to appoint a second director to the Board at this time. In addition, PNC has been permitted to invite anon-voting observer to attend Board meetings. Gregory B. Jordan, General Counsel & Head of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs ofresult, PNC is the PNC observer.no longer a related party.

BlackRock provides investment advisory and administration services to certain PNC subsidiaries and separate accounts for a fee based on assets under management. The amount of investment advisory and administration fees earned from PNC and its affiliates in relation to these services in 20172020 totaled $3.2$2.0 million.

BlackRock provides risk management advisory and technology services to PNC’s corporate and line of business asset/liability management committees, for which it received an annual fee of $6.9$8.7 million for 2017.2020. BlackRock also recorded revenue of $2.7$2.8 million related tonon-discretionary trading services.

BlackRock incurred expenses of $1.2$3.1 million to PNC affiliates in 20172020 for service fees related to certain retail and institutional clients.

Transactions between BlackRock Funds and Client Accounts and PNC and its Subsidiaries

From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, acting predominantly as agent for its clients, BlackRock effects transactions in securities and other financial assets with PNC and its subsidiaries. The amount of compensation or other value received by PNC in connection with those transactions is dependent on the capacity in which it participates in each of them, as principal or agent for other principals, and the type of security or financial asset involved. PNC may also act as the underwriter of securities purchased by BlackRock-managed funds and accounts. We principally engage in fixed income transactions with PNC. PNC (including its subsidiaries) was among one of BlackRock’s many fixed income trading counterparties in 2017.2020. Fixed income transactions are typically not traded on a commission basis and, accordingly, the amounts earned by PNC and its subsidiaries on such transactions cannot be determined.

PNC may, from time to time in the ordinary course of business, make loans to funds or separately managed accounts or commit to make future loans on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans to third parties and may enter into caps, hedges or swaps in connection with these loans. BlackRock may be an investor in orco-investor alongside these funds and accounts. BlackRock products and client accounts also enter into a variety of other arrangements with PNC and its subsidiaries on an arm’s length basis in the ordinary course of business. Such arrangements include, but are not limited to, serving as custodian or transfer agent or providing principal protection warranties as well as book value protection andco-administration,sub-administration, fund accounting, networking, leases of office space to PNC or its subsidiaries, bank account arrangements, derivative transactions, letters of credit, securities lending, loan servicing and other administrative services for BlackRock-managed funds and accounts. In certain instances, the fees that may be incurred by BlackRock funds or other products are capped at a fixed amount. In these cases, BlackRock may be responsible for payment of fees incurred in excess of these caps and amounts would be reflected in the fees for administrative services described above. Additionally, PNC or its subsidiaries or affiliates may invest in BlackRock funds or other products or buy or sell assets to or from BlackRock funds and separate accounts.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    39


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  PNC and its Subsidiaries

PNC Stockholder Agreement

During 2020, BlackRock iswas a party to the PNC Stockholder Agreement, which governsgoverned PNC’s ownership interests in and relationship with BlackRock. The PNC Stockholder Agreement terminated upon consummation of the secondary offering because PNC’s ownership of BlackRock and PNC are also parties to a registration rights agreement. The following table describes certaincapital stock fell below five percent. A description of the key provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, as amended and restated.well as the approval process for transactions (other than transactions in the ordinary course of business) with PNC, is set forth in Annex B.

 

Share Ownership

The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides for a limit on the percentage of BlackRock capital stock that may be owned by PNC at any time (which we refer to as the “PNC ownership cap”). Due to the PNC ownership cap, PNC is generally not permitted to acquire any additional capital stock of BlackRock if, after such acquisition, it would hold greater than 49.9% of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time or 38% of the sum of the total voting securities and participating preferred stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time and issuable upon the exercise of any options or other rights outstanding at that time.

In addition, PNC may not acquire any shares of BlackRock from any person other than BlackRock or a person that owns 20% or more of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock (other than itself) if, after such acquisition, it would hold capital stock of BlackRock representing more than 90% of the PNC voting ownership cap.

Prohibited

Actions

PNC is prohibited from taking part in, soliciting, negotiating with, providing information to or making any statement or proposal to any person, or making any public announcement, with respect to:

    An acquisition which would result in PNC holding more than the PNC ownership cap, or holding any equity securities of any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

    Any business combination or extraordinary transaction involving BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, including a merger, tender or exchange offer or sale of any substantial portion of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

    Any restructuring, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

    Any purchase of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, other than in the ordinary course of its business;

    Being a member of a “group”, as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of any shares of capital stock of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

    Selling any BlackRock capital stock in an unsolicited tender offer that is opposed by the BlackRock Board;

    Any proposal to seek representation on the Board of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement;

    Any proposal to seek to control or influence the management, Board or policies of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement; or

    Any action to encourage or act in concert with any third party to do any of the foregoing.

Additional

Purchase

of Voting

Securities

The PNC Stockholder Agreement gives PNC the right, in any issuance of BlackRock voting stock, (1) to purchase an amount of such stock or, at PNC’s option, Series B Preferred Stock, upon such issuance that would result in PNC holding the lesser of (a) the PNC ownership cap or (b) an ownership percentage in BlackRock equal to what it held prior to the issuance, and (2) if as a result of such stock issuance PNC’s beneficial ownership of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock decreases to less than 38%, to exchange such number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock for shares of common stock on aone-for-one basis such that following the stock issuance, PNC will beneficially own shares of voting securities representing not more than 38% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock, unless such issuance constitutes a public offering and would not, together with any stock issuance constituting a public offering since September 29, 2006, after taking into account any share repurchases by BlackRock since September 29, 2006 and transfers by PNC, decrease PNC’s total voting power to 90% or less of the PNC ownership cap.

40BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


50

 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  

BLACKROCK, INC. PNC and its Subsidiaries

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

Share Repurchase

If BlackRock engages in a share repurchase, BlackRock may require PNC to sell an amount of securities that will cause its beneficial ownership of BlackRock capital stock not to exceed its total ownership cap or voting ownership cap.

Transfer

Restrictions

PNC may not transfer any capital stock of BlackRock beneficially owned by it, except for transfers to its respective affiliates and transfers in certain other specified categories of transactions that would result in the beneficial ownership, by any person, of more than 10% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding BlackRock capital stock with respect to transfers to persons who would be eligible to report their holdings of BlackRock capital stock on Schedule 13G or of more than 5% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding capital stock with respect to any other persons.

Right of Last

Refusal

PNC must notify BlackRock if it proposes to sell shares of BlackRock capital stock in a privately negotiated transaction. Upon receipt of such notice, BlackRock will have the right to purchase all of the stock being offered, at the price and terms described in the notice. These notification requirements and purchase rights do not apply in the case oftax-free transfers to charitable organizations or foundations andtax-deferred transfers.

Corporate

Governance

Board Designation: The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides that BlackRock will use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders such that the Board will consist of no more than 19 directors:

    Not less than two nor more than four directors who will be members of BlackRock management;

    Two directors who will be designated by PNC, provided, however, that if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates shall beneficially own less than 10% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC shall promptly cause one of such PNC designees to resign and the number of PNC designees permissible shall be reduced to one; and provided further, that, if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates shall beneficially own less than 5% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC shall promptly cause the second PNC designee to resign and the number of PNC designees permissible shall be reduced to zero; and

    The remaining directors who will be independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and will not be designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

Of the current directors, William S. Demchak was designated by PNC. PNC has elected not to appoint a second director to the Board at this time, though it reserves the right to do so. In addition, PNC has been permitted to invite anon-voting observer to attend Board meetings. Gregory B. Jordan, General Counsel & Head of Regulatory and Governmental Affairs of PNC, is the PNC observer.

Voting Agreement:PNC has agreed to vote all of its voting shares in accordance with the recommendation of the Board on all matters to the extent consistent with the provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, including the election of directors.

Approvals: Under the PNC Stockholder Agreement, the following may not be done without prior approval of all of the independent directors, or at leasttwo-thirds of the directors, then in office:

    Appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock;

    Any merger, issuance of shares or similar transaction in which beneficial ownership of a majority of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock would be held by persons different from those currently holding such majority of the total voting power, or any sale of all or substantially all assets of BlackRock;

    Any acquisition of any person or business that has a consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year that equals or exceeds 20% of BlackRock’s consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year if such acquisition involves the current or potential issuance of BlackRock capital stock constituting more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding immediately after completion of such acquisition;

    Any acquisition of any person or business constituting a line of business that is materially different from the lines of business BlackRock and its controlled affiliates are engaged in at that time if such acquisition involves consideration in excess of 10% of the total assets of BlackRock on a consolidated basis;

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    41


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  PNC and its Subsidiaries

    Except for repurchases otherwise permitted under their respective stockholder agreements, any repurchase by BlackRock or any subsidiary of shares of BlackRock capital stock such that, after giving effect to such repurchase, BlackRock and its subsidiaries shall have repurchased more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock within the12-month period ending on the date of such repurchase;

    Any amendment to BlackRock’s certificate of incorporation or Bylaws;

    Any matter requiring shareholder approval pursuant to the rules of the NYSE; or

    Any amendment, modification or waiver of any restriction or prohibition on any significant shareholder (other than PNC or its affiliates) provided for under its stockholder agreement.

Committees: Consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance Committee are to be composed solely of independent directors. The Risk Committee and Executive Committee are not subject to any similar laws, rules or regulations, and as such, are composed of a mix of independent andnon-independent directors. The PNC Stockholder Agreement provides that the Executive Committee will consist of not less than five members, of which one must be designated by PNC.

Significant Stockholder Transactions

The PNC Stockholder Agreement prohibits BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction with PNC or its affiliates, unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006, is in the ordinary course of business of BlackRock or has been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those appointed by the party wishing to enter into the transaction.

Termination of the PNC Stockholder Agreement

The PNC Stockholder Agreement will terminate on the first day on which PNC and its affiliates own less than 5% of the capital stock of BlackRock, unless PNC sends a notice indicating its intent to increase its beneficial ownership above such threshold within 10 business days after it has fallen below such threshold, and PNC buys sufficient capital stock of BlackRock within 20 business days after PNC has notice that it has fallen below 5% of BlackRock capital stock such that it continues to own greater than 5% of BlackRock capital stock.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  |  Transactions with BlackRock Directors, Executive Officers and Other Related Parties

Transactions with BlackRock Directors, Executive Officers and Other Related Parties

From time to time, certain directors, their family members and related charitable foundations may have investments in various BlackRock investment vehicles or accounts. For certain types of products and services offered by BlackRock’s subsidiaries, BlackRock directors may receive discounts that are available to our employees generally. In addition, certain of the companies or affiliates of the companies that employ BlackRock’s independent directors may have investments in various BlackRock investment vehicles or accounts or may receive advisory, technology and risk management services. These investments and services are entered into in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with similarly situated customers and eligible employees.

How We Review, Approve or Ratify Transactions with Related Persons

On February 27, 2007, the Board adopted a written policy regarding related person transactions, which governs and establishes procedures for approving and ratifying related person transactions.

 

The policy defines a related person transaction as any transaction or arrangement in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, where BlackRock or any of its subsidiaries is a participant and a related person has a direct or indirect material interest. For purposes of the policy, a “related person” is any person who is, or was during the last fiscal year, a BlackRock director or executive officer, or a director nominee, or any person who is a beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of BlackRock’s voting securities, or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons.

42BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  Transactions with BlackRock Directors,Executive Officers and Other Related Parties

Related person transactions must be approved or ratified by a majority of the uninterested members of the Governance Committee or the Board. In the event it is not practicable for BlackRock to wait for approval until the next meeting of the Governance Committee or the Board, the Chairperson of the Governance Committee may approve the transaction. In reviewing any related person transaction, all of the relevant facts and circumstances must be considered, including:

 

The related person’s relationship to BlackRock and his or her interest in the transaction;

 

The benefits to BlackRock;

 

The impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder or executive officer;

 

The availability of comparable products or services that would avoid the need for a related person transaction; and

 

The terms of the transaction and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally.

PNC Approval Process

The policy provides that transactions (other than transactions in the ordinary course of business) with PNC are governed by the special approval procedures detailed in the PNC Stockholder Agreement. Those approval procedures prohibit BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction (other than any transaction in the ordinary course of business) with PNC or its affiliates unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006 or has been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those designated for appointment by the party wishing to enter into the transaction. Of the current directors, William S. Demchak was designated by PNC.

Prior to the adoption of this policy, related person transactions, including certain of the transactions described above under“— PNC and its Subsidiaries” and“— PNC Stockholder Agreement”, were reviewed with the Board at the time of entering into such transactions.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT51


Management Development

and& Compensation Committee

Interlocks and Insider

Participation

The members of the Compensation Committee during 20172020 were Mses. Einhorn, Johnson and Mills and Messrs. Gerber, Grosfeld, Komansky, Maughan,Ford (Chairperson), Nixon, Seidenberg (Chairperson)(until May 21, 2020) and Slim. No member of the Compensation Committee was, during the fiscal year, an officer or employee, or formerly an officer or employee, of BlackRock or involved in any related person transactions requiring disclosure in this Proxy Statement.

No executive officer of BlackRock served (i) as a membera:

Member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of BlackRock, (ii) as a directorBlackRock;

Director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of BlackRock,BlackRock; or (iii) as a member

Member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire Board) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of BlackRock.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    43


52

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

Item 2:


Item 2

Approval, in a Non-Binding

Advisory Vote, of the

Compensation for Named

Executive Officers

We are asking our shareholders to approve the compensation of our named executive officersNEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement.

While this vote is advisory, and not binding on the Company, it will provide information to our Board and the Compensation Committeeus regarding investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices. Our Board and the Compensation CommitteeWe value the opinions of our shareholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our shareholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

 

Before You Vote

In considering your vote, we encourage shareholders to review the information on BlackRock’s compensation policies and decisions regarding theour NEOs presented in the discussion regarding the Compensation Committeesummary of our executive compensation practices on page 65,79, as well as ourCompensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 46.55.

Ourpay-for-performance compensation philosophy is structured to align management’s interests with our shareholders’ interests. A significant portion of

total compensation for executives is closely linked to BlackRock’s financial and operational performance as well as BlackRock’s common stock price performance. BlackRock has adopted strong governance practices for its employment and compensation
programs. Compensation programs are reviewed annually to ensure that they do not promote excessive risk taking.

risk-taking.

Board Recommendation

 

   LOGO

The Board of Directors recommends you vote“FOR” the approval of the compensation of our NEOs.

 

44BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENTLOGO



 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 53


Management Development

and& Compensation Committee

Report

Management Development and& Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation for Fiscal Year 20172020

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of RegulationS-K with management and has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND& COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Ivan G. Seidenberg,William E. Ford, Chair

Jessica P. Einhorn

Murry S. Gerber

James GrosfeldMargaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

Cheryl D. Mills

Gordon M. Nixon

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    45

54

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Executive Compensation


Compensation Discussion and Analysis

BlackRock’s executive compensation program is designed to align management incentives with the long-term interests of our stakeholders. Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides shareholders with information about BlackRock’s business and 2020 financial performance, our disciplined compensation approach and 2020 compensation decisions for our NEOs, listed below.

    

Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

BlackRock’s executive compensation program is designed to align management incentives with the long-term interests of our shareholders. Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides shareholders with information about BlackRock’s business and 2017 financial performance, our disciplined compensation approach and 2017 compensation decisions for our NEOs, listed below.

 

Laurence D. Fink

 Chairman and Chief

          Executive Officer

          (“CEO”)

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

President

 

 

Robert L. Goldstein

Chief Operating

Officer

(“COO”)

 

 

Mark S. McCombeWiedman

Head of Americas

 

 

Gary S. Shedlin          

Chief Financial Officer 

(“CFO”)    

Table of Contents

46BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Chief Financial

Officer

    LOGO

LOGOTable of Contents

 

Introduction


BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT55


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  1. Introduction

1.

Introduction

Shareholder Engagement on Executive Compensation

Our Board recognizes the importance of executive compensation decisions to our shareholders.stakeholders. The annualsay-on-pay advisory vote provides our shareholders with the opportunity to:

 

evaluate

Evaluate our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices;

 

evaluate

Evaluate the alignment of the compensation of BlackRock’s NEOs with BlackRock’s results; and

 

cast

Cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of BlackRock’s NEOs.

At the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, thesay-on-pay advisory vote received majoritysignificant support, with 90%approximately 94% of the votes cast in favor of our executive compensation.compensation policies, practices and determinations. Our Board encourages an open and constructive dialogue with shareholders on compensation to ensure alignment on policies and practices.

The Compensation Committee considered shareholder input when it designed the CEO and President compensation framework as well as the BPIP Awards and the December 2017 grants of performance-based stock options.

As in prior years, we engaged shareholders inIn advance of this year’s annual meetingAnnual Meeting, we targeted stewardship officers at BlackRock’s 50 largest shareholders, representing 69% of our total outstanding shares, to incorporate their views as we continuediscuss corporate governance, executive compensation and sustainability topics outside of the proxy season. Shareholders who provided feedback generally reported that executive compensation at BlackRock was reasonable and well-aligned to enhanceperformance. No consistent or prevalent concerns were raised from our compensation programs.engagements.

BlackRock Shareholder Value Framework

BlackRock is committed to delivering long-term shareholder value. While our financial results can be affected by global capital market conditions that are beyond our control, management has the ability to influence key drivers of shareholder value.

 

As described below, BlackRock’s framework for long-term value creation is based on our ability to:

 

Generate differentiated organic growth;

 

UseLeverage our scale to deliver operating leverage;for the benefit of stakeholders; and

 

Return capital to shareholders on a consistent and predictable basis.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

BlackRock’s commitment to delivering shareholder value is aligned with the way we manage our business. By putting clients’ interests first and delivering investment, risk managementportfolio construction and technology solutions to help meet their objectives, we are able to buildgrow our business by adding new

assets under management (“AUM”) AUM and growing risk management andincreasing technology offerings,services revenue, resulting inOrganic Revenue growth..1(1)

BlackRock’s scale is one of the firm’s key strategic advantages and is an important driver ofoperating leverage that benefits clients, shareholders, employees and shareholdersthe communitiesin which we operate. We take advantage of scale in numerous areas of our business including through our index-based and cash investment strategies, brand spend, technology platform, including ourAladdin business, and our external vendor relationships.

InvestingIn addition to leveraging our scale, investing for the long-term is a key element of our strategy. Our diversified platform, in terms of styles, products, client types and geographies, enableshas enabled us to generate stable cash flow through market cycles, positioning and positions BlackRock to consistently invest for future growth and consistently return capital to our shareholders. For more details, refer to“Business Outlook” on page 34 of our 2017 2020 Form10-K.

During 2017,we returned $2.8 billion to our shareholders through a combination of share repurchases and dividends.

 

 

                      1(1)

Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net newAladdin
technology services revenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/(depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue
earned in sucha given year.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    47


56

 Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

BLACKROCK, INC. 1: Introduction

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  2020 Financial Performance

BlackRock 20172020 Financial Performance1(1)

The strength of BlackRock’s 20172020 results reflect our differentiated ability to deliver global insights, strategic advice and comprehensive solutions to our clients in a challenging market environment. We generated $391 billion of total net inflows for the long-term strategic advantages we have created by consistently investingfull year, representing 5% organic asset growth and 7% organic base fee growth. We delivered revenue, operating income and earnings growth, expanded our margin and returned $3.8 billion to shareholders. Despite a volatile market environment and uncertain economic backdrop, BlackRock continued to invest in our business. Full-year results reflected industry-leading organicbusiness to serve all our stakeholders, drive long-term growth with record full-year net inflowsand lead the evolution of $367 billion, continued Operating Margin expansion and consistent capital management. Investmentthe asset management industry. Long-term investment performance results across our alpha-seeking and index strategies as of December 31, 20172020 remain strong and are includeddetailed in Part I, Item 1 Businessof our 20172020 Form10-K.

 

Differentiated Organic Growth

OrganicBlackRock generated 5% organic asset growth of 7% in 2017 contributed to strong Organic Revenue growth2

Total net inflows of $367 billion were a record and were positive across client type, asset class, region and investment style;

Long-term net inflows of $330 billion reflected 7% organic asset growth;
base fee growth in 2020

 

 TechnologyTotal net inflows of $391 billion, positive across all client channels, asset classes and risk management revenue grew14% year-over-year led by continued momentum inAladdin; andregions, represented organic asset growth of 5%, compared to Traditional Peers(2) who generated, on average, -4% organic asset decay;

Technology services revenue grew 17% year-over-year, partially driven by the acquisition of eFront in May 2019, and eclipsed $1 billion in annual revenue; and

 

Total revenue increased 12%11% from 20162019 to $12,491$16,205 million.

LOGO

Operating Leverage

We continued to invest in our business while simultaneously expanding ourBlackRock improved its Operating Margin, as adjusted, by 40120 bps to 44.9% in 2020

Our 2020 operating margin, as adjusted, reflected a strategic commitment to investing for the long-term and benefited from record performance fees and securities lending revenue during the year and a lower level of “core” G&A expense than anticipated; and

 

Operating income, as adjusted, of $5,287$6,284 million was up 13% versus 2016, reflecting continued margin expansion and investment into the business; andfrom 2019.

 

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted, as a percent of total revenue was 33.9%, representing a decrease of 60 bps from 2016, while G&A expense increased 12% year-over-year, reflecting higher technology and data spend.

 

LOGO

LOGOLOGO

 

 

Consistent Capital Return

$2.8BlackRock returned $3.8 billion was returned to shareholders in 20172020

 

Annual dividend of $10.00$14.52 per share reflected an increase of 9%10% from $9.16$13.20 in 2016;2019; and

 

$1.11.5 billion of outstanding shares were repurchased during 2020, including $1.1 billion as part of PNC’s successful sale of its entire 22% ownership position, resulting in 2017, driving a net reduction in net share count of 2.63.4 million shares.

LOGO

Earnings Per Share Growth

DilutedBlackRock grew diluted earnings per share, as adjusted,, of $22.60 increased 17% versus 2016 by 19% to $33.82 in 2020

 

Execution of our shareholder value framework - strongRobust organic growth, Operating Marginoperating margin expansion, consistent share repurchases and consistent repurchases - in 2017higher non-operating income drove a 17%19% increase in earnings per share.

 

LOGO

LOGOLOGO

 

 

1(1)

Amounts in this section, where noted, are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, in the United States, please see Annex A.

(2)

Traditional Peers refers to public company asset managers: Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Invesco and T. Rowe Price.

 

2Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net newAladdinrevenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/ (depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue earned in such current year.

48BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Assets Under Management ($B) Revenue ($M) Operating Income ($M) (as adjusted)2 Operating Margin (as adjusted)2 Cash Dividend Per Share ($)Share Buyback ($M) Net Income ($M) Earnings Per Share (as adjusted)2 ($M)


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Compensation Discussion and Analysis  1: IntroductionLOGO57


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  Our Compensation Framework

Our Compensation Framework

Our annual total compensation program for NEOs continues to includeincludes base salary, annual incentive awards (cash and deferred equity) and long-term performance-based incentive awards.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. We do not consider these awards to be part of our annual compensation framework. For more information regarding performance-based stock options, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

Annual Incentive Awards – Pay and Performance Alignment for CEO and PresidentNEOs – Total Incentive Award Determination

Under this program, target annual cashthe NEO total incentive awards (“cash bonus”) have been established at $8.0 million and $6.5 million for our CEO and President, respectively. Actual cash bonuses can range from 0% up to a maximum of 125% of the target amount ($10.0 million and $8.125 million for the CEO and President, respectively). To determine the actual cash bonus amount,award determination framework, the Compensation Committee used the framework below to assess individual performance. The Compensation Committee createdassesses each NEO’s performance individually, based on three categories andoutlined below. Each category is assigned a weighting factor, to each, with 50% of the award opportunity dependent on BlackRock’s achievement of financial performance. To assess the performance ofgoals, 30% dependent on BlackRock’s progress towards meeting our strategic objectives as measured by our business strength and 20% dependent on BlackRock’s progress towards meeting its organizational strengths,priorities. Our commitment to sustainability is incorporated within our Business Strength and Organizational Strength objectives. In the “2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” section, performance objectives and outcomes related to ESG are noted for each NEO with anLOGO ..

At the beginning of the year, the Compensation Committee usesand management engage in a rigorous review and approval of objectives for the CEO, President and other NEOs. The objectives reinforce BlackRock’s shareholder value framework and commitment to serving client needs holistically and through market cycles. Throughout the year, the Compensation Committee receives updates on the Company’s performance against these goals and objectives. At the end of the year, the Compensation Committee assesses each NEO’s performance against these objectives, while considering internal BlackRock performance measures and also considers peer group comparisons.

The Compensation Committee’s performance assessment directly impacts each NEO’s total incentive award, which includes all variable pay including an annual cash award, deferred equity award and long-term equity award. Based on the Compensation Committee’s performance assessment, total incentive awards can range from 0% to 125% of the prior year’s total incentive pay.

Once the total incentive award is determined, the Compensation Committee determines the appropriate mix between cash, deferred equity and long-term equity. For all NEOs, at least half of their total incentive award is delivered through equity. Additionally, for Messrs. Fink and Kapito, at least half of their equity awards are delivered through the BPIP Awards, which are also contingent on future financial performance rather than solely time-based vesting.

Each NEO, through their various roles and responsibilities, contributes to the firm-wide objectives summarized below. For the NEO performance assessments, please refer to the section “2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries” on page 68.

LOGO

(1)

For reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Total annual incentive includes the NEO’s annual cash award, deferred equity award and long-term equity award.

(3)

2020 total incentive compensation is calculated using 2019 total incentive outcome multiplied by applicable performance incentive percentage.

 

Category

BlackRock Performance

          % of Award  Opportunity          

58

 

Measures Include

(internal BlackRock metrics and/or peer comparisons are considered)

Financial Performance

LOGO

Net New Business

Net New Base Fees

Organic Revenue Growth

Operating Income, as adjusted1

Operating Margin, as adjusted1

Diluted EPS, as adjusted1

Total Shareholder Return and P/E Multiple

Business Strength

LOGO

Deliver Superior Client Experience

Drive Organization Discipline

Lead in a Changing World

Organizational Strength                

LOGO

Drive High Performance

Build a more Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Develop Great Managers and Leaders

In addition to the annual cash incentive awards, the Compensation Committee expects to continue to make annual grants of long-term equity awards to both Messrs. Fink and Kapito, with at least half of such equity awards being long-term and contingent on future financial or other business performance requirements in addition to share price performance.

The Compensation Committee maintains accountability in setting the final awards in order to determine the quality of the outcomes and to reflect the executives’ ability to adapt to the evolving business environment throughout the year.

                1.For reconciliation with GAAP in the United States, please see Annex A.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    49


Compensation Discussion and Analysis   1: Introduction2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

How We Determine OtherCompensation Discussion and Analysis  |  NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

 

DETERMINATION OF OTHER NEOs’ ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION IS BASED ON:

An assessment of the individual NEO’s contributions to overall Company results and individual business results throughout the year; and

Each NEO’s influence on setting long-term strategy and in executing long-term objectives.

INPUTS TO INDIVIDUAL NEO TOTAL ANNUAL COMPENSATION DECISIONS INCLUDE:

Financial factors, such as revenue, Operating Income, Diluted EPS and Operating Margin, in each case, as adjusted1;

Non-financial factors such as individual NEO performance in running their respective businesses, overall investment performance, client relationship strength, organizational discipline and inclusion and diversity commitment; and

Other considerations such as external market conditions and market intelligence on competitive compensation. See“Competitive Pay Positioning – Market Data” on page 57.

The deferred equity component of each of our other NEOs’ annual incentive award is determined by a Company-wide deferral policy. Higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages. All long-term equity-based incentive awards granted under BPIP are funded and awarded separately from the total bonus pool and are determined on a subjective basis as part of the Compensation Committee’s total annual compensation decision.

NEO Total Annual Compensation Summary

Following a review of full-year business and individual NEO performance, the Compensation Committee determined 20172020 total annual compensation outcomes for each NEO, as outlined in the table below.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. For more information regarding these performance-based stock options, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

   
      

2017 Annual Incentive Award       

 

                    

 

2020 Total Incentive Award

 

      
        

Name

  

Base
Salary

 

   

Cash

 

   

Deferred
Equity

 

   

Long-Term
Incentive Award
(BPIP)

 

   

Total Annual
Compensation
(“TAC”)

 

   

% change in
TAC vs. 2016

 

   

Performance-
Based Stock
Options

 

  

Base   

Salary   

 

 

Cash   

 

 

Deferred   

Equity   

 

  

 

Long-Term   

Incentive Award   

(BPIP)   

 

 

 

Total Annual   

Compensation   

(TAC)   

 

 

% change in   

TAC vs. 2019   

 

 

Performance 

Assessment 

 

Laurence D. Fink

  $

 

900,000

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

  $

 

4,600,000

 

 

 

  $

 

12,450,000

 

 

 

  $

 

27,950,000

 

 

 

   

 

10%

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 $1,500,000    $9,500,000     $3,950,000     $14,900,000    $29,850,000    18%    Far Exceeds 

Robert S. Kapito

  $

 

750,000

 

 

 

  $

 

8,125,000

 

 

 

  $

 

3,514,000

 

 

 

  $

 

9,626,000

 

 

 

  $

 

22,015,000

 

 

 

   

 

10%

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 $1,250,000    $8,250,000     $3,937,500     $11,187,500    $24,625,000    23%    Far Exceeds 

Robert L. Goldstein

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

3,275,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,325,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,100,000

 

 

 

  $

 

8,200,000

 

 

 

   

 

12%

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

 $500,000    $3,175,000     $2,325,000     $5,750,000    $11,750,000    19%    Far Exceeds 

Mark S. McCombe

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,725,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,775,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,950,000

 

 

 

  $

 

6,950,000

 

 

 

   

 

11%

 

 

 

  $

 

10,000,000

 

 

 

Mark Wiedman

 $500,000    $2,675,000     $1,725,000     $5,600,000    $10,500,000    24%    Far Exceeds 

Gary S. Shedlin

  $

 

500,000

 

 

 

  $

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,750,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,850,000

 

 

 

  $

 

6,800,000

 

 

 

   

 

11%

 

 

 

  $

 

7,500,000

 

 

 

 $500,000    $2,800,000     $1,850,000     $3,350,000    $8,500,000    18%    Far Exceeds 

The amounts listed above as “2017 Annual2020 Total Incentive Award: Deferred Equity”Equity and “Long-Term2020 Total Incentive Award: Long-Term Incentive Award (BPIP)” were granted in January 20182021 in the form of equity and are separate from thein addition to cash award amounts listed above as “2017 Annual2020 Total Incentive Award: Cash.” In conformance with SEC requirements, the 20172020 Summary Compensation Table on page 6882 reports equity in the year granted, but cash in the year earned.

                            1. For reconciliation  with GAAP in the United States, please see Annex A.

50BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  1: IntroductionLOGO

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOs

Our total annual compensation structure embodies our commitment to align pay with performance. More than 90% of our regular annual executive compensation is performance based and “at risk.” Compensation mix percentages shown below are based on 20172020 year-end compensation decisions for individual NEOs by the Compensation Committee.

 

 

LOGOLOGO

 

1(1)

All grants of BlackRock equity, (includingincluding the portion of the annual incentive awards granted in RSUs and BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (“BPIP”) Awards)the portion granted under the BPIP Awards, are approved for each NEO by the Compensation Committee under the Stock Plan, which has been previously approved by shareholders. The Stock Plan allows for multiple types of awards to be granted.

 

2(2)

The value of the 2017 long-term incentive2020 BPIP Awards and the value of the equity portion of the bonus for 2017 annual incentive deferred equity awards waswere converted into RSUs by dividing the award value by $566.44,$739.22, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2018.15, 2021.

 

3(3)

For NEOs other than the CEO and President, higher annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages, in accordance with the Company-wide deferral policy, as detailed on page 50.61.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    51

2017 CEO Total Annual Compensation-$27.95M Base Salary (Cash) $900k 97% of total compensation is variable and based on performance Annual Incentive (Cash) $10.00M 125% of target Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2) $4.6M Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) $12.45M 75% of equity is awarded in BPIP 2017 President Total Annual Compensation- $22.02M Base Salary (Cash) $750k Annual Incentive (Cash) $8.13M 125% of target Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2) $3.51M Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) $9.63M 75% of equity is awarded in BPIP 60-61% of total annual compensation is awarded in equity 2017 Total Annual Compensation for NEOs (excluding CEO and President) Base Salary (Cash) 7-8% of pay 92-94% of total compensation is variable and based on performance Annual Incentive (Cash3) 39-40% of pay Annual Incentive (Deferred Equity1,2,3) 26-28% of pay Long-Term Incentive (BPIP) (Performance Based Equity1,2) 26-28% of pay 53-54% of total annual compensation is awarded in equity


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 59


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  Pay-for-Performance – Chairman and CEO

Pay-for-Performance – Chairman and CEO

The graph below reflects BlackRock’s financial growth as well as CEO total compensation decisions during the period from 2011 to 2020. We strive to keep pay decisions aligned with performance.

LOGO

Pay-for-Performance – Other NEOs

We strive to keep pay decisions aligned with performance. Our rigorous assessment and pay determination process has resulted in disciplined pay levels that have been outpaced by financial and market value growth over time, as demonstrated by CEO pay in the chart above. The average year-over-year total compensation growth for the CEO and the President was +3%, since 2011. The average year-over-year total compensation growth for the other NEOs (excluding the CEO and the President) was +4% since 2011. The year-to-year decisions have been made to align compensation with annual performance and our talent strategy.

60

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

LOGO

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  2. Our Compensation Program

2.

Our Compensation Program

Compensation Program Objectives

Our compensation program is designed to:

 

appropriately balance

Appropriately allocate BlackRock’s financial resultsprofitability between shareholders and employees;

 

determine

Determine overall compensation based on a combination of firm, business area and individual employee performance;

 

align

Align the interests of our senior-level employees, including NEOs, with those of shareholders through the use of long-term performance-based equity awards and accumulation of meaningful share ownership positions;

 

discourage

Discourage excessive risk-taking; and

 

attract,

Attract, motivate and retain high-performing employees.

Compensation Elements

 

  

Element/How it is Paid

 

Purpose

 

Description

BASE SALARY

Base Salary

 

Cash

 

To provide competitive fixed compensation based on knowledge, skills, experience and responsibilities.

 

Base salary is a relatively small portion of total annual compensation for NEOs and other senior-level employees; this approach allows BlackRock to effectively manage its fixed expenses.

 

Base salary levels are reviewed periodically in light of market practices and changes in responsibilities.

ANNUAL

INCENTIVE AWARDAnnual Incentive Award

 

Cash and

Deferred Equity

 

(Time-vested RSUs)

 

Terms:

 

The deferred equity portion of the annual incentive award is converted into a fixed number of RSUs using a conversion price.(1)

 

The deferred equity portion of the annual incentive award vests in equal installments over the three years following grant.

 

Dividend equivalents accumulate during the vesting period and are paid following delivery of shares.

 

Expense is recognized over the vesting period.

 

To reward achievement of goals and objectives.

 

Aligns with Company-wide performance and business unit / function performance.

 

Deferred equity component aligns compensation with multi-year shareholder outcomes.

 

For CEO and President

 

Annual incentive award determinations for CEO and President are based upon the pay framework outlined on page 49.

Annual cash incentive awards may range from 0%assessment of performance against three categories: financial, business strength and organizational strength, weighted 50%, 30% and 20% respectively. Each category has pre-identified objectives, which in turn are relative to 125% of apre-defined target amount.

The time-based RSU component of the annual incentive award is determined separately by the Compensation Committee; however, it is expected that up to, but no more than, 50% of total equity compensation value granted with respect to a particular performance year will be time-based with the remainder in the form of performance-based equity.

For Other NEOs

Annual incentive award determinations do not rely on a specific formula.budget/expectations, prior achievement or peer comparisons. A variety of factors are considered to determine the size of an NEO’sthe CEO, President and other NEOs’ annual incentive award.awards. The Compensation Committee considers absolute and/or relative performance outcomes against Company, business and individual NEO goals and objectives, as well as the context in which they were achieved. These goals and objectives are set in the first quarter of each year and performance against them is assessed atyear-end. SeeCompensation Determination Process”Process beginning on page 56.65.

 

HigherFor Messrs. Fink and Kapito, the Compensation Committee determines the appropriate pay mix between cash and equity for their annual incentive awards. For the other NEOs, annual incentive awards are subject to higher deferral percentages in accordance with the Company-wide deferral policy. Deferral amounts follow a step-function approach, starting at 15% of the total award and increasing to 50%70% of the total award for the portion of the bonus in excess of $3.0$10 million.

 

(1)

For 20172020 deferred equity, the award value was converted into a number of RSUs by dividing the award value by $566.44,$739.22, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2018.15, 2021.

 

52BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Compensation Discussion and Analysis  2: Our Compensation ProgramLOGO61


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  Compensation Elements

 

Element/How it is Paid

 

Purpose

 

Description

 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE

AWARDLong-Term Incentive Award

 

BlackRock Performance

Incentive Plan (BPIP)

 

(Performance-Based RSUs)

 

Terms:

 

The target BPIP Award value is converted into a base number of RSUs using a conversion price.(1)

 

The final number of RSUs delivered at settlement is variable based on certain financial metrics achieved over a three-year performance period.

 

Dividend equivalents accumulate during the vestingperformance period and are paid in cash after the performance period with respect to the number of shares that are delivered in settlement of the award.

 

Expense, based on the expected number of awards to be delivered, is recognized over the vesting period.

 

 

 

To recognize the scope of an individual employee’s role, business expertise and leadership skills.

 

To recognize prior year performance and anticipate continued performance and long-term focus over a multi-year period.

 

Aligns the interests of senior-level employees with those of shareholders by aligning compensation with long-term drivers of shareholder value.

 

 

While no specific formulas or weights are used to determine the size of long-term incentive awards, theThe Compensation Committee considers the role and influence of the NEO on setting long-term strategy and in executing long-term objectives in determining individual award amounts.amounts, although no specific formulas or weights are used to determine the size of a long-term incentive award. See “Compensation Determination Process” beginning on page 56.65.

 

The performance-based RSUs are settled in a number of shares of common stock that is determined based on the levelattainment of attainment ofpre-established Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, targets over a three-year performance period.

 

The maximum number of shares that may be earned under the program is equal to 165% of the base number of RSUs granted. No shares will be earned in the event of negative Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, below a threshold level of performance over a three-year performance period. More details on the 2020 BPIP Awards are provided below.

 

(1)

For 2017 long-term incentive2020 BPIP Awards, the award value was converted into a base number of RSUs by dividing the award value by $566.44,$739.22, which represented the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2018.15, 2021.

BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

BlackRock believes in aligning the interests of our senior-level employees, including our NEOs, with those of our shareholders and in closely aligning compensation with long-term performance. BPIP was designed to further align compensation with BlackRock’s framework for long-term shareholder value creation. A portion of each NEO’s incentive compensation for 2020 was provided in the form of a BPIP Award granted in January 2021. In addition to recognizing an NEO’s performance in the prior year, the BPIP Awards are intended to promote a focus on driving increased performance over a multi-year period. BlackRock is focused on balancing investment to optimize Organic Revenue growth in the most efficient way possible.

In January 2015, with the advice of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, Semler Brossy,Each year, the Compensation Committee approved a new form of performance-based equity awards, referred to asapproves the BPIP Awards and Award Determination Matrix, following a comprehensive review of future performance goals and expectations, potential pay outcomes for employees, shareholder input and market trends. BPIP was designed to further align compensation with management’s long-term creation of shareholder value.

Each NEO was granted a BPIP Award in January 2015, 2016 and 2017 as part of his or her incentive compensation for their 2014, 2015 and 2016 performance, respectively. Similarly, a portion of each NEO’s incentive compensation for 2017 was in the form of a BPIP Award granted in January 2018. In addition to recognizing an NEO’s performance in the prior year, the BPIP Awards are intended to incentivize continued performance and long-term focus over a multi-year period. The January 2018 BPIP grants (for 2017 performance) are described in further detail below.

BlackRock is focused on achieving the right balance of investing to drive future growth in Organic Revenue, and the impact those investments have on our expense base and Operating Margin, as adjusted.

BPIP Awards are granted in the form of RSUs that vest after three years. The number of shares vesting under BPIP is based on the attainment of specified levels of Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, over athe three-year performance period. Awards are settled in the form of common stock.

BLACKROCK, INC.The 2020 BPIP Award Determination Matrix (performance period beginning January 1, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2023) is outlined below. Additionally, we have included the actual performance and payout for the 2017 BPIP Award, which vested on January 31, 2021 (performance period began January 1, 2018, PROXY STATEMENT    53and ended on December 31, 2020).


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  2: Our Compensation Program

 

62

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

BPIP FINANCIAL METRICSFinancial Metrics

 

BPIP is tied to two key drivers of shareholder value – Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, over a three-year performance period – that are directly influenced by BlackRock’s senior-level employees across market cycles.

 

  Organic Revenue growth is a measure of the expected annual revenue impact of BlackRock’s total net new business in a given year, including net new technology servicesAladdinrevenue, excluding the effect of market appreciation/(depreciation) and foreign exchange. Organic Revenue is not directly correlated with the actual revenue earned in sucha given year.

 

  Operating Margin, as adjusted, is a measure of BlackRock’s ability to efficiently manage our expense base in the context of the revenue we generate.

 

Similar to previous BPIP Awards, the January 2018 BPIP Awards have a three-year performance period that commenced on January 1, 2018 and end on December 31, 2020. Each BPIP Award consists of a “base” number of RSUs granted to the recipient. Distributions will be in the form of common stock.

2020 BPIP Award Determination Matrix

Performance Period (2021-2023)

For the January 20182020 BPIP Awards granted in January 2021, the number of shares that a recipient ultimately receives upon settlement will be equal to the base number of RSUs granted, multiplied by a percentage determined in accordance with the January 20182020 BPIP Award Determination Matrix below. The percentage will be determined by BlackRock’s average annual average Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, during the three-year performance period; performance between two adjacent points on the matrix will be extrapolated.interpolated.

A summary version of the matrix for the January 20182020 BPIP Awards granted in January 2021 is set forthshown below.

2018 BPIP AWARD DETERMINATION MATRIX

  
   

3-yr Average Annual Organic Revenue growth ($ million)

    
      

3-yr Average  

Annual Operating Margin, as Adjusted  

 

  

<=0

 

   

475

 

   

675

 

   

875

 

   

>=1,075

 

   

 

 

>=50.5%  

  

 

100%

 

  

 

123%

 

  

 

133%

 

  

 

149%

 

  

 

165%

 

 

 

 

 

48.5%  

  

 

83%

 

  

 

112%

 

  

 

122%

 

  

 

138%

 

  

 

154%

 

 

 

 

 

46.5%  

  

 

67%

 

  

 

101%

 

  

 

111%

 

  

 

127%

 

  

 

143%

 

 

 

 

 

44.5%  

  

 

50%

 

  

 

85%

 

  

 

100%

 

  

 

116%

 

  

 

133%

 

 

 

Target Level

 

42.5%  

  

 

33%

 

  

 

69%

 

  

 

83%

 

  

 

105%

 

  

 

122%

 

 

 

 

 

40.5%  

  

 

17%

 

  

 

52%

 

  

 

67%

 

  

 

92%

 

  

 

111%

 

 

 

 

 

<=38.5%  

  

 

0%

 

  

 

35%

 

  

 

50%

 

  

 

75%

 

  

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

3-yr Average Organic Revenue ($M)            

 

    

3-yr Average  

           Op Margin, as Adjusted  

    <=0     300     500     700     >=900    

 

>=50.5%  

    

 

 

 

100%

 

 

    

 

 

 

120%

 

 

    

 

 

 

133%

 

 

    

 

 

 

149%

 

 

    

 

 

 

165%

 

 

  

 

48.5%  

    

 

 

 

83%

 

 

    

 

 

 

109%

 

 

    

 

 

 

122%

 

 

    

 

 

 

138%

 

 

    

 

 

 

154%

 

 

  

 

46.5%  

    

 

 

 

67%

 

 

    

 

 

 

97%

 

 

    

 

 

 

111%

 

 

    

 

 

 

127%

 

 

    

 

 

 

143%

 

 

  

 

44.5%  

    

 

 

 

50%

 

 

    

 

 

 

80%

 

 

    

 

 

 

100%

 

 

    

 

 

 

116%

 

 

    

 

 

 

133%

 

 

  

 

Target Level

 

42.5%  

    

 

 

 

33%

 

 

    

 

 

 

63%

 

 

    

 

 

 

83%

 

 

    

 

 

 

105%

 

 

    

 

 

 

122%

 

 

  

 

40.5%  

    

 

 

 

17%

 

 

    

 

 

 

47%

 

 

    

 

 

 

67%

 

 

    

 

 

 

92%

 

 

    

 

 

 

111%

 

 

  

 

<=38.5%  

    

 

 

 

0%

 

 

    

 

 

 

30%

 

 

    

 

 

 

50%

 

 

    

 

 

 

75%

 

 

    

 

 

 

100%

 

 

  

If target levelTarget Level performance is achieved (i.e., during the three-year performance period BlackRock hasfollowing grant, average annual Organic Revenue equal to $500growth equals $675 million and average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal toequals 44.5%), then a participant will receive a number of shares equal to 100% of the base number of units granted to the participant.

If during the three-year performance period following grant, BlackRock has zero or negative average annual Organic Revenue growth and average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 38.5% or less, than,then the participant will not be entitled to a distribution of any shares under their 2018his or her 2020 BPIP Award.

If maximum level performance is achieved, then a participant will receive the maximum number of shares (meaning that during the three-year performance period following grant, BlackRock delivered average annual Organic Revenue growth equal to or greater than $1,075 million and an average annual Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal to or greater than 50.5%). The maximum number of shares a participant may receive under BPIP equals 165% of the base number of units.

 

54BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Compensation Discussion and Analysis  2: Our Compensation ProgramLOGO63


 

If

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  BlackRock Performance Incentive Plan (BPIP)

2017 BPIP Award: Actual Performance and Payout

Performance Period (2018-2020)

For the 2017 BPIP Awards granted in January 2018 as part of 2017 NEO incentive compensation, the number of shares that a recipient received upon settlement was equal to the base number of RSUs granted, multiplied by 102.4%, which was determined in accordance with the 2017 BPIP Award Determination Matrix. The percentage was determined by BlackRock’s average annual Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, during the January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 performance period.

BlackRock achieved above Target Level results in the 2018-2020 performance cycle, with three-year performance period, BlackRock were to deliver average annual Organic Revenue growth of $700$547 million and average Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 44.5%, then a recipient receiving a BPIP Award valued44.3%. This resulted in the recipients’ award units settling at $2.0 million in January 2018 would receive a distribution of 4,096 shares, or 116%102.4% of the base number of RSUsunits granted. Outlined below is an example of how this above-target level achievement would be calculated.

JANUARY 2018 BPIP GRANT: EXAMPLEActual Payout – Example

 

  

BPIP Award Value

$1 million

For Performance Year 2017 and in anticipation of continued performance and long-term focus over a

multi-year period

  $2,000,000 

Conversion Price

$566.44

The average of the high and low prices per share of common stock of BlackRock on January 16, 2018

(the grant date)

  $566.44 

Base number of units granted

1,765

Determined by dividing the dollar value of the recipient’s award by the conversion price

  

3,531  

($2,000,0001,000,000 / $566.44)

 HypotheticalActual Performance Results(1)

 $700M547 million 

Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2020(3-year) (three-year) average Organic Revenue growth

 (i.e., above target)Target Level of $500 million) 

Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2020(3-year) (three-year) average Operating Margin, as adjusted

  

44.3%
(below Target Level of 44.5%

(i.e., at target)  

)

Resulting Award Payout (%)

102.4%

Based on Award Determination Matrix

  116% 

Resulting Award Payout (Number of units)

 4,096  1,807

Base number of units granted x Award Payout (%)

  

(3,5311,765 x 116%102.4%)

 

(1)

For further details on the 2017 BPIP Awards granted in January 2018, including the full Award Determination Matrix, please refer to page 54 of BlackRock’s 2018 Proxy Statement.

If maximum level performance is achieved, then a participant will receive the maximum number of shares (meaning that during the performance period, BlackRock delivered average Organic Revenue equal to or greater than $900 million and average Operating Margin, as adjusted, equal to or greater than 50.5%).The maximum number of shares a participant may receive under BPIP is equal to 165% of the base number of units.

Performance-Based Stock Options

BlackRock has a robust leadership plan that is reviewed regularly by the Compensation Committee and the full Board, including ongoing succession planning and development initiatives for the senior leadership team. In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017.

The Compensation Committee approved these grants in December 2017 in consultation with Semler Brossy, and following a comprehensive review of leadership and development plans, potential value outcomes, shareholder input and market trends.One-third of these performance-based stock options will vest on each of the fifth, sixth and seventh anniversaries of the date of grant, provided a stock price hurdle of at least 25% growth from the strike price of $513.50 (the closing stock price on the date of grant) is met and maintained for 20 consecutive trading days within five years of grant and positive Organic Revenue growth during the performance period is achieved. The term of the stock options is nine years. Consistent with the intent of these grants, if a participant voluntarily terminates employment for any reason, including retirement, all unvested awards are forfeited.

The Compensation Committee believes that the stock options drive increased equity ownership for a select group of future leaders and create economic incentives that more closely align the recipients of the stock options with the original entrepreneurial spirit of BlackRock’s founders. The structure of these awards seeks to retain key participants with BlackRock for an extended period, recognizing their important contributions to growing the Company and their potential in leading it into the future. In concert with their regular annual compensation, these awards seek to maximally align participants with our shareholders over a sustained number of years.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    55


64

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

LOGO

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  3. Compensation Determination Process

 

Compensation3.

Compensation

Determination Process

Compensation Timeline and Process

The Compensation Committee structures the timing and process for determining individual NEO compensation so that compensation is appropriately aligned with the financial performance of BlackRock. This also ensures recognition of individual NEO leadership and operating contributions toward achieving our overall strategic priorities.

 

1

STEP ONE I January-March

SET GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Review Budget/Set CEO Goals and Objectives

At the start of each year, management reviews the annual budget with the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee and CEO establish financial and business goals and objectives. The Board is regularly updated on progress against the business goals and objectives, which provide the context for performance evaluations atyear-end.

2

STEP TWO I March-January of following year

REVIEWYEAR-END FINANCIALS

ReviewYear-End Financials

The Compensation Committee regularly meets with the CFO to review actual and projected financial information and reviews and verifies full-year financial information afteryear-end. Throughout the year, all members of the Board review strategic plans, financial and business results, talent development and succession planning, as well as other areas relevant to BlackRock’s performance.

The Compensation Committee also reviews other measures of our financial, investment and operating performance, market intelligence on compensation and information about market conditions.

3

STEP THREEINovember-January of following year

ASSESS PRELIMINARY PERFORMANCE

Review Peer Market Data

In December, management reports on absolute and relative performance metrics compared to major competitors,year-over-year and budget. These metrics include growth in revenues, operating income, net income, operating margin and net new inflows of AUM and other quantitative and strategic measures.

Review Consultant Reports on Compensation

Our compensation consultant also provides an independent report on publicly disclosed financial and compensation information for certain publicly traded financial services companies to understand performance and trends in compensation among public asset managers.

Review Preliminary NEO Performance / Discuss NEO Pay

In December, during an executive session with the Compensation Committee, the CEO reviews the performance of all individual NEOs against business goals and objectives. During an executive session that excludes all members of management, thenon-management directors assess the performance of the CEO against business goals and objectives.

 

56BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

LOGO


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  3: Compensation Determination ProcessLOGO

4

STEP FOURIJanuary of following year

ASSESS FINAL PERFORMANCE AND DETERMINE COMPENSATION

Review Final NEO Performance

In early January, the Compensation Committee reviews and confirms each NEO’s performance against individual and Company objectives based on the finalyear-end results.

Approve Final Total Annual Cash Incentive Awards

The Compensation Committee reviews and verifiesyear-end financial results and other performance metrics as well as external data for comparison. The Compensation Committee then determines final total annual incentive award amounts for each of our NEOs. The Compensation Committee determines annual cash incentive award amounts for the CEO and President utilizing the annual cash incentive award framework, based on financial performance, business strength and organizational strength, supported by performance measures.

Approve BPIP Award Determination Matrix

The Compensation Committee also determines equity awards made through BPIP. This timing allows the Compensation Committee to consider full-year individual NEO performance assessments along with full-year financial andnon-financial results in its final determination of compensation. The Compensation Committee also determines the Award Determination Matrix for the three-year BPIP performance cycle. In setting financial performance requirements for BPIP, the Compensation Committee considers BlackRock’s past performance and the current market environment. Compensation decisions are made on a total annual compensation basis, with consideration of each element of compensation, as described on pages 52 to 55.

Competitive Pay Positioning – Market Data

ManagementBlackRock engages McLagan Partners (“McLagan”), a compensation consultant that specializes in conducting proprietary compensation surveys and interpreting compensation trends. ManagementThe Company used McLagan surveys to evaluate BlackRock’sits competitive position overall, as well asincluding by functional business and by title, and make comparisons on an individual NEO basis, where survey data was available and appropriate.

Survey results were analyzed to account for differences in the scale and scope between BlackRock and other survey participants.

Survey participants include both stand-alone, publicly traded asset management companies as well as a broader set of privately held or subsidiary asset management organizations for which publicly available compensation data is not available. Confidentiality obligations to McLagan and to its survey participants prevent BlackRock from disclosing the companies included in the surveys.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT65


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  Competitive Pay Positioning – Market Data

The Compensation Committee reviews market data to understand compensation practices and trends in the broader marketplace. Individual NEO compensation decisions are primarily based on assessments of individual NEO and Company performance.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

In 2017,2020, the Compensation Committee continued to engage Semler Brossy for objective advice on compensation practices and the competitive landscape for the compensation of BlackRock’s executive officers.

Semler Brossy reports directly to the Compensation Committee and interacts with BlackRock management when necessary and appropriate. Semler Brossy provides services only to the Compensation Committee as an independent consultant and does not have any other consulting engagements with, or provide any other services to, BlackRock. The independence of Semler Brossy has been assessed according to factors stipulated by the SEC and the Compensation Committee concluded that no conflict of interest exists that would prevent Semler Brossy from independently advising the Compensation Committee.

A representative from Semler Brossy met with the Compensation Committee in formal Committee meetings and at key points throughout the year to provide objective advice to the Compensation Committee on existing and emerging compensation practices among financial services companies, as well as companies in the asset management sector. The representative from Semler Brossy also meets with the Compensation Committee in executive sessions throughout the year to discuss compensation practices and industry pay trends.

Peer Group Composition – Changes in 2017

The Compensation Committee, with assistance from Semler Brossy, regularly reviews the composition of our peer group to ensure the group continues to serve as an appropriate market reference for executive compensation purposes. In considering the compositionfall of 2020, the Compensation Committee determined that the peer group should be updated to more closely reflect the current scale and breadth of our business.

In reaching its decision to revise the peer group, the Compensation Committee considersreviewed the results of a screening process for identifying companies that are in our industry or have similar lines of business, are competitors for our executive talent, are large, complex organizations with global reach and/or are similarly sized from a revenue and market capcapitalization perspective. During 2017,The Compensation Committee approved the updates to the peer group shown below, which reflect the addition of relevant companies identified through the screening process and the removal of certain companies that were determined to no longer be appropriate peers relative to BlackRock’s scale, global reach and product breadth.

Industry Fit: Given BlackRock’s diversified lines of business, the Compensation Committee determined broadened its industry review (beyond traditional asset management) to consider diversified financial and technology companies

Diversified Financials – the Compensation Committee considered Capital Markets and Consumer Finance companiesthat provide whole-portfolio solutions through a global and diverse investment platform

Technology Servicesthe Compensation Committee considered Software & Services industry companies offering global IT service platforms, given BlackRock’s global technology services platform supporting risk and investment solutions

Size and Global Reach: Given BlackRock’s growth, the peer group should be updatedCompensation Committee considered companies reflecting comparative size metrics to BlackRock, including revenue (0.5x to 3x revenue) and market capitalization (above $10 billion)

2020 PEER GROUP

 

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    57

LOGO


66

 Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

BLACKROCK, INC. 3: Compensation Determination Process

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


to more closely reflect our current scale, business and strategic priorities. Given that determination, in the fall of 2017 the Compensation Committee removed four companies whose market caps were below $10 billion (BlackRock’s market cap as of December 31, 2017 was $84 billion) and added the three new companies shown on the right of the chart below:

 

 

LOGOCompensation Discussion and Analysis  |  Role of the Compensation Consultant

As previously noted, the McLagan analyses, which include both publicly traded companies as well as private companies in a variety of industries and sectors, offer additional comparisons through which BlackRock can understand the competitiveness of its executive compensation programs overall, by functional business and by title/individual. Semler Brossy independently reviewed the results and the companies included in the McLagan analyses. BlackRock does not engage in formal benchmarking in setting executive compensation levels.

Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans

Our employee compensation program isprograms are structured to discourage excessive and unnecessary risk taking.risk-taking. The Board recognizes that potential risks to BlackRock may be inherent in employee compensation programs. The BoardCompensation Committee periodically reviews BlackRock’s executiveemployee compensation program annuallyprograms to ensure that it isthey are structured so as not to unintentionally promote excessive risk taking.risk-taking. As a result of this annual review,these periodic reviews, we believe that theour employee compensation plansprograms are appropriately structured and do not pose risks that couldare reasonably likely to have a materially adverse effect on BlackRock.

The Compensation Committee considers the following when evaluating whether employee compensation plans and policiesprograms encourage BlackRock employees to take unreasonable risks:

Performance goals that are reasonable in light of past performance and market conditions;

 

Longer-term expectations for earnings and growth;

 

The base salary component of compensation does not encourage risk takingrisk-taking because it is a fixed amount;

A greater portion of annual compensation is deferred at higher annual incentive award levels; and

 

Deferred compensation is delivered in the form of equity, vests over time, and the value is therefore dependent on the future performance of BlackRock.BlackRock; and

BlackRock’s Clawback Policy and stock ownership guidelines.

Essential to the success of BlackRock’s business model is the ability to both understand and manage risk. These fundamentals are inherent in the design of our employee compensation programs, which reward employees for strong performance in their management of client assets and in managing risk within the risk profiles appropriate to each of BlackRock’s clients.BlackRock client. As such, employees are not rewarded for engaging in high-risk transactions outside of established parameters.

Our compensation practices reinforce the fundamentals of BlackRock’s business model in that they:

Do not provide undue incentives for short-term planning or action toward short-term financial rewards;

 

Do not reward unreasonable risk-taking; and

Provide a reasonable balance between the risks that are inherent in the business of investment management, risk management and advisory services.

The Company’s operating income, as adjusted, on which compensation is primarily based, does not include net investment income or gains/losses on BlackRock’s seed orco-investments. While BlackRock may make seed orco-investments in its various funds alongside clients, it does not engage in proprietary trading.

 

58BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT

Peer group adjustments made in 2017 REMOVED Alliance Bernstein Eaton Vance Legg Mason Federated Investors - REMAINING FOR 2017 + Affiliated Managers Group Ameriprise Financial Bank of New York Mellon Franklin Resources Invesco Northern Trust State Street T. Rowe Price Group ADDED Charles Schwab Goldman Sachs Morgan Stanley New Peer Group effective 2017


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT LOGO67


 

LOGO

2017Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation

and Performance Summaries

4.

2020 NEO Compensation

and Performance Summaries

Linking Pay and Performance

Here we provide 2017 compensationthe 2020 NEO performance assessments and total incentive award decisions

As outlined in “Our Compensation Framework” on page 58, the Compensation Committee assesses each NEO’s performance against financial performance objectives (50%), business strength objectives (30%) and organizational strength objectives (20%).

Our commitment to sustainability is incorporated within our Business Strength and Organizational Strength objectives. In this section, performance objectives and outcomes related to ESG are noted for each NEO andwith anLOGO ..

The performance assessments have a summary of his individual performance accomplishments relativedirect link to achieving BlackRock’sthe total incentive outcome (annual discretionary cash award, annual discretionary deferred equity award, and long-term performance goals.equity awards) for each NEO.

68

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

 

Laurence D.


Fink

 

Chairman and CEO

  

20172020 Compensation

    

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Fink developsguides and guidesoversees BlackRock’s long-term strategic direction to deliver value for clients and shareholders.

 

He is responsible for senior leadership development and succession planning, defining and reinforcing BlackRock’s mission and culture, and engaging with key strategic clients, industry leaders, regulators and policy makers.

  

(Thousands)

     
 

Base Salary

$1,500

  

 Base SalaryAnnual Incentive Award - Cash

 

 

$9,500

900

 

 
  

Annual Incentive Award – Cash- Equity

 

 

$3,950

10,000

 

 
  

 AnnualLong-Term Incentive Award – Equity

 

 

$14,900

4,600

 

 
  

 Long-Term Incentive AwardTotal Annual Compensation

 

 

$29,850

12,450

 

 
  

 Total Annual Compensation

$

27,950

 

 

  

Overall Assessment: Far Exceeds Expectations

Mr. Fink successfully led BlackRock through a challenging environment in 2020, focusing the firm on strategic priorities, providing thought leadership, investment insights and risk management tools to our clients, and prioritizing the well-being of BlackRock employees and the firm’s culture. Mr. Fink drove the firm and surrounding ecosystem around sustainability and climate risk as investment risk and helped communities through philanthropic efforts. The culmination of these efforts delivered value for shareholders.

Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Fink’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Fink’s 2020 total compensation at $29.85 million, up 18% from 2019.

Compensation Scorecard

  

Performance Category   

 Performance Highlights Assessment

 

Financial

Performance

 

LOGO

 

 

 

   Drove strong performance globally across investment solutions (all asset classes, investment styles and regions) and technology services, resulting in full-year revenue growth of 11% and operating income growth of 13%, compared to 2019.

 

   Generated annual net inflows of $391 billion, representing 5% organic asset growth and 7% organic base fee growth that exceeded the growth rates of our competitors.

 

   Led the firm’s ability to invest through volatile markets, while expanding full-year operating margin and returning $3.8 billion of capital to shareholders.

 

   Continued to generate differentiated organic growth and financial results, leading to significant stock price outperformance and P/E multiple premium versus Traditional Peers.

 

  

 

Far Exceeds

Expectations

  

Measures

 

 

BlackRock Performance

 

 
 

 

2019            

 

 

 

2020        

 

 
  

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

5%

 

7%

 
  

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

$5,551

 

$6,284

 
  

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)

 

43.7%

 

44.9%

 
  

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted(1)

 

$28.48            

 

$33.82

 
  
   Share Price Data 

 

BlackRock

 

Traditional Peers(2) 

Average

  
  
   

NTM P/E Multiple(3)

 

20.6x

 

10.1x

  
   

% Change in Share Price vs. Prior Year

 

+44%

 

+10%

  
             

(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

(2)

Traditional Peers refers to Alliance Bernstein, Affiliated Managers Group, Franklin Resources, Invesco and T. Rowe Price.

(3)

NTM P/E multiple refers to the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2020, divided by the consensus estimate of the Company’s expected earnings over the next 12 months. Sourced from FactSet.

     
The Compensation Committee determined Mr. Fink’s total annual compensation based on an assessment of performance in alignment with the compensation structure outlined on pages 52 to 55.BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 

Based on BlackRock’s financial performance, strong business results and organizational improvement in 2017, the Compensation Committee determined to award Mr. Fink $27.95 million in total compensation, up 10% from his 2016 compensation.69


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

The Compensation Committee assessed Mr. Fink’s strategic leadership and partnership with the GEC and took into account the key performance factors outlined below.

  

2017 Key

AccomplishmentsPerformance Category   

 

 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPerformance Highlights

  Assessment
 

Business

Strength

LOGO

 

Under

Deliver for clients

   In partnership with Mr. Fink’s leadership, supported by his reputationKapito, drove exceptional long-term investment performance across BlackRock’s active platform, delivering over $30 billion of alpha for clients in 2020 as over 85% of fundamental active equity, systematic active equity and taxable fixed income assets performed above their respective benchmarks or peer medians for the trailing five-year period.

   Continued to offer clients expanded ETF investment options, resulting in $185 billion of inflows across iShares and $89 billion of the net inflows in Fixed Income iShares.

   Raised a record $25 billion of client capital in 2020, across infrastructure, private equity solutions, private credit and the final close of BlackRock’s innovative direct private equity Long Term Private Capital strategy.

   Personally served as a thought leader for BlackRock’s clients and shareholders during increased levels of uncertainty in the broader financial services industrymarket, engaging in more than 400 client meetings and the relationships he has built for BlackRockexternal events with institutions, governments and central banks around the world, BlackRockworld.

   Led firmwide sustainability commitments which strengthened BlackRock’s ability to serve clients with sustainability research, investment solutions and technology, and in turn generated total$68 billion of net inflows of $367 billion in 2017, the strongest flowssustainable strategies in BlackRock’s history. Total net inflows included long-term net inflows of $330 billion,2020, representing over 60% organic asset growth of 7%.growth.LOGO

 

   Emphasized the importance of providing clients with enhanced sustainability data across their portfolios, achieving 100% ESG integration of over 5,600 active and advisory strategies, with all publicly available active strategies featuring integration statements on the BlackRock website.LOGO

  Far Exceeds

  Expectations

 

Long-term organic growth outperformed peers, demonstrating the strength of BlackRock’s diverse platform, global footprint, strategic relationships with clients and its differentiated ability to use technology to create solutions for clients.

Total revenue increased 12% relative to 2016, primarily driven by base fee growth, as a result of strong organic growth and market appreciation, strong performance fees and continued momentum in our technology and risk management businesses.

Operating income, as adjusted, increased 13% year-over-year and 2017 Operating Margin, as adjusted, of 44.1% expanded 40 basis points, even as BlackRock continued to invest in the business for future growth.

Diluted Earnings Per Share, as adjusted, increased 17% year-over-year.

    

Evolve how we serve clients

   Continued to invest for long-term growth, highlighted by the acquisition of Aperio, a pioneer in customizing tax-optimized index equity separately managed accounts, to enhance our wealth platform and provide whole-portfolio solutions to ultra-high net worth advisors.

   Continued to expand BlackRock’s presence in new markets, with a focus on deepening our presence in China.

   Oversaw launch of AladdinClimate to help investors better assess both the physical risk of climate change and the transition risk to a low-carbon economy on their portfolios.LOGO

 

BlackRock‘s 2017 total shareholder return of 38.2% including both stock price appreciation and dividend payout, exceeded our Peer Group average.

Lead in a changing world

 

   Led the firm’s response to the pandemic and volatile markets, engaging with the Board on their impact to the firm’s strategy and bolstering the connectivity across the Global Executive Committee through more frequent meetings and collaborative efforts to meet client needs.

 

   Focused on how to advance racial equity through public policy and legislative outcomes where we operate.LOGO

   Established The BlackRock Foundation to augment our efforts to promote a more inclusive and sustainable economy. LOGO

   Underlined the importance of enhancing sustainability in stewardship, partnering with leaders to map the firm’s engagement priorities to specific UN Sustainable Development Goals and publishing the firm’s SASB and TCFD disclosures.LOGO

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    59

70

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

  
Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

4: 2017 NEO Compensation and Performance SummariesCategory 

Performance Highlights

Assessment

 
  Organizational

  Strength

LOGO

Attract and inspire talent

   Drove increased senior leader accountability of talent and succession, with more rigorous Talent Bench Reviews and the roll-out of sponsorship programs for underrepresented talent.LOGO

   Elevated Sandra Boss, Global Head of Investment Stewardship, Sudhir Nair, Global Head of the Aladdin business, and Martin Small, Head of BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory business, to the Global Executive Committee.LOGO

   Continued to progress CEO and President succession discussions with the Board.

Far Exceeds

Expectations  

Inclusion and diversity

   Oversaw progress toward our senior women leadership target of 30%, increasing 80 basis points from 2019 to 29.7% representation in senior roles at the end of 2020.LOGO

   Hired female leaders into strategic areas for the firm, including Sandra Boss as Global Head of Investment Stewardship and Michelle Gadsden-Williams as Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.LOGO

   Built a strong pipeline of future talent through the most diverse Graduate Analyst Program class yet, with 58% female representation globally and 29% Black and Latinx representation in the U.S.LOGO

 

  

Purpose and culture

Laurence   Despite the challenging environment, emphasized the importance of culture globally, as evidenced by the 2020 Employee Opinion Survey results, with 91% of employees proud to work at BlackRock and over 80% feeling that BlackRock is invested in their well-being.LOGO

D. Fink, Continued   Prioritized the health and safety of employees during the pandemic, providing COVID-19 testing globally, free telemedicine options and additional support for families.LOGO

 

  
BUSINESS STRENGTH

Mr. Fink’s strategic and talent leadership, with the partnership of Mr. Kapito, helped enable BlackRock’s active investments platform to deliver strong performance in 2017 and improved performance relative to peers.

BlackRock demonstrated successful execution across several strategic initiatives, in-line with the Company’s long-term strategy, that have positioned the firm for future growth, including technology, factors/smart beta, ETFs and infrastructure.

Mr. Fink’s focus on technology has elevated its use across the organization. BlackRock made significant progress in advancing its technology agenda, including evolving the Digital Wealth platform, implementing Aladdin Risk for Wealth Management and increasing reach with financial advisors through enhanced U.S. Wealth Advisory sales enablement technology capabilities.

With Mr. Fink’s engagement, BlackRock increased market share with key clients and distributors, maintaining its #1 market share of ETF AUM and net flows globally and sustaining momentum across the Institutional platform with two consecutive years of organic asset growth.

Under Mr. Fink’s guidance, BlackRock continued to drive its growth strategy through several tactical acquisitions and investments. BlackRock expanded its infrastructure platform with the acquisition of First Reserve’s Infrastructure Funds, continued to build its digital distribution capabilities with the acquisition of Cachematrix and a minority investment in Scalable Capital and reaffirmed its conviction for the Mexican market with BlackRock’s announcement of its agreement to acquire Citibanamex’s asset management business, which is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH

Mr. Fink continued to drive the Company’s succession planning, improve the leadership bench, enhance the talent review process and proactively develop key talent. This included naming Rachel Lord as head of EMEA, David Blumer as head of BlackRock Alternative Investors, Mark McCombe as Head of Americas and Frank Cooper as Chief Marketing Officer.

Under Mr. Fink’s leadership, as measured by BlackRock’s 2017 Employee Opinion Survey, employee engagement and enablement remains strong, with over 70% of employees showing positive scores in engagement, enablement and satisfaction.

Additionally, Mr. Fink strengthened BlackRock’s focus on inclusion and diversity. BlackRock showed strong progress in ethnically diverse hiring and global female hiring during 2017 and is on track to meet or exceed firm wide 2020 diversity targets. Mr. Fink also oversaw the Company’s efforts to create functional and regional diversity progress reports to drive accountability and added two new diverse members to his executive team.

Mr. Fink’s focus on formalizing and institutionalizing BlackRock’s culture throughout the organization drove the launch of Knowing BlackRock Core and the BlackRock Academies, unique learning platforms grounded in BlackRock’s “One BlackRock” culture and made available to all employees of the firm.

 

 

60BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Compensation Discussion and Analysis  4: 2017 NEO Compensation and Performance SummariesLOGO71


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

Robert S.

Kapito

 

President

  

 20172020 Compensation

    

Responsibilities:

 

Mr. Kapito is responsible for executing BlackRock’s strategic plans and overseeing the global business operations of the Company.

 

He ensures connectivity and coordination of operating processes across all groups in the organization, in part through his leadership, along with Mr. Goldstein, of the Global Operating Committee.

 

He is also responsible for spearheading initiatives to drive investment performance and the results within each of BlackRock’s businesses.

  

(Thousands)

     
 

Base Salary

$1,250

  

 Base SalaryAnnual Incentive Award - Cash

 

 

$8,250

750

 

 
  

Annual Incentive Award – Cash- Equity

 

 

$3,938

8,125

 

 
  

 AnnualLong-Term Incentive Award – Equity

 

 

$11,188

3,514

 

 
  

 Long-Term Incentive AwardTotal Annual Compensation

 

 

$24,625

9,626

 

 
  

 Total Annual Compensation

$

22,015

 

 

  

Overall Assessment: Far Exceeds Expectations

In 2020, Mr. Kapito led the firm’s exceptional long-term investment performance for clients, while partnering with senior leaders to ensure operational resilience during the pandemic. Mr. Kapito also led a renewed focus on organizational strength at the firm, personally engaging with employees globally to lead a purpose driven culture.

Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Kapito’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Kapito’s 2020 total compensation at $24.63 million, up 23% from 2019.

Compensation Scorecard

  

Performance Category  

 Performance Highlights Assessment

 

Financial

Performance

 

  LOGO

 

 

 

   Responsible for BlackRock’s distribution channels and client-facing businesses, including maintaining relationships with key intermediary partners, and contributed to 5% organic asset growth and 7% organic base fee growth.

 

   Guided leadership in the management of record AUM of $8.68 trillion, including over $2 trillion in active, nearly $6 trillion in iShares ETFs & Index and nearly $700 billion in cash management strategies.

 

   Delivered on day-to-day oversight of the firm’s business operations, partnering with Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Shedlin to manage an operating margin, as adjusted, of 44.9%, up 120 basis points from 2019.

 

  

 

Far Exceeds

Expectations

      

Measures

 

 

 

BlackRock Performance

 

  
 

 

2019            

 

 

 

2020        

 

  
  

Net New Base Fee Growth

 

5%

 

7%

  
  

Operating Income, as adjusted(1) ($ million)

 

$5,551

 

$6,284

  
  

Operating Margin, as adjusted(1)         

 

43.7%

 

44.9%

  
            

(1)

Amounts are shown on an “as adjusted” basis. For a reconciliation with GAAP, please see Annex A.

The Compensation Committee determined Mr. Kapito’s total annual compensation in alignment with the compensation structure on pages 52 to 55.

The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Kapito $22.02 million in total compensation for 2017, up 10% from his 2016 compensation.

72

 

The Compensation Committee assessed Mr. Kapito’s leadership and took into account the key performance factors outlined below.

2017 Key
BLACKROCK, INC.

Accomplishments 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

Mr. Kapito partnered with Mr. Fink to help lead the BlackRock Global Executive Committee and deliver all of the financial results outlined in the 2017 performance section on page 48.

Mr. Kapito’s operational responsibility for BlackRock’s distribution channels and client-facing businesses,
including significant relationships with key intermediary partners, contributed to BlackRock’s net inflows
of $367 billion in 2017, including long-term net inflows of $330 billion, representing organic growth of
7% and driving strong Organic Revenue growth for the firm. These successes helped support
BlackRock’s outperformance relative to peers in capturing long-term asset flows.

He providedday-to-day oversight of the business that was instrumental in achieving a 44.1%
Operating Margin, as adjusted, expanding 40 basis points from 2016.

Mr. Kapito maintained responsibility for all of the firm’s investments, distribution and technology
businesses, thereby overseeing continued growth in most of BlackRock’s key franchises (particularly
ETFs and Index Investments, Global Fixed Income andAladdin).

Under his direct leadership, helped by strategic oversight by Mr. Fink, BlackRock’s investment teams
generated strong long-term performance:

   For taxable Fixed Income, 73% and 90% of assets were above benchmark or peer median for the3-
    and5-year periods, respectively.

   Fortax-exempt Fixed Income, 68% and 72% of assets were above benchmark or peer median for
    the3- and5-year periods, respectively.

   For Fundamental Equity, 72% and 73% of assets were above benchmark or peer median for the3-
    and5-year periods, respectively.

   For Systematic Equity, 87% and 90% of assets were above benchmark or peer median for the3- and
    5-year periods, respectively.

Mr. Kapito also played a pivotal role in overseeing the Company’s response to regulatory changes,
including MiFID II, and the continued evolution and preparations taken in our businesses in
connection with the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule.

Mr. Kapito transformed the Active Equities platform, in partnership with Mark Wiseman, through the
buildout of the internal equity research capabilities and merging together two distinct cultures
(fundamental and systematic) to produce better results for clients and BlackRock.

He increased BlackRock’s focus on inclusion and diversity. BlackRock showed strong progress in
ethnically diverse hiring and global female hiring during 2017 and is on track to meet or exceed firm
wide 2020 diversity targets. Mr. Kapito exemplifies BlackRock culture and Principles internally through
sponsorship of key programs, support of the growth and development of our employee networks and
diversity initiatives.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    61


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

Performance Category 

 

Performance Highlights

  

 

 

Assessment

 

Business

Strength                     

 

  LOGO

 

 

Deliver for clients

 

   Led exceptional long-term investment performance across active products, delivering over $30 billion of alpha for clients in 2020, which drove $88 billion of total active net inflows for the year and a record $30 billion in active equity net inflows.

 

  

 

Far Exceeds

Expectations

      

 

  Actively managed AUM above benchmark or peer median

 1-Yr              3-Yr              5-Yr          

 

  

  Taxable Fixed Income

 

86%

 

87%

 

88%

 
  

  Tax-Exempt Fixed Income

 

36%

 

56%

 

78%

 
  

  Fundamental Equity

 

78%

 

85%

 

85%

 
  

  Systematic Equity

 

61%

 

46%

 

88%

 
 
  

 

   Oversaw the seamless execution of our trading platform through unprecedented volatility and volume, with over 20% growth in trading volumes for 2020.

 

   In response to the pandemic, at the peak levels of uncertainty, engaged in over 100 outreach calls to ensure client needs were being met.

 

   Led the effort in BlackRock’s discretionary active portfolios to completely exit investments in public companies with more than 25% of revenues from thermal coal production and exit any company with ties to controversial
weapons.LOGO

   
 
  

Evolve how we serve clients

 

   Oversaw the growth of the illiquid alternatives platform to $86 billion AUM. Raised a record $25 billion of client capital in 2020, led by infrastructure, private equity solutions, private credit and the final close of our direct private equity Long Term Private Capital strategy.

 

   Integrated the private and public Capital Markets functions to unlock synergies and increase collaboration and deal flow across the Portfolio Management Group and the Alternatives Group.

    
  

Lead in a changing world

 

   During the pandemic, partnered with Mr. Goldstein in overseeing key day-to-day management challenges, including managerial priorities and resource allocation.

 

   Oversaw the Financial Markets Advisory team’s engagement and execution of three programs implemented by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to help stabilize financial markets and support the economy through the pandemic.

 

   Focused on how to advance racial equity through public policy and legislative outcomes where we operate.LOGO

 

   Established The BlackRock Foundation to augment our efforts to promote a more inclusive and sustainable
economy. LOGO

  
 
  Organizational

  Strength

 

LOGO

 

Attract and inspire talent

 

   Established the Portfolio Management Group, aligning our seven portfolio management businesses, to empower a broad set of leaders, while ensuring the businesses remain nimble and innovative.LOGO

 

   Continued to oversee talent programs and committees to engage critical talent across the firm and provide development opportunities.LOGO

   

Far Exceeds

Expectations

 

Inclusion and diversity

 

   In partnership with Mr. Fink, re-committed the firm’s focus on improved recruiting and talent management of diverse talent across the firm, resulting in an increase in racial/ethnic representation in the U.S.LOGO

   
 
  

Purpose and culture

 

   Led progress in building a purpose driven culture through personal engagement with leaders and employees, evidenced by 2020 Employee Opinion Survey engagement and enablement scores, which were up four percentage points, and 86% of employees indicating they were willing to go above and beyond in their role.LOGO

 

   Prioritized the health and safety of employees during the pandemic, hosting over 30 town halls to increase levels of connectivity across the firm and support leadership teams.LOGO

 

    

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Compensation Discussion and Analysis  4: 2017 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries73


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Robert L.

Goldstein

 

COO

  

 20172020 Compensation

    

Responsibilities:

 

As COO, Mr. Goldstein is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s investment, client, risk analytics, technology and technologyoperating functions have the necessary connectivity, coordination and operatingscalable processes in place to succeed.

 

Mr. Goldstein also leads theBlackRock Solutions (“BRS”) business, delivering investment and risk analytics technology to clients.

 

AlongMr. Goldstein co-chairs, along with Mr. Kapito, Mr. Goldsteinco-chairs the BlackRock Global Operating Committee. WithHe also co-chairs, along with Mr. Shedlin, he alsoco-chairs the Planning, Budgeting and Alignment (“PBA”) Committee, which is responsible for developingmakes recommendations regarding the firm’sCompany’s budget evaluatingand evaluates new initiatives aimed at driving growth and achieving strategic objectives of the firm.objectives.

 

  

(Thousands)

     

Base Salary

$500

Annual Incentive Award - Cash

$3,175

Annual Incentive Award - Equity

$2,325

Long-Term Incentive Award

$5,750

Total Annual Compensation

$11,750

  

    

 Base Salary

 

 

$

 

500

 

 

 

 

 Annual Incentive Award – Cash

$

3,275

 Annual Incentive Award – Equity

$

2,325

 Long-Term Incentive Award

$

2,100

 Total Annual Compensation1

$

8,200

 

2017 KeyOverall Assessment: Far Exceeds Expectations

Accomplishments

 

In 2020, Mr. Goldstein’s leadership significantly contributed to BlackRock’s ability to react and operate during the unprecedented and challenging environment presented by the pandemic, while also prioritizing the well-being of employees globally. Mr. Goldstein continued to deliver on critical prioritieslead the advancement of technology services for clients and make progress against key contributions to help drive success for BlackRock in 2017, including:

   Growing tech and tech-enabled revenue;

   Leading the firm-wide business review and budgeting process;

talent initiatives.

 

   Effectively managing risk and driving efficiencies; and

   Inspiring and sponsoringOverall, the next generationCompensation Committee’s assessment of leadersMr. Goldstein’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Goldstein’s 2020 total compensation at BlackRock.

Mr. Goldstein continued to partner with Mr. Kapito to lead BlackRock’s Global Operating Committee, as well as led theC-20 (COO Executive Committee), creating an inclusive environment in service of advancing the business agenda.

Under his leadership, BlackRock’s tech agenda and businesses continued to demonstrate record- setting, double-digit revenue growth, while also expanding capabilities. Mr. Goldstein continued to execute upon and drive growth within Aladdin Risk for Wealth Management, as well as launched the Digital Wealth organization to seize opportunities in transformation of the wealth landscape.

Mr. Goldstein drove the firm’s strategic growth initiatives in 2017, including guiding organization and planning and ensuring appropriate allocation of resources to drive success.

He continued to lead and streamline the business review and budgeting processes, while reducing organizational tax and driving connectivity. Mr. Goldstein ensured cross-functional priorities had the appropriate focus and leadership, including projects related to index and market data, BlackRock’s global footprint and BlackRock’s response to MiFiD II.

Mr. Goldstein drove operating leverage and efficiency in 2017, resulting in reduced trade processing costs, among other enhancements. Mr. Goldstein also contributed meaningfully to BlackRock’s overall diversity efforts by building a diverse technology talent pipeline and leading the business review process, which includes an accountability mechanism for increasing under-represented populations across the firm.

1   In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. For more information regarding these performance-based stock options, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

$11.75 million, up 19% from 2019.

 

 

62BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  4: 2017 NEO Compensation and Performance SummariesLOGO

 

Performance Category  

  Performance Highlights   Assessment

 

Mark S.Financial

McCombePerformance

 

Head of Americas

 2017 Compensation

Responsibilities:

As Head of Americas, Mr. McCombe is responsible for driving growth in BlackRock’s businesses in the US, Canada and Latin America and Iberia. He oversees key client relationships in the region and ensures greater connectivity to stay ahead of regulatory, technology and client preference changes in the Americas.

He also oversees other distribution businesses in the Americas, including North American Institutional clients,Aladdin and Digital Wealth in the Americas.

 (Thousands)LOGO

 

   

 

 Base Salary   Delivered on oversight of the firm’s business operations, partnering with Mr. Kapito and Mr. Shedlin to manage an operating margin, as adjusted, of 44.9%, up 120 basis points from 2019.

 

$

500

   Under Mr. Goldstein’s leadership, BlackRock generated a record $1.1 billion of 2020 technology services revenue, representing 17% year-over-year growth.

 

 

 
 

 

 Annual Incentive Award – CashFar Exceeds

Expectations

 

$Business Strength

 

2,725LOGO

 

 Annual Incentive Award – Equity

$

1,775

 Long-Term Incentive Award

$

1,950

 Total Annual Compensation1

$

6,950

   

   During the pandemic, partnered with Mr. Kapito in overseeing key day-to-day management, including managerial priorities and resource allocation.

   Ensured the firm appropriately managed operating risk and operating platform stability during the firm’s swift migration to 95% of employees working in a remote environment.

   Partnered with Manish Mehta, Global Head of Human Resources, and Derek Stein, Global Head of Technology and Operations, in establishing health and safety focused return to office protocols (including testing and case management).

   Oversaw the resilience and stability of the Aladdin platform with record trading volumes and increased market volatility throughout the year.

   Launched AladdinClimate, setting a new standard for assessing environmental risks across asset classes in investment portfolios.LOGO

   Partnered with leaders across the firm to integrate ESG onto Aladdin, adding 1,200 sustainability metrics and establishing data partnerships with Sustainalytics, Refinitiv and Rhodium to help clients better understand portfolio risks.LOGO

   

Far Exceeds

Expectations

74

 

2017 Key BLACKROCK, INC.

Accomplishments  2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

Mr. McCombe was appointed Head of Americas in January 2017. In this role, he has led the integration of the Americas businesses and drove cross-Americas dialogue on key opportunities and threats. He oversaw strong growth across the Americas franchise, with $300 billion of net inflows, representing 9% organic growth, in 2017.

During the first part of the year, Mr. McCombe continued to lead BlackRock Alternative Investors where he built out an Alternatives vision with a5-year


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries strategic growth plan and drove commercial impact with record Alternatives capital raising and improved investment performance.

Mr. McCombe played a leadership role in advancing BlackRock’s culture and diversity agenda through executive sponsorship of a number of firm-wide programs, including serving as the executive sponsor of the Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) program, a firm initiative focused on developing diverse high performing Vice Presidents, and an executive sponsor of the BlackRock OUT & Allies network; and also served as Chairman of the Toigo Foundation, an organization supporting diverse MBA candidates in securing elevated roles in financial services.

1   In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. For more information regarding these performance-based stock options, see “Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

 

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    63


 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis  

4: 2017 NEO Compensation and Performance SummariesCategory  

  Performance Highlights  Assessment

Organizational Strength

LOGO

   Partnered with Mr. Wiedman and Mr. Mehta to lead Talent Bench Review discussions with senior leaders focused on strengthening our talent pipeline, driving accountability with our senior leaders and identifying key actions the firm needs to take to close succession gaps.LOGO

   Focused on evolving the experience and career path of technologists, launching the Technology Fellows program to recognize our talent and position them to drive the firm’s technology strategy.LOGO

   Made progress in increasing gender diversity across technology groups. Continued to drive engagement discussions and improve racial/ethnic representation.LOGO

   Led work to refresh and evolve the BlackRock Principles, which reflect the core values, aspirations and cultural language embraced by our employees.LOGO

   During the pandemic, led efforts to establish, update and communicate to employees on work-from-home policies, prioritizing the health and safety of our global population.LOGO

Far Exceeds

Expectations

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT75


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

 

 

Gary S.

ShedlinMark Wiedman

 

CFOHead of International and of Corporate Strategy

  

 20172020 Compensation

Responsibilities:

As Head of International and of Corporate Strategy, Mr. Wiedman is responsible for shaping the firm’s strategy and aligning resources, talent and operating plans to serve clients and drive growth.

Mr. Wiedman also oversees BlackRock’s operations in EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific, and global marketing.

(Thousands)

     
 

Base Salary

$500

Annual Incentive Award - Cash

$2,675

Annual Incentive Award - Equity

$1,725

Long-Term Incentive Award

$5,600

Total Annual Compensation

$10,500

Overall Assessment: Far Exceeds Expectations

In 2020, Mr. Wiedman significantly contributed to outlining and executing against BlackRock’s strategy in a challenging environment, while also contributing to the oversight of day-to-day management and resource allocation. He partnered with senior leaders and country managers to serve clients locally, made progress against sustainability priorities and engaged in efforts focused on BlackRock’s purpose.

Overall, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Wiedman’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination. Based on the performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Wiedman’s 2020 total compensation at $10.50 million, up 24% from 2019.

Performance Category  

  Performance HighlightsAssessment

Financial

Performance

LOGO

   As Head of International, drove global growth across investment solutions, generating net inflows of $97 billion and $65 billion across active and passive strategies in the EMEA and APAC regions, respectively.

   Achieved more than $1 billion of net inflows in each of 19 countries and 104 different investment products.

Far Exceeds

Expectations

Business Strength

LOGO

   During the pandemic, reviewed and executed against the firm’s strategy and strategic opportunities, including iShares, Aladdin, private markets, alpha generation, whole portfolio solutions and sustainable investing.

   Enhanced the firm’s competitive intelligence efforts, tracking business progress against key initiatives and overseeing business reviews throughout the year.

   Established a framework for country managers to drive a local approach to client solutions, personally supporting regional leaders in serving client needs.

   Led BlackRock’s execution to integrate sustainability as a key component in the way the firm manages risk, constructs portfolios, designs products and engages with companies, resulting in $68 billion of net inflows in sustainable strategies.LOGO

   Sponsored the efforts to accelerate employee and client engagement, highlighted by the publishing of BlackRock’s “Where We Stand” report, which outlines how BlackRock is helping more and more people experience financial well-being.LOGO

Far Exceeds

Expectations

Organizational Strength

LOGO

   Partnered with Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Mehta to enhance Talent Bench Review discussions with senior leaders on the talent pipeline and to drive accountability.LOGO

   Oversaw improvement in employee connectivity across the firm globally, evidenced by the 2020 Employee Opinion Survey results, with engagement and enablement scores up 4 percentage points year-over-year.LOGO

   Partnered closely with the Global Executive Talent Subcommittee to develop and advance senior diverse
talent.LOGO

Far Exceeds

Expectations

76

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

Gary S. Shedlin

CFO

2020 Compensation

Responsibilities:

 

As CFO, Mr. Shedlin is responsible for managing BlackRock’s overall financial condition, including resource and capital allocation, and expense discipline.

 

He is also responsible for overseeing all corporate finance functions, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, finance operations and controls, tax, treasury, investor relations, corporate development and corporate development.sustainability.

 

Mr. Shedlin alsoco-chairs, along with Mr. Goldstein, the Planning, Budgeting and AlignmentPBA Committee, which is responsible for developingmakes recommendations regarding the firm’sCompany’s budget evaluatingand evaluates new initiatives aimed at driving growth and achieving strategic objectives of the firm.objectives.

  

(Thousands)

     
 

Base Salary

$500

Annual Incentive Award - Cash

$2,800

Annual Incentive Award - Equity

$1,850

Long-Term Incentive Award

$3,350

Total Annual Compensation

$8,500
  

    

 Base Salary

 

 

$

 

500

 

 

 

 

 Annual Incentive Award – Cash

$

2,700

Overall Assessment: Far Exceeds Expectations

 

 Annual Incentive Award – Equity

$

1,750

 Long-Term Incentive Award

$

1,850

 Total Annual Compensation1

$

6,800

2017 Key 

Accomplishments 

During 2017,In 2020, Mr. Shedlin continuedmeaningfully contributed to make key contributions in supportBlackRock’s success by ensuring the seamless delivery of finance operations despite the Company’s priorities and resource deployment and managing BlackRock’s outreach with key investors and financing counterparties.

Mr. Shedlin provided critical oversight and planning related to the financial impactremote working environment, through strong tactical execution of a number of regulatorycritical transactions and fiscal changes, including Brexit, MiFID II and U.S. Tax Reform.significantly progressing our corporate sustainability agenda.

 

The Compensation Committee’s assessment of Mr. Shedlin continued to optimize BlackRock’s balance sheet, successfully refinancingShedlin’s performance resulted in a Far Exceeds determination, and based on the Company’s $700performance assessment, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Shedlin’s 2020 total compensation at $8.50 million, 2017 maturity, and capital management strategy by executing a consistent and predictable dividend and share repurchase policy.

He also oversaw the execution of several targeted transactions to drive future growth. BlackRock expanded its infrastructure platform with the acquisition of First Reserve’s Infrastructure Funds, continued to build on its digital distribution capabilities with the acquisition of Cachematrix and a minority investment in Scalable Capital and reaffirmed the conviction for the Mexican market with BlackRock’s announcement of its agreement to acquire Citibanamex’s asset management business, which is expected to close in the second half of 2018.

Mr. Shedlin played a key role in driving the Company’s diversity efforts, including hiring and elevating a number of female finance executives.

1   In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. For more information regarding these performance-based stock options, see“Performance-Based Stock Options” on page 55.

up 18% from 2019.

 

 

64BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Performance Category  

  Performance HighlightsAssessment

Financial

Performance

LOGO

   Partnered with Mr. Kapito and Mr. Goldstein to achieve an operating margin, as adjusted, of 44.9%, up 120 basis points from 2019, through expense discipline and optimal allocation of resources to our highest growth priorities.

   Managed BlackRock’s balance sheet to ensure continued liquidity during volatile market conditions associated with the pandemic, including the successful extension of BlackRock’s five-year credit facility and execution of two 10-year debt deals which raised $2.25 billion of proceeds at record low coupons.

   Successfully led the execution of BlackRock’s capital management strategy that resulted in the return of $3.8 billion to shareholders in 2020, including the May 2020 repurchase of $1.1 billion of BlackRock shares from PNC at $415 per share.

   Increased investor relations engagement by over 66% through more frequent virtual shareholder connectivity and increased access to BlackRock senior management, contributing to our 44% share price appreciation from 2019.

Far Exceeds

Expectations

Business Strength

LOGO

   Led the successful acquisition of Aperio, a pioneer in customizing tax-optimized equity separately managed accounts, to enhance our wealth platform and position it to deliver whole-portfolio solutions to ultra-high net worth advisors.

   Drove the tax-efficient contribution and monetization of BlackRock’s remaining PennyMac stake to create over $500 million of proceeds in support of our future Social Impact initiatives.LOGO

   Progressed our China buildout by successfully creating a wealth joint venture with China Construction Bank and Temasek and finalizing our application to license our fund management company.

   Drove enhanced reporting metrics to better monitor profitability, compensation and liquidity metrics amidst the pandemic, and oversaw the efficient remote execution of month-end/quarter-end closes, stand-alone entity audits, regulatory filings and tax reporting.

   Significantly progressed BlackRock’s corporate sustainability agenda, including the buildout of a disclosure framework and successful publications of our inaugural SASB and TCFD disclosures and “Where We Stand” report.LOGO

Far Exceeds

Expectations

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT77


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  4. 2020 NEO Compensation and Performance Summaries

Performance Category  

  Performance HighlightsAssessment

Organizational Strength

LOGO

   Bolstered succession planning and the leadership bench across Finance, including controllers, tax and corporate sustainability.LOGO

   Continued progress in gender and racial/ethnic representation across Finance, and strengthened the pipeline of female leaders.LOGO

   Sponsor of the Veterans Network, which is committed to helping those who have served in the armed forces transition to the civilian workforce, both at BlackRock and through mentorship programs.LOGO

Meets/Exceeds

Expectations

78

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 LOGO

LOGO


 

Compensation Policies

and Practices

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  5. Compensation Policies and Practices

5.

Compensation Policies

and Practices

Summary of Executive Compensation Practices

Our compensation program reflects our commitment to responsible financial and risk management and is exemplified by the following policies and practices:

 

LOGO

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    65


  

 

What We Do

What We Don’t Do

LOGO  Review pay and performance alignment;

LOGO  Balance short- and long-term incentives, cash and equity and fixed and variable pay elements;

LOGO  Maintain a clawback policy that allows for the recoupment of annual and long-term performance-based compensation in the event that financial results require a significant restatement due to the actions of an employee;

LOGO  Provide for the forfeiture of equity awards upon certain restrictive covenant breaches and other actions constituting cause for termination;

LOGO  Require one-year minimum vesting for awards granted under our Stock Plan, subject to limited exceptions;

LOGO  Maintain meaningful stock ownership and retention guidelines for GEC members;

LOGO  Maintain trading policies that:

  Prohibit all employees from short selling BlackRock securities;

  Prohibit Section 16 officers and directors from pledging BlackRock securities as collateral for a loan (among other items);

  Prohibit Section 16 officers and directors from engaging in any transactions that have the effect of hedging the economic risks and rewards of BlackRock securities;

LOGO  Limit perquisites;

LOGO  Assess and mitigate risk in compensation plans, as described in “Risk Assessment of Compensation DiscussionPlanson page 67;

LOGO  Solicit an annual advisory vote on executive compensation in order to provide shareholders with a frequent opportunity to give feedback on compensation programs; and Analysis

LOGO  Annually review the independence of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant.

LOGO  No employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements with our NEOs;

LOGO  No arrangements with our NEOs providing for automatic single trigger vesting of equity awards upon a change-in-control or transaction bonus payments upon a 5: Compensation Policieschange-in-control;

LOGO  No dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned RSUs;

LOGO  No dividend equivalents on stock options or stock appreciation rights;

LOGO  No repricing of stock options;

LOGO  No cash buyouts of underwater stock options;

LOGO  No tax reimbursements for perquisites or tax gross-ups for excise taxes incurred due to the application of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code;

LOGO  No supplemental retirement benefit arrangements with our NEOs; and Practices

LOGO  No supplemental severance benefit arrangements with our NEOs outside of the standard severance benefits under BlackRock’s Severance Plan.

   

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT79


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  5. Compensation Policies and Practices

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our stock ownership guidelines require the Company’s GEC members to own and maintain a target number of shares (i.e., shares owned outright, not including unvested shares or unexercised stock options), the dollar amount of which is set out below. Until these stock ownership guidelines are met, GEC members must retain 50% of the net(after-tax) shares delivered from vested BlackRock equity awards. The Compensation Committee monitors the progress made by our NEOsGEC in achieving their stock ownership guidelines and, if circumstances warrant, may modify the guidelines and/or time frames for one or more members of our NEOs.GEC.

$10 million for the CEO;

$5 million for the President; and

$2 million for all other GEC members.

As of December 31, 2017,2020, all of our NEOs exceeded the stock ownership guidelines.

Prohibition on Hedging and Pledging BlackRock Securities

BlackRock has a policy that prohibits the hedging or pledging of BlackRock securities by BlackRock’s Section 16 officers and directors. Under this policy, BlackRock’s Section 16 officers and directors are prohibited from:

 

$10 million

Using BlackRock securities as collateral in a margin account;

Pledging BlackRock securities as collateral; or

Engaging in any transactions that have the effect of hedging the economic risks and rewards of BlackRock securities held by such Section 16 officer or director.

Clawback Policy

BlackRock maintains a clawback policy that allows for the CEO;

$5 million for the President; and

$2 million forrecoupment of all other GEC members.

Clawback Policy

All performance-based compensation (including annual and long-term incentive awards and all equity compensation) in the event that a significant restatement of financial results is subjectrequired due to the actions of an employee. In addition, BlackRock’s Clawback Policyequity award agreements require the forfeiture of equity awards upon certain restrictive covenant breaches and is subject to recoupment ifother conduct constituting “cause.”

Fraud or Willful

Misconduct Causing a
Financial Restatement  

Breach of Restrictive CovenantsConduct Constituting Cause

Who

All employeesRecipients of equity awardsRecipients of equity awards

Application

If an employee is found to have engaged in fraud or willful misconduct that caused the need for a significant restatement of BlackRock’s financial statements.

If the recipient:

  breaches certain confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and intellectual property policies or covenants; or

  competes with BlackRock following certain terminations of employment.

If, following a termination of employment, BlackRock becomes aware of conduct by a recipient that occurred while the recipient was employed that would have been grounds for a termination for “cause,” including the occurrence of any of the following:

  gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the recipient that is in connection with the recipient’s duties to BlackRock or that causes, or is expected to cause, monetary or other harm to BlackRock or its clients;

  breach of a fiduciary duty owed to BlackRock or its clients;

  misappropriation or embezzlement by the recipient, or any action involving theft, fraud or material personal dishonesty;

  any violation by the recipient of any domestic or foreign securities laws, rules or regulations (including those of any self-regulatory organization or authority); or

  material violation by the recipient of BlackRock’s policies (e.g., the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or Insider Trading Policy).

What

All performance-based compensation (including annual cash bonuses and equity awards) may be recouped.

Any shares delivered within the preceding one-year period prior to such breach (or the gross proceeds from the disposition of such shares(1)) may be recouped by BlackRock, and any then-unvested awards will be forfeited.

All or a portion of any unvested awards(1) will be forfeited if the recipient competes with BlackRock following certain terminations of employment.

Any unvested equity awards held by the recipient (and any vested but unexercised options) will be forfeited.

(1)

In the case of any shares received upon the exercise of an option, BlackRock may recoup the positive difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the option exercise price. If the recipient competes with BlackRock following certain terminations of employment, any vested but unexercised options will be forfeited.

80

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  5. Compensation Policies and Practices

Benefits

BlackRock provides medical, dental, life and disability benefits and retirement savings vehicles in which all eligible employees may participate. Our NEOs also have the option to participate in a comprehensive health exam offered to our executives. BlackRock makes contributions to 401(k) accounts of our NEOs on a basis consistent with other employees. None of our NEOs participate in any Company-sponsored defined benefit pension program.

Other benefits include voluntary deferrals of all or a portion of the cash element of our NEOs’ annual incentive awards pursuant to the Amended and Restated BlackRock, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (the “VDCP”).

Severance

Our NEOs are eligible for standard severance benefits under the Severance Plan in the event of involuntary termination of employment without cause (as defined under the Severance Plan) by BlackRock. The Severance Plan provides a lump sum cash payment equal to two weeks of salary per year of service, with a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 54 weeks, to all U.S.-based employees who are involuntarily terminated without cause in conjunction with a reduction in force or position elimination.

Perquisites

PerquisitesThe Compensation Committee considers perquisites and other benefits available to our NEOs, such as financial planning, investment opportunitiesofferings and personal use of travel services are consideredto be a reasonable part of the executive compensation program. In approving these, the Committee considers their purpose and alignment to BlackRock’s compensation philosophy, as well as external market practices.

A financial planning perquisite is offered to our NEOs. In addition, investment offerings may be provided without charging management or performance fees consistent with the terms offered to other employees who meet the same applicable legal requirements.

Transportation services are provided by BlackRock and/or third-party suppliers and are made available to our NEOs for business and personal use. Messrs. Fink and Kapito are required by the Board to utilize private airplane services for all business and personal travel in the interest of protecting their personal security. Our NEOssecurity and as such, are provided with an allowance for personal travel. BlackRock incurs incremental costs to provide these services, though this allowance is generally capped below a level the Compensation Committee considers reasonable. Messrs. Fink and Kapito generally must reimburse BlackRock for a portion of the cost of personal airplane services.

Transportation services are provided by BlackRock and/or third-party suppliersbeyond the allowance, and are made available to our NEOs for business and personal use.Mr. Fink did so in 2020. In addition, Mr. Shedlin utilized the company-provided private airplane services during 2020. The compensation attributed to each of our NEOs for 20172020 for perquisites is described in footnote (4)(3) to the“20172020 Summary Compensation Table”Table on page 68.82.

66BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  5: Compensation Policies and PracticesLOGO

Tax Reimbursements

BlackRock did not provide tax reimbursements for any perquisites or other compensation paid to our NEOs.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

The Compensation Committee considers multiple compensation objectives when designing our incentive compensation programs, including the tax-deductibility of such compensation. The Compensation Committee maintains the flexibility to pay non-deductible incentive compensation if it determines that doing so is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits the tax deductibility of compensation paid to any executive officers subject to Section 162(m) (the “Covered Employees”) to $1 million during any fiscal year unless such compensation qualifies as “performance-based” (although this exception is severely limited beginning in 2018, as described below).year. Historically, the Company administered its incentive compensation arrangements in a manner that would comply with certain exceptions to these tax rules. However, the Compensation Committee maintained the flexibility to paynon-deductible incentive compensation if it determines it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

Separately from determining the total bonus pool in respect of calendar year 2017, the Compensation Committee established the method for calculating the Section 162(m) compliant aggregate cap (the “Aggregate 162(m) Cap”) for annual incentive awards to each of our NEOs pursuant to the shareholder-approved Amended and Restated BlackRock, Inc. 1999 Annual Incentive Performance Plan (the “Performance Plan”). The Aggregate 162(m) Cap, as well as each NEO’s maximum allocable portion of the overall Aggregate 162(m) Cap (the “Individual 162(m) Caps”), was calculated in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m). Neither the Aggregate 162(m) Cap nor the Individual 162(m) Caps served as a basis for the Compensation Committee’s compensation decisions for our NEOs; instead, these caps served to establish a ceiling on the amount of annual incentive awards which the Compensation Committee can award to the NEOs on a tax deductible basis. In determining final awards for each NEO, the Compensation Committee ensured that such awards do not exceed the executive officer’s Individual 162(m) Cap.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, substantially modifiesmodified Section 162(m) and, among other things, eliminateseliminated the performance-basedmost commonly used exception to the $1 million deduction limit, effectivethe “performance-based compensation” exception, as of January 1, 2018. As a result, beginning in 2018, compensation paid to Covered Employees in excess of $1 million willis generally be nondeductible, whether or not it is performance-based. In addition, beginning in 2018, the Covered Employees will include any individual who served as the CEO or CFO at any time during the taxable year and the three other most highly compensated officers (other than the CEO and CFO) for the taxable year, and onceyear. Once an individual becomes a Covered Employee for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2016, that individual will remain a Covered Employee for all future years, including following any termination of employment.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a transition relief rule under which the changes to Section 162(m) described above will not apply to compensation payable pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017 and is not materially modified after that date. To the extent applicable to our existing contracts and awards, the Company may avail itself of this transition relief rule. However, because of uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of the transition relief rule, no assurances can be given at this time that our existing contracts and awards, even if in place on November 2, 2017, will meet the requirements of the transition relief rule. Moreover, to maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying corporate goals in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, the Compensation Committee does not limit its actions with respect to executive compensation to preserve deductibility under Section 162(m) if the Compensation Committee determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    67


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Summary of Executive Compensation Tables81


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

Summary of Executive6.

Executive Compensation Tables

Tabular Disclosure for 2020

The following 20172020 Summary Compensation Table contains information concerning compensation provided by BlackRock for the years indicated to the NEOs. Pursuant to SEC rules, the compensation table below includes only those equity-based awards granted in a particular year and not any awards granted afteryear-end, even if awarded for services in that year. It additionally discloses any cash compensation earned in a particular year, even if such payments are made afteryear-end.

20172020 Summary Compensation Table

 

       

Name and Principal Position

 

 

Year

 

  

Salary
($)

 

  

Bonus
($)
(1)

 

  

Stock Awards

(Fair Value of
Awards) ($)
(2)

 

  

Performance-
Based
Option Awards
(Fair Value
Awards) ($)
(3)

 

  

All Other
Compensation
($)
(4)

 

  

Total
($)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

  2017  $900,000  $10,000,000  $16,599,733      $243,500  $27,743,233 

 

Chairman and

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

$

 

900,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

8,000,000

 

 

 

 

$

 

16,379,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$193,250

 

 

 

 

$

 

25,472,831

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

  

 

2015

 

 

 

 $

 

900,000

 

 

 

 $

 

8,720,000

 

 

 

 $

 

15,979,630

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$193,000

 

 

 

 $

 

25,792,630

 

 

 

Robert S. Kapito

 

  

 

2017

 

 

 

 $

 

750,000

 

 

 

 $

 

8,125,000

 

 

 

 $

 

12,834,775

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$274,675

 

 

 

 $

 

21,984,450

 

 

 

President

 

  

 

2016

 

 

 

 $

 

750,000

 

 

 

 $

 

6,500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

12,149,508

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$224,425

 

 

 

 $

 

19,623,933

 

 

 

   

 

2015

 

 

 

 $

 

750,000

 

 

 

 $

 

7,085,000

 

 

 

 $

 

12,279,750

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$224,175

 

 

 

 $

 

20,338,925

 

 

 

Robert L. Goldstein

 

  

 

2017

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,275,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,999,470

 

 

 

 $

 

10,460,528

 

 

 

  

 

$  54,500

 

 

 

 $

 

18,289,498

 

 

 

Senior Managing Director and

 

  

 

2016

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,850,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,899,900

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$  49,425

 

 

 

 $

 

7,299,325

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

  

 

2015

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,850,000

 

 

 

 $

 

4,024,823

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$  23,723

 

 

 

 $

 

7,398,546

 

 

 

Mark S. McCombe

 

  

 

2017

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,725,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,374,353

 

 

 

 $

 

10,460,528

 

 

 

  

 

$  49,675

 

 

 

 $

 

17,109,556

 

 

 

Senior Managing Director and

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Head of Americas(5)

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Gary S. Shedlin

 

  

 

2017

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,700,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,249,781

 

 

 

 $

 

7,845,347

 

 

 

  

 

$  18,500

 

 

 

 $

 

14,313,628

 

 

 

Senior Managing Director and

 

  

 

2016

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,350,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,149,532

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$  18,250

 

 

 

 $

 

6,017,782

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

  

 

2015

 

 

 

 $

 

500,000

 

 

 

 $

 

2,350,000

 

 

 

 $

 

3,224,672

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

$  18,000

 

 

 

 $

 

6,092,672

 

 

 

      

Name and Principal Position

  Year   

Salary

($)

   

Bonus

($)(1)

   

Stock Awards

(Fair Value of
Awards)

($)(2)

   All Other
Compensation
($)
(3)
   

Total

($)

 

Laurence D. Fink

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

  

 

2020

 

  

 

$1,500,000

 

  

 

$9,500,000

 

  

 

$15,999,930

 

  

 

$356,502

 

  

 

$27,356,432

 

  

 

2019

 

  

 

$1,500,000

 

  

 

$7,750,000

 

  

 

$14,750,004

 

  

 

$308,250

 

  

 

$24,308,254

 

  

 

2018

 

  

 

$1,500,000

 

  

 

$7,750,000

 

  

 

$17,049,844

 

  

 

$243,500

 

  

 

$26,543,344

 

Robert S. Kapito

President

  

 

2020

 

  

 

$1,250,000

 

  

 

$8,250,000

 

  

 

$12,449,488

 

  

 

$165,715

 

  

 

$22,115,203

 

  

 

2019

 

  

 

$1,250,000

 

  

 

$6,250,000

 

  

 

$11,499,899

 

  

 

$257,151

 

  

 

$19,257,050

 

  

 

2018

 

  

 

$1,250,000

 

  

 

$6,250,000

 

  

 

$13,140,275

 

  

 

$201,694

 

  

 

$20,841,969

 

Robert L. Goldstein

Senior Managing Director

and Chief Operating Officer

  

 

2020

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$3,175,000

 

  

 

$6,399,759

 

  

 

$47,095

 

  

 

$10,121,854

 

  

 

2019

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,950,000

 

  

 

$4,399,808

 

  

 

$46,125

 

  

 

$7,895,933

 

  

 

2018

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,950,000

 

  

 

$4,425,029

 

  

 

$55,280

 

  

 

$7,930,309

 

Mark Wiedman

Senior Managing Director and

Head of International and of

Corporate Strategy

  

 

2020

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,675,000

 

  

 

$5,475,065

 

  

 

$13,400

 

  

 

$8,663,465

 

            
                              

Gary S. Shedlin

Senior Managing Director

and Chief Financial Officer

  

 

2020

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,800,000

 

  

 

$4,224,887

 

  

 

$58,669

 

  

 

$7,583,556

 

  

 

2019

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,475,000

 

  

 

$3,474,958

 

  

 

$13,250

 

  

 

$6,463,208

 

  

 

2018

 

  

 

$500,000

 

  

 

$2,475,000

 

  

 

$3,599,726

 

  

 

$18,500

 

  

 

$6,593,226

 

 

(1)

Bonus. These amounts represent the cash portion of discretionary annual bonuses for the respective periods awarded pursuant to the Performance Plan. To secure the deductibility ofBlackRock’s annual incentive awards (including cash bonuses) awarded to the NEOs, each NEO’s total incentive award is awarded under the Performance Plan, which permits deductibility of compensation paid to the NEOs under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Satisfaction of the performance criteria under the Performance Plan determines only the maximum amount of incentive compensation that may be awarded to NEOs for the fiscal year.program. The amount of incentive compensation awarded to each NEO in January 20182021 (for fiscal year 2017)2020) was based on subjective criteria, as more fully described on pages 4669 to 6778 of the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis., and was less than the portion of the performance-based bonus pool available for awards to each NEO under the Performance Plan.

 

  

As described on page 5059 of theCompensation Discussion and Analysis”Analysis, on January 16, 2018,15, 2021, Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin were awarded RSUs as part of their discretionary annual bonuses for the 20172020 fiscal year. In accordance with FASB ASCFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, these awards had grant date values of $4,600,000, $3,514,000,$3,950,000, $3,937,500, $2,325,000, $1,775,000$1,725,000 and $1,750,000,$1,850,000, respectively, based on the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock on January 16, 2018,15, 2021, which was calculated to be $566.44.$739.22. Additionally, Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin received discretionary BPIP Awards consisting of performance-based RSU awards with grant date values of $12,450,000, $9,626,000, $2,100,000, $1,950,000$14,900,000, $11,187,500, $5,750,000, $5,600,000 and $1,850,000,$3,350,000, respectively. The base number of units granted pursuant to BPIP Awards was determined by dividing the individual’s award value by the average of the high and low prices per share of BlackRock common stock on January 16, 2018.15, 2021.

 

(2)

Stock Awards.Reflects the grant date fair value of awards made during each calendar year as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note (14)18 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2020 Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2018.10-K. The amount included with respect to the BPIP Awards granted in January 20172020 is based on the grant date fair value assuming target level of performance. If maximum level of performance had been assumed, the grant date fair value of the BPIP Awards would have been (i) $20,542,169$19,387,629 for Mr. Fink, (ii) $15,882,687$14,766,827 for Mr. Kapito, (iii) $3,464,406$7,259,889 for Mr. Goldstein, (iv) $3,216,761$6,517,680 for Mr. McCombe,Wiedman, and (v) $3,052,039$4,454,859 for Mr. Shedlin.

 

(3)In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO

All Other Compensation. For Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, Wiedman and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. Amounts reflect the grant date fair value of performance-based option awards made during the calendar year as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note (14) to the consolidated financial statements in our Form10-K filed on February 28, 2018.

(4)For each of the NEOs, $18,500Shedlin, $13,400, $13,400, $13,400, $13,400 and $13,400, respectively, was attributable to contributions made by BlackRock under itstax-qualified defined contribution (401(k)) plan in 2017. In 2017, $4,825 was attributable to an executive health benefit used by Mr. Goldstein.2020. For Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin, $0, $31,175, $31,175, $31,175$33,695, $33,695, $0 and $0, respectively, was attributable to financial planning services. In 2017, $225,000 was attributable to personal use by each of

For Messrs. Fink and Kapito, the value reported for 2020 includes $295,000 and $97,238, respectively, which reflects the incremental cost associated with personal use of company-provided aircraft services. These amounts reflectservices which counted toward their respective personal use allowances approved by the Compensation Committee, plus the incremental cost to

82

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

BlackRock associated with additional pandemic-related empty positioning (deadhead) flights for the protection of the health and safety of the flight crew (as described below) of $48,102 and $21,382, respectively, which were not counted against their personal use allowances. For Mr. Shedlin, the value reported for 2020 includes $45,269, which reflects the incremental cost attributable to provide the use of company-provided aircraft services.services (including the incremental cost associated with additional pandemic-related deadhead flights). These amounts relate to flights taken between December 1, 2019 and November 30, 2020, rather than flights taken during BlackRock’s fiscal year. Aircraft incremental cost is based on, as applicable, (i) variable operating cost per flight hour for the BlackRock corporate aircraft (including fuel and variable maintenance expenses)

68BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Summary of Executive Compensation TablesLOGO

plus any trip-specific incremental costs (such as crew expenses, catering expenses and fees associated with landing, parking and flight planning) or (ii) actual charter cost, in each case, less reimbursement received from the NEO. During the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect the health and safety of the flight crew, BlackRock required corporate aircraft to return to base rather than stay at the passenger’s destination, which resulted in an increased number of deadhead flights associated with aircraft usage during the pandemic. Messrs. Fink and Kapito are required by the Board to utilize thesecompany-provided airplane services for all business and personal travel in the interest of protecting their personal security.

For more information regarding perquisites, see “Perquisites.Perquisites” on page 66.81. No nonqualified deferred compensation earnings were determined to be above-market. None of the NEOs participate in any BlackRock-sponsored defined benefit pension plans.

(5)Mr. McCombe was not an NEO prior to 2017.

20172020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information concerning equity incentive plan-based compensation provided by BlackRock in 20172020 to our NEOs.

 

   
          

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards

 

                       Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
         
  

Name

  

Grant Date(1)

 

   

Date of
Committee
Action

 

   

Threshold
(#)

 

   

Target
(#)

 

   

Maximum
(#)

 

   

All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of Shares
or  Units
(#)

 

   

Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards

($/share)

 

   

Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards($)
(5)

 

   Grant Date(1)   Date of
Committee
Action
   Threshold
(#)
   Target
(#)
   Maximum
(#)
   All Other Stock Awards:
Number of Shares or Units
(#)
   

Grant Date Fair Value of
Stock Awards

($)(4)

 

Laurence D. Fink

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(2)          11,060     $4,149,933   

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(2)

 

        

 

7,965

 

  

 

$4,249,965

 

   

 

1/17/2017

 

 

 

    

 

1/11/2017

 

(3)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

33,180

 

 

 

   

 

54,747

 

 

 

        $

 

12,449,800

 

 

 

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(3)

 

  

 

 

  

 

22,021

 

  

 

36,335

 

     

 

$11,749,965

 

Robert S. Kapito

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(2)          8,552     $3,208,881   

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(2)

 

        

 

6,559

 

  

 

$3,499,751

 

   

 

1/17/2017

 

 

 

    

 

1/11/2017

 

(3)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

25,654

 

 

 

   

 

42,329

 

 

 

        $

 

9,625,894

 

 

 

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(3)

 

  

 

 

  

 

16,773

 

  

 

27,675

 

     

 

$8,949,737

 

Robert L. Goldstein

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(2)          5,063     $1,899,739   

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(2)

 

        

 

3,748

 

  

 

$1,999,858

 

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(3)        5,596    9,233       $2,099,731 
   

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

    

 

12/4/2017

 

(4)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

      

 

513.50

 

 

 

  $

 

10,460,528

 

 

 

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(3)

 

  

 

 

  

 

8,246

 

  

 

13,606

 

     

 

$4,399,901

 

Mark S. McCombe

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(2)          3,797     $1,424,710 

Mark Wiedman

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(2)

 

        

 

2,858

 

  

 

$1,524,972

 

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(3)        5,196    8,573       $1,949,643 
   

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

    

 

12/4/2017

 

(4)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

      

 

513.50

 

 

 

  $

 

10,460,528

 

 

 

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(3)

 

  

 

 

  

 

7,403

 

  

 

12,215

 

     

 

$3,950,093

 

Gary S. Shedlin

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(2)          3,731     $1,399,946   

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(2)

 

        

 

2,858

 

  

 

$1,524,972

 

   1/17/2017    1/11/2017(3)        4,930    8,134       $1,849,835 
   

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

    

 

12/4/2017

 

(4)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

81,142

 

 

 

   

 

81,142

 

 

 

      

 

513.50

 

 

 

  $

 

7,845,347

 

 

 

  

 

1/16/2020

 

  

 

1/14/2020(3)

 

  

 

 

  

 

5,060

 

  

 

8,349

 

     

 

$2,699,915

 

 

(1)

Grant Date.Grant date is the date on which approved award values excluding options were converted to a number of RSUs based on the average of the high and low prices of BlackRock common stock on that date.

 

(2)

These January 17, 201716, 2020 awards represent grants of RSUs awarded to Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin as part of their 20162019 bonus awards and represent the stock portion of such annual bonuses. These awards vestone-third on each of the first three anniversaries ofbeginning on January 31, 2017.2021. At the time of vesting, the NEOs are entitled to payment of accrued dividends with respect to the shares underlying the vested RSUs/RS.RSUs.

 

(3)

These January 17, 201716, 2020 awards represent BPIP Awards granted to Messrs. Fink, Kapito, Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin in respect of services performed in 2016.2019. To determine the base number of RSUs comprising each BPIP Award, the award value was divided by the grant price ($375.22)533.58). The grant price represents an average of the high and low price of BlackRock common stock on January 17, 201716, 2020 (two trading days following the release of earnings release for the fourth quarter of 2016)2019). The BPIP Awards will be eligible to vest on January 31, 2020,2023, subject to the Company’s attainment of the applicable financial targets during the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 20172020 and ending on December 31, 2019.2022. The number of shares of common stock each NEO will receive upon settlement of the award will be equal to the base number of RSUs, multiplied by a percentage determined by application of the award determination matrix set forth in the NEO’s award agreement. The percentage multiplier is determined by the Company’s average annual Organic Revenue growth and Operating Margin, as adjusted, and Organic Revenue during the performance period. If performance is below the minimum thresholds set forth on the award determination matrix for both performance metrics, the award payout will be zero. If the Company attains the maximum (or greater) level of performance for both performance metrics, the award payout will be equal to 165% of the base number. Performance at target would result in the NEO receiving 100% of the base number.

 

(4)In the fourth quarter

Grant Date Fair Value of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. These awards represent performance-based option awards granted to Messrs. Goldstein, McCombe and Shedlin in connection with the strategic initiative.One-third of these performance-based stock options will vest on each of the fifth, sixth and seventh anniversaries of the date of grant, provided a stock price hurdle of at least 25% growth from the strike price of $513.50 (the closing stock price on the date of grant) is met and maintained for 20 consecutive trading days within five years of grant and positive Organic Revenue growth during the performance period is achieved. The term of the stock options is nine years. Consistent with the intent of these grants, if a participant voluntarily terminates employment for any reason, including retirement, all unvested awards are forfeited.

(5)Stock Awards. Reflects the grant date fair value of awards as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. For complete valuation assumptions of the awards, see Note (14)18 to the consolidated financial statements in our 20172020 Form10-K. The amount included with respect to the BPIP Awards is based on the grant date fair value assuming target level of performance. The amount included with respect to the performance-based option awards is based on the grant date fair value assuming the performance hurdles are achieved.

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    69


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Summary of Executive Compensation Tables83


 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

20172020 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End

 

  
      

 

Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

 
      

 

Performance-Based Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

  

Name

  

Grant
Date

 

 

   

 

Equity Incentive Plan
Awards: Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised Unearned
Options (#)

 

 

   

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

 

 

   

Option
Expiration
Date

 

 

   

Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested  (#)

 

 

   

Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not  Vested ($)
(1)

 

 

   

Grant Date

 

   

 

Number of
Securities Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)

Unexercisable

 

  

Option
        Exercise
Price ($)

 

  

Option

                 Expiration

Date

 

   

Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested  (#)

 

   

Market Value

of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested ($)
(1)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

  

 

 

 

1/17/2014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

24,322

 

(2) 

  

 

$

 

12,494,455

 

 

   1/16/2018             

 

2,707(2)

 

   $1,953,209 
   1/16/2015                3,873(3)   $1,989,599    1/16/2018             

 

22,506(3)

 

   $16,238,979 
   1/16/2015                38,165(4)   $19,605,742    1/17/2019             

 

6,906(2)

 

   $4,982,955 
   1/19/2016                9,219(3)   $4,735,892    1/17/2019             

 

32,550(3)

 

   $23,486,127 
   1/19/2016                45,219(4)   $23,229,452    1/16/2020             

 

7,965(2)

 

   $5,747,066 
   1/17/2017                11,060(3)   $5,681,633    1/16/2020             

 

26,664(3)

 

   $17,796,063 
   

 

1/17/2017

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    

 

39,484

 

(4)  

 

  $

 

20,283,326

 

 

 

            

Robert S. Kapito

  

 

 

 

1/17/2014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

19,201

 

(2) 

  

 

$

 

9,863,746

 

 

   1/16/2018             

 

2,068(2)

 

   $1,492,145 
   1/16/2018             

 

17,401(3)

 

   $12,555,518 
   1/16/2015                2,976(3)   $1,528,801    1/17/2019             

 

5,687(2)

 

   $4,103,398 
   1/16/2015                29,328(4)   $15,066,087    1/17/2019             

 

24,800(3)

 

   $17,894,192 
   1/19/2016                6,838(3)   $3,512,749    1/16/2020             

 

6,559(2)

 

   $4,732,581 
   1/19/2016                33,541(4)   $17,230,347    1/16/2020             

 

18,786(3)

 

   $13,554,850 
   1/17/2017                8,552(3)   $4,393,248             
   

 

1/17/2017

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    

 

30,528

 

(4)  

 

  $

 

15,682,539

 

 

 

Robert L. Goldstein

  

 

 

 

1/17/2014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

8,960

 

(2) 

  

 

$

 

4,602,842

 

 

   12/4/2017    108,190  513.5  12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   1/16/2015                1,963(3)   $1,008,413    1/16/2018             

 

1,369(2)

 

   $987,788 
   1/16/2015                6,368(4)   $3,271,305    1/16/2018             

 

3,796(3)

 

   $2,738,966 
   1/19/2016                4,278(3)   $2,197,651    1/17/2019             

 

3,250(2)

 

   $2,345,005 
   1/19/2016                7,361(4)   $3,781,419    1/17/2019         

 

 

   7,440(3)    $5,368,258 
   1/17/2017                5,063(3)   $2,600,914    1/16/2020             

 

3,748(2)

 

   $2,704,332 
   1/17/2017                6,659(4)   $3,420,795    1/16/2020             

 

9,236(3)

 

   $6,664,143 
   

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

   

 

513.5

 

 

 

    

 

12/4/2026

 

(5)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

            

Mark S. McCombe

  

 

 

 

1/17/2014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

6,144

 

(2) 

  

 

$

 

3,156,234

 

 

Mark Wiedman

   12/4/2017    108,190  513.5  12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   1/16/2018             

 

1,104(2)

 

   $796,580 
   1/16/2015                1,212(3)   $622,617    1/16/2018             

 

2,712(3)

 

   $1,956,816 
   1/16/2015                4,457(4)   $2,289,605    1/17/2019             

 

2,478(2)

 

   $1,787,976 
   1/19/2016                3,208(3)   $1,647,982    1/17/2019             

 

6,045(3)

 

   $4,361,709 
   1/19/2016                6,073(4)   $3,119,761    1/16/2020             

 

2,858(2)

 

   $2,062,161 
   1/17/2017                3,797(3)   $1,950,557    1/16/2020             

 

8,291(3)

 

   $5,982,288 
   1/17/2017                6,183(4)   $3,176,269             
   

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

   

 

108,190

 

 

 

   

 

513.5

 

 

 

    

 

12/4/2026

 

(5)  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Gary S. Shedlin

  

 

 

 

1/17/2014

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

7,680

 

(2) 

  

 

$

 

3,945,293

 

 

   12/4/2017    81,142  513.5  12/4/2026(4)   

 

 

    
   1/16/2015                1,382(3)   $709,947    1/16/2018             

 

1,030(2)

 

   $743,186 
   1/16/2015                5,731(4)   $2,944,072    1/16/2018             

 

3,344(3)

 

   $2,412,830 
   1/19/2016                3,152(3)   $1,619,214    1/17/2019             

 

2,478(2)

 

   $1,787,976 
   1/19/2016                6,440(4)   $3,308,292    1/17/2019             

 

6,045(3)

 

   $4,361,709 
   1/17/2017                3,731(3)   $1,916,652    1/16/2020             

 

2,858(2)

 

   $2,062,161 
   1/17/2017                5,866(4)   $3,013,423    1/16/2020             

 

5,667(3)

 

   $4,088,967 
   

 

 

12/4/2017

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

81,142

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

513.5

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

12/4/2026

 

 

(5)  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

 

(1)

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested. Amounts reflect theyear-end value of RS, RSUs Challenge Awards and BPIP Awards, based on the closing price of $513.71$721.54 per share of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017.31, 2020. With respect to the BPIP Awards, the value shown is based on the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award assuming actual performance through December 31, 20172020 and 100% of target for the remainder of the performance period.

 

(2)These Challenge Award

One-third of these RSUs require that separate 15%, 25% and 35% stock price targets (basedvest on the grant price) be achieved during thesix-year term of the awards in order for each respective tranche to be delivered. The stock price targets may be met at any time during the award term, but the delivery of shares may occur only on the fourth, fifth or sixth anniversary of January 31 of the year of grant, provided that the price on the delivery date meets the lowest stock price target. Any tranche of the award that has not met the applicable stock price target will be forfeited on the sixth anniversary of January 31 of the year of grant. As of December 31, 2017, all three of the stock price targets related to the Challenge Awards granted on January 17, 2014 had been met. The Challenge Awards granted on January 17, 2014 became fully vested on January 31, 2018 and have been settled. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 72 for additional details regarding these awards.

(3)These RS/RSUs vestone-third on January 31 of each of the first three anniversaries of after the year in which the grant date occurs.occurs (beginning on January 31 following the year of grant).

 

70BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


(3)
Summary of Executive Compensation TablesLOGO

(4)These BPIP Awards vest subject to the Company’s attainment of certain financial targets during the three-year performance period commencing with the year of grant. The number of units shown reflects the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20172020 and target-level performance for the remainder of the performance period (which equals 109.5%102.4% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 16, 2015, 109% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 19, 2016, and 119%2018, 127.2% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 17, 2017)2019, and 112.0% of target for the BPIP Awards granted January 16, 2020). See “Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” on page 7288 for additional details regarding these awards.

 

(5)(4)

In the fourth quarter of 2017, BlackRock implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by granting long-term incentive awards in the form of performance-based stock options to a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. Consequently, we do not consider these awards to be part of our regular annual compensation determinations for 2017. These awards represent performance-based option awards granted to Messrs. Goldstein, McCombeWiedman and Shedlin in connection with the strategic initiative.such succession planning. One-third of these performance-based stock options will vest on each of the fifth, sixth and seventh anniversaries of the date of grant (2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively), provided a stock price hurdle of at least 25% growth from the strike price of $513.50 (the closing stock price on the date of grant) is met and maintained for 20 consecutive trading days within five years of grant and positive Organic Revenue growth during the performance period is achieved. The stock price hurdle was achieved on December 2, 2020. The term of the stock options is nine years. Consistent with the intent of these grants, if a participant voluntarily terminates employment for any reason, including retirement, all unvested awards are forfeited. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” on page 88 for additional details regarding these awards.

84

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


2017Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

2020 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares acquired and the value realized by our NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020 on the exercise of options or the vesting and/or settlement of RS and RSUs.

 

    

 

Option Awards

 

     

 

Stock Awards

 

   

 

Option Awards

 

   

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Name

    

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

     

Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
(1)

 

     

Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

 

     

Value
Realized on
Vesting ($)
(1)

 

   

Number of
Shares
        Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

   

Value
Realized on
         Exercise ($)
(1)

 

   

Number of
Shares
        Acquired on
Vesting  (#)

 

   

Value

Realized on
Vesting ($)
(1)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

55,252

 

 

 

    $

 

20,729,445

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

46,642

 

 

  

 

 

 

$25,172,221

 

 

            

Robert S. Kapito

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

43,069

 

 

 

    $

 

16,158,627

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

36,212

 

 

  

 

 

 

$19,543,254

 

 

            

Robert L. Goldstein

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

22,626

 

 

 

    $

 

8,488,823

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

10,885

 

 

  

 

 

 

$5,874,526

 

 

            

Mark S. McCombe

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

13,800

 

 

 

    $

 

5,177,484

 

 

 

Mark Wiedman

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

9,259

 

 

  

 

 

 

$4,996,990

 

 

            

Gary S. Shedlin

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

4,210

 

 

 

    $

 

1,579,508

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

8,980

 

 

  

 

 

 

$4,846,416

 

 

            

 

(1)

Value realized reflects (i) the closing price per share of BlackRock common stock on the day prior to the vesting date, multiplied by (ii) the number of RS or RSUs that vested.

20172020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Name

    

Executive
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year ($)

 

     

 

Registrant
Contributions
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)

 

     

 

Aggregate
Earnings (Losses)
in Last
Fiscal Year
($)
(1)

 

     

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

     

 

Aggregate
Balance
at Last
Fiscal Year
End ($)

 

   

Executive
        Contributions
in Last
Fiscal  Year

($)

 

   

Registrant
        Contributions
in Last
Fiscal  Year
($)

 

   

Aggregate
        Earnings (Losses)
in  Last
Fiscal Year

($)(1)

 

   

Aggregate
         Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

 

   

Aggregate
Balance

at Last
Fiscal Year-

End ($)

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    $

 

404,229

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    $

 

2,446,235

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

$372,176

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

$3,367,626

 

 

               

Robert S. Kapito

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    $

 

7,217

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    $

 

221,399

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$11,810

 

  

 

 

  

 

$250,019

 

               

Robert L. Goldstein

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    $

 

1,239,389

 

 

 

    $

 

258,776

 

 

 

    $

 

11,747,082

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$690,905

 

  

 

$1,974,347

 

  

 

$5,899,289

 

               

Mark S. McCombe

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Mark Wiedman

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

$22,500

 

  

 

 

  

 

$231,522

 

               

Gary S. Shedlin

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

               

 

(1)Includes

Represents earnings on balances in the VDCP (as defineddescribed below), none of which were determined to be above-market.

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan

BlackRock maintains the VDCP, which allows participants to elect to defer between 1% and 100% of the cash element of their annual incentive compensation that is not mandatorily deferred under another arrangement. The participants must specify a deferral period of up to 10 years and distributions may be in up to 10 installments. The benchmark investments available for the NEOs are the same as those for all other participants. Deferred amounts and any benchmark returns are vested at the time of deferral or crediting, as applicable, under the VDCP.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    71


Summary of Executive Compensation Tables

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

As described previously, the NEOs do not have individual employment, severance or change in control agreements with BlackRock.

Pursuant to the terms of the applicable equity award agreements, an NEO whose employment is terminated may be entitled to accelerated vesting and payment (or continued eligibility for vesting and payment) with respect to such NEO’s outstanding awards. In addition, upon a termination of employment by the Company without cause, an NEO may be eligible to receive severance benefits under the Severance Plan. The applicable terms and estimated payment amounts with respect to the foregoing are set forth in the tables on pages 7386 and 74,88, in each case assuming a termination of employment of the NEO on December 31, 2017.2020.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT85


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control

Type of Award

  Voluntary
  Resignation

  Termination
  For Cause

 Involuntary Termination

 Without Cause(1)

  Qualified

  Retirement / Disability

  Death

RSUs Granted as Part of Annual

Incentive Awards (“Year-End Awards”)



Unvested
awards are
forfeited.





Unvested
awards are
forfeited.



If termination occurs within the one-year period following a change in control of BlackRock, the awards will vest at the time of termination.










Awards will continue to
vest in accordance with
their schedule following
termination. Any portion
of the award that
remains unvested on
the one-year
anniversary of
termination will become
fully vested on that date.










Immediate vesting

and settlement.

RSUs Granted as BPIP Awards



Unvested
awards are
forfeited.





Unvested
awards are
forfeited.



Awards will continue to be eligible to fully vest following the end of the performance period, subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets and non-engagement in any Competitive Activity prior to the vesting date. If termination occurs within the 12-month period following a change in control, awards granted will fully vest at target level.










Awards will continue to
be eligible to fully vest
following the end of the
performance period,
subject to attainment of
the applicable
performance targets
and non-engagement in
any Competitive Activity
prior to the vesting date.



















Awards will continue
to be eligible to fully
vest following the
end of the
performance period,
subject to
attainment of the
applicable
performance
targets.










Performance-Based Option Awards












Unvested
awards are
forfeited;
vested but
unexercised
awards
remain
exercisable
for a 90-
day period
following
separation.


















Unvested
awards are
forfeited;
vested and
unexercised
awards are
cancelled.







Awards will vest on a pro rata basis with respect to each tranche (based on length of service during the vesting period), plus a one-year service credit, and will remain exercisable through the full term, subject to achievement of the applicable performance conditions. The stock price hurdle was achieved on December 2, 2020. If termination occurs within the 12-month period following a change in control, awards will fully vest and remain exercisable through the full term.



















QualifiedRetirement:
Unvested awards are
forfeited; vested but
unexercised awards
remain exercisable for a
90-day period following
separation.

Disability: Awards will
continue to be eligible to
fully vest on each
vesting date, subject to
achievement of the
applicable performance
conditions. The stock
price hurdle was
achieved on
December 2, 2020. Any
vested options will
remain exercisable
through the full term.
































Awards will continue

to be eligible to fully
vest on each vesting
date, subject to
achievement of the
applicable
performance
conditions. The
stock price hurdle
was achieved on
December 2, 2020.
Any vested options
will remain
exercisable through
the full term.














(1)

Treatment described in the event of a termination without cause following a change in control applies if outstanding awards are assumed or substituted by the acquirer. If outstanding awards are not assumed or substituted, such awards would become vested at the time of the change in control (at target level for performance-based awards).

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan: Upon a change in control of BlackRock, Inc. or a termination (with respect to deferrals prior to the 2016 plan year) of an NEO’s employment for any reason, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid out. Upon a termination of an NEO’s employment for any reason with respect to deferrals for the 2016 plan year and beyond, such NEO’s VDCP balance would be paid in accordance with their deferral election. All outstanding VDCP balances were fully vested as of December 31, 2017.2020. Accordingly, no amounts have been included in the table on page 7488 with respect to VDCP balances. For additional information, please refer to the 20172020 Nonqualified Deferred CompensationCompensation” table above.on page 85.

Leadership Retention Carry Plan: No percentage points were granted under the Leadership Retention Carry Plan to any of our NEOs in 2020. Percentage points granted under the Leadership Retention Carry Plan in 2019 had no grant date fair value as determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. In the event of a termination of employment due to voluntary resignation, termination for cause or involuntary termination without cause, all percentage points granted are forfeited. In the event of a termination of employment due to qualified retirement, death or disability, each recipient would begin receiving cash distributions in accordance with the schedule

 

72BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


86

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

described below, with respect to his or her percentage points granted under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan, subject to the execution of a release of claims and compliance with restrictive covenant obligations. An initial distribution would be made on the first payroll date following June 30th of the calendar year immediately following the year in which the qualifying termination occurs, with additional distributions occurring on the first payroll dates following the dates that are 48 and 108 months, respectively, following the initial distribution date. In each case, the distributions would be based on the actual carried interest distributions to BlackRock, Inc. from the participating BlackRock carry funds as of the applicable measurement date; provided that, each of first two distributions will be limited to 80% of the distributions calculated as of the applicable measurement date. For purposes of each distribution, the measurement date will be December 31st preceding the year in which the distribution is made.

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Summary of Executive Compensation TablesLOGO87

Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control

Type of Award

Voluntary

Resignation

Termination

For Cause

Involuntary Termination

Without Cause(1)

Qualified

Retirement / Disability

Death

RS/RSUs Granted
as Part of Annual
Incentive Awards(“Year-End Awards”)

Unvested awards are forfeited.Unvested awards are forfeited.

Awards will continue to vest in accordance with their schedule following termination. Any portion of the award that remains unvested on theone-year anniversary of termination will become fully vested on that date. For awards granted after 2016, if termination occurs within theone-year period following a change in control of BlackRock, the awards will vest at the time of termination.

Awards will continue to vest in accordance with their schedule following termination. Any portion of the award that remains unvested on theone-year anniversary of termination will become fully vested on that date.Immediate vesting
and settlement.

RSUs Granted as Challenge Awards

Unvested awards are forfeited.Unvested awards are forfeited

Any portion of the award that has achieved its stock price target remains eligible for vesting and settlement (subject to attainment of the minimum stock price target on the fourth, fifth or sixth anniversary of the grant date); a pro rata portion of the award that has not attained its stock price target will remain outstanding and eligible to vest; the remainder of the award will be forfeited.

Awards will continue to be eligible to vest and be settled in accordance with their terms, subject to attainment of the applicable stock price targets.

Awards will
continue to be
eligible to vest and
be settled in
accordance with
their terms, subject
to attainment of
the applicable
stock price targets.

RSUs Granted as BPIP Awards

Unvested awards are forfeited.Unvested awards are forfeited.

Awards granted prior to 2016 will continue to be eligible to fully vest following the end of the performance period, subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets. Awards granted after 2015 will be eligible to vest on a pro rata basis (based on length of service during the performance period), subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets. If termination occurs within the12-month period following a change in control, awards granted after 2015 will fully vest at target level.

Awards will continue to be eligible to fully vest following the end of the performance period, subject to attainment of the applicable performance targets.Awards will continue
to be eligible to
fully vest following
the end of the
performance
period, subject to
attainment of the
applicable
performance
targets.

Performance-Based Option Awards

Unvested awards are forfeited; vested but unexercised awards remain exercisable for a90-day period following separation.Unvested awards are forfeited; vested and unexercised awards are cancelled.Awards will vest on a pro rata basis with respect to each tranche (based on length of service during the vesting period) plus aone-year service credit, and will remain exercisable through the full term, subject to achievement of the applicable performance conditions. If such termination occurs within the12-month period following a change in control, awards will fully vest and remain exercisable through the full term.

Qualified Retirement: Unvested awards are forfeited; vested but unexercised awards remain exercisable for a90-day period following separation.

Disability:Awards will continue to be eligible to fully vest on each vesting date, subject to achievement of the applicable performance conditions. Any vested options will remain exercisable through the full term.

Awards will continue
to be eligible to
fully vest on each
vesting date,
subject to
achievement of the
applicable
performance
conditions. Any
vested options will
remain exercisable
through the full
term.

(1)Treatment described in the event of a termination without cause following a change in control applies if outstanding awards are assumed or substituted by the acquirer. If outstanding awards are not assumed or substituted, such awards would become vested at the time of the change in control (at target level for performance-based awards).

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    73


Summary of Executive Compensation Tables

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control

The amounts in the table below reflect an assumed termination of employment on December 31, 20172020, and are based on the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017,31, 2020, which was $513.71.$721.54. Any amounts payable upon or due to an NEO’s termination by BlackRock other than for cause, due to the NEO’s disability or upon a qualified retirement (as such terms are defined in the applicable award agreements) are subject to the NEO’s (i) execution of a release of claims against BlackRock and (ii) continued compliance with covenants restricting the NEO’s solicitation of clients or employees of BlackRock for theone-year period following termination.

 

Name

 

  

Involuntary
Termination
Without Cause

 

   

Involuntary Termination
Without Cause Following

a Change in Control

 

   

Death /Disability

 

   

Qualified Retirement

 

   

 

Voluntary
Resignation /
Termination for
Cause

 

 

Laurence D. Fink

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $12,407,124    $12,407,124   $12,407,124    $  12,407,124     

Challenge Awards(2)

  $12,494,455    $12,494,455   $12,494,455    $  12,494,455     

BPIP Awards(3), (4), (5)

  $41,852,981    $57,962,413   $63,118,520    $  63,118,520     

Severance(10)

 

  $

 

     934,615

 

 

 

   

 

$     934,615

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total(11)

  $67,689,175    $83,798,607   $88,020,099    $  88,020,099     

Robert S. Kapito

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $  9,434,798    $  9,434,798   $  9,434,798    $    9,434,798     

Challenge Awards(2)

  $  9,863,746    $  9,863,746   $  9,863,746    $    9,863,746     

BPIP Awards(3), (4), (5)

  $31,780,155    $44,052,687   $47,978,973    $  47,978,973     

Severance(10)

 

  $

 

     778,846

 

 

 

   

 

$     778,846

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total(11)

  $51,857,545    $64,130,077   $67,277,516    $  67,277,516     

Robert L. Goldstein

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $  5,806,978    $  5,806,978   $  5,806,978    $    5,806,978     

Challenge Awards(2)

  $  4,602,842    $  4,602,842   $  4,602,842    $    4,602,842     

BPIP Awards(3), (4), (5)

  $  6,932,003    $  9,615,624   $10,473,519    $  10,473,519     

Option Awards(6), (7), (8), (9)

  $         3,859    $       22,720   $       22,720         

Severance(10)

 

  $

 

     461,538

 

 

 

   

 

$     461,538

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total(11)

  $17,807,219    $20,509,701   $20,906,059    $  20,883,339     

Mark S. McCombe

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $  4,221,155    $  4,221,155   $  4,221,155    $    4,221,155     

Challenge Awards(2)

  $  3,156,234    $  3,156,234   $  3,156,234    $    3,156,234     

BPIP Awards(3), (4), (5)

  $  5,427,860    $  7,821,235   $  8,585,635    $    8,585,635     

Option Awards(6), (7), (8), (9)

  $         3,859    $       22,720   $       22,720         

Severance(10)

 

  $

 

     134,615

 

 

 

   

 

$     134,615

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total(11)

  $12,943,723    $15,355,959   $15,985,744    $  15,963,025     

Gary S. Shedlin

          

Year-End Awards(1)

  $4,245,813    $  4,245,813   $4,245,813    $    4,245,813     

Challenge Awards(2)

  $3,945,293    $  3,945,293   $3,945,293    $    3,945,293     

BPIP Awards(3), (4), (5)

  $6,153,732    $  8,512,175   $9,265,787    $    9,265,787     

Option Awards(6), (7), (8), (9)

  $2,894    $       17,040   $17,040         

Severance(10)

 

  $

 

115,385

 

 

 

   

 

$     115,385

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total(11)

 

  $

 

14,463,117

 

 

 

   

 

$16,835,705

 

 

 

  $

 

17,473,933

 

 

 

   

 

$17,456,893

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    

Name

  

Involuntary

Termination

        Without Cause

  

Involuntary Termination

    Without Cause Following a
Change in Control

       Qualified Retirement /
Disability / Death
   

Voluntary Resignation /

Termination for Cause

 

Laurence D. Fink

       

Year-End Awards(1)

  

 

$12,683,230

 

 

 

$12,683,230

 

  

 

$12,683,230

 

  

 

 

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  

 

$57,521,169

 

 

 

$50,592,220

 

  

 

$57,521,169

 

  

 

 

Severance(9)

  

 

$1,557,692

 

 

 

$1,557,692

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

                    

Total(11)

  

 

$71,762,091

 

 

 

$64,833,142

 

  

 

$70,204,399

 

  

 

 

                    

Robert S. Kapito

       

Year-End Awards(1)

  

 

$10,328,124

 

 

 

$10,328,124

 

  

 

$10,328,124

 

  

 

 

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  

 

$44,004,560

 

 

 

$38,725,773

 

  

 

$44,004,560

 

  

 

 

Severance(9)

  

 

$1,298,077

 

 

 

$1,298,077

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

                    

Total(10), (11)

  

 

$55,630,761

 

 

 

$50,351,974

 

  

 

$54,332,684

 

  

 

 

                    

Robert L. Goldstein

       

Year-End Awards(1)

  

 

$6,037,125

 

 

 

$6,037,125

 

  

 

$6,037,125

 

  

 

 

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  

 

$14,771,367

 

 

 

$12,909,072

 

  

 

$14,771,367

 

  

 

 

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

  

 

$15,290,774

 

 

 

$22,507,848

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

Severance(9)

  

 

$500,000

 

 

 

$500,000

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

                    

Total(11)

  

 

$36,599,266

 

 

 

$41,954,045

 

  

 

$20,808,492

 

  

 

 

                    

Mark Wiedman

       

Year-End Awards(1)

  

 

$4,646,718

 

 

 

$4,646,718

 

  

 

$4,646,718

 

  

 

 

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  

 

$12,300,814

 

 

 

$10,727,135

 

  

 

$12,300,814

 

  

 

 

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

  

 

$15,290,774

 

 

 

$22,507,848

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

Severance(9)

  

 

$326,923

 

 

 

$326,923

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

                    

Total(11)

  

 

$32,565,228

 

 

 

$38,208,623

 

  

 

$16,947,532

 

  

 

 

                    

Gary S. Shedlin

       

Year-End Awards(1)

  

 

$4,593,324

 

 

 

$4,593,324

 

  

 

$ 4,593,324

 

  

 

 

BPIP Awards(2), (3), (4)

  

 

$10,863,506

 

 

 

$9,492,580

 

  

 

$10,863,506

 

  

 

 

Option Awards(5), (6), (7), (8)

  

 

$11,468,009

 

 

 

$16,880,782

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

Severance(9)

  

 

$153,846

 

 

 

$153,846

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

                    

Total(11)

  

 

$27,078,685

 

 

 

$31,120,532

 

  

 

$15,456,830

 

  

 

 

                    

 

(1)

This reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of unvested RS/RSUs awarded asYear-End Awards outstanding as of December 31, 2017,2020, multiplied by (ii) $513.71$721.54 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017)31, 2020). For additional detail on theYear-End Awards, please refer to the “20172020 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End” table on page 7084 and the “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 73.86.

 

(2)Reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of outstanding unvested RSUs awarded as Challenge Awards held by the NEO for which the applicable stock price targets had been attained as of December 31, 2017, multiplied by (ii) $513.71 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017). As of December 31, 2017, all of the stock price targets had been attained for the Challenge Awards granted in January 2014. As described in the “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 73. As described above, delivery of shares relating to the Challenge Awards for which the stock price targets have been attained will occur only if the minimum stock price target applicable to the award is also attained on the fourth, fifth or sixth anniversary of January 31 (or the next following business day) in which the grant date occurred. The January 2014 Challenge Awards fully vested on January 31, 2018 and have been settled. For additional detail on the Challenge Awards, please refer to the “2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at FiscalYear-End” table on page 70 and the “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 73.

74BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Summary of Executive Compensation TablesLOGO

(3)BPIP Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause (other than following a change in control): This row reflects the sum of the value attributable to For the January 20152018 BPIP Awards, January 20162019 BPIP Awards and January 2017 BPIP Awards. For the January 20152020 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 2017 multiplied by (ii) $513.71 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017). For January 2016 BPIP Awards and January 2017 BPIP Awards, the value reflects an amount equal to the product of (A) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20172020, and target-level performance for the remainder of the applicable performance period, multiplied by $513.71, and (B), a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of completed months of service during the performance period as of December 31, 2017, and the denominator of which is the total number of months during the performance period.(ii) $721.54. The actual number of shares that an NEO would receive following the end of the three-year performance period will be based on the Company’s actual performance over the duration of the performance period. For additional detail on the BPIP awards,Awards, please refer to the “20172020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table on page 69,83, the “20172020 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table on page 7084 and the “Treatment of Outstanding Equity Awards Upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control” table on page 73.86.

 

(4)

88

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  6. Executive Compensation Tables

(3)

BPIP Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause within 12 months following a change in control: This row reflects the sum of the value attributable to the For January 2015 BPIP Awards, January 2016 BPIP Awards, and January 2017 BPIP Awards. For the January 20152018 BPIP Awards, the tablevalue shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 20172020, multiplied by (ii) $513.71 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017).$721.54. For theboth January 20162019 BPIP Awards and 2017January 2020 BPIP Awards, the table reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlementassuming the achievement of the award at target-level performance during the performance period multiplied by (ii) $513.71.$721.54. Under the terms of the Stock Plan, any outstanding awards that are not assumed by the acquirer in the event of a change in control would become fully vested (at target level for performance-based awards).

 

(5)(4)

BPIP Awards upon a termination due to death, disability or qualified retirement: For the January 20152018 BPIP Awards, January 2019 BPIP Awards and January 2020 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 2017 multiplied by (ii) $513.71 (the closing price of BlackRock common stock on December 29, 2017). For both January 2016 BPIP Awards2020, and January 2017 BPIP Awards, the value shown reflects an amount equal to (i) the number of shares that the NEO would receive upon settlement of the award, assuming (A) actual performance relative to the performance targets through December 31, 2017 and (B) target-level performance for the remainder of the applicable performance period, multiplied by (ii) $513.71.$721.54. The actual number of shares that an NEO would receive following the end of the three-year performance period will be based on the Company’s actual performance over the duration of the performance period.

 

(6)(5)

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we implemented a key strategic part of our long-term management succession plans by creating equity incentive grants of performance-based stock options for a select group of senior leaders, excluding the CEO and President, who we believe will play critical roles in BlackRock’s future. These awards were part of a strategic initiative and we do not consider them to be part of our regular annual compensation.

 

(7)(6)

Option Awards upon an involuntary termination without cause: Assuming a termination date of December 29, 2017, the closing price of BlackRock common stock was $513.71 as of such date and, therefore, the stock price hurdle would not have been met. The amounts shown represent the value of a pro rata portion of unvested options as of December 29, 2017,31, 2020, at the$721.54 (the closing price on that date.date). The applicable stock price hurdle was achieved on December 2, 2020. The pro rata portion (with respect to each tranche) which can be earned based on, and subject to, the achievement of the performance conditions is determined by multiplying the unvested options at termination of employment by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months, rounded down, the executive was employed from the date of grant through the termination date plus 12 months, and the denominator of which is the number of full months elapsed from the grant date through the applicable vesting date. For additional detail on these awards, see the “2020 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table on page 84.

 

(8)(7)

Option Awards upon a termination without cause within 12 months following a change in control or due to death or disability: Assuming a termination date of December 29, 2017, the closing price of BlackRock common stock was $513.71 as of such date and, therefore, the stock price hurdle would not have been met. The amounts shown represent the value of unvested options as of December 29, 2017.31, 2020. The stock price hurdle was achieved on December 2, 2020.

(8)

Option Awards upon qualified retirement: all unvested options will be forfeited.

 

(9)Option Awards upon qualified retirement: all unvested options will be forfeited.

(10)Reflects the amount that would have been payable to the NEO in a lump sum pursuant to the Severance Plan, assuming the NEO’s termination of employment by BlackRock other than for cause on December 31, 2017.2020.

(10)

Total value for Mr. Kapito includes an award of percentage points under the BlackRock Leadership Retention Carry Plan in order to promote his long-term retention and drive future growth. The award has a reasonable estimated value of $0, assuming a termination date of December 31, 2020, and initial distribution date of June 30, 2021.

 

(11)Values

Total values forYear-End Awards, Challenge Awards, BPIP Awards, Option Awards and Severance are rounded to the nearest whole number and, as a result of such rounding, the sum of such amounts may differ slightly from the amounts set forth in the line item titled “Total”.“Total.”

CEO Pay Ratio for 20172020

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our CEO:

For 2017,2020, our last completed fiscal year:

 

The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our Company (other than our CEO) was $141,987;$147,417; and

 

The annual total compensation of our CEO, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement, was $27,743,233.$27,356,432.

Based on this information, the ratio of our CEO’s annual total compensation to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was 195:186:1. This result is broadly consistent with our historical pay practices.

20172020 CEO Pay Ratio=195: 186:1

Methodology

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our median employee and our CEO, we took the following steps:

 

1.

Selection of Determination Date. We determined that, as of December 31, 2017,2020, our employee population consisted of approximately 13,90016,500 employees globally (as reported in Item 1,Business, in our Annual Report on2020 Form10-K10-K). filed on February 28, 2018 (our “Annual Report”)). This population included all of our full-time and part-time employees.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    75


Summary of Executive Compensation Tables

 

2.

Identification of Median Employee.To identify the “median employee” from our employee population, we reviewed 2017the 2020 total compensation of our employees. Total compensation includes base salary, overtime, 20172020 annual incentive award, direct incentives, commission payments and long-term equity incentive grants as reflected in the 20172020 annual compensation statements provided to each employee as part of theyear-end compensation process.

 

  

We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all our employees included in the calculation.Wecalculation.We did not make anycost-of-living adjustments in identifying the “median employee.”

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT89


Compensation Discussion and Analysis  |  CEO Pay Ratio for 2020

3.

Calculation of Annual Total Compensation.Once we identified our median employee, we combined all of the elements of such employee’s compensation for 20172020 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of RegulationS-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $141,987.$147,417. The difference between such employee’s total compensation and the reported amount for the ratio calculation is the contributions made by BlackRock under its tax qualified defined contribution (401(k)) plan for 20172020 to such employee, which totaled $11,417.$9,900.

 

  

For our CEO’s annual total compensation, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column (column (j)) of our 2017“2020 Summary Compensation Table included in this Proxy Statement on page 68.82.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2017,2020, relating to BlackRock equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock, restricted stock unitsRSUs or other rights to acquire shares of BlackRock common stock may be granted from time to time.

 

 

Plan Category

  

Number of
securities to be
issued upon exercise
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

 

   

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

   

Number of securities
available for
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in first column)

 

   

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise

of outstanding

options, warrants

and rights

   

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights

   

Number of securities

available for
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in first column)

 

Approved

            

BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan

   5,913,094(1)    $513.50(2)    2,438,646   

 

4,755,939(1)

 

  

 

$513.50(2)

 

   6,068,624 

Amended and Restated BlackRock, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

N/A

 

 

 

    

 

542,359

 

(3)  

 

  

 

 

  

 

N/A

 

   437,686(3) 
 

Total Approved by Shareholders

   

 

5,913,094

 

 

 

      

 

2,981,005

 

 

 

  

 

4,755,939

 

   

 

  

 

6,506,310

 

Not Approved

        

 

  

 

  

 

None

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

N/A

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

N/A

 

  

 

 

 

Total Not Approved by Shareholders

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

N/A

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

N/A

 

  

 

 

Total

   

 

5,913,094

 

 

 

      

 

2,981,005

 

 

 

  

 

4,755,939

 

   

 

  

 

6,506,310

 

 

(1)

Includes 3,765,5322,840,147 shares subject to RSUs (including RSUs which are settled in cash) and BPIP Awards (assuming payout at target levels) and 2,147,5621,915,792 stock options. On December 31, 2017, 246,522 shares were available for contribution by PNC pursuant to the Share Surrender Agreement between BlackRock and PNC to settle awards outstanding under the Stock Plan and for future BlackRock stock grants under any other plan in accordance with the terms of the Share Surrender Agreement. Since February 2009, these shares were held by PNC as Series C Preferred stock. In February 2018, 103,064 shares were surrendered. As of March 31, 2018, 143,458 shares remain available for contribution by PNC. Pursuant to SEC guidance, unvested shares of restricted stock that were issued and outstanding on December 31, 2017 are not included in the first or third column of this table.

 

(2)

Represents the weighted-average exercise price of stock options only.

 

(3)

Includes 542,359437,686 shares remaining available for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of which 5,8216,524 were subject to purchase during the open offering period that included December 31, 2017.

76BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Item 3

Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan

BlackRock is asking shareholders to approve an amendment to the Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan Amendment”) to increase the number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan from 34,500,000 to 41,500,000 shares. The Board believes that the existing number of shares available under the Stock Plan will not be sufficient to meet BlackRock’s anticipated needs to support our equity compensation plan beyond 2018.

The increase in the number of shares available under the Stock Plan will allow the Board to continue to provide equity incentive awards as part of ourpay-for-performance compensation program. The Board also believes that the combination of short-term and long-term incentives is essential to maintain a competitive compensation program aligned with shareholder interests and attract, reward and retain top talent.

The Stock Plan enables the Compensation Committee to make discretionary stock option, stock appreciation, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, dividend equivalent and other long-term stock-based or cash-based awards to selected employees andnon-employee directors of, and other individuals performing advisory or consulting services to, BlackRock and its present or future affiliates.

This proposal is being submitted to BlackRock’s shareholders in compliance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards concerning shareholder approval of equity compensation plans and/or material revisions to these plans.

While equity incentive awards are an important part of our pay-for-performance compensation program, the Board and the Compensation Committee are mindful of their responsibility to our shareholders to exercise judgment in granting equity-based awards. We review a number of metrics to assess the cumulative impact of our equity compensation programs, including burn rate and overhang.

The annual share usage under the Stock Plan for the last three fiscal years was as follows:

   

2015

 

   

2016

 

   

2017(3)

 

 

Burn rate(1)

 

    

 

0.99

 

 

   

 

1.13

 

 

   

 

2.19

 

 

Overhang(2)

 

    

 

7.09

 

 

   

 

6.00

 

 

   

 

4.98

 

 

1.Burn rate represents (a) (i) stock options granted plus (ii) restricted stock and restricted stock units granted plus (iii) performance-based awards granted divided by (b) the basic weighted average common shares outstanding for the applicable fiscal year.

2.Overhang represents (a) total plan shares divided by (b) (i) total plan shares plus (ii) common shares outstanding, where (a) total plan shares equals the sum of (i) the number of shares available for future grants plus (ii) the number of options outstanding plus (iii) restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding plus (iv) performance-based awards outstanding.

3.2017 burn rate figures include the performance-based stock options that were granted in the fourth quarter of 2017 in connection with the implementation of a key strategic part of BlackRock’s long-term management succession plans. Performance-based stock options represented about 60% of the total awards granted in 2017, which materially impacted the 2017 burn rate and is not representative of our annual usage. To the extent the performance-based stock options are excluded from the calculation, the 2017 burn rate would be 0.86%. We expect the burn rate to more closely approximate our 2015 and 2016 levels in the future.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    77


Item 3 Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and

Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan  Summary of Stock Plan

Summary of the Material Features of the Stock Plan and Stock Plan Amendment

The following summary of the material features of the Stock Plan, as amended by the Stock Plan Amendment, does not purport to be complete and is qualified by the specific provisions of the Stock Plan and the Stock Plan Amendment, copies of which are available to any shareholder of BlackRock upon written request to the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock at BlackRock’s principal executive offices. Requests for copies should be addressed to:

BlackRock, Inc.

Attn: Corporate Secretary

40 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 100222020.

A copy of the Stock Plan is also included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016. Please also see Annex B for a copy of the Stock Plan Amendment.

Shares Available

An aggregate of 34,500,000 shares of common stock is currently authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan. As of March 31, 2018, awards representing 5,288,393 shares of common stock were outstanding under the Stock Plan (which, for BPIP Awards, includes the base number of RSUs granted) and 1,469,022 shares of common stock remained available for grant. If BlackRock shareholders approve this proposal, an aggregate of 41,500,000 shares of BlackRock common stock will be authorized for grant under the Stock Plan and 8,469,022 shares of common stock will remain available for grant.

Annual Limits: No more than 4,000,000 shares of common stock may be covered by stock-based awards granted to any single individual in any plan year under the Stock Plan. In addition, the aggregate maximum value of all awards granted to non-employee director in any plan year under the Stock Plan (including any awards made at the election of a non-employee director in lieu of cash retainer fees) may not exceed $2,000,000.

The number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan, as well as the number of shares subject to outstanding awards and the annual limitation on grants to any single individual, are subject to equitable adjustment upon the occurrence of any stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation,spin-off, combination, repurchase or share exchange or other similar corporate transaction or event.

The closing price of a share of the common stock on the NYSE on March 29, 2018 was $541.72.

Stock Plan Administration

The Compensation Committee administers the Stock Plan. The Compensation Committee consists exclusively of directors who are“non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule16b-3 of the Exchange Act and “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation Committee has authority under the Stock Plan to:

Determine the persons to whom awards will be granted,

Determine the terms and conditions (including any applicable performance criteria) of the awards, and

Prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Stock Plan.

Eligibility

Grants of awards may be made under the Stock Plan to (i) employees of BlackRock or any of its affiliates, (ii) non-employee members of the Board and (iii) other individuals performing advisory or consulting services for BlackRock or any of its affiliates, in each case as determined and designated by the Compensation Committee. In exercising its discretion to select eligible individuals to participate in the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee takes into account, among other factors, the need to incentivize eligible individuals to continue as employees, members of the Board, or other service providers, increase their efforts on behalf of BlackRock, and promote the success of BlackRock’s business.

As of March 31, 2018, (i) approximately 14,000 employees of BlackRock and its affiliates were eligible for awards under the Stock Plan, of which 3,428 had been selected by the Compensation Committee for participation in and had received awards under the Stock Plan, (ii) 17

78BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Item 3 Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and

Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan  Summary of Stock Plan

non-employee members of the Board were eligible for awards under the Stock Plan, of which 17 had been selected by the Compensation Committee for participation in and had received awards under the Stock Plan and (iii) 6 independent contractors were eligible for awards under the Stock Plan, of which 6 had been selected by the Compensation Committee for participation in and had received awards under the Stock Plan.

Stock Options and Appreciation Rights

Stock option awards may be either “incentive stock options,” as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees. The exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value per share of common stock on the date of grant (except for options assumed in a corporate transaction). The Compensation Committee may provide for payment of the exercise price of a stock option in cash or cash equivalents, by an exchange of stock previously owned by the grantee or through a broker-dealer facilitated cashless exercise procedure.

Stock appreciation rights may be granted alone or together with stock options. A stock appreciation right is a right to be paid an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the stock appreciation right is exercised over either the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant (in case of a free-standing stock appreciation right) or the exercise price of the related stock option (in case of a tandem stock appreciation right). Payment can be made in cash, common stock or both, as specified in the award agreement or as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Stock options and stock appreciation rights are exercisable at such times and upon such conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine, as reflected in the applicable award agreement. The Compensation Committee determines the exercise period except that, in the case of an option, the exercise period may not exceed ten years from the date of grant of the option.

Except to the extent that the Compensation Committee or applicable award agreement provides otherwise, in the event of the termination of employment of an employee or other service relationship, the right to exercise stock options and stock appreciation rights held by such employee or other service provider will cease.

Dividend equivalent rights may not be granted with respect to options or stock appreciation rights.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

An Restricted Stock award is an award of common stock and an Restricted Stock Unit award is an award of the right to receive cash or common stock at a future date. In each case, the award is subject to restrictions on transferability and such other restrictions, if any, as the Compensation Committee may impose at the date of grant. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances, including, without limitation, a specified period of employment or the satisfaction ofpre-established performance goals, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Compensation Committee may determine. Except to the extent provided in the applicable award agreement, a participant granted Restricted Stock will have all of the rights of a shareholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to accrue dividends equal to the dividends paid on shares of common stock. If provided in the applicable award agreement, a holder of Restricted Stock Units will be entitled to dividend equivalents with respect to such RSUs. Dividends or dividend equivalents accrued with respect to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, respectively, will be paid out only if, and to the extent that, the underlying Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit vests.

Upon termination of employment or other service relationship during the applicable restriction period, shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and accrued but unpaid dividends or dividend equivalents, as applicable, that are subject to restrictions will be forfeited unless the award agreement provides otherwise. Subject to the terms of the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee can determine that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units will be waived in whole or in part in the event of terminations resulting from specified causes and the Compensation Committee may in other cases waive in whole or in part the forfeiture of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

Other Stock-Based or Cash-Based Awards

The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant “other stock-based awards” and “cash-based awards”. The Compensation Committee will determine the form of other stock-based awards and cash-based awards that may be awarded under the Stock Plan, as well as all of the terms and conditions applicable to these awards, including whether the vesting or payment of an award will be based on the attainment of one or more performance goals. Other stock-based awards will be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or will be otherwise based on, shares of common stock. Other stock-based awards may be granted alone or in addition to other awards under the Stock Plan. The maximum payment that any executive officer may receive pursuant to a “cash-based award” that is subject to performance goals in any plan year shall be $10,000,000.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    79


Item 3 Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and

Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan  Summary of Stock Plan

Minimum Vesting

An award granted under the Stock Plan after it becomes effective will not vest prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant of the Award. However, the Compensation Committee may grant awards that vest within one year following the date of grant under the following circumstances:

Due to the grantee’s retirement, death, disability, leave of absence, termination of employment, or upon the sale or other disposition of a grantee’s Employer or any other similar event, as determined by the Compensation Committee;

In accordance with terms described below under the caption “Change in Control”; or

As a substitute award in replacement of an award scheduled to vest within one year following the date of grant of such substitute award.

Under the Stock Plan, up to 5% of the shares of stock authorized for issuance under the Plan may provide for vesting within one year following the date of grant.

Change in Control

Unless otherwise provided in an award agreement or other agreement between the Company and the grantee, in the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the Stock Plan):

With respect to each outstanding award granted after the effective date that is assumed or substituted in connection with the change in control, if the grantee’s employment is terminated by the Company or its successor or an affiliate without cause (as defined in the applicable award agreement) within the12-month period following the change in control, then the awards held by the grantee will become fully vested (and any performance conditions applicable to such awards will be deemed to have been achieved at target level); and

Any outstanding awards granted after the effective date that are not assumed or substituted in connection with the change in control will become fully vested upon the change in control (with any performance conditions applicable to such awards deemed to have been achieved at target level).

An award will be considered assumed or substituted in connection with a change in control if, following the change in control, the award is of substantially comparable value and remains subject to substantially the same terms and conditions that were applicable to the award prior to the change in control; provided, that, if applicable, following the change in control, an award will be deemed assumed if it relates to shares of stock of the acquiring or ultimate parent entity.

Performance Goals

To the extent the Compensation Committee grants an award under the Stock Plan with payment or vesting based on the attainment of one or more performance goals, such payment or vesting is permitted if, and only to the extent that, the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee are met. The performance goals may relate to the performance of BlackRock, a subsidiary, affiliate, division or strategic business unit or any combination thereof.

The performance goals will be based on one or more of the following criteria:

 

   before-tax income orafter-tax income

   operating profit

   return on equity, assets, capital or investment

   earnings or book value per share90

 

BLACKROCK, INC. operating expenses2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

   stock price appreciation

   implementation or completion of critical projects or
processes

   sales or revenues

 

Where applicable, the performance goals may be expressed in terms of attaining a specified level of the particular criteria or the attainment of a percentage increase or decrease in the particular criteria, and may be applied to the performance of BlackRock relative

80BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Item 3 Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and

Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan  Summary of Stock Plan

to a market index, a group of other companies or a combination thereof, all as determined by the Compensation Committee. The performance goals may include a threshold level of performance below which no payment will be made, levels of performance at which specified payments will be made and a maximum level of performance above which no additional payment will be made. To the extent possible, each of the foregoing performance goals will be determined in accordance with GAAP. The performance measure or measures and the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee may be different for different fiscal years and different goals may be applicable to BlackRock and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Clawback

In addition to any forfeiture provisions otherwise applicable to an award, a grantee’s right to payment or benefits with respect to an award is subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, clawback or recoupment under BlackRock’s clawback policies or as required by applicable law.

Transferability

Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, awards granted under the Stock Plan may be transferred only by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

Amendment and Termination

The Stock Plan may be altered, amended, suspended or terminated by the Board, in whole or in part, except that no amendment that requires shareholder approval in order for the Stock Plan to continue to comply with state law, stock exchange requirements or other applicable law will be effective unless the amendment has received the required shareholder approval. In addition, no amendment may be made that adversely affects any of the rights of any award holder previously granted an award without the holder’s consent. The Stock Plan will terminate on May 28, 2025.

Registration

We intend to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 covering the increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan.

United States Federal Income Tax Information

The following summary is intended as a general guide to the United States federal income tax consequences relating to the issuance and exercise of stock options granted under the Stock Plan. This summary does not attempt to describe all possible federal or other tax consequences of such grants or tax consequences based on particular circumstances.

Incentive Stock Options

An optionee generally recognizes no taxable income for income tax purposes as the result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Optionees who neither dispose of their shares (“ISO shares”) within two years after the stock option grant date nor within one year after the exercise date normally will recognize a long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price and the amount paid for the ISO shares. If an optionee disposes of the ISO shares within two years after the stock option grant date or within one year after the exercise date (each a “disqualifying disposition”), the optionee will realize ordinary income at the time of the disposition in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ISO shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on such disqualifying disposition) over the exercise price of the ISO shares being purchased. Any additional gain will be capital gain, taxed at a rate that depends upon the amount of time the ISO shares were held by the optionee. BlackRock will be entitled to a deduction in connection with the disposition of the ISO shares only to the extent that the optionee recognizes ordinary income on a disqualifying disposition of the ISO shares.

Nonstatutory Stock Options

An optionee generally recognizes no taxable income as the result of the grant of a nonstatutory stock option. Upon the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the optionee normally recognizes ordinary income equal to the difference between the stock option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date. If the optionee is a BlackRock employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of stock acquired by the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, any subsequent gain or loss, generally based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    81Item 3:


Item 3 Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and

Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan  Summary of Stock Plan

value on the exercise date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. BlackRock generally is entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee as a result of the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option.

Additional Information

Future grants under the Stock Plan will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. In addition, benefits under the Stock Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value of common stock on future dates and the exercise decisions made by optionees. Consequently, it is not possible to determine the benefits that might be received by participants under the Stock Plan.

For information relating to the grants under the Stock Plan for the last fiscal year to BlackRock’s NEOs, see the “2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” on page 69.

Board Recommendation

   LOGO

The Board of Directors recommends you vote“FOR” the approval of the amendment to the Stock Plan.

82BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT



Item 4

Ratification of the Appointment

of the Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm retained to audit BlackRock’s financial statements. The Audit Committee conducts a comprehensive annual evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, performance and independence.independence, and takes into account the insight provided to the Audit Committee and the quality of information provided on accounting issues, auditing issues and regulatory developments. The Audit Committee also considers whether, in order to ensure continuing auditor independence, there should be periodic rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm, taking into consideration the advisability and potential costs and impact of selecting a different firm.

At its meeting on March 14, 2018,23, 2021, the Audit Committee appointed Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20182021 fiscal year. Deloitte or its predecessors have served as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2002.

The Audit Committee exercises sole authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms associated with the retention of Deloitte. In addition to ensuring the regular rotation of the lead audit partner as required by law, the Audit Committee is involved in the selection of, and reviews and evaluates, the lead audit partner.

The Audit Committee evaluated Deloitte’s institutional knowledge and experience, quality of service, sufficiency of resources and quality of the Board believeteam’s communications and interactions as well as the team’s objectivity and professionalism. As a result, the Audit Committee believes that the continued retention of Deloitte to serve as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, andshareholders. Accordingly, we are asking shareholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte.

Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the appointment of Deloitte to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on this appointment and as a matter of good corporate governance. In the event that shareholders fail to ratify the appointment, it will be considered a recommendation to the Board and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Representatives of Deloitte are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 


 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    83


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 

Item 4 Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Accounting Firm  Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte

91


Item 3:  Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  |  Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte

 

Fees Incurred by BlackRock for Deloitte

Aggregate fees incurred by BlackRock for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, for BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, and their respective affiliates, are set forth below.

 

 
  

2017

 

   

2016

 

  
  

2020

   

2019

 

Audit Fees(1)

  $

 

13,922,000

 

 

 

  $

 

15,626,000

 

 

 

  

 

$19,601,000

 

  

 

$18,362,000

 

Audit-Related Fees(2)

  $

 

4,315,000

 

 

 

  $

 

4,246,000

 

 

 

  

 

$4,663,000

 

  

 

$3,892,000

 

Tax Fees(3)

  $

 

1,277,000

 

 

 

  $

 

1,243,000

 

 

 

  

 

$964,000

 

  

 

$1,432,000

 

All Other Fees(4)

  $

 

1,041,000

 

 

 

  $

 

462,000

 

 

 

  

 

$643,000

 

  

 

$765,000

 

Total

  $

 

20,555,000

 

 

 

  $

 

21,577,000

 

 

 

  

 

$25,871,000

 

  

 

$24,451,000

 

 

(1)

Audit Fees consisted of fees for the audits of the consolidated financial statements and reviews of the condensed consolidated financial statements filed with the SEC on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, respectively, as well as work generally only the independent registered public accounting firm can be reasonably expected to provide, such as statutory audits and review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit fees also included fees for the audit opinion rendered regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and audits of certain sponsored funds.

 

(2)

Audit-Related Fees consisted principally of assurance and related services pursuant to Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 18 and International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, fees for employee benefit plan audits, attestation services for Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) verification and other assurance engagements.

 

(3)

Tax Fees consisted of fees for all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm’s tax personnel, except those services specifically related to the audit and review of the financial statements, and consisted principally of tax compliance and reviews of tax returns for certain sponsored investment funds.

 

(4)

All Other Fees consisted of fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm other than audit, audit-related or tax services. All Other Fees included services related to regulatory advice, technology subscriptions and translation services.

Excluded from the amounts reported above, Deloitte also provides audit, audit-related and tax services directly to certain of our affiliated investment companies, unit trusts and partnerships. Fees paid to Deloitte directly by these funds for services were $22,477,539$25,200,000 and $19,325,652$25,000,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. Such fees do not include fees paid to Deloitte by registered investment companies.

Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy

In accordance with BlackRock’s Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy (the“Pre-Approval Policy”), all services performed for BlackRock by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firmDeloitte werepre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee which concluded that the provision of such services by Deloitte was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The responsibility for pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services includes pre-approval of the fees for such services. Periodically, theThe Audit Committee reviews andpre-approves all audit, audit-related, tax and other services that are performed by BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for BlackRock. In the intervals between the scheduled meetings of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee delegatespre-approval authority under thePre-Approval Policy to the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Chair or designee must report any pre-approval decisions under the Pre-Approval Policy to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

Board Recommendation

 

 

LOGO

 

   LOGO

The Board of Directors recommends a vote“FOR” the ratification of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2018.

84BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


92

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities are to assist the Board with oversight of the integrity of BlackRock’s financial statements and public filings, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, the performance of BlackRock’s internal audit function and independent auditor and BlackRock’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. For more information about our Audit Committee’s responsibilities, see “Board Committees – The Audit Committee” under “Item 1 – Election of Directors” and our Audit Committee Charter.

It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to prepare BlackRock’s financial statements, to plan or conduct audits or to determine that BlackRock’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with GAAP in the United States. BlackRock’s management is responsible for preparing BlackRock’s financial statements and for maintaining internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing theBlackRock’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, expressing an opinion as to whether those audited financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of BlackRock in conformity with GAAP in the United States.States and expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In performing our oversight role, we have reviewed and discussed BlackRock’s audited financial statements with management and with Deloitte, BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2017.2020.

We have further discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed under the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) standards.and the SEC.

We have received from Deloitte the written disclosures required by applicable PCAOB rules regarding Deloitte’s independence, discussed with Deloitte its independence and considered whether thenon-audit services provided by Deloitte are compatible with maintaining its independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, inclusion of the audited financial statements in BlackRock’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172020 for filing with the SEC.

MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Pamela Daley, Chair

Mathis Cabiallavetta

William E. Ford

Murry S. Gerber

Sir Deryck Maughan

Ivan G. SeidenbergMargaret “Peggy” L. Johnson

Marco Antonio Slim Domit

Susan L. Wagner

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    85


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 93


Items 4A-4C:


Approval of Amendments

to Our Charter

Our Governance Committee has reviewed our Charter to determine whether any changes were necessary, appropriate or desirable in light of PNC exiting its investment in BlackRock in May 2020. In connection with and as a result of that review and the Governance Committee’s recommendations, on September 30, 2020, the Board adopted, and recommends that our shareholders approve, amendments to the Charter to:

provide shareholders of record owning 15% or more of the voting power of all outstanding shares of stock of the Company the ability to call a special meeting of shareholders (Item 4A);

eliminate supermajority voting requirements relating to the amendment of certain articles of the Charter (Item 4B); and

eliminate provisions relating to the “Significant Stockholder” (as defined in the Charter), which are no longer applicable, and make certain other technical revisions (Item 4C).

The amendments, which require shareholder approval, are described in greater detail on the following pages.


94

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Items 4A-4C:  Approval of Amendments to Our Charter  |  The Special Meeting Amendment

Item 4A:

Approval of an Amendment to Our Charter to Provide Shareholders the Right to Call Special Meetings

The Board has unanimously adopted and declared advisable, and recommends that our shareholders approve, an amendment (the “Special Meeting Amendment”) to our Charter to provide shareholders with the right to call special meetings of shareholders.

The Special Meeting Amendment

Shareholders do not currently have the right to call a special meeting. Under the existing Charter, Article Fifth, Section A(2) provides that special meetings may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the President of the Company, a majority of the Board, or any committee of the Board that has the power and authority to call special meetings of shareholders.

If the Special Meeting Amendment is approved by shareholders and becomes effective (as described below), Article Fifth, Section A(2) of the Charter will be amended to provide that one or more record holders of the Company’s stock representing ownership of not less than 15% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of common stock in the Company who comply with all of the applicable requirements and procedures set forth in our Bylaws would have the ability to require the Company to call a special meeting of shareholders. The Special Meeting Amendment will not impact our Board’s existing authority to call special meetings of shareholders.

The text of the Special Meeting Amendment, with proposed deletions reflected by “strike-through” text and proposed additions reflected by “underline” text, is set forth in Annex C. This summary of the Special Meeting Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to Annex C.

Purpose and Effect of the Special Meeting Amendment

The Special Meeting Amendment is a result of the Board’s and the Governance Committee’s ongoing review of our corporate governance practices and policies. In considering the Special Meeting Amendment, the Board and the Governance Committee carefully considered the implications of amending our Charter to provide shareholders the right to call special meetings.

Our Board believes the proposed Special Meeting Amendment strikes an appropriate balance between enhancing shareholder rights and adequately protecting shareholder interests. The Board recognizes that providing shareholders the ability to call special meetings is an important corporate governance practice. However, special meetings of shareholders can be potentially disruptive to business operations and to long-term shareholder interests and can cause the Company to incur substantial expenses. Accordingly, the Board believes the 15% threshold for calling special meetings of shareholders balances these considerations and ensures that special meetings are not used to the detriment of shareholders.

In light of these considerations, and upon recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board adopted resolutions declaring it advisable to approve the Special Meeting Amendment, and resolved to submit the Special Meeting Amendment to our shareholders for consideration.

Overview of Related Changes to the Bylaws

If the Special Meeting Amendment is approved by the shareholders and becomes effective, the Bylaws will be amended to specify the requirements and procedures for shareholder-requested special meetings. Below is a summary of the expected Bylaw amendment (the “Special Meeting Bylaw Amendment”). The Special Meeting Bylaw Amendment sets forth certain procedural requirements that the Board believes are appropriate to avoid duplicative or unnecessary special meetings.

A shareholder-requested special meeting would have to be held not more than 120 days after the Company receives a valid special meeting request. Among other things, a special meeting request would need to be accompanied by the following:

 

A statement setting forth the purpose of the meeting;

The information required by the advance notice bylaw provisions;

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT95


Items 4A-4C:  Approval of Amendments to Our Charter  |  Overview of Related Changes to the Bylaws

A representation that one or more of the requesting shareholders (or a representative) intends to attend the special meeting to present the proposal(s);

An agreement to notify the Company in the event that any of the requesting shareholders disposes of shares of Company stock before the record date and an acknowledgement that any such disposition will be deemed to be a revocation of the special meeting request with respect to such disposed shares; and

The number of shares of stock owned by each requesting shareholder and documentary evidence demonstrating that the requesting shareholders in the aggregate own the requisite percentage of shares.

In addition, a special meeting request would not be valid if:

The special meeting request does not comply with the Bylaws;

The special meeting request relates to an item of business that is not a proper subject for shareholder action under applicable law (as determined in good faith by the Board);

The special meeting request is delivered within 120 days of the anniversary date of the previous annual meeting;

An identical or substantially similar item (as determined in good faith by the Board, a “Similar Item”), other than the election of directors, was presented at an annual or special meeting held not more than 12 months before the special meeting request is delivered;

A Similar Item (including the election of directors) was presented at an annual or special meeting held not more than 120 days before the special meeting request is delivered;

A Similar Item is included in the Company’s notice of meeting as an item of business to be brought before an annual or special meeting that has been called but not yet held, or that is called for a date within 120 days of the receipt of a special meeting request; or

The special meeting request was made in a manner that involved a violation of law.

The Special Meeting Bylaw Amendment would specify that the business to be transacted at a shareholder-requested special meeting would be limited to the business stated in a valid special meeting request and any additional business that the Board determines to include in the notice for such special meeting.

Required Vote and Impact of Vote

The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval of Item 4A. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will both have the same effect as a vote “against” this matter.

If shareholders approve the Special Meeting Amendment by the requisite vote, the Special Meeting Amendment will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which we will file promptly following the Annual Meeting.

If shareholders do not approve the Special Meeting Amendment by the requisite vote, the Certificate of Amendment setting forth the Special Meeting Amendment will not be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and shareholders will not have the ability to require the Company to call a special meeting of shareholders.

Board Recommendation

LOGO

96

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Items 4A-4C:  Approval of Amendments to Our Charter   |  The Supermajority Elimination Amendment

Item 4B:

Approval of an Amendment to Our Charter to Eliminate Supermajority Voting Requirements

The Board has unanimously adopted and declared advisable, and recommends that our shareholders approve, an amendment (the “Supermajority Elimination Amendment”) to our Charter to eliminate supermajority voting requirements.

Currently, our Charter provides that certain amendments to the Charter require the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (the “75% Supermajority Voting Requirement”) or the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (the “80% Supermajority Voting Requirement,” and, together with the 75% Supermajority Voting Requirement, the “Supermajority Voting Requirements”).

Specifically, Article Thirteenth, Section A(2) of the Charter provides that the 80% Supermajority Voting Requirement is required to amend:

Certain provisions that are no longer applicable relating to any “Significant Stockholder” and “Affiliated Companies,” both as defined in the Charter (Article Ninth); and

The provisions relating to bylaw amendments, including that amendments may be approved by shareholders holding a majority of our outstanding shares (Article Twelfth).

In addition, Article Thirteenth, Section (B) of the Charter provides that any alteration, amendment or repeal of the Charter provision relating to Charter amendments (Article Thirteenth), or the adoption of any provision inconsistent with Article Thirteenth, must be approved pursuant to the 75% Supermajority Voting Requirement.

The Supermajority Elimination Amendment

Although the Board previously viewed the Supermajority Voting Requirements as protective of shareholders and appropriate given the significant ownership stake of PNC, the Board and Governance Committee reviewed these provisions in light of PNC’s exit of its investment in the Company. Accordingly, the Board approved and declared advisable, and recommends that shareholders approve, the amendment and restatement of Article Thirteenth to remove the Supermajority Voting Requirements contained therein.

The text of the Supermajority Elimination Amendment, with proposed deletions reflected by “strike-through” text and proposed additions reflected by “underline” text, is set forth in Annex D. This summary of the Supermajority Elimination Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to Annex D.

If the amendment is approved and becomes effective (as described below), future amendments to the Charter provisions referenced above will not be subject to the Supermajority Voting Requirements and will instead require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

Required Vote and Impact of Vote

The affirmative vote of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval of Item 4B. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” will have the same effect as a vote “against” this matter.

If shareholders approve the Supermajority Elimination Amendment by the requisite vote, the Supermajority Elimination Amendment will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which we will file promptly following the Annual Meeting.

If shareholders do not approve the Supermajority Elimination Amendment by the requisite vote, the Certificate of Amendment setting forth the Supermajority Elimination Amendment will not be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the Supermajority Voting Requirements will remain in the Charter.

Board Recommendation

LOGO

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT97


Items 4A-4C:  Approval of Amendments to Our Charter   |  The Charter Updating Amendments

Item 4C:

Approval of Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions

The Board has unanimously adopted and declared advisable, and recommends that our shareholders approve, amendments to several provisions (the “Charter Updating Amendments”) of our Charter to eliminate provisions that are no longer applicable and make other technical revisions.

The Charter Updating Amendments

Currently, our Charter contains several provisions related to PNC’s former investment in the Company and related to the PNC Stockholder Agreement that are no longer applicable. The Charter Updating Amendments would delete references to the Stockholder Agreement and the “Significant Stockholder” throughout the Charter as well as eliminate Article Ninth in its entirety, which relates to “Significant Stockholders,” corporate opportunity and the relationship between the Company and PNC.

In addition, the Charter Updating Amendments would make certain other technical revisions, including:

Deleting defined terms that are no longer applicable;

Deleting a reference to the Company’s previously classified Board (Article Sixth, Sections C and D); and

Renumbering Articles and sections in light of various deletions.

The text of the Charter Updating Amendments, with proposed deletions reflected by “strike-through” text and proposed additions reflected by “underline” text, is set forth in Annex E. This summary of the Charter Updating Amendments is qualified in its entirety by reference to Annex E.

Required Vote and Impact of Vote

The affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval of Item 4C. This is because the Charter Updating Amendments include amendments to Articles Ninth and Twelfth, which currently are subject to the 80% Supermajority Vote Requirement described under Item 4B. Abstentions and broker “non-votes,” if any, will have the same effect as a vote “against” this matter.

If shareholders approve the Charter Updating Amendments by the requisite vote, the Charter Updating Amendments will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which we will file promptly following the Annual Meeting.

If shareholders do not approve the Charter Updating Amendments by the requisite vote, the Certificate of Amendment setting forth the Charter Updating Amendments will not be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the certain inapplicable provisions will remain in the Charter and the other technical revisions will not be made to the Charter.

Board Recommendation

LOGO

98

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Item 5:


Item 5

Shareholder Proposal –

Production of an Annuala Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expendituresthe

The Unitarian Universalist Association (“UUA”), 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210-1409,“Statement on the Purpose of a

Corporation”

Fortunat & Shoshana Mueller, the holder of 15017 shares of common stock and represented by As You Sow, 2150 Kittredge Street, Suite 450, Berkeley, California 94704, has advised us that it intends to introduce the following resolution:resolution, which is co-sponsored by NJ Blessing Decd Tr Mar Rev GST EX (S):

Whereas, we believe: Our Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Larry Fink, in full disclosure of BlackRock’s direct and indirect lobbying activities and expenditures to assess whether our company’s lobbying is consistent with its expressed goals and inAugust 2019, signed a Business Roundtable (BRT) “Statement on the best interests of stockholders.

Resolved, the stockholders of BlackRock request the preparationPurpose of a report, updated annually, disclosing:Corporation,” (Statement) committing our Company to serve all stakeholders including employees, customers, supply chain, communities where we operate, and shareholders.

The CEO has made other public statements underscoring the importance of a company’s public purpose. In his 2020 annual letter to CEOs Larry Fink wrote:

The importance of serving stakeholders and embracing purpose is becoming increasingly central to the way that companies understand their role in society . . . a company cannot achieve long-term profits without embracing purpose and considering the needs of a broad range of stakeholders . . . . Ultimately, purpose is the engine of long-term profitability.1

BlackRock’s existing governance documents evolved in an environment of shareholder primacy. While the Statement may be beneficial to associate with our brand, the Statement as company policy may conflict with Delaware law and/or be interpreted as greenwashing or puffery unless integrated into Company governance documents, including bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and/or Committee Charters.

The Company’s actions and policies should also integrate with the Statement. The Company currently engages in various actions that appear to contradict the Statement. As an example related to climate:

 

1.Company policy and procedures governing lobbying, both direct and indirect, and grassroots lobbying communications.

Data show that BlackRock holds companies with reserves in fossil fuels amounting to a staggering 9.5 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions — or 30 percent of total energy-related carbon emissions from 2017. BlackRock has the highest ratio of coal investments compared to overall size among the ten largest fund managers.2 A report from German NGO Urgewald showed that Blackrock is the largest investor in companies building new coal power capacity across the world with a total investment of over $17.6 billion USD.3

 

2.Payments by BlackRock used

BlackRock’s 2020 publicly reported proxy voting record reveals consistent votes against virtually all climate-related resolutions (having voted for (a) directonly 3 of 36 such resolutions) such as requests for enhanced disclosure or indirect lobbying or (b) grassroots lobbying communications, in eachadoption of greenhouse gas reduction goals, even where independent experts advance a strong business and economic case includingfor supporting the amount of the payment and the recipient.proposal.4

Although the Statement of Purpose implies accountability to stakeholders, without clear mechanisms in place to implement the Purpose, this broadened standard could reduceaccountability to shareholders while providing accountability to none.

Be it resolved: Shareholders request our Board prepare a report based on a review of the BRT Statement of the New Purpose of a Corporation, signed by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and provide the board’s perspective regarding how our Company’s governance and management systems should be altered, if at all, to fully implement the New Statement of Purpose.

Supporting Statement

Implementation may include, at Board discretion, actions including amending the bylaws or articles of incorporation to integrate the new “Purpose;” linking related goals or metrics to executive or board compensation; providing for representation of stakeholders in governance of our Company.

1

https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/investor-relations/larry-fink-ceo-letter

2

https://2degrees-investing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MASTER_Fossil_Fuel_Ownership_Nov_2018.pdf, p.2

3

https://coalexit.org/sites/default/files/download_public/COP25_PR3.pdf, p.8

 

3.BlackRock’s membership in and payments to anytax-exempt organization that writes and endorses model legislation.

 

4.Description of management’s and the Board’s decision making process and oversight for making payments described in sections 2 and 3 above.

For purposes of this proposal, a “grassroots lobbying communication” is a communication directed to the general public that (a) refers to specific legislation or regulation, (b) reflects a view on the legislation or regulation and (c) encourages the recipient of the communication to take action with respect to the legislation or regulation. “Indirect lobbying” is lobbying engaged in by a trade association or other organization of which BlackRock is a member.

Both “direct and indirect lobbying” and “grassroots lobbying communications” include efforts at the local, state and federal levels.

The report shall be presented to the Audit Committee or other relevant oversight committees and posted on BlackRock’s website.

Supporting Statement

As stockholders, we encourage transparency and accountability in BlackRock’s use of corporate funds to influence legislation and regulation. Since 2010, BlackRock has spent over $18 million on federal lobbying. This figure does not include lobbying expenditures to influence legislation in states, where BlackRock also lobbies but disclosure is uneven or absent. For example, BlackRock spent $811,317 on lobbying in California from 2011 – 2016. And BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink has stated that “lobbying is really good because it is maximizing shareholder value” (“Unusual Debate at Davos: Lobbying, Maximizing Shareholder Value and the Duty of CEO’s,”ProMarket,April 1, 2016).

BlackRock lists memberships in the Investment Company Institute and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, which together spent over $25 million on lobbying in 2015 and 2016. BlackRock is reportedly a member of the Chamber of Commerce (“Is the Most Powerful Lobbyist in Washington Losing Its Grip?”Washington Post, July 14, 2017), which spent more than $1.3 billion in lobbying since 1998, and is listed as a member of the Business Roundtable, which is lobbying against the right of shareholders to file resolutions. BlackRock does not comprehensively disclose its memberships in, or payments to, trade associations, nor the amounts used for lobbying.

We are concerned that BlackRock’s lack of trade association lobbying disclosure presents significant reputational risk. For example, BlackRock believes climate change risk is an investment issue, yet the Chamber undermined the Paris climate accord (“Paris Pullout Pits Chamber against Some of Its Biggest Members,”Bloomberg, June 9, 2017).

86BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 

Item 5 Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annual Report on Certain Trade Association and

Lobbying Expenditures  The Board’s99


Item 5: Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”  |  The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

 

The Board’sBoard of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

 

The Board of Directors believes that the actions requested by the Proponent are unnecessary and not in the best interests of our shareholders and unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this proposal for the following reasons:

Summary

We believe that advocating for public policies that increase financial transparency, protect investors and facilitate responsible growth of capital markets is an important part of our responsibilities to our shareholders and clients. We provide on our website extensive disclosure of our public policy engagement efforts, political activities and the decision-making and oversight associated with these efforts and activities. The comment letters we file, policy papers published through our ViewPoints series and our Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies statement can all be found on our website athttps://www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/insights/public-policy/public-policy-engagement-and-political-activities-policies. We are also compliant with all lobbying and political contribution disclosure rules and regulations.

We review our public disclosure on our public policy engagements and political activities at least annually to ensure it accurately reflects our activities and policies and provides our shareholders with a clear understanding of our priorities. As part of our process we consider feedback from our shareholders and other stakeholders. Earlier this year and prior to our engagementBlackRock already operates consistently with the proponent, we updated our disclosureBusiness Roundtable’s “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation” (the “BRT Statement”) and no further action is needed to make clear that BlackRock does not use corporate funds to support or oppose ballot initiatives.implement the BRT Statement.

 

We received a nearly identical proposal last year from a different proponent. Wethe same proponent, which received only 3.9% support at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Similar to last year, we engaged extensively with last year’sthe proponent on the issues raised in thatthe proposal and made additional enhancementsexplained how the BRT Statement is consistent with the principles that already guide BlackRock, and improvementsthat the signing of the BRT Statement did not result in a new mission or purpose for the Company.

Our leadership has long believed that embracing purpose is central to achieving a company’s full potential, and this concept has been highlighted and reemphasized in our disclosuresChairman and CEO’s letters to public company CEOs for several years. Moreover, as demonstrated by our publicly disclosed policies and practices outlined below, BlackRock already operates in accordance with the principles set forth in the BRT Statement, and we generate value for a resultwide range of this cooperative dialogue. These additional enhancements included identifyingstakeholders, including clients, employees, suppliers, the principal trade associationscommunities in which we actively participatework and providing links directlyshareholders.

1. Delivering value to our clients.

Our commitment to our clients’ interests is embodied in the five BlackRock Principles, which represent our core values and guide how we interact with each other and our stakeholders. These are: (1) We are a fiduciary to our clients; (2) We are One BlackRock; (3) We are passionate about performance; (4) We take emotional ownership; and (5) We are committed to a better future. As reflected in the BlackRock Principles, we are relentless about finding better ways to serve our clients and improve our firm. Our principles also reflect that we seek to manage our business sustainably and responsibly.

2. Investing in our employees.

Our long-term sustainability depends on our websitepeople and how we manage our workforce. As further discussed under “BlackRock’s Impact on its People” on page 38 of this Proxy Statement, investing in the well-being of our employees is a critical component of our strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of our workforce and keeping employees safe and healthy, and we have implemented several initiatives, including telemedicine and digital health resources and mental, emotional and physical health offerings, to government websites reportingsupport our federal lobbying activitiesemployees. Additionally, we believe that developing the capabilities of our employees is integral to delivering long-term value, and political contributions made bywe therefore provide a variety of opportunities for employees to learn, innovate and enhance their skillsets at every stage of their career.

3. Dealing fairly and ethically with our suppliers.

As noted on our Corporate Sustainability webpage, our Supplier Code of Conduct & Ethics (“Supplier Code”) outlines the minimum expectations and standards that we have for our suppliers in relation to human rights, inclusion and diversity, environmental sustainability and integrity and ethics in management practices.

4. Supporting the communities in which we work.

Our Social Impact webpage details our philanthropic efforts, which date back many years and have consistently focused on furthering BlackRock’s political action committee. Similarpurpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Furthermore, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Social Impact team has been supporting non-profit organizations who deliver direct services to the frontlines, including food banks and hospitals.

5. Generating long-term value for shareholders.

In the last year, we engaged extensively with this proponent to explain our approach to public policy engagement.

We believe that our current disclosures are responsive to the requests made in the proposal. A report beyond what has been publishedhave increased transparency on our websiteintegration of ESG insights into our investment processes as well as our Investment Stewardship team’s efforts to promote sound corporate governance and requiredbusiness practices. Underpinning these actions is our leadership’s belief that the more a company can show its purpose in our public filings would impose a significant additional administrative burden on the Company but provide only minimal additional informationdelivering value to BlackRock’s shareholders. As a result, we believe that adoption of the proposal is unnecessary and not in the best interest of BlackRock or our shareholders.

As detailed in our statement of Public Policy Engagement and Political Participation Policies on our website, BlackRock is committed to:

Full Transparency of Positions:

   BlackRock comments on public policy topics through its ViewPoints publications and comment letters and consultation responses to policy makers, which are available on the Company’s website.

Effective Oversight and Governance:

   BlackRock’s Chief Legal Officercustomers, its employees, and the head of BlackRock’s Global Public Policy Group briefcommunities in which it operates, the Board’s Risk Committeebetter able the company will be to compete and keep our Directors apprised of, and engaged in, the Company’s legislative and regulatory priorities and advocacy initiatives.

   BlackRock’s Global Public Policy Group coordinates the Company’s engagement with policy makers and advocacy on public policy issues.

   The Global Public Policy Group works closely with the Company’s business and legal teams to identify legislative and regulatory priorities that will protect investors, increase shareholder value and facilitate responsible economic growth.

   As an asset manager, BlackRock focuses on issues that impact the asset management industry and the clientsdeliver long-term, durable profits for whom we act as agent in managing assets.

   BlackRock’s efforts are generally focused at the national level, rather than at a state-specific level.

   As part of BlackRock’s engagement in the public policy process, the Company participates in a number of trade organizations and industry groups, principal trade associations of which are publicly disclosed.shareholders.

 

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    87


100

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Item 5: Shareholder Proposal – Production of a Report  on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation”  |  The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

We have also continued to demonstrate and communicate how BlackRock aims to serve the long-term interests of all stakeholders by publishing numerous reports and disclosures that establish how the principles of the BRT Statement are incorporated into our day-to-day business. These include:

   Our “Where We Stand” report, which provides examples of how we pursue our purpose by, among other things, helping people build savings and making investing easier and more affordable.

   Our Investment Stewardship team’s 2021 Global Principles and “Our Approach to Sustainability,” which provide information on how the team engages with companies on sustainability-related risks and on sustainable and responsible business practices that drive long-term value for our clients.

Furthermore, our Corporate Sustainability webpage includes valuable information about our purpose, our latest TCFD, SASB and EEO-1 disclosures, our 2020 Carbon Footprint Factsheet, and is where our stakeholders can find detailed information on our actions with respect to ESG issues that overlap with the topics addressed in the BRT Statement.

The Board’s Governance Committee reviewed and considered the proposal and found that there is no meaningful difference between how BlackRock operates and the BRT Statement. In reaching this determination, the Governance Committee considered the Company’s public statements, actions and commitments outlined above.

In addition, our commitment to managing BlackRock with consideration to all stakeholders is incorporated into our governance systems. For example, in 2016, our Board amended the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to specifically acknowledge that long-term value creation requires consideration of the concerns of our stakeholders and interested parties, including shareholders, clients, employees and the communities where we operate.

Accordingly, the Board does not believe that a report based on a review of the BRT Statement is necessary because the Company already operates in accordance with the principles included in the BRT Statement with oversight and guidance by the Board, and provides significant disclosures to shareholders and the public about how it implements its purpose.

Board Recommendation

LOGO

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT101


Item 6:


Shareholder Proposal – Amend Certificate of Incorporation to Convert to a Public Benefit Corporation

James McRitchie, 9295 Yorkship Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758, the holder of 25 shares of common stock, has advised us that he intends to introduce the following resolution:

ITEM 6 – Public Benefit Corporation Request

RESOLVED: Shareholders request our Board of Directors take steps necessary to amend our certificate of incorporation and, if necessary, bylaws (including presenting such amendments to the shareholders for approval) to become a public benefit corporation (a “PBC”).

Supporting Statement

The Company signed the Business Roundtable Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation (the “Statement”),1 which proclaims, “we share a fundamental commitment to all of our stakeholders. . . .We commit to deliver value to all of them, for the future success of our companies, our communities and our country.”

However, the Company is a conventional Delaware corporation, so that directors’ duties emphasize shareholders, not stakeholders (except to the extent they create value for shareholders). As one law firm reported to another signatory, directors of a conventional corporation may consider stakeholder interests only if “any decisions made with respect to such stakeholders are in the best interests of the corporation and its stockholders.”2 In contrast, directors of a PBC must “balance” the interests of shareholders, stakeholders, and a specified benefit,3 giving legal status to the Statement’s otherwise empty promise.

This distinction is critical. A recent study determined that listed companies create annual social and environmental costs of $2.2 trillion.4 These costs have many sources, including pollution, climate change and employee stress.5 A company required to balance stakeholder interests could prioritize lowering these costs, even if doing so sacrificed higher return.

These costs matter to our shareholders, the vast majority of whom are diversified. Indeed, as of September 2020, the Company itself, along with Vanguard and State Street, each of whom provides broadly diversified investment products, own almost 20% of the Company’s shares. Diversified shareholders suffer when companies follow Delaware’s “shareholder primacy” model and harm the economy, because the relationship between GDP and the value of a diversified portfolio is positively correlated over time.6 While the Company may profit by ignoring costs that it can externalize, its diversified shareholders ultimately internalize them and may prefer different governance.

1

https://www.businessroundtable.org/business-roundtable-redefines-the-purpose-of-a-corporation-to-promote-an-economy-that- serves-all-americans

2

https://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/14a-8/2020/harringtonwellsfargo021220-14a8.pdf (emphasis added.)

3

8 Del C, §365.

4

https://www.schroders.com/en/sysglobalassets/digital/insights/2019/pdfs/sustainability/sustainex/sustainex-short.pdf

5

Id.

6

See Universal Ownership: Why Environmental Externalities Matter to Institutional Investors, Appendix IV (demonstrating linear relationship between GDP and a diversified portfolio) available at https://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/universal_ownership_full.pdf; cf. https://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/2020/11/05/market-cap-to-gdp-an-updated-look-at-the-buffett-valuation- indicator (total market capitalization to GDP “is probably the best single measure of where valuations stand at any given moment”) (quoting Warren Buffet).


102

 

Item 5 Shareholder Proposal – Production of an Annual Report on Certain Trade Association and

Lobbying Expenditures  BLACKROCK, INC. The Board’s Statement in Opposition2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Item 6: Shareholder Proposal – Public Benefit Corporation  |  The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

 

This issue is especially cogent for the Company, an investment manager with more than $7 trillion under management, heavily weighted towards indexed strategies. Its first focus as a steward of these assets should be protection of the systems that support all of the companies it its diversified portfolios.

Shareholders are entitled to vote on a governance change that would serve their interests and ensure the commitment made to stakeholders in the Statement is authentic and lasting – and that the Company’s corporate governance is aligned with the interests of its clients.

Please vote for: Public Benefit Corporation Request – Proposal 6

 

Full Compliance with Restrictions on Political ContributionsThe Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

We believe that BlackRock already operates in a manner that considers the interests of its shareholders and Filingother stakeholders and Disclosure Obligations:can continue doing so in our existing corporate form without the unnecessary risks and burdens of converting to a public benefit corporation (“PBC”).

 

BlackRock’s existing corporate form allows it to operate in a way that considers the needs of its many stakeholders, and we are already doing so today. In compliancefact, BlackRock has been a vocal leader on the importance of companies articulating a purpose and operating in a way that benefits all stakeholders over the long-term, as exemplified by our Chairman and CEO’s annual letter to CEOs and annual letter to shareholders. Most recently, our Chairman and CEO wrote in his 2021 letter to CEOs that “being connected to stakeholders – establishing trust with federal regulations,them and acting with purpose – enables a company to understand and respond to the changes happening in the world,” and warned that “[c]ompanies ignore stakeholders at their peril.”

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. This purpose drives our strategy and is essential to our culture. In December 2020, we published our “Where We Stand” report, which provides examples of how BlackRock pursues its purpose in detail, including by helping millions of people invest to build savings, making investing easier and more affordable, contributing to a more resilient economy and advancing sustainable investing.

When our CEO signed the BRT Statement, which indicated BlackRock’s commitment to serving all stakeholders, BlackRock already operated in accordance with this principle. This focus on our shareholders, clients, employees and the communities in which we operate is evidenced by our public statements, actions and commitments.

Accordingly, we believe BlackRock’s conversion to a PBC would not result in meaningful change or serve the interests of our shareholders or other stakeholders.

The PBC model is new and largely untested, and the resulting uncertainties make this approach inappropriate for a company of our size and complexity.

To our knowledge, only a handful of U.S. publicly traded corporations have gone public as, wellor have converted to be, public benefit corporations, and none are large-cap publicly-traded financial institutions or comparable to BlackRock in terms of market capitalization or global footprint.

Conversion to a PBC may alienate our clients and investors who believe their interests are not being served, as applicable statethere are no major financial services firms that have adopted the PBC structure. Moreover, the impact that a conversion would have on BlackRock’s stock price, market capitalization and local law,overall operational and financial performance is unknown. This uncertainty also could impact our ability to attract and retain employees, and to compete for employees with other financial services firms that are not PBCs. In addition, while our clients and shareholders have expressed support for our existing sustainability initiatives, none of them, other than the proponent of this proposal, have expressed any interest in BlackRock does not contribute corporate fundsconverting to federal, state or local candidates, political party committees, political action committees or any political organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 527a PBC.

As a global financial services firm, BlackRock and its subsidiaries are heavily regulated around the world, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of the Internal Revenue Code.

  Although permitted under federal law, BlackRock does not spendComptroller of the Currency and the Financial Conduct Authority. Any significant change in our corporate funds directly on independent expenditures,structure and governance would require significant legal and regulatory review, including electioneering communications and ballot initiatives.

  BlackRock’s political action committee is funded voluntarily by employees and its contributions are publicly disclosedengagement with our regulators. Such review would result in unnecessary costs to the Federal Election Commission.

BlackRock publicly discloses all U.S. federal lobbying costscompany and the issues to whichshareholders and would divert management’s attention from running our lobbying efforts relate, on a quarterly basis, as required under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. BlackRock also makes such disclosures at the state or local level to the extent required to do so under applicable lobbying laws.

For the reasons stated above, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” the shareholder proposal.business.

 

Board Recommendation

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote“AGAINST” this proposal.

88BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 103


Annual Meeting Information

Questions and Answers aboutAbout the Annual Meeting and Voting

Who is entitled to vote?

Holders of record of BlackRock common stock at the close of business on March 29, 20182021 are entitled to receive notice and to vote their shares of BlackRock common stock at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Meeting. As of March 29, 2018, 160,308,3622021, [] shares of BlackRock’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding. Holders are entitled to one vote per share.

A list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the Annual Meeting. It can also be made available beginning 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, between the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, at our principal executive offices at 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055, by writing to the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock at: c/o Corporate Secretary, BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022. The list will also be accessible during the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021 and entering the control number provided on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

How docan I attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?

In light of ongoing considerations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting will be held virtually; you will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person.

You are entitled to virtually participate in the Annual Meeting if you were a shareholder as of the close of business on the record date, March 29, 2021, or hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting.

Attending the Annual Meeting: To attend the Annual Meeting, visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021. You will be asked to enter the control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Voting During the Annual Meeting: If you were a shareholder as of the record date, or you hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting, you may vote during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting.

Technology Support for the Annual Meeting: We encourage you to access the Annual Meeting before it begins. You may login approximately fifteen minutes before the meeting start time. If you have difficulty accessing the Annual Meeting, please contact the technical support number that will be posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021. Technicians will be available to assist you.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the meeting. For information on how to vote prior to the Annual Meeting, see “How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting and what are the voting deadlines?”

Will I be able to participate in the virtual Annual Meeting in the same way that I would be able to participate in an in-person annual meeting?

We have taken steps to ensure that the format of the virtual Annual Meeting affords shareholders the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting. We have determined to enhance shareholder access, participation and communication by providing shareholders the ability to submit questions in advance of and during the meeting.

Submitting questions in advance of the Annual Meeting. You may submit a question in advance of the meeting at www.proxyvote.com after logging in with your control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

Submitting questions during the Annual Meeting. Questions may be submitted during the Annual Meeting by accessing the virtual meeting platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021 with your control number and following the instructions to submit a question.

During the Q&A session of the Annual Meeting, we will address as many questions that comply with our rules of conduct and are submitted online by shareholders as time permits. Our rules of conduct will be made available on the virtual meeting platform and on our Investor Relations website. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped and answered once to avoid repetition. To allow us to respond to as many questions as possible in the allotted time, we may limit each shareholder to one question.

104

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Annual Meeting Information  |  Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting and what are the voting deadlines?

You may submit a proxy by telephone, via the Internet or by mail.

 

LOGO

LOGO   

 

Submitting a Proxy by Telephone: You can submit a proxy for your shares by telephone until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 201825, 2021 by calling the toll-free telephone number on the attachedyour proxy card,1-800-690-6903. Telephone proxy submission is available 24 hours a day.Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to submit a proxy for your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. Our telephoneTelephone proxy submission procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders by using individual control numbers.

LOGOLOGO   

 

Submitting a Proxy via the Internet: You can submit a proxy via the internet until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 201825, 2021 by accessing the website listed on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials andor your proxy card,www.proxyvote.com,, and by following the instructions on the website. Internet proxy submission is available 24 hours a day. As with the telephone proxy submission, you will be given the opportunity to confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.

LOGOLOGO   

 

Submitting a Proxy by Mail: Mark your proxy card, date, sign and return it to Broadridge Financial Solutions in the postage-paid envelope provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Proxy cards returned by mail must be received no later than the close of business on May 22, 2018.

25, 2021.

By casting your vote in any of the three ways listed above, you are authorizing the individuals listed onnamed in the proxy to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions.

What is required to attend the Annual Meeting?

You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you were, or you hold a valid legal proxy naming you to act as a representative for, a holder of BlackRock common stock at the close of business on March 29, 2018. Shareholders, or their valid legal proxies, planning to attend the Annual Meeting in person mustrequest an admission ticket in advance of the Annual Meeting by visitingwww.proxyvote.com and following the instructions provided. You will need the16-digit “control” number included on your proxy card, voter instruction or form of notice. Tickets will be issued to registered and beneficial owners. Requests for admission tickets will be processed in the order they are received and must be requested no later than May 22, 2018. Please note that seating is limited

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    89


Annual Meeting Information  Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

and requests for tickets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to your admission ticket, please bring a form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card or passport, to gain entry to the Annual Meeting. If you were the beneficial owner of shares held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you or your representative must also bring proof of your stock ownership as of the close of business on March 29, 2018, such as an account statement or similar evidence of ownership. The use of mobile phones, pagers, recording or photographic equipment, tablets and/or computers is not permitted at the Annual Meeting. If you are unable to provide valid photo identification or if we are unable to validate that you were a shareholder (or that you are authorized to act as a legal proxy for a shareholder) or you cannot comply with the other procedures outlined above for attending the Annual Meeting in person, we will not be able to admit you to the Annual Meeting.

In the event you submit your proxy and you attend the Annual Meeting, you may revoke your proxy and cast your vote personally at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from the holder of record, to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.

All shares that have been properly voted, and not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting. If you sign and return your proxy card but do not give voting instructions, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the BoardBoard.

If you were a shareholder as of Directors.the record date, or you hold a legal proxy provided by your bank, broker or nominee for the Annual Meeting, you can also vote via the Internet during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021.

How will voting on any other business be conducted?

If any other business is properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the persons named in the proxy will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, went to press, we did not know of any other business to be raised at the Annual Meeting.

May I revoke my vote?

Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are exercised by:

 

written
Written notice to the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock;

 

submittingSubmitting a proxy on a later date by telephone or Internet (only your last telephone or Internet proxy will be counted) before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2018;25, 2021;

timely
Timely delivery of a valid, later-dated proxy; or

 

voting by ballotAttending the Annual Meeting virtually and voting. Attendance at the meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request.

For shares held beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your bank, broker or nominee by following the instructions it has provided, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your bank, broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by virtually attending the Annual Meeting.

Meeting and voting.

What is a quorum?

A quorum is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting constitutes presence in person for purpose of a quorum at the meeting.

What is the effect of a brokernon-vote or abstention?

Abstentions and brokernon-votes”,non-votes,” if any, are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker“non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. If a nominee has not received instructions from the beneficial owner, the nominee may vote these shares only on matters deemed “routine” by the NYSE. The election of directors, approval of NEO compensation, approval of the amendmentamendments to our Charter to provide

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT105


Annual Meeting Information  |  Questions and Answers about the Stock PlanAnnual Meeting and Voting

shareholders with the right to call a special meeting and to eliminate certain supermajority vote requirements, as well as the shareholder proposalproposals are not deemed “routine” by the NYSE and nominees have no discretionary voting power for these matters. The ratification of the appointment of an independent registered accounting firm isand the amendments to our Charter to eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions are deemed a “routine” mattermatters on which nominees have discretionary voting power.

What vote is required in order to approve each of the proposals?

Each share of our common stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled to one vote on each of the 1816 director nominees and one vote on each other matter. Directors receiving a majority of votes cast (number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed the number of shares voted “against” that director) will be elected as a director. Abstentions and broker“non-votes” will be disregarded

90BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Annual Meeting Information  Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

and have no effect on the outcome of the Item 1 vote to elect directors. A

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes of shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for Item 2, the approval of NEO compensation, Item 3, the approval of an amendment to the Stock Plan, Item 4, the ratification of Deloitte as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20182021 fiscal year, and ItemItems 5 and 6, the approval of the shareholder proposal.proposals. Abstentions will be treated as a vote “against” and “brokernon-votes”non-votes,” if any, will have no effect on such matters.

The proposals to amend our Charter are subject to the following different approval requirements:

Item 4A, to provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting;

Item 4B, to eliminate certain supermajority vote requirements, requires the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting; and

Item 4C, to eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions, requires the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

For each of these, abstentions and “broker non-votes,” if any, will have the same effect as a vote “against” the matter.

Who will count the votes and how can I find the results of the Annual Meeting?

Broadridge Financial Solutions, our independent tabulating agent, will count the votes. We will publish the voting results in aForm 8-K filed within four business days of the Annual Meeting.

Important Additional Information

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

We will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited in person or by mail, telephone and electronic transmission on our behalf by directors, officers or employees of BlackRock or its subsidiaries, without additional compensation. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries that are requested to forward soliciting materials to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record by such persons.

Multiple Shareholders Sharing the Same Mailing Address or “Householding”

In order to reduce printing and postage costs, we try to deliver only one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, one Annual Report and one Proxy Statement to multiple shareholders sharing a mailing address. This delivery method, called “householding”,“householding,” will not be used if we receive contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders sharing a mailing address. If your household has received only one copy, we will promptly deliver promptly a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, the Annual Report and the Proxy Statement to any shareholder who sends a written request to the Corporate Secretary at the address provided in the Notice of 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

You may also notify us if you would like to receive separate copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or, if applicable, BlackRock’s Annual Report and Proxy Statement in the future by writing to the Corporate Secretary. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards. If you are submitting a proxy by mail, each proxy card should be marked, signed, dated and returned in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.

If your household has received multiple copies of BlackRock’s Annual Report and Proxy Statement, you can request the delivery of single copies in the future by marking the designated box on the attached proxy card.

If you own shares of common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee and receive more than one Annual Report and Proxy Statement, contact the holder of record to eliminate duplicate mailings.

106

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Annual Meeting Information  |  Important Additional Information

Confidentiality of Voting

BlackRock keeps all proxies, ballots and voting tabulations confidential as a matter of practice. BlackRock allows only Broadridge Financial Solutions to examine these documents. Occasionally, shareholders provide written comments on their proxy cards, which are then forwarded to BlackRock management by Broadridge Financial Solutions.

Available Information

BlackRock makes available free of charge through its website atwww.blackrock.comhttp://ir.blackrock.com, under the headings “Our FirmFinancials / Investor Relations / SEC Filings”,Filings, its Annual Reports to Shareholders, Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, Current Reports on Form8-K, Proxy Statements and form of proxy and all amendments to these reports no later than the day on which such materials are first sent to security holders or made public.

BlackRock will provide, without charge to each shareholder upon written request, a copy of BlackRock’s Annual Reports to Shareholders, Annual Reports on Form10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form10-Q, Current Reports on Form8-K, Proxy Statements and form of proxy and all amendments to those reports.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    91


Annual Meeting Information  Important Additional Information

Written requests for copies can be made by:

 

LOGOLOGO 

Mail: Corporate Secretary of BlackRock, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022

LOGO

LOGO 

Telephone:(212) 810-5300

LOGO

LOGO     

Email:invrel@blackrock.com

Copies may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC homepage on the Internet atwww.sec.gov. The Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December  31, 20172020 is not part of the proxy solicitation materials.

Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders

Proposals to be Considered for Inclusion in BlackRock’s Proxy Materials

Shareholders who wish to present proposals for inclusion in the proxy materials to be distributed by us in connection with our 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must submit their proposals to BlackRock’s Corporate Secretary on or before December 14, 2018.[], 2021.

Director Nominations for Inclusion in BlackRock’s Proxy Materials (Proxy Access)

A shareholder (or a group of up to 20 shareholders) who has owned at least 3% of our shares continuously for at least three years and has complied with the other requirements in our Bylaws may nominate and include in BlackRock’s proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 25% of our Board. Notice of a proxy access nomination for consideration at our 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received no later than December 14, 2018[], 2021 and no earlier than November 14, 2018.[], 2021.

Other Proposals and Nominations

Apart from the Exchange Act Rule14a-8 and our proxy access bylaw that address the inclusion of shareholder proposals or shareholder nominees in our proxy materials, under our Bylaws, certain procedures must be followed for a shareholder to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting of shareholders.

We must receive the notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or proposed item of business at our 20192022 Annual Meeting:Meeting of Shareholders:

 

not

Not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the anniversary of the mailing date of BlackRock’s proxy materials for the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders; or

 

not

Not later than 10 days following the day on which notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed to shareholders or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever comes first, in the event that next year’s annual meeting is not held within 25 days before or after the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting.

Assuming that our 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is held within 25 days of the anniversary of the 2018 Annual Meeting, we must receive notice of your intention to introduce a nomination or other item of business at the 20192022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders by December 14, 2018[], 2021 and no earlier than November 14, 2018.[], 2021.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT107


Annual Meeting Information  |  Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Shareholders

Additional Requirements

Under our Bylaws, any notice of proposed business must include a description of the business and the reasons for bringing the proposed business to the meeting, any material interest of the shareholder in the business and certain other information about the shareholder. Any notice of a nomination or a proxy access nomination for director nominees must provide information about the shareholder and the nominee, as well as the written consent of the proposed nominee to being named in the proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected.

BlackRock’s Bylaws specifying the advance notice requirements for proposing business or nominations, and for proposing proxy access nominations, are available on BlackRock’s website atwww.blackrock.comwww.sec.gov under the heading “Investor Relations”.

92BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT


Annual Meeting Information  Deadlines for Submission of Proxy Proposals,

Nomination of DirectorsandOther Business of Shareholders

Address to Submit Proposals and Nominations

In each case, proxyProxy proposals, proxy access nominations and nominations for director nominees and/or an item of business to be introduced at an annual meeting of shareholders must be submitted in writing to the Corporate Secretary, of BlackRock, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New YorkNY 10022.

Other Matters

The Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the meeting. If, however, any other business should properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is intended that the proxy will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the persons named in the proxy.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

LOGO

LOGO

R. Andrew Dickson, III

Corporate Secretary

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    93


108

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


 

Annex A:


Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

BlackRock reports its financial results in accordance with GAAPaccounting principles generally accepted in the United States;States (“GAAP”); however, management believes evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating results may be enhanced if investors have additional non-GAAP financial measures. Management reviewsnon-GAAP financial measures to assess ongoing operations and considers them to be helpful, for both management and investors, in evaluating BlackRock’s financial performance over time. Management also usesnon-GAAP financial measures as a benchmark to compare its performance with other companies and to enhance the comparability of this information for the reporting periods presented.Non-GAAP measures may pose limitations because they do not include all of BlackRock’s revenue and expense. BlackRock’s management does not advocate that investors consider suchnon-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.Non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Management uses both GAAP andnon-GAAP financial measures in evaluating BlackRock’s financial performance. Adjustments to GAAP financial measures(“non-GAAP adjustments”) include certain items management deems nonrecurring or that occur infrequently, transactions that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

Computations for all periods are derived from the consolidated statements of income as follows:

(1) Operating income, as adjusted, and Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted:

   

(in millions)

  2020   2019   2018 

Operating income, GAAP basis

   $ 5,695    $5,551    $5,457 

Non-GAAP expense adjustments:

      

Charitable Contribution(1)

   589         

Restructuring charge

           60 

PNC LTIP funding obligation

           14 

Operating income, as adjusted

   6,284    5,551    5,531 

Product launch costs and commissions

   172    61    13 

Operating income used for operating margin measurement

   $ 6,456    $5,612    $5,544 

Revenue, GAAP basis

   $16,205    $14,539    $14,198 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Distribution fees

   (1,131)    (1,069)    (1,155) 

Investment advisory fees

   (704)    (616)    (520) 

Revenue used for operating margin measurement

   14,370    $12,854    $12,523 

Operating margin, GAAP basis

   35.1%    38.2%    38.4% 

Operating margin, as adjusted

   44.9%    43.7%    44.3% 

(1)

On February 13, 2020, BlackRock announced the establishment of The BlackRock Foundation (the “Foundation”) and the contribution of its remaining 20% stake in PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. to the Foundation and the BlackRock Charitable Fund, which BlackRock established in 2013 (together, the “Charitable Contribution”). The Charitable Contribution resulted in an operating expense of $589 million, which was offset by a $122 million noncash, nonoperating pre-tax gain on the contributed shares and a tax benefit of $241 million in the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Charitable Contribution provides long-term funding for BlackRock’s philanthropic investments and partnerships. The general and administration expense, nonoperating gain and associated tax benefit related to the Charitable Contribution have been excluded from as adjusted results.

Management believes operating income, as adjusted, and Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted, are effective indicators of BlackRock’s financial performance over time and, therefore, provide useful disclosure to investors. Management believes that operating margin, as adjusted, reflects the Company’s long-term ability to manage ongoing costs in relation to its revenues. The Company uses operating margin, as adjusted, to assess the Company’s financial performance and to determine the long-term and annual compensation of the Company’s senior-level employees. Furthermore, this metric is used to evaluate the Company’s relative performance against industry peers, as it eliminates margin variability arising from the accounting of revenues and expenses related to distributing different product structures in multiple distribution channels utilized by asset managers.

 

 

(in millions)

 

  

 

2017

 

  

 

2016

 

  

 

2015

 

 

Operating income, GAAP basis

  $5,272  $4,570  $4,664 

Non-GAAP expense adjustments:

    

Restructuring charge

      76    

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   15   28   30 

Compensation expense related to appreciation (depreciation) on deferred compensation plans

         1 

Operating income, as adjusted

   5,287   4,674   4,695 

Product launch costs and commissions

 

   

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

5

 

 

 

Operating income used for Operating Margin measurement

 

  $

 

5,287

 

 

 

 $

 

4,674

 

 

 

 $

 

4,700

 

 

 

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $12,491  $11,155  $11,401 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

    

Distribution and servicing costs

   (492  (429  (409

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

   

 

(17

 

 

  

 

(34

 

 

  

 

(48

 

 

Revenue used for Operating Margin measurement

 

  $

 

11,982

 

 

 

 $

 

10,692

 

 

 

 $

 

10,944

 

 

 

Operating Margin, GAAP basis

 

   

 

42.2

 

 

  

 

41.0

 

 

  

 

40.9

 

 

Operating Margin, as adjusted

 

   

 

44.1

 

 

  

 

43.7

 

 

  

 

42.9

 

 


 

A-1

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    



Annex A: Non-GAAP Reconciliation  |  Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Operating income, as adjusted,includesnon-GAAP expense adjustments. TheIn 2020, the Charitable Contribution expense of $589 million has been excluded from operating income, as adjusted, due to its nonrecurring nature. In 2018, a restructuring charge, primarily comprised of severance and accelerated amortization expense of previously granted deferred compensation awards, has been excluded to provide more meaningful analysis of BlackRock’s ongoing operations and to ensure comparability among periods presented. In 2018, the portion of compensation expense associated with certain long-term incentive plans (“LTIP”) funded, or to be funded, through share distributions to participants of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded because it ultimately does not impact BlackRock’s book value. In 2016, a restructuring charge primarily comprised of severance and accelerated amortization expense of previously granted deferred compensation awards has been excluded to provide an analysis of BlackRock’s ongoing operations and to ensure comparability among periods presented. In 2015, compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on investments related to certain BlackRock deferred compensation plans has been excluded, as returns on investments set aside for these plans, which substantially offset this expense, are reported in nonoperating income (expense).

 

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    A-1


Annex A:Non-GAAP Reconciliation  Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Operating income used for measuring Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted, is equal to operating income, as adjusted, excluding the impact of product launch costs (e.g., closed-end fund launch costs) and related commissions. Management believes the exclusion of such costs and related commissions is useful because these costs can fluctuate considerably and revenue associated with the expenditure of these costs will not fully impact BlackRock’s results until future periods.

 

Revenue used for Operating Margin,calculating operating margin, as adjusted, excludesis reduced to exclude all of the Company’s distribution fees, which are recorded as a separate line item on the consolidated statements of income, as well as a portion of investment advisory fees received that is used to pay distribution and servicing costs paidcosts. For certain products, based on distinct arrangements, distribution fees are collected by the Company and then passed-through to related partiesthird-party client intermediaries. For other products, investment advisory fees are collected by the Company and other third parties. Management believes such costs represent a benchmarkportion is passed-through to third-party client intermediaries. However, in both structures, the third-party client intermediary similarly owns the relationship with the retail client and is responsible for distributing the product and servicing the client. The amount of revenue passed through to external parties who distributedistribution and investment advisory fees fluctuates each period primarily based on a predetermined percentage of the Company’s products.value of AUM during the period. These fees also vary based on the type of investment product sold and the geographic location where it is sold. In addition, management believes the exclusion of such costs is useful because it creates consistencyCompany may waive fees on certain products that could result in the treatment for certain contracts for similar services, which duereduction of payments to the terms of the contracts, are accounted for under GAAP on a net basis within investment advisory, administration fees and securities lending revenue. Amortization of deferred sales commissions is excluded from revenue used for Operating Margin measurement, as adjusted, because such costs, over time, substantially offset distribution fee revenue the Company earns. For each of these items, BlackRock excludes from revenue used for Operating Margin, as adjusted, the costs related to each of these items as a proxy for such offsetting revenue.third-party intermediaries.

(2) Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, as adjusted:

 

(in millions)

 

  

 

2017

 

  

 

2016

 

  

 

 

2015

 

 

Employee compensation and benefits, GAAP basis

  $4,255  $3,880  $4,005 

LessNon-GAAP expense adjustments:

    

PNC LTIP funding obligation

   15   28   30 

Compensation expense related to appreciation (depreciation) on deferred compensation plans

         1 

Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted

  $4,240  $3,852  $3,974 

Revenue, GAAP basis

  $12,491  $11,155  $11,401 

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, GAAP basis

   34.1  34.8  35.1

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, as adjusted

   33.9  34.5  34.9

Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted,includesnon-GAAP expense adjustments. The portion of compensation expense associated with certain LTIP funded, or to be funded, through share distributions to participants of BlackRock stock held by PNC has been excluded because it ultimately does not impact BlackRock’s book value. Compensation expense associated with appreciation (depreciation) on investments related to certain BlackRock deferred compensation plans has been excluded, as returns on investments set aside for these plans, which substantially offset this expense, are reported in nonoperating income (expense).

Compensation and benefitsexpense-to-revenue ratio, as adjusted, is equal to Employee compensation and benefits, as adjusted, divided by Revenue, GAAP basis.

(3) Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted:

 

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

  

 

2017

 

   

 

2016

 

   

 

2015

 

 

Net income attributable to BlackRock, GAAP basis

  $4,970   $3,172   $3,345 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Restructuring charge (including $23 tax benefit)

       53     

PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax

   11    19    22 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

      

Deferred tax revaluation (noncash)

   (1,758        

Deemed repatriation tax

   477         

Other Income tax matters

   16    (30   (54

Net income attributable to BlackRock, as adjusted

  $3,716   $3,214   $3,313 

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(1)

   164.4    166.6    169.0 

Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(1)

  $30.23   $19.04   $19.79 

Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(1)

  $22.60   $19.29   $19.60 
   

(in millions, except per share data)

  2020   2019   2018 

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., GAAP basis

   $4,932    $4,476    $4,305 

Non-GAAP adjustments:

      

Charitable Contribution, net of tax

   226         

Restructuring charge, net of tax

           47 

PNC LTIP funding obligation, net of tax

           12 

Income tax matters

   79    8    (3) 

Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted

   $5,237    $4,484    $4,361 

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding(1)

   154.8    157.5    161.9 

Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis(1)

   $31.85    $28.43    $26.58 

Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted(1)

   $33.82    $28.48    $26.93 

 

(1)

Nonvoting participating preferred stock is considered to be a common stock equivalent for purposes of determining basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. As of December 31, 2020, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

A-2BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT                 


Annex A:Non-GAAP Reconciliation  Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management believes net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, and diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted, are useful measures of BlackRock’s profitability and financial performance. Net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted, equals net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., on a GAAP basis, adjusted for significant nonrecurring items, charges that ultimately will not impact BlackRock’s book value or certain tax items that do not impact cash flow.

See aforementioned discussion above regarding Operating Income,operating income, as adjusted, and Operating Margin,operating margin, as adjusted, for information on the Charitable Contribution, PNC LTIP funding obligation and the restructuring charge.

For each period presented,In 2020, a discrete tax benefit of $241 million was recognized in connection with thenon-GAAP adjustment related Charitable Contribution. The discrete tax benefit has been excluded from as adjusted results due to the restructuring charge and PNC LTIP funding obligation was tax effected atnon-recurring nature of the respective blended rates applicable to the adjustments. The noncash deferred tax revaluation benefit of $1,758 million and the otherCharitable Contribution. Amounts for income tax matters wererepresent net noncash (benefits) expense primarily associated with the revaluation of certain deferred tax liabilities related to intangible assets and goodwill.goodwill as a result of tax rate changes. The amount for 2020 included a $79 million net noncash expense related to the impact of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom increasing its corporate tax rate and state and local income tax changes. These amounts have been excluded from the as adjusted results as these items will not have a cash flow impact and to ensure comparability among periods presented. A deemed repatriationIn 2018, the non-GAAP adjustment related to the restructuring charge and PNC LTIP funding obligation was tax expense of $477 million has been excluded fromeffected at the 2017 as adjusted results duerespective blended rates applicable to theone-time nature and to ensure comparability among periods presented. adjustments.

Per share amounts reflect net income attributable to BlackRock, Inc., as adjusted divided by diluted weighted averageweighted-average common shares outstanding.

 

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    A-3


 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT A-2


 

Annex B:


Annex BDescription of PNC Stockholder Agreement

AmendmentPNC Stockholder Agreement

Until May 15, 2020, BlackRock was a party to the BlackRock, Inc. Second AmendedPNC Stockholder Agreement, which governed PNC’s ownership interests in and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan

THIS AMENDMENT (thisrelationship with BlackRock. As noted below underAmendment”) is made as of May         , 2018 to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”). Any capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8(f)Termination of the Plan,PNC Stockholder Agreement,” the Board may at any time and from time to time alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, provided that (i) no amendment shall adversely affect anyPNC Stockholder Agreement terminated upon consummation of the rightssecondary offering because PNC’s ownership of any Grantee, without such Grantee’s consent, under any Award theretofore granted underBlackRock capital stock fell below 5%.

The following table describes certain key provisions of the Plan and (ii) any amendment shall be approved by the stockholders (unless otherwise determined by the Board) if necessaryPNC Stockholder Agreement prior to comply with state law, stock listing requirements or other applicable law; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined to amend the Plan in the manner set forth below, subject to approval by the stockholders.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows, subject to approval by the stockholders:its termination.

 

1.

Share Ownership

The PNC Stockholder Agreement provided for a limit on the percentage of BlackRock capital stock that may be owned by PNC at any time (the “PNC ownership cap”). Due to the PNC ownership cap, PNC was generally not permitted to acquire any additional capital stock of BlackRock if, after such acquisition, it would hold greater than 49.9% of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time or 38% of the sum of the total voting securities and participating preferred stock of BlackRock issued and outstanding at such time and issuable upon the exercise of any options or other rights outstanding at that time.

In addition, PNC could not acquire any shares of BlackRock from any person other than BlackRock or a person that owned 20% or more of the total voting power of the capital stock of BlackRock (other than itself) if, after such acquisition, it would have held capital stock of BlackRock representing more than 90% of the PNC voting ownership cap.

Prohibited Actions

PNC was prohibited from taking part in, soliciting, negotiating with, providing information to or making any statement or proposal to any person, or making any public announcement, with respect to:

   An acquisition which would result in PNC holding more than the PNC ownership cap, or holding any equity securities of any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

   Any business combination or extraordinary transaction involving BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, including a merger, tender or exchange offer or sale of any substantial portion of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

   Any restructuring, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

   Any purchase of the assets of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock, other than in the ordinary course of its business;

   Being a member of a “group,” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of any shares of capital stock of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock;

   Selling any BlackRock capital stock in an unsolicited tender offer that was opposed by the BlackRock Board;

   Any proposal to seek representation on the Board of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement;

   Any proposal to seek to control or influence the management, Board or policies of BlackRock or any controlled affiliate of BlackRock except as contemplated by the PNC Stockholder Agreement; or

   Any action to encourage or act in concert with any third party to do any of the foregoing.

Additional Purchase

of Voting Securities

The first sentencePNC Stockholder Agreement gave PNC the right, in any issuance of Section 5(a)BlackRock voting stock, (1) to purchase an amount of such stock or, at PNC’s option, Series B Preferred Stock, upon such issuance that would result in PNC holding the lesser of (a) the PNC ownership cap or (b) an ownership percentage in BlackRock equal to what it held prior to the issuance and (2) if as a result of such stock issuance PNC’s beneficial ownership of the Plan is hereby amendedtotal voting power of BlackRock capital stock decreased to less than 38%, to exchange such number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis such that following the stock issuance, PNC would have beneficially owned shares of voting securities representing not more than 38% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock, unless such issuance constituted a public offering and restated in its entirety as follows:would not, together with any stock issuance constituting a public offering since September 29, 2006, after taking into account any share repurchases by BlackRock since September 29, 2006 and transfers by PNC, decrease PNC’s total voting power to 90% or less of the PNC ownership cap.

 

“Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(d), 41,500,000 shares of Stock shall be reserved for the grant or settlement of Awards under the Plan.”

 

2.This Amendment and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

3.Except as amended above, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

BLACKROCK, INC. 2018 PROXY STATEMENT    B-1


B-1

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    


Annex B: Description of PNC Stockholder Agreement

Share Repurchase

If BlackRock engaged in a share repurchase, BlackRock could have required PNC to sell an amount of securities to BlackRock that would have caused its beneficial ownership of BlackRock capital stock not to exceed its total ownership cap or voting ownership cap.

Transfer

Restrictions

PNC could not transfer any capital stock of BlackRock beneficially owned by it, except for transfers to its respective affiliates and transfers in certain other specified categories of transactions, which would result in the beneficial ownership, by any person, of more than 10% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding BlackRock capital stock with respect to transfers to persons who would be eligible to report their holdings of BlackRock capital stock on Schedule 13G or of more than 5% of the total voting power of issued and outstanding capital stock with respect to any other persons.

Right of Last

Refusal

PNC had to notify BlackRock if it proposed to sell shares of BlackRock capital stock in a privately negotiated transaction. Upon receipt of such notice, BlackRock would have had the right to purchase all of the stock being offered, at the price and terms described in the notice. These notification requirements and purchase rights did not apply in the case of tax-free transfers to charitable organizations or foundations and tax-deferred transfers.

Corporate

Governance

Board Designation: The PNC Stockholder Agreement provided that BlackRock would use its best efforts to cause the election at each annual meeting of shareholders such that the Board would consist of no more than 19 directors:

   Not less than two nor more than four directors who would be members of BlackRock management;

   Two directors who would be designated by PNC, provided, however, that if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates beneficially owned less than 10% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC would have promptly caused one of such PNC designees to resign and the number of PNC designees would be reduced to one; and provided further, that, if for any period greater than 90 consecutive days PNC and its affiliates beneficially owned less than 5% of the BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding, PNC would have promptly caused the second PNC designee to resign and the number of PNC designees would be reduced to zero; and

   The remaining directors who would be independent for purposes of the rules of the NYSE and would not be designated by or on behalf of PNC or any of its affiliates.

As noted above, William S. Demchak was designated by PNC and resigned from the Board on May 15, 2020, in connection with the secondary offering.

Voting Agreement: PNC agreed to vote all of its voting shares in accordance with the recommendation of the Board on all matters to the extent consistent with the provisions of the PNC Stockholder Agreement, including the election of directors.

Approvals: Under the PNC Stockholder Agreement, the following could not be done without prior approval of all of the independent directors, or at least two-thirds of the directors, then in office:

   Appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock;

   Any merger, issuance of shares or similar transaction in which beneficial ownership of a majority of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock would be held by persons different from those currently holding such majority of the total voting power, or any sale of all or substantially all assets of BlackRock;

   Any acquisition of any person or business that has a consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year that equals or exceeds 20% of BlackRock’s consolidated net income after taxes for its preceding fiscal year if such acquisition involved the current or potential issuance of BlackRock capital stock constituting more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock issued and outstanding immediately after completion of such acquisition;

   Any acquisition of any person or business constituting a line of business that was materially different from the lines of business BlackRock and its controlled affiliates were engaged in at that time if such acquisition involved consideration in excess of 10% of the total assets of BlackRock on a consolidated basis;

   Except for repurchases otherwise permitted under their respective stockholder agreements, any repurchase by BlackRock or any subsidiary of shares of BlackRock capital stock such that, after giving effect to such repurchase, BlackRock and its subsidiaries would have repurchased more than 10% of the total voting power of BlackRock capital stock within the 12-month period ending on the date of such repurchase;

   Any amendment to BlackRock’s certificate of incorporation or Bylaws;

   Any matter requiring shareholder approval pursuant to the rules of the NYSE; or

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT B-2


Annex B: Description of PNC Stockholder Agreement

 

   Any amendment, modification or waiver of any restriction or prohibition on any significant shareholder (other than PNC or its affiliates) provided for under its stockholder agreement.

Committees: Consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance Committee are to be composed solely of independent directors. The Risk Committee and Executive Committee are not subject to any similar laws, rules or regulations, and as such, Mr. Demchak was a member of the Risk Committee and Executive Committee until he resigned from the Board on May 15, 2020. The PNC Stockholder Agreement provided that the Executive Committee would consist of not less than five members, of which one must have been designated by PNC.

Significant

Stockholder
Transactions

 The PNC Stockholder Agreement prohibited BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction with PNC or its affiliates, unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006, was in the ordinary course of business of BlackRock or had been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those appointed by the party wishing to enter into the transaction.

Termination of the PNC Stockholder Agreement

The PNC Stockholder Agreement would terminate on the first day on which PNC and its affiliates owned less than 5% of the capital stock of BlackRock, unless PNC had sent a notice indicating its intent to increase its beneficial ownership above such threshold within 10 business days after it had fallen below such threshold, and PNC bought sufficient capital stock of BlackRock within 20 business days after PNC had sent notice that it had fallen below 5% of BlackRock capital stock such that it had continued to own greater than 5% of BlackRock capital stock.

How We Review, Approve or Ratify Transactions with Related Persons – PNC Approval Process

BlackRock’s Mission StatementTransactions (other than transactions in the ordinary course of business) with PNC were governed by the special approval procedures detailed in the PNC Stockholder Agreement. Those approval procedures prohibited BlackRock or its affiliates from entering into any transaction (other than any transaction in the ordinary course of business) with PNC or its affiliates unless such transaction was in effect as of September 29, 2006 or had been approved by a majority of the directors of BlackRock, excluding those designated for appointment by the party wishing to enter into the transaction. Mr. Demchak, who served on Sustainabilityour Board until May 15, 2020 and resigned in connection with the secondary offering, was designated by PNC.

We are an asset manager whose objective isPrior to create better financial futures for our clientsthe adoption of this policy, related person transactions, including certain of the transactions described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – PNC and its Subsidiaries” and “PNC Stockholder Agreement” above, were reviewed with the Board at the time of entering into such transactions. As a result of the secondary offering and the people they serve. We aspire to be an industry leaderCompany’s share repurchase, PNC exited its entire ownership position in how we incorporate sustainability into:the Company and is no longer a related party.

 

B-3

    Our investmentBLACKROCK, INC.

    processes and

    learning across

    the firm

2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Annex C:


Amendment to Our Charter to

Provide Shareholders the Right

to Call Special Meetings – Item 4A

The proposed amendments to our Charter to provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting are as follows:

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Article FIFTH, Section A would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

FIFTH: A. Stockholder Meetings.

(1) Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. An annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting shall be held at such time and place as shall be determined in accordance with the Bylaws. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws.

(2) Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or distributions upon liquidation, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation of any class or series for any purpose or purposes may be called only by:

(a) the Chairman of the Board of Directors;

(b) the President of the Corporation;

(c) a majority of the Board of Directors; or

(d) any committee of the Board of Directors the powers and authority of which include the power and authority to call such meetings.; or

(e) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation upon a written request of one or more record holders of shares of stock of the Corporation representing ownership of not less than 15 percent of the voting power of all outstanding shares of stock in the Corporation, which request complies with the procedures for calling a special meeting of stockholders as set forth in the Bylaws, as may be amended from time to time.


 

    Our stewardship

    of our clients’

    assets

    Our sustainable

    investment

    solutions for

    our clients

    The operations

    of our own

    business

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT C-1

1

GOVERNANCE AND BOARD

We are vocal advocates for the adoption of sound corporate governance policies that include strong Board leadership, prudent management practices and transparency and have implemented such a framework at BlackRock through a set of principles, guidelines and practices that support sustainable financial performance and long-term value creation for shareholders. We continually review our approach in coordination with the governance philosophy and standards we apply to other companies.

BlackRock’s Board plays an integral role in our governance and long-term sustainability. As BlackRock has evolved, so has our Board’s pursuit of strong corporate governance and standards of excellence. In reviewing Director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee takes into consideration a candidate’s professional background, gender, race, national origin and age and regularly reviews the overall composition of the Board and its Committees to assess whether it reflects the appropriate mix of skill sets, experience, backgrounds and qualifications that are relevant to BlackRock’s current and future global strategy, business and governance.

2

HUMAN CAPITAL

As an asset manager, the long-term sustainability of our firm is heavily dependent on our people. We deliberately align employee incentives with the risk and performance frameworks of the firm. We are committed to fostering a unifying culture, encouraging innovation, ensuring that we are developing, retaining and recruiting the best talent and incorporating inclusion and diversity into all levels of our business. We support employees in giving back and volunteering in their local communities and globally for environmental and social efforts that move them.

3

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

BlackRock is committed to using our resources responsibly to support the long-term sustainability of our firm and of the global environment in which we and our clients live and operate. We do this, for example, by investing in LED technology and green buildings, pursuing a high utilization rate of our corporate offices and consolidating our data centers. Two of our largest data centers are now powered by renewable hydropower.

Employees are also encouraged to participate in activities which focus on BlackRock’s impact on the environment, including: low carbon travel to work and video conferencing in lieu of travel. Additionally, we provide opportunities for employees to engage on sustainability-themed initiatives outside of the office.

4

PUBLIC POLICY

As an important part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, BlackRock advocates for public policies that we believe are in our clients’ long-term interests. We support the creation of regulatory regimes that increase financial market transparency, protect investors, and facilitate responsible growth of capital markets, while preserving consumer choice and properly balancing benefits versus implementation costs.

5

RISK MANAGEMENT

Understanding and managing risk is the cornerstone of BlackRock’s approach to responsible investing. Our Risk and Quantitative Analysis group promotes BlackRock as a leader in risk management by providing independenttop-down andbottom-up oversight to help identify investment, counterparty, operational, regulatory and technology risks. The Board has ultimate responsibility for oversight of BlackRock’s risk management activities.


LOGO

Annex D:


Amendment to Our Charter to


LOGO

  BLACKROCK, INC.

  55 EAST 52ND STREET

  NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10055

    LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by BlackRock, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receive all Future Proxy Statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access shareholder materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE -1-800-690-6903Eliminate Supermajority Voting Requirements – Item 4B

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

If you vote your proxy by Internet or telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

SHAREHOLDER MEETING REGISTRATION

To request an admission ticket to attend the meeting, visit the “Register for Meeting” link at www.proxyvote.com and provide the 16-digit control number located on your proxy card.You must have an admission ticket to attend the meeting. You must request an admission ticket by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 22, 2018.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

E40399-P05894                 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDSThe proposed amendments to our Charter to eliminate the supermajority voting requirement to amend the Charter are as follows:

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Article THIRTEENTH would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

THIRTEENTHTWELFTH:

A. General Right to Amend Certificate of Incorporation.

(1)Subject to the provisions of any Stockholder Agreement, theThe Corporation hereby reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, and to add thereto any other provision authorized by the laws of the state of Delaware at the time in force, and except as may otherwise be explicitly provided by any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or officers of the Corporation or any other person whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form, or as hereafter amended, are granted subject to the right reserved in this paragraph (A)(1).

(2) Subject to theprovisions of paragraph (B) below, the provisions of any Stockholder Agreement and therights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation may only be altered, amended or repealed, and any inconsistent provision adopted, with such action (if any) of the Board of Directors as is provided by law, and in addition to any other vote of stockholders (if any) required by law, and notwithstanding that a lower vote (or a no vote) of stockholders otherwise would be required, by the approval of at least a majority of the voting power of all Voting Stock; provided, however, that the provisions of Articles Ninth and Twelfth may be amended only with the approval of at least eight percent (80%) of the voting power of all Voting Stock.

B.Amendment of this Article.Subject to the provisions of any Stockholder Agreement, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting power of all Voting Stock shall be required to alter, amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article Thirteenth.

 


 

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED, DATED AND RETURNED.

 

BLACKROCK, INC.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT
 D-1


Annex E:


Amendments to Our Charter to

Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4C

The proposed amendments to our Charter to eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions are as follows:

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

Article FOURTH, section C would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

C. Common Stock.

(1)For so long as any Stockholder Agreement shall remain in effect, the Corporation shall recognize the restrictions on transfer contained therein with respect to the parties thereto;provided that in connection with any transfer of any stock of the Corporation pursuant to or as permitted by the Stockholder Agreement, or in connection with the making of any determination referred to therein:

(a)the Corporation shall be under no obligation to make any investigation of facts unless an officer, employee or agent of the Corporation responsible for making such transfer or determination has substantial reason to believe, or unless the Board of Directors (or a committee of the Board of Directors designated for the purpose) determines that there is substantial reason to believe, that any affidavit or other document is incomplete or incorrect in a material respect or that an investigation would disclose facts upon which any determination should be made, in either of which events the Corporation shall make or cause to be made such investigation as it may deem necessary or desirable in the circumstances and have a reasonable time to complete such investigation; and

(b)neither the Corporation nor any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation shall be liable in any manner for any action taken or omitted in good faith.

(2) No stockholder shall be entitled to exercise any right of cumulative voting.

Article SIXTH would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

SIXTH:A. Powers of the Board of Directors. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which shall be constituted as provided in this Article and as provided by law.

B. Number of Directors.The Board of Directors shall initially consist of 17 directors, whichSubject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, the number of directorsmay be increased or decreasedshall be fixed from time to timepursuant to aby resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of the Bylaws and any Stockholder Agreementthen in office.

C. Election and Term.A director shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which such person is elected, and until such person’s successor shall be duly elected and qualified. Commencing at the annual meeting of stockholders that is held in calendar year 2013 (the2013 Annual Meeting), theThe directors of the Corporation shall be elected annuallyfor terms of one year, except that any director in office at the 2013 Annual Meeting whose term expires at the annual meeting of stockholders in calendar year 2014 or calendar year 2015 (aContinuing Classified Director) shall continue to hold office until the end of the term for whichsuchdirector was elected and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. Accordingly, at each annual


A.  The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Item 2, FOR Item 3 and FOR Item 4.

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 1.E-1


Annex E: Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4C

meeting of stockholders after the terms of all Continuing Classified Directors have expired, all directors shall be electedfor terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders and until such directors’ successors shall have been elected and qualified. Any vacancies created in the Board of Directors through and increase in the number of directors or otherwise may be filled in accordance with the Bylaws of the Corporation and the applicable laws of the State of Delaware.

D. Removal of Directors. Except as may be provided in a resolution or resolutions providing for any class or series of Preferred Stock with respect to any directors elected by the holders of such class or series, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the votes of capital stock then entitled to vote in the election of directors at a meeting of stockholders called for that purpose, except that Continuing Classified Directors and any director appointed to fill a vacancy of any Continuing Classified Director may be removed only for cause.

E. Meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide.

F. Quorum; Required Vote.

G.Except as otherwise provided by law or any Stockholder Agreement, but only until the termination of such Stockholder Agreement in accordance with its terms:

(1) at all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and

(2) the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

Article NINTH would be deleted in its entirety and currently reads as follows:1

NINTH:A. Certain Acknowledgments. The provisions of this Article Ninth shall regulate and define the conduct of certain of the business and affairs of the Corporation in relation to any Significant Stockholder and Affiliated Companies (as defined below in this Article Ninth) thereof, in recognition and anticipation that:

(1)one or moreSignificant Stockholder will be a significant stockholderof the Corporation;

(2)the directors, officers and/or employees of Significant Stockholders or of Affiliated Companies thereof may serve as directors of the Corporation;

(3)Significant Stockholders and the Affiliated Companies thereof engage, are expected to continue to engage, and may in the future engage in the same, similar or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities than overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage;

(4)the Corporation and Affiliated Companies thereof will or may engage in material business transactions with a Significant Stockholder and Affiliated Companies thereof; and

(5)as a consequence of the foregoing, it is in the best interests of the Corporation that the respective rights and duties of the Corporation, any Significant Stockholder and the Affiliated Companies of each, and the duties of any directors or officers of the Corporation who are also directors, officers or employees of the Significant Stockholder or Affiliated Companies thereof, be determined and delineated in respect of any agreements, arrangements or transactions between, or opportunities that may be suitable for both, the Corporation and Affiliated Companies thereof, on the one hand, and the Significant Stockholder and Affiliated Companies thereof, on the other hand.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article Ninth.

The provisions of this Article Ninth are in addition to, and not in limitation of, the provisions of the DGCL and the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation. Any agreement, arrangement, transaction or business relationship which does not comply with the procedures set forth in this Article Ninth shall not by reason thereof be deemed void or voidable or result in any breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty or failure to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Corporation or derivation of any improper personal benefit, but shall be governed by the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the DGCL and other applicable law.

B. Certain Agreements, Arrangements and Transactions Permitted; Certain Fiduciary Duties of Certain Stockholders, Directors and Officers. The Corporation may from time to time enter into and perform, and cause or permit any Affiliated Company of the Corporation to enter into and perform, one or more agreements (or modifications or supplements to pre-existing agreements), arrangements or transactions with a Significant Stockholder or Affiliated Companies thereof pursuant to which the Corporation or an Affiliated Company thereof, on the one hand, and the Significant Stockholder or an Affiliated Company thereof, on the other hand, agree to or do engage in transactions of any kind or nature with each other or with Affiliated Companies thereof and/or agree to or do

1

In the event that Article NINTH is deleted, all subsequent Articles would be renumbered.

Election of Directors  For    Against    Abstain  

E-2

 

Nominees:BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 


Annex E: Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4C

compete, or refrain from competing or limit or restrict their competition, with each other, including allocating and causing their respective directors, officers and employees (including any who are directors, officers or employees of both) to allocate opportunities between or to refer opportunities to each other. No such agreement, arrangement or transaction shall be considered void or voidable solely (i) due to the nature of the parties thereto or due to the existence of circumstances as described in paragraph (A) of this Article Ninth or (ii) because any one or more of the officers or directors of the Corporation who are also directors or officers of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Companies thereof are present at or participate in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the agreement, arrangement or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are counted for such purpose. No such agreement, arrangement or transaction or the performance thereof by the Corporation or the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof shall be considered (i) contrary to any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty that the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof may owe to the Corporation or any Affiliated Company thereof or to any stockholder or other owner of an equity interest in the Corporation by reason of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof being a Significant Stockholder of the Corporation or participating in control of the Corporation or any Affiliated Company thereof or (ii) contrary to any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty of any director or officer of the Corporation who is also a director, officer or employee of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof to the Corporation or such Affiliated Company or any stockholder or other owner of an equity interest therein. In addition, with respect to any such agreement, arrangement or transaction, the directors and officers of the Corporation who are also directors and officers of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof (i) shall have fully satisfied their fiduciary duties to the Corporation and the stockholders, (ii) shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such persons reasonably believe to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and (iii) shall be deemed not to have breached their duties of loyalty to the Corporation and its stockholders and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom, if such agreement, arrangement or transaction shall have been approved in accordance with the terms of any Stockholder Agreement to which such Significant Stockholder is a party.

Neither a Significant Stockholder, as a stockholder of the Corporation, nor any Affiliated Company thereof, shall have or be under any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty to refrain from entering into any agreement or participating in any agreement, arrangement or transaction that meets the requirements of this paragraph (B) and no director of the Corporation who is also a director, officer or employee of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof shall have or be under any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty to the Corporation to refrain from acting on behalf of the Corporation or any Affiliated Company thereof in respect of any such agreement, arrangement or transaction or performing any such agreement, arrangement or transaction in accordance with its terms. The failure of any agreement, arrangement or transaction between the Corporation or an Affiliated Company thereof, on the one hand, and the Significant Stockholder or an Affiliated Company thereof, on the other hand, to satisfy the requirements of this Article Ninth shall not, by itself, cause such agreement, arrangement or transaction to constitute any breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty to the Corporation or to any Affiliated Company thereof, or to any stockholder or other owner of an equity interest therein, by the Significant Stockholder or such Affiliated Company thereof or by any director or officer of the Corporation, the Significant Stockholder or any of their respective Affiliated Companies.

For purposes of this Article Ninth, any agreement, arrangement or transaction with any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association or other entity in which the Corporation owns (directly or indirectly) fifty percent or more of the outstanding voting stock, voting power, partnership interests or similar ownership interests, or with any officer or director thereof, shall be deemed to be an agreement, arrangement or transaction with the Corporation.

C. Corporate Opportunities.

(1) A Significant Stockholder and its Affiliated Companies shall have no fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty or other duty not to (i) engage in the same or similar activities or lines of business as the Corporation, (ii) do business with any client or customer of the Corporation or (iii) employ or otherwise engage any officer or employee of the Corporation, and none of the Significant Stockholder nor its Affiliated Companies nor any officer or director thereof shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or other owner of an equity interest therein for breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty by reason of any such activities of the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof or of such person’s participation therein. In the event that a Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof and the Corporation, neither the Significant Stockholder nor its Affiliated Companies nor any officer or director thereof (even if such officer or director is also an officer or director of the Corporation) shall have any duty to communicate or present such corporate opportunity to the Corporation and shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or other owner of an equity interest therein for breach of any fiduciary or duty of loyalty by reason of the fact that the Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company thereof pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself or the Significant Stockholder or any of its Affiliated Companies or any officer or director thereof (even if such officer or director is also an officer or director of the Corporation) directs such corporate opportunity to another person or does not present such corporate opportunity to the Corporation.

(2) For the purposes of this Article Ninth, “corporate opportunities” shall include, but not be limited to, business opportunities which the Corporation is financially able to undertake, which are, from their nature, in the line of the Corporation’s business, are of practical advantage to it and are ones in which the Corporation has an interest or a reasonable expectancy, and in which, by embracing the

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENTE-3


Annex E: Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4C

opportunities, the self-interest of a Significant Stockholder or any Affiliated Company or its officers or directors, will be brought into conflict with that of the Corporation.

(3) If any agreement, arrangement or transaction between the Corporation and a Significant Stockholder and any Affiliated Company involves a corporate opportunity and is approved in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (B) of this Article Ninth, the officers and directors of the Corporation, the Significant Stockholder and any Affiliated Company and their officers and directors shall (even if such officers and directors are also directors of the Corporation) also for the purposes of this Article Ninth and the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation and the provisions of the Bylaws (a) have fully satisfied and fulfilled their fiduciary duties to the Corporation and its stockholders or other owner of an equity interest therein, (b) be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such persons reasonably believe to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and (c) be deemed not to have breathed their duties of loyalty to the Corporation and its stockholders or other owner of an equity interest therein and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom. Any such agreement, arrangement or transaction involving a corporate opportunity not so approved shall not by reason thereof result in any such breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty or failure to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Corporation or derivation of any improper personal benefit, but shall be governed by the other provisions of this Article Ninth, this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the DGCL and other applicable law.

D. Modification.No alteration, amendment or repeal of any provision of this Article Ninth shall terminate the effect of such provisions or eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article Ninth in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article Ninth, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment or repeal.

E. For purposes of this Article Ninth, “Affiliated Company” shall mean in respect of any Significant Stockholder any company which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Significant Stockholder (other than the Corporation and any company that is controlled by the Corporation) and in respect of the Corporation shall mean any company controlled by the Corporation.

Article TWELFTH would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

TWELFTHELEVENTH:Bylaw Amendments. The Bylaws of the Corporation may be adopted, consistent with law and the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation), and once adopted, any Bylaw may be altered or repealed by: (1) the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office, or (2) the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock;provided that any adoption, alteration or repeal of a Bylaw by the Board of Directors, if such adoption, alteration or repeal would be inconsistent with the provisions of any Stockholder Agreement, shall require such approval, if any, as shall be required by the terms of such Stockholder Agreement..

Article FIFTEENTH would be amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

FIFTEENTHFOURTEENTH: For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such specified Person; provided, however, that neither the Corporation nor any of its Controlled Affiliates shall be deemed to be a Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Person who is or becomes a party to a Stockholder Agreement solely by virtue of the Beneficial Ownership by such Person of Capital Stock, the election of Directors nominated by such Person to the Board, the election of any other Directors nominated by the Board or any other action taken by such Person which is expressly permitted under a Stockholder Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of, and subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth on such Person in, such Stockholder Agreement (and irrespective of the characteristics of the aforesaid relationships and actions under applicable law or accounting principles).

(2) “Beneficial Ownership” by a Person of any securities includes ownership by any Person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares (i) voting power which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security; and/or (ii) investment power which includes the power to dispose, or to direct the disposition, of such security; and shall otherwise be interpreted in accordance with the term “beneficial ownership” as defined in Rule 13d-3 adopted by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided that for purposes of determining Beneficial Ownership, a Person shall be deemed to be the Beneficial Owner of any securities which may be acquired by such Person pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise (irrespective of whether the right to acquire such securities is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, including the passage of time in excess of 60 days, the satisfaction of any conditions, the occurrence of any event or any combination of the foregoing), except that in no event will any Person who is or becomes a party to a Stockholder Agreement be deemed to Beneficially Own any securities which it has the right to acquire pursuant to any Stockholder Agreement unless, and then only to the extent that, it shall have actually exercised such right. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to Beneficially Own any securities Beneficially Owned by its Affiliates (including as Affiliates for this purpose its officers and directors only to the extent they would be Affiliates solely by reason of their equity interest) or any Group of which such Person or any such Affiliate is or becomes a member; provided, however, that securities Beneficially Owned by any Person shall not include any Voting Securities or other securities held by such Person and its Controlled Affiliates in trust, managed, brokerage, custodial, nominee or other customer accounts; in trading, inventory, lending or similar accounts of such Person and Controlled Affiliates of such Personwhich are broker-dealers or otherwise engaged in the securities business; or in pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed and/

E-4

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT    

 

1a.  Mathis Cabiallavetta


Annex E: Amendments to Our Charter to Eliminate Provisions that are No Longer Applicable and Make Other Technical Revisions – Item 4C

or advised or subadvised by such Person and its Controlled Affiliates except, if they Beneficially Own more than 25% of the ownership interests in a pooled investment vehicle, to the extent of their ownership interests therein;provided that in each case, such securities were acquired in the ordinary course of business of their securities business and not with the intent or purpose of influencing control of the Corporation or avoiding the provisions hereof or of any Stockholder Agreement. The termBeneficially Own shall have a correlative meaning.

(31) “Capital Stock” means any and all shares (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of capital stock issued by the Corporation.

(4) control(including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or any other means, or otherwise to control such Person within the meaning of such term as used in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For purposes of this definition, a general partner or managing member of a Person shall always be considered to control such Person provided, however, that a Person shall not be treated as having any control over any collective investment vehicle to which it provides services unless it or an Affiliate has a proprietary economic interest exceeding 25% of the equity interest in such collective investment vehicle.

(5) “Controlled Affiliate” of any Person means a Person that is directly or indirectly controlled by such other Person.

(62) each reference to a “person” shall be deemed to include not only a natural person, but also a corporation, partnership, joint venture, association or legal entity of any kind; each reference to a “natural person” (or to a “record holder” of shares, if a natural person) shall be deemed to include, in his, her or its representative capacity, a guardian, committee, executor, administrator or other legal representative of such natural person or record holder;.

(7)Significant Stockholder shall mean a person who is a party to a Stockholder Agreement and who Beneficially Owns more than twenty percent (20%) of the Voting Stock.

(8)“Stockholder Agreement” shall mean any agreement to which the Corporation and a holder of Capital Stock is a party that is in effect on the date of issuance of the initial shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock of the Corporation and that relates to the voting of shares of capital stock by such holder;

(9)“Subsidiary” shall mean, as to any person or entity, a corporation, part ownership, joint venture, association or other entity in which such person or entity beneficially owns (directly or indirectly) fifty percent (50%) or more of the Voting Stock or outstanding voting power, partnership interests or similar voting interests; and

(103) “Voting Stock” shall mean the then outstanding shares of Capital Stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally on the election of directors and shall exclude any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation only entitled to vote in the event of dividend arrearages or any default under any provision of such series thereon, whether or not at the time of determination there are any such dividend arrearages or defaults.

 BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 

1b.  Pamela Daley

1c.  William S. Demchak

1d.  Jessica P. Einhorn

1e.  Laurence D. Fink

1f.   William E. Ford

1g.  Fabrizio Freda

1h.  Murry S. Gerber

1i.   Margaret L. Johnson

1j.   Robert S. Kapito

1k.  Sir Deryck Maughan

1l.   Cheryl D. Mills

1m.  Gordon M. Nixon

1n.  Charles H. Robbins

1o.  Ivan G. Seidenberg

1p.  Marco Antonio Slim Domit

1q.  Susan L. Wagner

1r.   Mark Wilson

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.E-5


Mission Statement

on Sustainability

BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. We are committed to embedding sustainability across our business because we believe that integrating sustainability can help investors build more resilient portfolios and achieve better long-term, risk-adjusted returns. That is why we are making sustainability integral to the way we manage risk, generate alpha, build portfolios, pursue investment stewardship and operate our business.

 

LOGO

LOGO

  

LOGO

   

LOGO

  

LOGO

   

LOGO

Investment

Integration

We have integrated
ESG into 100% of
our active and
advisory investment
strategies.

Sustainable Solutions

We are making it easier and more affordable for people to access sustainable investing.

Research and Insights

We are developing research and generating insights into how ESG factors affect the long-term financial performance of companies.

Data and Analytics

We are providing investors with the analytical tools and data, powered by Aladdin, needed to address ESG risks and opportunities.

Investment Stewardship

We are making sustainability central to our investment stewardship activities with companies we invest in on behalf of clients.

Corporate Sustainability

We are embedding sustainability across our strategy and operations and are committed to leading by example to promote a more sustainable world.

  For    Against    Abstain
2.Approval, in anon-binding advisory vote, of the compensation for named executive officers.
3.Approval of an Amendment to the BlackRock, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.
4.Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2018.
B.Shareholder Proposal - The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Item 5.
5.Shareholder Proposal - Production of an Annual Report on Certain Trade Association and Lobbying Expenditures.
For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

 

All shares will be voted as instructed above. In the absence of instructions, all shares will be voted with respect to registered shareholders that return a signed proxy card, FOR all nominees listed A+ / A

in Item 1, FOR Item 2, FOR Item 3, FOR Item 4 and AGAINST Item 5, and with respect to participantsevery category in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, in the manner required or permitted by the governing plan documents.2020 Principles for Responsible Investment (“PRI”) Assessment Report1

 

           

#1

in the Capital Markets industry on Forbes and JUST Capital’s list of America’s Most JUST Companies for 20202

  

#5

among the top 50 companies in the world that drive a “measurable social impact” through their business activities according to Fortune Magazine3

 
 Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]Date        

#1

on Refinitiv’s 2020 top 100 most diverse and inclusive organizations globally4

LOGO  

(1) 

The PRI Reporting Framework is a key step in the journey towards building a common language and industry standard for reporting responsible investment (RI) activities. Its primary objective is to enable signatory transparency on RI activities and facilitate dialogue between investors and their clients, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. As a signatory, BlackRock commits to uphold all six principles and has submitted a 2020 PRI Transparency Report and has received PRI’s Assessment of that report in 25 investment categories.

  

(2) 

  

The 2020 list of America’s Most JUST Companies celebrates U.S. corporations that outperform their peers in the Russell 1000 on the priorities of the American people – including issues like fair pay, ethical leadership, good benefits and work-life balance, equal opportunity, customer treatment and privacy, community support, environmental impact, and delivering shareholder return. By balancing the needs of all stakeholders, JUST 100 companies demonstrate that profits and purpose can go hand in hand. Read more about methodology at https://justcapital.com/our-methodology/

(3) 

  

BlackRock was ranked #5 on Fortune Magazine’s Change the World list. Fortune Magazine, in partnership with the Shared Value Initiative built the Change the World list on the premise that the profit motive can inspire companies to tackle society’s unmet needs. The 2020 list includes 50 companies identified as tackling the world’s most urgent problems. All companies are eligible for nomination. Nominees are assessed on four criteria: measurable social impact, business results, degree of innovation and corporate integration. Read more on methodology at https://fortune.com/franchise-list-page/methodologychange-the-world-2020/

  

(4) 

  
Signature (Joint Owners)Date        Refinitiv’s Diversity & Inclusion ratings cover 9,000 publicly listed companies, as measured by 24 metrics across four pillars (Diversity, Inclusion, People Development and News and Controversies). Read more about methodology at https://www.refinitiv.com/content/dam/marketing/en_us/documents/methodology/diversity-inclusion-rating- methodology.pdf


LOGO


LOGO

BLACKROCK® BLACKROCK, INC. 55 EAST 52ND STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10055 SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided (if you received your proxy materials by mail) or return it to BlackRock, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. If you vote your proxy by Internet or telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: D44328-P51545 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY BLACKROCK, INC. A. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1 and FOR Items 2, 3, 4a, 4b and 4c. 1. Election of Directors Nominees: For Against Abstain 1a. Bader M. Alsaad 1b. Pamela Daley 1c. Jessica P. Einhorn 1d. Laurence D. Fink 1e. William E. Ford 1f. Fabrizio Freda 1g. Murry S. Gerber 1h. Margaret “Peggy” L. Johnson 1i. Robert S. Kapito 1j. Cheryl D. Mills 1k. Gordon M. Nixon 1l. Charles H. Robbins 1m. Marco Antonio Slim Domit 1n. Hans E. Vestberg 1o. Susan L. Wagner 1p. Mark Wilson Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date For Against Abstain 2. Approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of the compensation for named executive officers. 3. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte LLP as BlackRock’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2021. 4. Approve amendments to BlackRock’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to: 4a. Provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting. 4b. Eliminate certain supermajority vote requirements. 4c. Eliminate certain provisions that are no longer applicable and make certain other technical revisions. B. Shareholder Proposals - The Board of Directors recommends a vote AGAINST Items 5 and 6. For Against Abstain 5. Shareholder Proposal – Production of a report on the “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation.” 6. Shareholder Proposal – Amend Certificate of Incorporation to convert to a public benefit corporation. All shares will be voted as instructed above. In the absence of instructions, all shares will be voted with respect to registered shareholders that return a signed proxy card, FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR Items 2, 3, 4a, 4b and 4c and AGAINST Items 5 and 6, and with respect to participants in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, in the manner required or permitted by the governing plan documents. Signature (Joint Owners) Date

2018


LOGO

BLACKROCK, INC. 2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 23, 2018

26, 2021 8:00 AM, EDT

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING.

BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Internet and telephone voting are available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 22, 2018. Your Internet or

telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote the shares in the same manner

as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

E40400-P05894        

www.proxyvote.com. D44329-P51545 PROXY

FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

BLACKROCK, INC.

SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned appoints Gary S. Shedlin and R. Andrew Dickson, III, and each of them, as proxies, each with full power of substitution, and authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this form, all shares of common stock of BlackRock, Inc. held of record by the undersigned as of March 29, 2018,2021, at the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018,26, 2021, beginning at 8:00 AM, EDT, at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022,www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BLK2021, and in their discretion, upon any business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting, in accordance with their best judgment.

If no other indication is made on the reverse side of this form, the proxies shall vote FOR all nominees listed in Item 1, FOR ItemItems 2, FOR Item 3, FOR Item 44a, 4b and 4c and AGAINST Item 5.

Items 5 and 6. This proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the time voting is declared closed by giving the Corporate Secretary of BlackRock, Inc. written notice of revocation or a subsequently dated proxy, or by casting a ballot at the meeting.

If the undersigned is a participant in the BlackRock, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (the “RSP”), then the undersigned hereby directs Bank of America, N.A., FSB, as Trustee of the RSP to vote all the shares of BlackRock common stock credited to the undersigned’s account as indicated on the reverse side at the meeting and at any adjournment(s) thereof.

Address Changes/Comments: 

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

Continued and to be signed on reverse side