Code of Ethics for Fund Access Persons
April 1, 2021
BlackRock
Code of Ethics for Fund Access Persons
Effective Date: April 1, 2021
Applies to the following types of Funds registered under the 1940 Act:
☒ | Open-End Mutual Funds (excluding money-market funds) |
☒ | Business Development Companies |
Objective and Scope
The purpose of this Code of Ethics (the “Code”) is to prevent Access Persons (as defined below) of BlackRock open- and closed-end funds, exchange traded funds and business development companies (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) from engaging in any act, practice or course of business prohibited by paragraph (b) of Rule 17j-1 (the “Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). This Code is required by paragraph (c) of the Rule. A copy of the Rule is attached to this Code as Appendix A.
Executive Summary
Access Persons (as defined below) of the Funds, in conducting their personal securities transactions, owe a fiduciary duty to the Funds. The fundamental standard to be followed in personal securities transactions is that Access Persons may not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. All personal securities transactions by Access Persons must be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest between the Access Person’s interest and the interests of the Funds, or any abuse of an Access Person’s position of trust and responsibility.
Policy / Document Requirements and Statements
Potential conflicts arising from personal investment activities could include buying or selling securities based on knowledge of a Fund’s trading position or plans (sometimes referred to as front-running), and acceptance of personal favors that could influence trading judgments on behalf of the Fund. While this Code is designed to address identified conflicts and potential conflicts, it cannot possibly be written broadly enough to cover all potential situations and, in this regard, Access Persons are expected to adhere not only to the letter, but also the spirit, of the policies contained herein.