“Over the last 26 years, BlackRock has become one of the biggest investment managers around, with more than $4 trillion under management.

“With that much capital at its disposal, the firm plans to use its financial muscle to speak out for investors, its chief writes in the firm’s most recent annual report.

“Laurence D. Fink, who serves as the firm’s chairman and chief executive, argues that as a fiduciary for clients, BlackRock must speak out on a variety of issues. And because of its size – its various investment funds are among the biggest shareholders for many of the world’s largest companies – what he has to say carries a substantial amount of weight in corporate America.

“Among the key issues he highlights is corporate governance, a topic that has been on the firm’s agenda for some time.”

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Read full NY Times – Dealbook article here.