BlackRock Outlines Growth Priorities at BofA Conference

Firm touts 6%-7% organic fee growth, tokenized iShares, and digital wallet push

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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At Bank of America's 34th Annual Financial Services Conference, BlackRock Chief Financial Officer and Global Head of Corporate Strategy Martin Small discussed the firm's growth priorities, integration plans for recent acquisitions, and views on emerging distribution channels such as digital wallets. Small highlighted BlackRock's organic base-fee growth, which exceeded 6% for every quarter in 2025, as well as initiatives around private markets, active ETFs, and digital assets.

Why it matters

BlackRock's growth plans and strategic priorities provide insights into the evolving asset management industry, where firms are navigating shifts in client demand, distribution channels, and technology. The company's focus on organic growth, alternative investments, and digital innovation reflects broader trends impacting the sector.

The details

Small said BlackRock has seen 'really excellent momentum' in organic base-fee growth, with every quarter in 2025 above 6% and the full year at 10%. He cited breadth across ETFs, private markets, and systematic equities. Small also emphasized structural tailwinds supporting growth, including the shift from brokerage to advisory and increased access for retail and defined contribution investors to private markets. Integration of recent acquisitions, such as Global Infrastructure Partners and HPS Investment Partners, is a top near-term priority. Other initiatives include expanding ETF use cases, growing Aladdin's technology and data business, and targeting 'wealth everywhere' through products and portfolio strategies that incorporate private markets.

  • In 2025, BlackRock saw organic base-fee growth of 9% for the full year, 10% in the third quarter, and 12% in the fourth quarter.
  • The Preqin acquisition closed in March 2025.

The players

Martin Small

BlackRock's Chief Financial Officer and Global Head of Corporate Strategy.

BlackRock

A global investment management firm that provides a broad range of products and services to institutional, intermediary and individual investors.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

BlackRock's growth priorities highlight the asset management industry's shift towards alternative investments, digital distribution, and technology-driven solutions as firms seek to meet evolving client demands and stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.