We need to talk about BlackRock
What do Shell, ING and ASML have in common? Their largest shareholder is BlackRock. This titan of an asset manager has a colossal, invisible grip on businesses worldwide. Chances are you’re connected to them too, without even knowing it, since BlackRock manages the pension money of over 7 million Dutch citizens. For decades, they operated in the shadows. But nowadays, this giant is facing massive backlash. Not only because their investments link them to the genocide in Gaza, but also because they remain one of the biggest backers of the fossil fuel industry. Bowing to pressure from US Republicans just before Trump’s second term, BlackRock even pulled out of major climate pacts, leaving Dutch pension funds (that do have green goals) feeling extremely frustrated.
In a Volkskrant interview, BlackRock’s Dutch country manager Monique Donders claims to be tired of being talked about, and not talked to. Well, consider this an invitation. Do they dare show up, or will they keep their doors shut? Either way: this conversation needs to happen. Join us this evening at Pakhuis de Zwijger for a deep dive into BlackRock. A conversation about power, morality and what on earth is happening with your money.
In this programme Audrey Gauhran Executive Director at SOMO (Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations), journalist, political economist Thomas Bollen Investigative journalist Follow the Money & author 'Geld genoeg, maar niet voor jou' Grace Blakeley Economic commentator, columnist, journalist, writer.About the speakers
Thomas Bollen is a financial economist and prominent investigative journalist for Follow the Money. He specialises in exposing corporate malpractice and demystifying global banking. Bollen authored the acclaimed book Geld genoeg, maar niet voor jou, and co-created the award-winning project The Waterworks of Money, which represented the Netherlands at the Venice Biennale and won the 2023 Dutch Design Award.
Audrey Gaughran is the Executive Director of SOMO, an organisation investigating the impact of multinational corporations. She has over twenty years of experience fighting for human rights, previously leading global research at Amnesty International. At SOMO, Gaughran focuses on holding powerful companies accountable, exposing corporate harm, and pushing for a fairer global economy that respects people and the planet.
Grace Blakeley is a prominent British economic commentator, author, and one of the most compelling radical voices of her generation. A sharp critic of corporate power, she is a regular analyst on the BBC and ITV, and a staff writer for Tribune. Author of the international bestseller Vulture Capitalism, Blakeley is a leading force in the movement to dismantle corporate monopoly and champion economic democracy.
About the moderator
Frederique de Jong is a Dutch journalist, moderator, and the host of Follow the Money’s podcast. She has decades of experience in news broadcasting, including years as a prime-time anchor for BNR Nieuwsradio.
Read more Opinie: Nee, we kunnen niet ‘rustig slapen’ nu BlackRock ons geld beheertHet Amerikaanse BlackRock, grootste vermogensbeheerder ter wereld, claimt een neutrale partij te zijn. Maar dat is allesbehalve waar.
