BlackRock Investment Stewardship, Associate

About this role

About this role

As an independent, fiduciary asset manager, BlackRock is committed to acting at all times in the best long-term interests of our clients. We undertake our BIS activities to protect and enhance the economic value of the companies in which we invest on their behalf.

The work of BlackRock’s BIS team is an investment function. The team operates in seven offices across three regions – the Americas (New York and San Francisco); Europe, Middle East and Africa (London); and Asia-Pacific (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney) – and undertakes engagement with and proxy voting at portfolio companies on behalf of clients globally.

BlackRock aims to take a common view in-house regarding our engagement and voting policies and uses the BIS group to coordinate, communicate and carry out these policies at approximately 18,000 shareholder meetings at which the firm votes each year.

Role description

The Singapore-based Associate — BIS will be a key member of the BIS Asia ex-Japan (AxJ) team. The role reports to the Head of BlackRock Investment Stewardship AxJ. The intention is for the person in this role to specialize in corporate governance, environmental and social issues as an investment theme or risk. The successful candidate will cover several sectors across AxJ markets, for voting and engagement purposes, and facilitate the overall development of team capabilities.

The Associate - BIS is responsible for

• Implementing approved corporate governance policies for the region through engagement with investee companies, including voting at shareholder meetings.

• Monitoring various corporate governance standards and best practices in the market and contribute to internal guidelines refreshment.

• Initiating, leading and/or participating in internal research projects as required. This could also include contributing to key public policy debates and responding to policy consultations.

• Working with the index equity portfolio managers, client business teams and other key internal partners to help strengthen alignment of BIS stewardship activities with clients’ long-term financial objectives

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as an expert in BlackRock's Investment Stewardship team focusing on corporate governance, including environmental and social issues/risks, from an investment perspective in AxJ for key audiences internally and externally. Ensure an accurate and widespread understanding of our activities in this area.

• Conduct research and analysis of governance, environmental and social issues from an investment perspective and collaborate with the investment teams and other key stakeholders to share views.

• Responsible for the implementation of the approved corporate governance policies for sectors and the key markets in the region through engagement with investee companies, including voting at shareholder meetings.

• Engage with Chairmen, CEO(s) and other senior representatives of the companies in which BlackRock invests to address a range of issues including industry trends, strategy and financial performance in addition to corporate governance.

• Contribute to regular updates of our publicly available documents, including voting guidelines and engagement priorities, ensuring their relevance and timeliness.

• Work closely with the Head of BIS AxJ on assessing key regulatory and market developments in the BIS field to ensure that BlackRock's approach continues to be at the leading edge of best practice.

• When required, take responsibility for communication with the regional advisory committee and, in conjunction with the Committee's chairman, ensure its members remain informed of regional developments and are equipped to fulfill their function to guide the team's work.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum undergraduate with a degree in finance, economics, accounting or related discipline

• Post-graduate degree, CFA or master's qualification preferred

• An understanding of and interest in corporate governance, sustainability-related risks and opportunity as long-term investment considerations

• Working knowledge of the securities market regulatory environment in key Asia ex-Japan capital markets

• Investment management, investment banking, corporate finance, and/or legal experience is an advantage

• Proven track record of producing governance and ESG research and analysis

• The ability to build and maintain successful relationships with colleagues across the firm and with external parties

• Possess the ability to analyze and resolve complex problems under time pressure

• Detail oriented and persistent to see things through to completion whilst managing multiple tasks and changing priorities

• Organized, self-reliant and self-motivated

• The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in both oral & written communication, including with senior colleagues, investee company representatives, and the public

• Business proficiency in Chinese, Thai or Bahasa language is a plus

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.