iShares Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

iShares is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), offering a vast array of investment products across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and commodities. Originally launched by Barclays Global Investors (BGI) in 2000, the brand revolutionized the investment landscape by providing low-cost, transparent, and accessible market exposure for both retail and institutional investors.

The global footprint of iShares is extensive, with funds registered and managed in multiple jurisdictions to comply with local financial regulations. Key manufacturing hubs for these financial products include the United States, Ireland (for UCITS funds), and diverse markets across Asia and Latin America. This multi-regional approach allows the brand to cater to the specific tax and regulatory needs of investors based on their geographic location.

In 2009, the parent company Barclays Global Investors was acquired by BlackRock, making BlackRock the ultimate owner and manager of the iShares brand. This merger solidified BlackRock's position as the world's largest asset manager. Today, iShares continues to operate as a core pillar of BlackRock's business, leveraging its massive scale and technological infrastructure to maintain its status as the most prominent ETF provider globally.