iShares ETFs

iShares is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index mutual funds, widely recognized for revolutionizing the way individual and institutional investors access financial markets. The brand's journey began in 1996 under the name World Equity Benchmark Shares (WEBS), which were developed by Morgan Stanley and Barclays Global Investors (BGI). In 2000, these products were rebranded as iShares, marking a significant strategic expansion into the ETF space.

In 2009, the global investment management firm BlackRock acquired Barclays Global Investors, including the iShares brand, in a landmark deal that solidified BlackRock's position as the world's largest asset manager. Since the acquisition, iShares has expanded to offer more than 1,400 funds globally, covering diverse asset classes such as equities, fixed income, commodities, and sustainable investments.

While the brand is headquartered in the United States, its 'manufacturing'—the legal domicile and administration of its funds—occurs in multiple jurisdictions to comply with local regulations and serve international markets. For instance, many iShares funds targeting European investors are domiciled in Ireland or Luxembourg (UCITS), while those for North American investors are typically domiciled in the United States or Canada.