BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, continues to make strategic investments in the financial technology sector. In its latest move, the company has joined the €30 million funding round of German fintech Upvest, aiming to leverage the growing trend of digital wealth management in Europe. By participating in Upvest’s funding round, BlackRock intends to attract more retail investors to the market through its low-cost offerings, particularly Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
BlackRock joins Upvest’s funding round
With its investment in Upvest, BlackRock seeks to tap into the potential of the financial technology startup and foster innovation in the European market. Upvest recently launched an ETF trading platform in collaboration with Revolut to facilitate efficient and low-friction infrastructure for investors. This platform aims to reduce transaction costs and offer access to small investment amounts, making it more accessible for retail investors to enter the market.
Enhancing the Accessibility and Affordability of Investing
Through its partnership with Upvest, BlackRock intends to make investing more accessible for millions of investors across Europe. Timo Toenges, Head of iShares EMEA Digital Wealth Business at BlackRock, highlights the aim to drive innovation in how Europeans access markets, offering cheaper and simpler avenues to begin investing. The collaboration between BlackRock and Upvest aims to create an investment ecosystem that is suitable for investors of all sizes and backgrounds.
Upvest’s mission is to provide a better investment infrastructure
Upvest’s co-founder and CEO, Martin Kassing, emphasizes the necessity of improving the investment infrastructure to cater to a larger number of Europeans. With only a fraction of the European population currently investing in stocks and ETFs, there is a growing urgency to provide companies with better tools and platforms for easy and affordable investment experiences.
BlackRock’s focus on digital investing and retail growth
BlackRock has been steadily expanding its presence in the digital investing space, recognizing the potential for growth in retail investing across Europe. This strategic move aligns with the changing landscape of wealth management and the evolving preferences of investors. Through partnerships, investments, and innovative solutions, BlackRock aims to position itself at the forefront of the digital revolution transforming the investment industry.
Survey findings reinforce the growth of ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) investors in Europe
A recent survey conducted by BlackRock in collaboration with YouGov reveals promising insights into the growth of ETF investors in Europe. The study anticipates an increase of 32% in the number of ETF investors over the next 12 months. The results highlight the growing interest among retail investors, particularly in Germany.
Germany’s role in the growth of retail investing
Germany has emerged as a key player in the growth of retail investing, thanks to the rise of online distribution platforms like Scalable Capital and Trade Republic. Additionally, ETF savings plans have gained popularity, providing an accessible and convenient means for individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio. These trends demonstrate a shifting landscape in investment behavior and highlight the importance of BlackRock’s investment in Upvest to capture this market potential.
BlackRock’s predictions for the growth of ETF savings plans
BlackRock forecasts significant growth in the adoption of ETF savings plans in Germany. The number of these plans is expected to grow from 4.9 million in 2021 to approximately 20 million by 2026. The increasing interest in ETFs as an investment vehicle, along with the ease and flexibility of savings plans, creates a favorable climate for BlackRock and other financial institutions to capitalize on this burgeoning market.
BlackRock’s investment in Upvest marks another strategic move by the asset management giant as it capitalizes on the rising popularity of digital wealth management in Europe. By partnering with Upvest, BlackRock aims to make investing more accessible and affordable for retail investors, leveraging the efficient infrastructure provided by Upvest’s ETF trading platform. The growth of retail investing, particularly in Germany, underscores the need for improved investment infrastructure, and BlackRock’s partnership with Upvest aligns perfectly with this evolving landscape. As the number of ETF investors is predicted to increase across Europe, BlackRock is well-positioned to benefit from this upward trend and solidify its presence in the digital investing space.