Euroclear and BlackRock have announced a partnership to expand the distribution of BlackRock’s private market funds via Euroclear’s FundsPlace.
Brussels-based Euroclear is one of the world’s largest securities settlement houses.
BlackRock currently manages $167 billion of client assets across private markets strategies.
Euroclear provides settlement and custody of domestic and cross-border securities for bonds, equities and derivatives and investment funds.
The Euroclear group comprises Euroclear Bank, the International CSD (central securities depository), as well as Euroclear Belgium, Euroclear Finland, Euroclear France, Euroclear Nederland, Euroclear Sweden, Euroclear UK & International.
“This is a pioneer collaboration for Euroclear focused on private markets and highlights the two organisations’ commitment to making private markets more accessible to a wider range of investors,” said Euroclear.
“Euroclear’s FundsPlace is Euroclear’s end-to-end fund distribution solution, including services such as distribution, order processing, custody solutions, and data management across all fund asset classes.
“With a global reach serving over 2,500 clients across the globe, FundsPlace is well-equipped to extend BlackRock’s diverse range of private market funds to an even broader array of investors.
“BlackRock offers clients investment strategies across infrastructure, private debt, private equity, real estate and multi-alternatives solutions.
“The firm currently manages $167 billion of client assets across private markets strategies and is committed to expanding investor access to the wide range of strategies in the asset class, including through innovative vehicles like European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs).
“BlackRock chose FundsPlace for its track record of driving innovation in the industry, such as the successful integration of Goji, particularly within private markets, providing a distinctive, scalable solution for its clients.
“This collaboration will further streamline processes for clients through automation and aims to set new standards for efficiency in capital raising, distribution, execution and settlement in alternative funds.”
Vincent Clause, Global Head of Funds Strategy and Product Expansion at Euroclear, said: “This collaboration with BlackRock represents a pivotal development for Euroclear as we continue to grow our alternative funds offerings.
“We are thrilled to broaden investment opportunities for our clients by leveraging our long-standing relationship with BlackRock across mutual funds and ETFs.”
Fabio Osta, Head of the Alternatives Specialists team in EMEA Wealth at BlackRock, said: “We are pleased to join forces with Euroclear on our shared ambition to make investing in private markets easier and more affordable to a broader range of investors.
“Euroclear FundsPlace will offer an additional access point to BlackRock’s private markets platform, supported by product innovation such as ELTIF 2.0 and our educational program for advisors via the BlackRock Alternatives Academy.”