NYC comptroller urges city pensions to drop BlackRock, other managers over climate concerns

Core Viewpoint - The New York City Comptroller has expressed significant concerns regarding BlackRock's approach to engaging with public companies, particularly in relation to climate risk and decarbonization strategies [1][4]. Group 1: Asset Managers' Performance - BlackRock is the largest asset manager for New York City's pension funds, managing $42.3 billion across three pension plans [2]. - The Comptroller reported that 46 out of 49 public market managers are aligned with the city's decarbonization expectations, while BlackRock, Fidelity, and PanAgora are not [2]. - Lander indicated that the three asset managers failed to adequately address climate risk, which is essential for the long-term value of the pension funds [2][3]. Group 2: Recommendations for Change - Lander recommended that the city's pension funds terminate their relationships with BlackRock, Fidelity, and PanAgora due to their failure to meet climate expectations [4][7]. - The Comptroller suggested issuing a search notice for new managers to handle BlackRock's U.S. public equity index mandates to better align with climate expectations [5]. - Fidelity's restrictive engagement approach and PanAgora's limited focus on emissions disclosures were cited as reasons for their recommended termination [8]. Group 3: BlackRock's Response - BlackRock responded to the Comptroller's recommendations by stating that the accusations of abdicating financial duty are politically motivated and undermine retirement security [6]. - The firm mentioned that it has begun allowing clients to opt into its Climate and Decarbonization Stewardship strategy, although it will not proactively engage with U.S. companies [5].