Analyse
The quote is accurately attributed to Fink and reflects BlackRock’s 2020 policy shift, where the firm announced it would prioritize sustainability in investments, including divesting from high-carbon assets and pressuring companies to disclose climate risks. Fink’s phrasing ('forcing behaviors') was criticized by some as heavy-handed but was consistent with BlackRock’s stated intent to use its influence as the world’s largest asset manager (over $7T AUM at the time) to drive corporate action on climate. The *NYT* interview (Jan 14, 2020) and BlackRock’s subsequent letters to CEOs corroborate this stance. No credible evidence suggests the quote was fabricated or taken out of context.
Achtergrond
In January 2020, BlackRock—under Fink’s leadership—published an open letter declaring climate change a 'defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects' and pledged to exit investments in thermal coal, among other measures. This marked a shift from its historically passive approach to shareholder activism, sparking debate over whether asset managers should dictate corporate ESG policies. Critics argued the move was performative, while supporters saw it as a necessary lever for systemic change.
Samenvatting verdict
Laurence Fink did state in a 2020 *New York Times* interview that BlackRock is 'forcing behaviors' on climate change, aligning with the company’s public ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments at the time.