Every time I study the history of the Dutch East India Company, I am impressed by the scale of their operations and vast influence across the world at that time. It wasn’t just a commercial entity. It operated as a sovereign power, trying to put trade routes under control. It owned territories, armies, and the largest fleet in the 17th century. It introduced corporate governance, the first shares, and reshaped global trade.

Currently, BlackRock mirrors that legacy, not as a trading empire but as a financial powerhouse. BlackRock is the largest asset manager of the world. Company with 70 + offices across the globe serves clients in over 100 countries. The company has set a staggering record, managing $11.5 trillion in assets—an amount that surpasses GDP of any country with the exception of China and USA. Just imagine that this company holds more wealth than entire nations.

Can Blackrock be likened to the Dutch East India Company of modern times? This is definitely so, at least, in scale and influence.  Instead of ships, textiles and spices Blackrock trades in financial instruments. Just the same way the company shapes the financial landscape and even has immense power over the political arena. Isn't it fascinating?