We find the various government departments very approachable and always open to engaging with the industry, with the IDA a particularly strong partner. The ecosystem is excellent, and by that, I mean not only asset managers but who they interact with, professional services firms, fund service providers and industry associations. They’re arguably the best I know.

Enda McMahon

Head of Irish operations, BlackRock

Why Ireland for Blackrock

BlackRock is one of the world’s leading investment management companies, with $11.5 trillion in assets under management in 2024. The first has offices in 30 countries, and has clients in 100 countries throughout the world. 

Long established in Ireland
BlackRock has had a presence in Ireland for 30 years, mainly as a domicile for its investment management products. It recruited its first direct hire in Ireland in the mid-2000s, initially working from the offices of a service provider, moving to a serviced office as the team grew and then, in 2011, to its own first office. 

In Ireland, BlackRock’s structure includes risk, governance, compliance, operations and oversight functions, as well as a strong board. 

Since 2013, its Irish operations expanded from around 40 people to over 140 people by 2025, with capacity in its new offices to increase beyond 200 in subsequent years. It has over $1.5 trillion (€920 billion) of assets under management in its Irish-domiciled funds, making up a quarter of the total funds market by value. 

Ambitious plans for Ireland

BlackRock has ambitious plans for Ireland as a place to do business, with Europe’s ETF market showing considerable growth and innovation potential. Since 2013, BlackRock’s Irish operations tripled its global assets under management, while increasing its staff by around 350%. 

The company says its Dublin office comprises an outstanding team, supporting BlackRock’s purpose for more people to experience financial wellbeing. It also appreciates the depth of talent in the industry ecosystem, including professional services firms and fund service providers. Another factor that makes Ireland an attractive location for investment firms is its stable regulatory environment, the company says. 

How Ireland Helps Blackrock

• Presence in Dublin dating back 30 years
• Operations more than tripled between 2013 and 2025 
• $1.5 trillion of assets under management in its Irish-domiciled funds
• Continued expansion planned for Irish operations