Overview

• The policy effective July 16 prohibits company-issued iPhones, iPads, laptops and access to BlackRock’s network for employees traveling to China.
• Staff must use temporary loaner phones and are barred from VPN or any remote-access tools during both business and personal visits.
• The move addresses heightened US–China tensions and complies with China’s data sovereignty laws introduced in 2021.
• BlackRock has declined to comment publicly on the directive while other financial and tech firms weigh adopting similar travel and IT restrictions.
• China remains vital to BlackRock’s expansion, with a wholly owned mutual fund arm and a joint wealth management venture with China Construction Bank Corp.