BlackRock, with its massive AUM and diversified investment strategies, may be more suitable for investors seeking stability and broad market exposure. ARK Invest, with its focus on disruptive innovation, may appeal to investors with a higher risk tolerance looking for potentially high-growth opportunities in specific technology sectors.
| Attribute | ARK Invest | BlackRock |
|---|---|---|
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | Greater than $20 billion as of June 2025. | As of June 2025, $12.528 trillion. Expected to have more than $13 trillion at the end of the year. |
| Investment Strategies Offered | Thematic investment strategies focusing on disruptive innovation, offered in various vehicles. | Both active and passive investment strategies, including ETFs, mutual funds, and separately managed accounts. Invests in equities, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions. |
| Expense Ratios | Actively managed ETFs: generally 0.75%, except ARKW (0.88%). Index ETFs: PRNT (0.66%), IZRL (0.49%). | Average expense ratio for BlackRock ETFs is 0.30%. |
| Historical Performance | ARK Innovation ETF (2014-2021): 39% annual ROI. 2022: -63%. As of Feb 9, 2025: 1-year (29.6%), 3-year (-13.3%), 5-year (12.4%), 10-year (201.8%). | Latest stock price (Aug 11, 2025): $1127.93. 12-month total return: 34.47%. YTD: 10.93%. 3-year average: 21.76%. 5-year average: 16.92%. |
| Fund Variety | Various ETFs, including ARKK, ARKW, ARKG, ARKQ, ARKF, ARKX, PRNT, IZRL. | Wide range of funds, including mutual funds, iShares ETFs, and closed-end funds, covering various asset classes. |
| Technological Innovation | Focuses on innovations in AI, robotics, energy storage, DNA sequencing, and blockchain technology. | Utilizes AI to enhance investment strategies, optimize operations, and improve client experiences. Aladdin platform for risk management. |
| ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investing Options | Integrates ESG issues into its investment process. | Considers ESG factors in its investment process. Offers funds with negative or positive ESG screens and thematic investment strategies. |
| Minimum Investment Amount | Typically no minimum investment required for ETFs. | Minimum investment for BlackRock Private Equity Fund: €10,000 (initial). Private Investors account with a personal Portfolio Manager: $1 million. |
| Customer Support Quality | Customer service for its ETF products during work hours. | Not available |
| Research and Analysis Resources | Publishes current analyses, transactions, and portfolios, and also opens its research reviews to the public. Offers quarterly reports and webinars. | Provides research and analysis resources to investors. Dedicated research teams utilize generative AI to analyze market sentiments. |
| Transparency and Reporting | Strives for full transparency, posting their trades daily. Provides trade notifications and offers quarterly reports and webinars. | Three main pillars for ESG integration: investment processes, data & analytics, and transparency. |
| Reputation and Brand Recognition | Founded by Cathie Wood in 2014, known for its focus on disruptive innovation. | Recognized as a top fund brand. World's most valuable asset management brand at $8.3 billion. |