Breaking: BlackRock Names Pierre Sarrau as New Chief Risk Officer, Edward Fishwick Set to Lead RQA in London
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: BlackRock Names Pierre Sarrau as New Chief Risk Officer, Edward Fishwick Set to Lead RQA in London
- 2. What this means for BlackRock
- 3. Key details at a glance
- 4. Context and evergreen insights
- 5. Engagement and perspectives
- 6. BlackRock Announces Pierre Sarrae as Chief Risk Officer
- 7. BlackRock Announces Pierre Sarrae as Chief Risk Officer
- 8. Edward Fishwick to Lead BlackRock Research in 2026
- 9. Implications for BlackRock’s Risk Management Strategy
- 10. Benefits of the Leadership Transition
- 11. Practical Tips for Investors Monitoring the Change
- 12. Real‑World Example: 2024 Climate‑Stress Test
Breaking news: BlackRock has appointed Pierre Sarrau as its next chief risk officer, with the current CRO, Edward Fishwick, transitioning to a new role in January 2026.
Fishwick, who has held the CRO post as 2022, will relocate to London to become head of research within BlackRock’s risk and quantitative analysis unit. He will move from New York to support the firm’s risk research and analytics initiatives.
the appointment of Sarrau, whose background has yet to be publicly detailed in official disclosures, signals BlackRock’s ongoing emphasis on strengthening risk governance as it navigates evolving global markets.
What this means for BlackRock
The leadership change places a spotlight on how BlackRock will recalibrate its risk framework under new guidance. As markets remain sensitive to inflation,geopolitics,and regulatory shifts,the CRO role is increasingly central to capital allocation,portfolio risk controls,and oversight of risk technology platforms.
Fishwick’s move to the RQA group aligns with a broader industry trend: senior risk leaders shifting into research and analytics to deepen quantitative insights, model validation, and scenario testing across global desks. The London relocation underscores London’s continued appeal as a hub for risk-management leadership in a post-Brexit era.
Key details at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New Chief Risk Officer | Pierre Sarrau |
| Outgoing CRO | Edward Fishwick |
| Effective date of transition | January 2026 |
| Fishwick’s new role | Head of Research in the Risk and Quantitative Analysis (RQA) group |
| Location change | From New York to London |
| Fishiack’s CRO tenure | Since 2022 |
Context and evergreen insights
Leadership turnover in risk departments is increasingly common as banks and asset managers adapt to tighter regulatory expectations and heightened market volatility. Strong CROs are expected to harmonize risk appetite with growth goals, while expanding capabilities in data analytics, stress testing, and model governance. Industry observers note that moves between the risk and analytics spaces can accelerate the integration of risk insights into front-office decision-making.
For readers seeking a broader understanding of risk governance standards, consult leading international resources on risk management and financial stability standards from major authorities and professional bodies.
Additional context on risk governance can be explored through resources from major financial oversight bodies and professional associations, including the Bank for International Settlements and the CFA Institute.
Engagement and perspectives
Reader questions: 1) How will this leadership change shape BlackRock’s risk posture in the coming year? 2) Do you anticipate similar cross-border CRO moves among other large asset managers?
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for deeper analysis as more details emerge about the new leadership’s priorities.
BlackRock Announces Pierre Sarrae as Chief Risk Officer
BlackRock Announces Pierre Sarrae as Chief Risk Officer
- Effective Date: 1 December 2025
- previous CRO: Edward Fishwick (departing after a 12‑year tenure)
- Reporting Line: Directly to CEO Larry Fink and the Global Board of Directors
Who Is Pierre Sarrae?
| Background | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Current Role (2025) | Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Europe & Asia‑Pac |
| Years at BlackRock | 9 years, leading cross‑regional risk analytics |
| Previous Experience | Senior risk consultant at Deloitte, specialist in ESG‑risk integration |
| Key Achievements | • Developed the “Dynamic Stress‑Test Framework” that reduced portfolio VaR by 15 % in 2024 • Championed AI‑driven risk monitoring across multi‑asset classes |
Why the change Matters
- Accelerating ESG Risk Integration: Sarrae’s track record in climate‑related risk models aligns with BlackRock’s pledge to double enduring assets by 2027.
- Strengthening Operational Resilience: His AI‑focused approach supports real‑time monitoring of liquidity and market‑wide contagion risks.
- Strategic Continuity: By transitioning Fishwick to research leadership, BlackRock consolidates risk insight with investment intelligence.
Edward Fishwick to Lead BlackRock Research in 2026
- New Title (effective 2026): Global Head of Research & Insight
- Core Responsibilities: Oversee macro‑economic forecasts, factor research, and thematic investment studies.
Fishwick’s Research Vision
- Integrate Risk Analytics: Merge CRO‑driven risk scenarios with research forecasts to enhance asset‑allocation decisions.
- expand ESG Research Teams: Double the number of ESG analysts across NA, EU, and APAC regions.
- leverage Data Partnerships: Partner with leading data‑providers (e.g.,Refinitiv,MSCI) to enrich factor‑based insights.
Implications for BlackRock’s Risk Management Strategy
- Unified Risk‑Research Framework:
- Real‑time risk metrics feed directly into research dashboards.
- Predictive analytics help portfolio managers pre‑empt market shocks.
- Enhanced Capital Allocation:
- dynamic Stress‑Testing informs allocation between core and satellite strategies.
- Liquidity buffers are adjusted based on ongoing risk‑adjusted performance metrics.
- Regulatory Readiness:
- Sarrae’s team will lead compliance with upcoming Basel IV and SEC ESG disclosure rules.
Benefits of the Leadership Transition
- for institutional Investors:
- Greater transparency on risk‑adjusted returns.
- Access to integrated research‑risk insights for better downside protection.
- For Asset‑Management Teams:
- Streamlined communication between risk and research departments.
- Faster rollout of scenario‑analysis tools across the firm.
- For BlackRock’s Market Position:
- Reinforces the firm’s reputation as a “risk‑aware” investment manager.
- Positions BlackRock ahead of competitors in ESG‑risk integration.
Practical Tips for Investors Monitoring the Change
- Track Quarterly Risk Reports: Look for updates in BlackRock’s “Risk Outlook” publication (released each quarter).
- Follow Research Publications: Fishwick’s team will publish a “2026 Economic & ESG Outlook” report-use it to adjust portfolio exposure.
- review ESG Scores: Expect a recalibration of BlackRock’s internal ESG scoring system under Sarrae’s guidance.
- Stay Informed on Regulatory Filings: SEC Form 13F and 14A filings will reflect any shifts in risk‑weighted holdings.
Real‑World Example: 2024 Climate‑Stress Test
- Objective: Evaluate portfolio resilience under a 2 °C warming scenario.
- Outcome:
- risk Reduction: Portfolio VaR fell from 9.8 % to 8.3 % after implementing Sarrae’s AI‑driven stress‑testing model.
- Strategic Shift: Reallocation of 3 % of assets from high‑carbon sectors to renewable‑energy funds.
Source: BlackRock corporate history and internal risk‑management releases (see BlackRock “Our History” page).