Education hub

The first step towards investing is learning the basics

A variety of hurdles keep people from taking control over their finances. Investment education helps you get closer to achieving your investment goals.

Why money market funds play a vital role in private markets

Firms in private markets are seeking to gain a competitive advantage and diversify risk by optimising their cash management strategies. Here, we explore how money market funds can provide attractive returns with minimal risk, all while satisfying the liquidity needs of these companies.

Tokenised ICS Brochure

An introduction to tokenised ICS, exploring the role of tokenisation in providing digital access to money market funds.

What are money market funds?

A money market fund (MMF) is a type of mutual fund that invests in cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt securities. Think of MMFs as a cash management investment solution intended to offer portfolio diversification1, liquidity and operational ease.

What are ultra-short bond funds?

The BlackRock ICS Ultra Short Bond Funds (USBF) are managed as part of our ICS Money Market Fund range and are defined by ESMA as Standard VNAV funds. This is a reflection of our safety first approach and in response to demand from clients for a low volatility, enhanced cash plus strategy to enable strategic portioning of cash.

Spotlight on cash

Cash remains attractive amid a potential shift in rates. Money market funds will typically position their duration a little longer heading into a rate cut environment and will tend to outperform alternatives for overnight liquidity as a result.

What do neutral rates mean for cash management?

Neutral rates are defined as the level that neither encourages nor deters overall economy activity in a particular country.

Comparing short-term fund structures

While there are various fund structures available at BlackRock, the following paper outlines the similarities and limited differences between two short-term money market fund structures offered under BlackRock’s Institutional Cash Series (ICS) fund range.

Comparing bank deposits to MMFs

After a sustained period of rising interest rates, we've reached a juncture where rates are at their peak, often referred to as “Terminal Rates.” This, combined with events in the first quarter of 2023, further reinforces the value of diversification in cash investing.

Liquidity solutions

Our liquidity strategies are specifically designed to meet the cash management needs of institutional investors. They satisfy the most conservative investment policies by consistently focusing on high-quality investments and providing same-day liquidity with competitive yields.

Let's tech about cash management

BlackRock® Cachematrix™ provides technology to analyze cash portfolios, place purchase and redemption requests (orders) from money market fund (MMF) providers and produce detailed reports on cash holdings - on any device, anywhere.

Institutional Cash Series overview

Managing cash in-house can be challenging, especially in volatile markets. Outsourced cash management can offer the experience, scale and resources to respond quickly to changes impacting your cash investments.

Thinking tactically about cash

The current interest rate climate poses opportunities as well as challenges for cash investors. It’s important to understand how to optimise cash allocations based on liquidity demands, intended investment horizons and appetite for flexing the risk return profile of cash investments.

Segregation of liability

This document provides information about the way in which assets of funds in Institutional Cash Series plc (the “Company”) are held.

Separately managed accounts

Seeking to optimize your cash portfolio with a tailored solution.

Short-term investing 101

Introduction to money market funds and ultra-short duration solutions.

Accounting Classification of Money Market Funds

Navigate the money market fund landscape with confidence. Explore the key fund classifications and understand how different structures can help support a range of liquidity, risk and investment objectives.

Cash management credit research

Gain insight into BlackRock’s rigorous credit research process and how our dedicated analysts assess and monitor issuers to help preserve liquidity, manage risk, and support stable cash investment outcomes.

Understanding liquidity fees and redemption gates

Liquidity fees and gates remain mechanisms that may be incorporated to help ensure fair treatment towards all money market fund investors in times of uncertainty.

Understanding Low Volatility Net Asset Value funds

Understand how Low Volatility Net Asset Value (LVNAV) funds are designed to provide liquidity, capital preservation, and operational simplicity for short-term cash investors.

Reverse repurchase agreements in MMFs

Reverse repurchase agreements serve as a cornerstone for liquidity management and portfolio structuring in many money market funds.

Hedged share classes explained

Understand how hedged share classes are designed to help reduce the impact of currency fluctuations on investment returns. It outlines the key features, benefits, and considerations of using currency hedging within investment funds.

European money market fund reform

An overview of European money market fund reform, highlighting key regulatory developments and their potential implications for the MMF industry.