Factor-based investing

Factor-based investing or Smart beta strategies seek to capture broad, persistent drivers of returns. Combining elements of both traditional passive and traditional active investing, smart beta strategies seek to out-perform traditional index strategies by targeting intuitive and well understood investment ideas in a rules based manner.

Factors are the language of investing that everyone should be speaking. Smart beta is the vehicle to deliver factor investing. - Dr Andrew Ang, Head of BlackRock’s Factor Based Strategies Group

Our Investment Approach

BlackRock takes a factor-based view to smart beta investing, deliberately targeting value-creating investment ideas, such as finding bargains (value), following trends (momentum) or seeking safety (minimum volatility). These time-tested ideas have been present in actively managed portfolios for decades, and are now available through smart beta strategies, often at a fraction of the cost of active management. Ultimately, smart beta strategies seek to generate outcomes for investors, such as improving returns, enhancing diversification or reducing unwanted risks.


Smart beta is more than simply a fund or strategy, it's a style of investing focused on the drivers of risk and return.

Andrew Ang, PHD
Head of Factor Based Strategies Group

Meet our team

Andrew Ang

Andrew Ang

Managing Director
Head of Factor Based Strategies Group

Ked Hogan

Ked Hogan

Managing Director
Head of Investments for Factor Based Strategies Group

Philip Hodges

Philip Hodges

Managing Director
Head of Research for Factor Based Strategies Group

Andrew, Ked and Philip are supported by a talented international team.