BlackRock and the Bipartisan Policy Center are convening elected officials, corporate leaders, small business owners, union representatives, pensioners, and state and federal policymakers for what it’s calling the “2025 National Retirement Summit” to find bipartisan solutions and commitments to address the pressing need for solutions that can help more Americans achieve better financial security throughout their lives.
“… we’re bringing leaders to Washington to explore ways the private sector and government can collaborate to ensure more Americans can achieve a financially secure retirement.”
BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink
The Summit, co-hosted by BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink and Bipartisan Policy Center President and CEO Margaret Spellings, will take place on March 12 in Washington, D.C. and is expected to bring together over 250 industry leaders, policymakers and executives. Attendance is by invitation only.
The theme of the event, “Redefining Retirement: It’s All of our Work,” highlights how critical it is for both the public and private sectors to think about retirement in new ways to help people live better, longer.
“With Americans living longer than ever, lawmakers must prioritize policy that supports personal savings. BPC has long championed such efforts and will continue working with leaders of both parties to ensure all Americans have access to tools and resources to enjoy financial security in their golden years,” said Spellings.
“Fewer than one in three Americans believe they have the tools they need to save for retirement,” Fink added. “At BlackRock, we’re committed to being part of the solution. That’s why we’re bringing leaders to Washington to explore ways the private sector and government can collaborate to ensure more Americans can achieve a financially secure retirement.”
BlackRock this week released fresh survey results showing that the ability to retire with dignity appears out of reach for many people. As millions of Americans become increasingly concerned about retirement, BlackRock said its survey shows voters are demanding action to stave off an impending crisis.
Key findings from the survey of 1,000 national registered voters show startling trends:
• One-third of respondents report having no retirement savings.
• More than half (51%) say they fear running out of money in retirement more than they fear dying.
• Over half (56%) worry about their personal finances at least once a day.
• Only 28% of respondents believe that working Americans have the necessary tools and resources to save for a secure retirement.
• An overwhelming majority (80%) believe that Congress and the new administration should prioritize legislation to help people plan and save for a secure retirement.
Following the Summit, BlackRock and the Bipartisan Policy Center will publish thought leadership encapsulating the key themes and proposals from the event with a view to drive action and solutions. Throughout 2025, both organizations will release additional research and survey data to continue to raise awareness around the need for increased support for Americans preparing for life after work.
Jamie Dimon, Gayle King among confirmed speakers
In addition to hosts Fink and Spellings, the Summit will include a number of A-list speakers, including Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon, and Gayle King, Co-Host, CBS Mornings & Editor-at-Large, Oprah Daily.
Additional confirmed speakers include:
• Senator Todd Young (R-IN)
• Governor Wes Moore, State of Maryland (D-MD)
• Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
• Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL)
• Beth Ford, President and CEO, Land O’Lakes Inc.
• Ed Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters
• Sean McGarvey, President, North America’s Building Trades Unions
Magyera joins BlackRock
Over one-half of the assets BlackRock manages are for retirement, and its newly launched LifePath Paycheck solution is now the fastest-growing retirement income target date strategy for defined contribution plans, with $16 billion in assets under management. To accelerate the firm’s leadership in retirement investing and elevate its efforts to address the retirement savings gap, BlackRock also announced this week it recently named Jaime Magyera, co-head of the firm’s U.S. Wealth Advisory business as BlackRock’s senior sponsor for retirement.
A 20-year veteran of the firm, Magyera brings a wealth of product expertise, client relationships and hands-on experience to the role.
“As more Americans live longer, many are seeking ways to redefine what that next chapter means for them—and how they will afford it. BlackRock has been a retirement leader for 35 years, and as I step into this new role, I am excited to help the firm use our convening power to meet this moment, and to support ongoing innovation that empowers Americans to live longer lives, better—with optimism, impact, and security.”
SEE ALSO:
• Retirement Events: Two National Shows Go Dark, But Horizons 2025 Emerges
• BlackRock’s LifePath Paycheck Caps 2024 with $16B
• BlackRock’s Fink Touts April Launch of ‘LifePath Paycheck’ TDF Strategy
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
