Travel policies don’t usually make headlines, but BlackRock’s latest move is catching attention. Starting July 16, the world’s largest asset manager is tightening how employees travel to China—and it’s not about flight classes or hotel bookings. It’s about data. The company now limits what devices staff can carry and how they connect, aiming to reduce the risk that comes when sensitive information crosses borders.
So why now? And what does it mean for staff, clients, and partners? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Timing
BlackRock didn’t wake up one morning and panic. This new “policy enhancement” comes in response to real-world developments. China’s 2021 data security laws have made it harder for foreign companies to operate without friction. Firms have to store local data within China and tread carefully when transferring information across borders.
As global tensions rise, compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategic necessity. The new rules prohibit company-issued iPhones, iPads, and laptops during business travel to China. VPNs are off-limits, and even during personal travel, access to corporate networks is shut off.
Risk
Think of it this way: data doesn’t just live in clouds and servers. It also lives in the phone in your pocket, the laptop in your bag. And that’s where the risk is. If devices are inspected, copied, or seized during travel, the consequences go far beyond inconvenience.
That’s why BlackRock’s strategy leans into zero-trust security. The fewer devices you carry, the smaller the target. Loaner phones with limited apps. No laptops. No remote logins. Credentials expire fast. Everything gets geofenced and time-bound. It’s not just strict—it’s smart.
Controls
So what happens instead? Employees traveling to China get loaner devices. These aren’t your everyday gadgets—they’re locked-down, task-specific tools. Apps and data are minimal. After the trip, everything gets wiped. No files are kept, no traces left behind.
Laptops are off the list because they hold way too much—emails, login tokens, cached data. Phones, especially fresh ones, are easier to secure. Add in a clear playbook—no personal cloud use, only approved chats, scrub devices before and after—and you’ve got a tight, testable system.
Escalation
This isn’t all theory. Real-world events are pushing firms like BlackRock to act fast. Just recently, Wells Fargo paused China travel after a senior employee was blocked from leaving. Other U.S. government staff faced similar issues. Legal entanglements are no longer rare—they’re becoming a pattern.
Companies are watching closely. Travel is still necessary, but the planning now includes data controls, legal briefings, and more selective staffing. It’s not about paranoia—it’s about preparation.
Clients
What about BlackRock’s clients? They still expect top-tier service, whether the team is in New York or Beijing. And that’s the balancing act. BlackRock runs a mutual fund business and a joint venture in China. Work must go on, so processes adapt. Calls are scheduled securely. Files are staged in advance. Access is tracked and auditable.
China’s data rules add cost and complexity, but they also bring clarity. If you follow the rules and secure the workflow, you reduce the odds of disruption. It’s not exciting, but it works.
Signals
The shift isn’t limited to finance. Tech companies are feeling the pressure too. Amazon, for example, just announced it’s closing its Shanghai AI lab. That lab, launched by AWS in 2018, produced hundreds of research papers and tools credited with massive commercial value.
The move signals more than a strategy change—it marks the end of an era for foreign R&D in China. As tensions rise, firms are pulling back, rethinking what data goes where, and how much IP should cross borders. Device rules are just one part of a larger shift.
Outlook
These rules won’t win any popularity contests. No one loves carrying extra phones or skipping their laptop. But they create structure where chaos could creep in. Employees stay safer. Data stays protected. And operations continue without a major hiccup.
In the end, BlackRock’s new policy sends a clear message: risk doesn’t travel with people—it travels with information. So if you control the data, you control the risk.
FAQs
Why did BlackRock ban laptops in China?
To reduce data risk and limit exposure during international travel.
Can staff use VPNs in China travel?
No, VPN access is restricted during business and personal trips.
What devices can staff use in China?
Only temporary loaner phones with limited apps and permissions.
What triggered this policy update?
China’s strict data laws and rising travel-related legal risks.
Is BlackRock still operating in China?
Yes, via a mutual fund and a wealth joint venture with CCB.
