Pros
There is ample opportunity to prove yourself in the company. You're given as much responsibility as you want - or at least, I have been. It's also possible to move internally relatively easily, and to that extent you get the feeling that your career is in your own hands.
Cons
The purchase of BGI has highlighted huge cultural differences between the two legacy companies. Management are trading on the good will and professional nature of its employees - treating staff, in some cases, in an appalling fashion. Long hours have become the norm. Compensation is disappointing. I'm not driven by money but I do believe in being paid fairly for the job you do and the results you achieve. It doesn't happen at BlackRock - especially if you're promoted from within. The company needs to put its hand in its pockets - a shoestring budget will ensure it gets found out sooner or later. For a company of this size, there's no excuse - we're not investing sufficiently in existing talent. Business risk management feels like it's a case of "wait and see".