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Investor Tax Certification Compliance Remains Key Amid BlackRock’s DRP Update

Financial Services By Claire Turing 3 min read

BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited has announced the Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) prices for several Australian-domiciled iShares ETFs for the December 2025 distribution period, providing key details for investors opting into reinvestment.

  • DRP prices announced for multiple iShares ETFs on ASX and CBOE Australia
  • Funds include Balanced ESG, High Growth ESG, and MSCI World ex Australia ETFs
  • Investors must be registered unitholders as of the record date to participate
  • BlackRock emphasizes sustainability by promoting electronic investor communications
  • Reminder issued for investors to complete tax residency certification to comply with regulations

Distribution Reinvestment Plan Prices Announced

BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BIMAL), the responsible entity for a suite of Australian-domiciled iShares exchange traded funds (ETFs), has released the Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) prices for the distribution period ending December 2025. These prices apply to several funds listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and CBOE Australia (CXA), including the iShares Balanced ESG ETF, iShares High Growth ESG ETF, and MSCI World ex Australia Quality and Value ETFs.

The DRP allows investors who have opted in to reinvest their distributions back into additional units of the same fund, rather than receiving cash payments. This mechanism can be an effective way for investors to compound their holdings over time. The announced DRP prices range from approximately $30.31 to $36.11 per unit, reflecting the underlying value of each fund at the distribution date.

Investor Eligibility and Communication Preferences

To participate in the DRP, investors must be registered unitholders of the relevant iShares ETF as of the record date. BlackRock has also reiterated its commitment to sustainability by encouraging investors to receive communications electronically. The default method for delivering investor statements is now email, reducing paper consumption and supporting environmental goals. Investors who have not yet provided an email address are urged to update their details via the Computershare Investor Centre.

Regulatory Compliance and Tax Certification

In line with international tax compliance standards such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), BlackRock has reminded investors to complete their tax residency self-certification. This process helps ensure that BlackRock can accurately report investor information to the Australian Taxation Office and relevant foreign tax authorities. Failure to certify may result in reporting consequences, so investors holding securities through broker-sponsored or issuer-sponsored accounts are encouraged to complete certification promptly.

While the announcement primarily focuses on DRP pricing and procedural updates, it underscores BlackRock’s broader approach to responsible fund management, investor engagement, and regulatory adherence. The company continues to balance operational efficiency with sustainability and compliance in servicing its Australian investor base.

Bottom Line?

As DRP prices set the stage for reinvestment strategies, investor compliance with tax certification remains a critical watchpoint.

Questions in the middle?

  • How might DRP price trends influence investor participation in iShares ETFs going forward?
  • Will BlackRock expand its sustainability initiatives beyond electronic communications in future updates?
  • What impact could incomplete tax certification have on investor holdings and reporting obligations?