BlackRock time travels 30 years through photos

BlackRock (BLK) Inc. (BLK), the world's largest money manager, is quietly celebrating its 30th anniversary this year through social media.

The New York-based mega manager, which managed $6.32 trillion as of March 31, turned to Instagram to show — rather than tell — the company's history in photos.

The company was launched on March 9, 1988, as Blackstone Financial Management by eight individuals. The company originally was a subsidiary of The Blackstone Group LP and became BlackRock in 1992.

Instagram glimpses into the past include a panoramic shot of BlackRock's office in 1995 featuring the clunky computers and green paper printouts of the day; a group shot of executives at the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 1, 1999, the date of the firm's initial public offering; and numerous pictures of Laurence D. Fink, chairman and CEO, sporting suit styles popular throughout the first three decades of the firm's existence.

Anniversary events are planned for the firm's 13,000 employees scattered across 70 offices in 30 countries during the year, said Melissa Garville, a company spokeswoman.

The BlackRock website also has a full written historical record.