# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001804196
**File Stem:** 0001193125-23-088001
**Filing Date:** 2023-3
**Character Count:** 745142
**Document Hash:** af5ecf8ce83576fd6738578cb4d74aec
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-23-088001.hdr.sgml**: 20230724

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-23-088001

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485APOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 7

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230331

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230627

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** BlackRock ETF Trust II
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001804196
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0731

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485APOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-23511
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23787449

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 BELLEVUE PARKWAY
- **CITY:** WILMINGTON
- **STATE:** DE
- **ZIP:** 19809
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800 882 0052

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 BELLEVUE PARKWAY
- **CITY:** WILMINGTON
- **STATE:** DE
- **ZIP:** 19809
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** BlackRock ETF Trust II
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001804196
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0731

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485APOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-236575
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23787448

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 BELLEVUE PARKWAY
- **CITY:** WILMINGTON
- **STATE:** DE
- **ZIP:** 19809
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 800 882 0052

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 100 BELLEVUE PARKWAY
- **CITY:** WILMINGTON
- **STATE:** DE
- **ZIP:** 19809

**As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2023**

**Securities Act File No. 333-236575** 

**Investment Company Act File No. 811-23511** 

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**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

**FORM N-1A**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933** | ☒ |
| **Pre-Effective Amendment No.** | ☐ |
| **Post-Effective Amendment No. 21** | ☒ |
| **and/or** |  |
| **REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE**<br> **INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940** | ☒ |
| **Amendment No. 23** | ☒ |
| **(Check appropriate box or boxes)** |  |

---

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**BLACKROCK ETF TRUST II**

**(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)** 

**100 Bellevue Parkway Wilmington, Delaware 19809** 

**(Address of Principal Executive Office)** 

**Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 441-7762** 

**John M. Perlowski** 

**BLACKROCK ETF TRUST II** 

**50 Hudson Yards,** 

**New York, New York 10001** 

**(Name and Address of Agent for Service)** 

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***Copies to:***

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Counsel for the Fund:**<br> **Margery K. Neale, Esq.**<br> **Elliot J. Gluck, Esq.**<br> **Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP**<br> **787 Seventh Avenue**<br> **New York, New York 10019-6099** | **Janey Ahn, Esq.**<br> **BlackRock Advisors, LLC**<br> **50 Hudson Yards**<br> **New York, New York 10001** |

---

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**Continuous** 

**(Approximate Date of Proposed Offering)** 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

☐ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☐ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

☐ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

☐ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;☒ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

☐ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

☐ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of Beneficial Interest, no par value.

This filing relates solely to the following Funds, each a series of BlackRock ETF Trust II:

BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF and BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF.

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**The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities and is not offering or soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g488450g56p99.jpg) | **[**●**], 2023** |

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## 2023 PROSPECTUS
**BlackRock ETF Trust II** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF \| [** ● **] \| [** ● **]** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** **BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF \| [** ● **] \| [** ● **]** 

*The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • No Bank Guarantee**

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## **Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Fund Overview of BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF](#toc488450_1) | S-1 |
| [Fund Overview of BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF](#toc488450_2) | S-10 |
| [More Information About the Funds](#toc488450_3) | 19 |
| [A Further Discussion of Principal Risks](#toc488450_4) | 25 |
| [A Further Discussion of Other Risks](#toc488450_5) | 32 |
| [Portfolio Holdings Information](#toc488450_6) | 33 |
| [Management](#toc488450_7) | 33 |
| [Shareholder Information](#toc488450_8) | 36 |
| [Distribution](#toc488450_9) | 41 |
| [Financial Highlights](#toc488450_10) | 43 |
| [Disclaimers](#toc488450_11) | 44 |

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BlackRock<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of BlackRock Fund Advisors and its affiliates.

i

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BLACKROCK LARGE CAP MODERATE BUFFER ETF

Ticker: [●] Stock Exchange: [●]

**Investment Objective** 

The BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (the "Fund") seeks to track the share price return of the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the "Underlying ETF") up to an approximate upside limit, while seeking to provide downside protection against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses over each calendar quarter.

**Fees and Expenses** 

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you will incur if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. The investment advisory agreement between BlackRock ETF Trust II (the "Trust") and BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") (the "Investment Advisory Agreement") provides that BFA will pay all operating expenses of the Fund, except (i) the management fees, (ii) interest expenses, (iii) taxes, (iv) expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, (v) distribution fees or expenses, and (vi) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund may incur "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses." Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses reflect the Fund's pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investing in other investment companies. The impact of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses is included in the total returns of the Fund.

You may also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions and other charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the Example that follows:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br>(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a<br>percentage of the value of your investments)** |
| **Management<br>Fees<sup>1</sup>** | **Distribution<br>and<br>Service (12b-1)<br>Fees** | **Other<br>Expenses** | **Total Annual<br>Fund<br>Operating<br>Expenses** | **Fee<br>Waiver<sup>1</sup>** | **Total Annual<br>Fund<br>Operating<br>Expenses<br>After Fee Waiver<sup>1</sup>** |
| [●]% |  | [●]% | [●]% | [●] | [●]% |

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1 As described in the "Management" section of the Fund's prospectus beginning on page [ ● ], BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through [ ● ]. The agreement may be terminated upon 90 days' notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

**Example.** This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of owning shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $[●] | $[●] |

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**Portfolio Turnover**. The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs,

which are not reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. There has been no portfolio turnover because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus (the "Prospectus").

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**Principal Investment Strategies** 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index (as defined below). Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to an approximate upside limit (the "Approximate Cap"), while seeking to provide downside protection against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses (the "Approximate Buffer") and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options"), as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, or exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index (the "Underlying ETF's Index"), which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund

purchases a call option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("CBOE").

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each calendar quarter or "Hedge Period" (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

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For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the options expiring at the end of the current Hedge Period (the "Expiring Options") and into options expiring at the end of the next Hedge Period approximately three months later (the "New Options") over typically two business days (the "Rebalance Period"). At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

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**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

**Summary of Principal Risks** 

As with any investment, you could lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance could trail that of other investments. The Fund is subject to certain risks, including the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share ("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective. Unlike many ETFs, the Fund is not an index-based ETF. The relative significance of each risk factor below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully.

**Buffered Loss Risk.** There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses. The Fund does not provide principal protection or non-principal protection, and, despite the Approximate Buffer, an investor may experience significant losses on their investment, including the loss of their entire investment. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not be available. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer.

**Capped Upside Return Risk.** The Fund's strategy seeks to provide returns that are subject to an Approximate Cap. The Approximate Cap represents an approximate maximum percentage return that an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund held over an entire Hedge Period. In the event that the Underlying ETF experiences gains in excess of the upside limit to which the Fund is subject as a result of the capped call for a Hedge Period, the Fund will not participate in those gains beyond the upside limit. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period

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begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their Fund shares. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap.

**FLEX Options Risk.** In addition to counterparty risk, FLEX Options are subject to the risk that they may be less liquid than certain other securities, such as standardized options. In less liquid markets for the FLEX Options, terminating the FLEX Options may require the payment of a premium or acceptance of a discounted price and may take longer to complete. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the liquidation of a large number of options may significantly impact the price of the options and may adversely impact the value of your investment. Additionally, to the extent market participants are not willing or able to enter into FLEX Option transactions with the Fund at prices that reflect the market price of the Fund shares, the Fund's NAV and, in turn the share price of the Fund, could be negatively impacted.

The FLEX Options held by the Fund will be exercisable at the strike price only on their expiration date. As an in-the-money FLEX Option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly move with the value of the Underlying ETF. However, the value of the FLEX Options prior to the expiration date may vary because of related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF. The value of the FLEX Options will be determined based upon market quotations or using other recognized pricing methods. Factors that may influence the value of the FLEX Options generally include interest rate changes, dividends, the actual and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF's share price, and the remaining time until the FLEX Options expire, among others. The value of the FLEX Options held by the Fund typically do not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price on a day-to-day basis due to these factors (although they generally move in the same direction), and, as a result, the Fund's NAV may not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price.

**Counterparty Risk.** Derivatives are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty. The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the FLEX Options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective

depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.

**Clearing Member Default Risk.** Transactions in some types of derivatives, including FLEX Options, are required to be centrally cleared ("cleared derivatives"). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund's counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house ("clearing members") can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any options contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member's individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for FLEX Options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund's clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member's bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing member's customers for the relevant account class. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund's behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member's default. If a clearing member defaults, the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund's behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.

**Hedge Period Risk.** The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor will not match those that the Fund seeks to provide.

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**Underlying ETF Risk**. The Fund invests in FLEX Options that derive their value from the Underlying ETF, and therefore the Fund's investment performance largely depends on the investment performance of the Underlying ETF. The value of the Underlying ETF will fluctuate over time based on fluctuations in the values of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, which may be affected by changes in general economic conditions, expectations for future growth and profits, interest rates and the supply and demand for those securities. In addition, ETFs are subject to absence of an active market risk, premium/discount risk, tracking error risk and trading issues risk. Brokerage, tax and other expenses may negatively impact the performance of the Underlying ETF and, in turn, the value of the Fund's investments. The Underlying ETF seeks to track the Underlying ETF's Index but may not exactly match the performance of the Underlying ETF's Index due to differences between the portfolio of the Underlying ETF and the components of the Underlying ETF's Index, fees and expenses, transaction costs, and other factors.

**Investment Objective Risk.** Certain circumstances under which the Fund might not achieve its objective include, but are not limited, to (i) if the Fund disposes of exchange-traded options, (ii) if the Fund is unable to maintain the proportional relationship based on the number of exchange-traded options in the Fund's portfolio, (iii) significant accrual of Fund expenses in connection with effecting the Fund's principal investment strategy or (iv) adverse tax law changes affecting the treatment of FLEX Options.

**Upside Participation Risk.** There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to match the increase, if any, of the share price return of the Underlying ETF over a Hedge Period, subject to an Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period or does not stay invested in the Fund for the entirety of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve.

**High Portfolio Turnover Risk.** The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities or other assets. High portfolio turnover (considered by the Fund to mean higher than 100% annually) may result in increased transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities.

Given the frequency of sales, in any given year, all or a substantial portion of such gain or loss may be short-term capital gain or loss and, in the event of either net short-term or long-term realized gain, would increase an investor's tax liability unless shares are held through a tax-deferred or exempt vehicle. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.

**Approximate Cap Change Risk.** An Approximate Cap is established during each Rebalance Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions (e.g. volatility, interest rates, dividends, and other factors). As such, the Approximate Cap may rise or fall from one Hedge Period to the next, sometimes to a significant extent, and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Hedge Periods.

**Asset Class Risk.** Securities and other assets in the Fund's or the Underlying ETF's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes.

**Assets Under Management (AUM) Risk**. From time to time, an Authorized Participant (as defined in the Creations and Redemptions section of this Prospectus), a third-party investor, the Fund's adviser or an affiliate of the Fund's adviser, or a fund may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a specific period of time in order to facilitate commencement of the Fund's operations or to allow the Fund to achieve size or scale. There can be no assurance that any such entity would not redeem its investment or that the size of the Fund would be maintained at such levels, which could negatively impact the Fund.

**Authorized Participant Concentration Risk**. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and none of those Authorized Participants is obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.

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**Cash Transactions Risk.** The Fund generally intends to effect its creations for cash, rather than fully in-kind for securities. The use of cash creations may cause the Fund's shares to trade in the market at wider bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to the Fund's NAV.

**Cybersecurity Risk.** Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, distributor, and other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants, hedging counterparties to the Fund or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invest have the ability to cause disruptions, negatively impact the Fund's business operations and/or potentially result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants, hedging counterparties to the Fund or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.

**Equity Securities Risk.** Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company's financial condition and overall market and economic conditions.

**Infectious Illness Risk.** A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may result in travel restrictions, disruption of healthcare services, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, business closures, lower consumer demand, layoffs, ratings downgrades, defaults and other significant economic, social and political impacts. Markets may experience temporary closures, extreme volatility, severe losses, reduced liquidity and increased trading costs. Such events may adversely affect the Fund and its investments and may impact the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or cause increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's NAV. Despite the development of vaccines, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty.

**Investment Companies and ETFs Risk.** Subject to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies and in ETFs, some of which

may be affiliated investment companies. The market value of the shares of other investment companies and ETFs may differ from their net asset value. As an investor in investment companies and ETFs, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, while continuing to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers). As a result, shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies and ETFs (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers).

The securities of other investment companies and ETFs in which the Fund may invest may be leveraged. As a result, the Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of other investment companies and ETFs that use leverage may expose the Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the Fund's long-term returns on such securities (and, indirectly, the long-term returns of shares of the Fund) will be diminished.

As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

**Large-Capitalization Companies Risk.** Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large-capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

**Large Shareholder and Large-Scale Redemption Risk.** Certain shareholders, including an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor, the Fund's adviser or an affiliate of the Fund's adviser, a market maker, or another entity, may from time to time own or manage a substantial amount of Fund shares, or may invest in the Fund and hold their investment for a limited period of time. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder or large group of shareholders would not redeem their investment.

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**Management Risk.** The Fund is subject to management risk, which is the risk that the investment process, techniques and analyses applied by BFA will not produce the desired results, and those securities or other financial instruments selected by BFA may result in returns that are inconsistent with the Fund's investment objective. In addition, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to BFA in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

**Market Risk.** The Fund and the Underlying ETF could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's or Underlying ETF's NAV.

**Market Trading Risk.** The Fund and the Underlying ETF face numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for their shares, losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and disruptions in the creation/redemption process. Unlike some ETFs that track specific indexes, the Fund does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index-based ETFs have generally traded at prices that closely correspond to NAV per share. Given the high level of transparency of the Fund's holdings, BFA believes that the trading experience of the Fund should be similar to that of index-based ETFs. However, ETFs that do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether, and/or the extent to which, the Fund's shares will trade at a premium or discount to NAV. ANY OF THESE FACTORS, AMONG OTHERS, MAY LEAD TO THE FUND'S AND THE UNDERLYING ETF'S SHARES TRADING AT A PREMIUM OR DISCOUNT TO NAV.

**Non-Diversification Risk.** The Fund is classified as "non-diversified." This means that, compared with other funds that are classified as "diversified," the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers. As a result, the Fund's performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers.

**Operational Risk.** The Fund are exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and BFA seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address significant operational risks.

**Risk of Investing in the U.S.** Certain changes in the U.S. economy, such as when the U.S. economy weakens or when its financial markets decline, may have an adverse effect on the securities to which the Fund or the Underlying ETF has exposure.

**Small Fund Risk.** When the Fund's size is small, the Fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, the Fund may face the risk of being delisted if the Fund does not meet certain conditions of the listing exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs for the Fund and negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

**Tax Risk.** The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. However, the federal income tax treatment of certain aspects of the proposed operations of the Fund are not entirely clear. This includes the tax aspects of the Fund's options strategy, its hedging strategy, the possible application of the "straddle" rules, and various loss limitation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify and maintain its status as a RIC, the Fund must meet certain income, diversification and distributions tests. For purposes of the diversification test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In particular, there is no published Internal Revenue Service guidance or case law on how to determine the "issuer" of certain derivatives that the Fund will enter into. Based upon the language in the legislative history, the Fund intends to treat the issuer of the FLEX

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Options as the referenced asset, which, assuming the referenced asset qualifies as a RIC, would allow the Fund to count the FLEX Options as automatically diversified investments under the RIC diversification requirements. The Fund intends to treat any income it may derive from the FLEX Options as "qualifying income" under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs. If the income is not qualifying income or the issuer of the FLEX Options is not appropriately the referenced asset, the Fund may not qualify, or may be disqualified, as a RIC. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund's taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed.

The Fund's investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund under the Internal Revenue Code's "straddle" rules and may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund. Certain options on an ETF may not qualify as "Section 1256 contracts" under Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code, and disposition of such options will likely result in short-term capital gains or losses.

Additionally, buying securities shortly before the record date for a taxable dividend or capital gain distribution is commonly known as "buying a dividend." If a shareholder purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period has begun and shortly thereafter the Fund issues a dividend, the entire distribution may be taxable to the shareholder even though a portion of the distribution effectively represents a return of the purchase price.

**Performance Information** 

Because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, it does not have performance information an investor would find useful in evaluating the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund's benchmark is the S&P 500 Index.

**Management** 

**Investment Adviser.** BlackRock Fund Advisors.

**Portfolio Managers**. Kyle McClements, CFA and Christopher Accettella (the "Portfolio Managers") are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Messrs. McClements and Accettella have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since 2023.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares** 

The Fund is an ETF. Individual shares of the Fund may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Because ETF shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

**Tax Information** 

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxable to your as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account ("IRA"), in which case, your distributions generally will be taxable when withdrawn.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries** 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), BFA or other related companies may pay the intermediary for marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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BLACKROCK LARGE CAP DEEP BUFFER ETF

Ticker: [●] Stock Exchange: [●]

**Investment Objective** 

The BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF (the "Fund") seeks to track the share price return of the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the "Underlying ETF") up to an approximate upside limit, while seeking to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% over each calendar quarter.

**Fees and Expenses** 

The following table describes the fees and expenses that you will incur if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. The investment advisory agreement between BlackRock ETF Trust II (the "Trust") and BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") (the "Investment Advisory Agreement") provides that BFA will pay all operating expenses of the Fund, except (i) the management fees, (ii) interest expenses, (iii) taxes, (iv) expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, (v) distribution fees or expenses, and (vi) litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund may incur "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses." Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses reflect the Fund's pro rata share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investing in other investment companies. The impact of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses is included in the total returns of the Fund.

You may also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions and other charges when buying or selling shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in the Example that follows:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br>**(ongoing expenses that you pay each year as a**<br>**percentage of the value of your investments)** |
| **Management<br>Fees<sup>1</sup>** | **Distribution<br>and<br>Service (12b-1)<br>Fees** | **Other<br>Expenses** | **Total Annual<br>Fund<br>Operating<br>Expenses** | **Fee<br>Waiver<sup>1</sup>** | **Total Annual<br>Fund<br>Operating<br>Expenses<br>After Fee Waiver<sup>1</sup>** |
| [●]% |  | [●]% | [●]% | [●] | [●]% |

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1 As described in the "Management" section of the Fund's prospectus beginning on page [ ● ], BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by the Fund in other funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through [ ● ]. The agreement may be terminated upon 90 days' notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

**Example.** This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of owning shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $[●] | $[●] |

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**Portfolio Turnover**. The Fund may pay transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs,

which are not reflected in the Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. There has been no portfolio turnover because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus (the "Prospectus").

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**Principal Investment Strategies** 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index (as defined below). Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to an approximate upside limit (the "Approximate Cap"), while seeking to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% (the "Approximate Buffer") and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options"), as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, or exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index (the "Underlying ETF's Index"), which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund

purchases a call option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("CBOE").

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each calendar quarter or "Hedge Period" (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

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For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the options expiring at the end of the current Hedge Period (the "Expiring Options") and into options expiring at the end of the next Hedge Period approximately three months later (the "New Options") over typically two business days (the "Rebalance Period"). At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

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**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses beyond approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

**Summary of Principal Risks** 

As with any investment, you could lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance could trail that of other investments. The Fund is subject to certain risks, including the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share ("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective. Unlike many ETFs, the Fund is not an index-based ETF. The relative significance of each risk factor below may change over time and you should review each risk factor carefully.

**Buffered Loss Risk.** There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses. The Fund does not provide principal protection or non-principal protection, and, despite the Approximate Buffer, an investor may experience significant losses on their investment, including the loss of their entire investment. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide may not be available. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer.

**Capped Upside Return Risk.** The Fund's strategy seeks to provide returns that are subject to an Approximate Cap. The Approximate Cap represents an approximate maximum percentage return that an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund held over an entire Hedge Period. In the event that the Underlying ETF experiences gains in excess of the upside limit to which the Fund is subject as a result of the capped call for a Hedge Period, the Fund will not participate in those gains beyond the upside limit. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins

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or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their Fund shares. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap.

**FLEX Options Risk.** In addition to counterparty risk, FLEX Options are subject to the risk that they may be less liquid than certain other securities, such as standardized options. In less liquid markets for the FLEX Options, terminating the FLEX Options may require the payment of a premium or acceptance of a discounted price and may take longer to complete. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the liquidation of a large number of options may significantly impact the price of the options and may adversely impact the value of your investment. Additionally, to the extent market participants are not willing or able to enter into FLEX Option transactions with the Fund at prices that reflect the market price of the Fund shares, the Fund's NAV and, in turn the share price of the Fund, could be negatively impacted.

The FLEX Options held by the Fund will be exercisable at the strike price only on their expiration date. As an in-the-money FLEX Option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly move with the value of the Underlying ETF. However, the value of the FLEX Options prior to the expiration date may vary because of related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF. The value of the FLEX Options will be determined based upon market quotations or using other recognized pricing methods. Factors that may influence the value of the FLEX Options generally include interest rate changes, dividends, the actual and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF's share price, and the remaining time until the FLEX Options expire, among others. The value of the FLEX Options held by the Fund typically do not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price on a day-to-day basis due to these factors (although they generally move in the same direction), and, as a result, the Fund's NAV may not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price.

**Counterparty Risk.** Derivatives are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty. The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to the FLEX Options. As a result, the ability of the Fund to meet its objective

depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.

**Clearing Member Default Risk.** Transactions in some types of derivatives, including FLEX Options, are required to be centrally cleared ("cleared derivatives"). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund's counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house ("clearing members") can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any options contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member's individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for FLEX Options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund's clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member's bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing member's customers for the relevant account class. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund's behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member's default. If a clearing member defaults, the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund's behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.

**Hedge Period Risk.** The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor will not match those that the Fund seeks to provide.

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**Underlying ETF Risk**. The Fund invests in FLEX Options that derive their value from the Underlying ETF, and therefore the Fund's investment performance largely depends on the investment performance of the Underlying ETF. The value of the Underlying ETF will fluctuate over time based on fluctuations in the values of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, which may be affected by changes in general economic conditions, expectations for future growth and profits, interest rates and the supply and demand for those securities. In addition, ETFs are subject to absence of an active market risk, premium/discount risk, tracking error risk and trading issues risk. Brokerage, tax and other expenses may negatively impact the performance of the Underlying ETF and, in turn, the value of the Fund's investments. The Underlying ETF seeks to track the Underlying ETF's Index but may not exactly match the performance of the Underlying ETF's Index due to differences between the portfolio of the Underlying ETF and the components of the Underlying ETF's Index, fees and expenses, transaction costs, and other factors.

**Investment Objective Risk.** Certain circumstances under which the Fund might not achieve its objective include, but are not limited, to (i) if the Fund disposes of exchange-traded options, (ii) if the Fund is unable to maintain the proportional relationship based on the number of exchange-traded options in the Fund's portfolio, (iii) significant accrual of Fund expenses in connection with effecting the Fund's principal investment strategy or (iv) adverse tax law changes affecting the treatment of FLEX Options.

**Upside Participation Risk.** There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its strategy to match the increase, if any, of the share price return of the Underlying ETF over a Hedge Period, subject to an Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period or does not stay invested in the Fund for the entirety of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve.

**High Portfolio Turnover Risk.** The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities or other assets. High portfolio turnover (considered by the Fund to mean higher than 100% annually) may result in increased transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities.

Given the frequency of sales, in any given year, all or a substantial portion of such gain or loss may be short-term capital gain or loss and, in the event of either net short-term or long-term realized gain, would increase an investor's tax liability unless shares are held through a tax-deferred or exempt vehicle. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.

**Approximate Cap Change Risk.** An Approximate Cap is established during each Rebalance Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions (e.g. volatility, interest rates, dividends, and other factors). As such, the Approximate Cap may rise or fall from one Hedge Period to the next, sometimes to a significant extent, and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Hedge Periods.

**Asset Class Risk.** Securities and other assets in the Fund's or the Underlying ETF's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes.

**Assets Under Management (AUM) Risk**. From time to time, an Authorized Participant (as defined in the Creations and Redemptions section of this Prospectus), a third-party investor, the Fund's adviser or an affiliate of the Fund's adviser, or a fund may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a specific period of time in order to facilitate commencement of the Fund's operations or to allow the Fund to achieve size or scale. There can be no assurance that any such entity would not redeem its investment or that the size of the Fund would be maintained at such levels, which could negatively impact the Fund.

**Authorized Participant Concentration Risk**. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund, and none of those Authorized Participants is obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting.

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**Cash Transactions Risk.** The Fund generally intends to effect its creations for cash, rather than fully in-kind for securities. The use of cash creations may cause the Fund's shares to trade in the market at wider bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to the Fund's NAV.

**Cybersecurity Risk.** Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, distributor, and other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants, hedging counterparties to the Fund or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invest have the ability to cause disruptions, negatively impact the Fund's business operations and/or potentially result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants, hedging counterparties to the Fund or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.

**Equity Securities Risk.** Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company's financial condition and overall market and economic conditions.

**Infectious Illness Risk.** A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may result in travel restrictions, disruption of healthcare services, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, business closures, lower consumer demand, layoffs, ratings downgrades, defaults and other significant economic, social and political impacts. Markets may experience temporary closures, extreme volatility, severe losses, reduced liquidity and increased trading costs. Such events may adversely affect the Fund and its investments and may impact the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or cause increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's NAV. Despite the development of vaccines, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty.

**Investment Companies and ETFs Risk.** Subject to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies and in ETFs, some of which

may be affiliated investment companies. The market value of the shares of other investment companies and ETFs may differ from their net asset value. As an investor in investment companies and ETFs, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, while continuing to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers). As a result, shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies and ETFs (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers).

The securities of other investment companies and ETFs in which the Fund may invest may be leveraged. As a result, the Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of other investment companies and ETFs that use leverage may expose the Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the Fund's long-term returns on such securities (and, indirectly, the long-term returns of shares of the Fund) will be diminished.

As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

**Large-Capitalization Companies Risk.** Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large-capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

**Large Shareholder and Large-Scale Redemption Risk.** Certain shareholders, including an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor, the Fund's adviser or an affiliate of the Fund's adviser, a market maker, or another entity, may from time to time own or manage a substantial amount of Fund shares, or may invest in the Fund and hold their investment for a limited period of time. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder or large group of shareholders would not redeem their investment.

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**Management Risk.** The Fund is subject to management risk, which is the risk that the investment process, techniques and analyses applied by BFA will not produce the desired results, and those securities or other financial instruments selected by BFA may result in returns that are inconsistent with the Fund's investment objective. In addition, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to BFA in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

**Market Risk.** The Fund and the Underlying ETF could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's or Underlying ETF's NAV.

**Market Trading Risk.** The Fund and the Underlying ETF face numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for their shares, losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and disruptions in the creation/redemption process. Unlike some ETFs that track specific indexes, the Fund does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index-based ETFs have generally traded at prices that closely correspond to NAV per share. Given the high level of transparency of the Fund's holdings, BFA believes that the trading experience of the Fund should be similar to that of index-based ETFs. However, ETFs that do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether, and/or the extent to which, the Fund's shares will trade at a premium or discount to NAV. ANY OF THESE FACTORS, AMONG OTHERS, MAY LEAD TO THE FUND'S AND THE UNDERLYING ETF'S SHARES TRADING AT A PREMIUM OR DISCOUNT TO NAV.

**Non-Diversification Risk.** The Fund is classified as "non-diversified." This means that, compared with other funds that are classified as "diversified," the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers. As a result, the Fund's performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers.

**Operational Risk.** The Fund are exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and BFA seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address significant operational risks.

**Risk of Investing in the U.S.** Certain changes in the U.S. economy, such as when the U.S. economy weakens or when its financial markets decline, may have an adverse effect on the securities to which the Fund or the Underlying ETF has exposure.

**Small Fund Risk.** When the Fund's size is small, the Fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, the Fund may face the risk of being delisted if the Fund does not meet certain conditions of the listing exchange. Any resulting liquidation of the Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs for the Fund and negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

**Tax Risk.** The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. However, the federal income tax treatment of certain aspects of the proposed operations of the Fund are not entirely clear. This includes the tax aspects of the Fund's options strategy, its hedging strategy, the possible application of the "straddle" rules, and various loss limitation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify and maintain its status as a RIC, the Fund must meet certain income, diversification and distributions tests. For purposes of the diversification test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In particular, there is no published Internal Revenue Service guidance or case law on how to determine the "issuer" of certain derivatives that the Fund will enter into. Based upon the language in the legislative history, the Fund intends to treat the issuer of the FLEX

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Options as the referenced asset, which, assuming the referenced asset qualifies as a RIC, would allow the Fund to count the FLEX Options as automatically diversified investments under the RIC diversification requirements. The Fund intends to treat any income it may derive from the FLEX Options as "qualifying income" under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs. If the income is not qualifying income or the issuer of the FLEX Options is not appropriately the referenced asset, the Fund may not qualify, or may be disqualified, as a RIC. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund's taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed.

The Fund's investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund under the Internal Revenue Code's "straddle" rules and may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund. Certain options on an ETF may not qualify as "Section 1256 contracts" under Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code, and disposition of such options will likely result in short-term capital gains or losses.

Additionally, buying securities shortly before the record date for a taxable dividend or capital gain distribution is commonly known as "buying a dividend." If a shareholder purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period has begun and shortly thereafter the Fund issues a dividend, the entire distribution may be taxable to the shareholder even though a portion of the distribution effectively represents a return of the purchase price.

**Performance Information** 

Because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, it does not have performance information an investor would find useful in evaluating the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund's benchmark is the S&P 500 Index.

**Management** 

**Investment Adviser.** BlackRock Fund Advisors.

**Portfolio Managers**. Kyle McClements, CFA and Christopher Accettella (the "Portfolio Managers") are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Messrs. McClements and Accettella have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since 2023.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares** 

The Fund is an ETF. Individual shares of the Fund may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Because ETF shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread").

**Tax Information** 

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxable to your as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account ("IRA"), in which case, your distributions generally will be taxable when withdrawn.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries** 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), BFA or other related companies may pay the intermediary for marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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More Information About the Funds

This Prospectus contains important information about investing in BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF ("Moderate Buffer ETF") and BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF ("Deep Buffer ETF") (each, a "Fund" and together, the "Funds"). Please read this Prospectus carefully before you make any investment decisions. Additional information regarding each Fund is available at <u>www.blackrock.com</u>.

Each Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund ("ETF") and, thus, does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Accordingly, the management team has discretion on a daily basis to manage each Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective.

ETFs are funds that trade like other publicly-traded securities. Similar to shares of a mutual fund, each share of a Fund represents an ownership interest in an underlying portfolio of securities and other instruments. Unlike shares of a mutual fund, which can be bought and redeemed from the issuing fund by all shareholders at a price based on NAV, shares of a Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund at NAV solely by Authorized Participants and only in aggregations of a specified number of shares ("Creation Units"). Also unlike shares of a mutual fund, shares of each Fund are listed on a national securities exchange and trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.

Each Fund is classified as "non-diversified" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

Each Fund's investment objective is a non-fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder approval. Each Fund's 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders.

**Additional Information on Principal Investment Strategies** 

*Moderate Buffer ETF* 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index (as defined below). Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to an approximate upside limit (the "Approximate Cap"), while seeking to provide downside protection against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses (the "Approximate Buffer") and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options"), as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, or ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index (the "Underlying ETF's Index"), which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund purchases a call option, the Fund pays a

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premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("CBOE").

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each calendar quarter or "Hedge Period" (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

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For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the options expiring at the end of the current Hedge Period (the "Expiring Options") and into options expiring at the end of the next Hedge Period approximately three months later (the "New Options") over typically two business days (the "Rebalance Period"). At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

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The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act.

*Deep Buffer ETF* 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index. Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to the Approximate Cap, while seeking to provide an Approximate Buffer against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLEX Options, as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund purchases a call option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the OCC, a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the CBOE.

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each Hedge Period (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying

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ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the Expiring Options and into New Options over the Rebalance Period. At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

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The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses beyond approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act.

**Other Strategies.** In addition to the principal strategies discussed above, each Fund may also invest or engage in the following investments/strategies:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***Active and Frequent Trading*** — Each Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio
securities to achieve its primary investment strategies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***Other Listed Options and Futures*** — In addition, although each Fund is expected to invest substantially
all of its assets in FLEX Options on the Underlying ETF, the Fund's adviser also may invest in options and futures contracts on indices or on ETFs that the Fund's adviser believes will provide investment exposure or returns similar to that
of the Underlying ETF, when the Fund's adviser believes that doing so may help the Fund to achieve its investment objective. For example, the Fund's adviser may utilize such investments when temporary disruptions or halts in the trading
market for, or the trading efficiency of, FLEX Options or the Underlying ETF exist. Currently, it is expected that the use of such alternative investments, if any, would be temporary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***Borrowing*** — Each Fund may borrow up to the limits set forth under the 1940 Act, the rules and
regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  ***Cash Equivalents and Temporary Defensive Strategies*** — Normally, each Fund invests substantially all
of its assets in exchange-traded options that reference the Underlying ETF to meet its investment objective as described above. Each Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents,
including money market funds, or may hold cash. The percentage of a Fund invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may depart from its principal
investment strategies and may restrict the markets in which it invests and may invest without limitation in cash, cash equivalents, money market securities, such as U.S. Treasury and agency obligations, other U.S. government securities, short-term
debt obligations of corporate issuers, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, commercial paper (short-term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes of a domestic or foreign issuer) or other high quality fixed income securities. Temporary
defensive positions may affect a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.

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A Further Discussion of Principal Risks

Each Fund is subject to various risks, including the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's NAV, trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective. You could lose all or part of your investment in a Fund, and the Fund could underperform other investments. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Each Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily at <u>www.BlackRock.com</u>.

**Buffered Loss Risk.** There can be no guarantee that each Fund will be successful in its strategy to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses. Each Fund does not provide principal protection or non-principal protection, and, despite the Approximate Buffer, an investor may experience significant losses on their investment, including the loss of their entire investment. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact a Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the Approximate Buffer that a Fund seeks to provide may not be available. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer.

**Capped Upside Return Risk.** Each Fund's strategy seeks to provide returns that are subject to an Approximate Cap. The Approximate Cap represents an approximate maximum percentage return that an investor can achieve from an investment in a Fund held over an entire Hedge Period. In the event that the Underlying ETF experiences gains in excess of the upside limit to which a Fund is subject as a result of the capped call for a Hedge Period, a Fund will not participate in those gains beyond the upside limit. A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period may subject a Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of a Hedge Period, there may be little or no ability for that investor to experience an investment gain on their Fund shares. In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap.

**FLEX Options Risk.** In addition to counterparty risk, FLEX Options are subject to the risk that they may be less liquid than certain other securities, such as standardized options. In less liquid markets for the FLEX Options, terminating the FLEX Options may require the payment of a premium or acceptance of a discounted price and may take longer to complete. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the liquidation of a large number of options may significantly impact the price of the options and may adversely impact the value of your investment. Additionally, to the extent market participants are not willing or able to enter into FLEX Option transactions with a Fund at prices that reflect the market price of the Fund shares, the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and, in turn the share price of the Fund, could be negatively impacted.

The FLEX Options held by a Fund will be exercisable at the strike price only on their expiration date. As an in-the-money FLEX Option approaches its expiration date, its value typically will increasingly move with the value of the Underlying ETF. However, the value of the FLEX Options prior to the expiration date may vary because of related factors other than the value of the Underlying ETF. The value of the FLEX Options will be determined based upon market quotations or using other recognized pricing methods. Factors that may influence the value of the FLEX Options generally include interest rate changes, dividends, the actual and implied volatility levels of the Underlying ETF's share price, and the remaining time until the FLEX Options expire, among others. The value of the FLEX Options held by a Fund typically do not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price on a day-to-day basis due to these factors (although they generally move in the same direction), and, as a result, the Fund's NAV may not increase or decrease at the same rate as the Underlying ETF's share price.

**Counterparty Risk.** Derivatives are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty. The OCC acts as guarantor and central counterparty with respect to

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the FLEX Options. As a result, the ability of each Fund to meet its objective depends on the OCC being able to meet its obligations. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, a Fund could suffer significant losses.

**Clearing Member Default Risk.** Transactions in some types of derivatives, including FLEX Options, are required to be centrally cleared ("cleared derivatives"). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, a Fund's counterparty is a clearing house, such as the OCC, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Funds are not members of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house ("clearing members") can participate directly in the clearing house, a Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, a Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any options contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member's individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by a Fund with any clearing member as margin for FLEX Options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of a Fund's clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of a Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member's bankruptcy, as a Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing member's customers for the relevant account class. A Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund's behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member's default. If a clearing member defaults, a Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. If a Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund's behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy.

**Hedge Period Risk.** The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after a Hedge Period begins or sells Fund shares prior to the end of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor will not match those that a Fund seeks to provide.

**Underlying ETF Risk.** Each Fund invests in FLEX Options that derive their value from the Underlying ETF, and therefore the Fund's investment performance largely depends on the investment performance of the Underlying ETF. The value of the Underlying ETF will fluctuate over time based on fluctuations in the values of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, which may be affected by changes in general economic conditions, expectations for future growth and profits, interest rates and the supply and demand for those securities. In addition, ETFs are subject to absence of an active market risk, premium/discount risk, tracking error risk and trading issues risk. Brokerage, tax and other expenses may negatively impact the performance of the Underlying ETF and, in turn, the value of a Fund's investments. The Underlying ETF seeks to track the Underlying ETF's Index but may not exactly match the performance of the Underlying ETF's Index due to differences between the portfolio of the Underlying ETF and the components of the Underlying ETF's Index, fees and expenses, transaction costs, and other factors.

**Investment Objective Risk.** Certain circumstances under which a Fund might not achieve its objective include, but are not limited, to (i) if the Fund disposes of exchange-traded options, (ii) if the Fund is unable to maintain the proportional relationship based on the number of exchange-traded options in the Fund's portfolio, (iii) significant accrual of Fund expenses in connection with effecting the Fund's principal investment strategy or (iv) adverse tax law changes affecting the treatment of FLEX Options.

**Upside Participation Risk.** There can be no guarantee that a Fund will be successful in its strategy to match the increase, if any, of the share price return of the Underlying ETF over a Hedge Period, subject to an Approximate Cap. In the event an investor purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period or does not stay invested in a Fund for the entirety of the Hedge Period, the returns realized by the investor may not match those that the Fund seeks to achieve.

**High Portfolio Turnover Risk.** A Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities or other assets. High portfolio turnover (considered by the Fund to mean higher than 100% annually) may result in increased transaction costs to a Fund, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of the securities and on reinvestment in other securities. Given the frequency of sales, in any given year, all or a substantial portion of such gain or loss may be short-term capital gain or loss and, in the event of either net short-

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term or long-term realized gain, would increase an investor's tax liability unless shares are held through a tax-deferred or exempt vehicle. These effects of higher than normal portfolio turnover may adversely affect Fund performance.

**Approximate Cap Change Risk.** An Approximate Cap is established during each Rebalance Period and is dependent on prevailing market conditions (e.g. volatility, interest rates, dividends, and other factors). As such, the Approximate Cap may rise or fall from one Hedge Period to the next, sometimes to a significant extent, and is unlikely to remain the same for consecutive Hedge Periods.

**Asset Class Risk.** The securities or other assets in a Fund's or an Underlying ETF's portfolio may underperform in comparison to other securities or indexes that track other countries, groups of countries, regions, industries, groups of industries, markets, market segments, asset classes or sectors. Various types of securities, currencies and indexes may experience cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to the general financial markets depending upon a number of factors including, among other things, inflation, interest rates, productivity, global demand for local products or resources, and regulation and governmental controls. This may cause a Fund to underperform other investment vehicles that invest in different asset classes.

**Assets Under Management (AUM) Risk**. From time to time, an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor, a Fund's adviser or an affiliate of a Fund's adviser, or a fund may invest in a Fund and hold its investment for a specific period of time in order to facilitate commencement of the Fund's operations or to allow a Fund to achieve size or scale. There can be no assurance that any such entity would not redeem its investment or that the size of a Fund would be maintained at such levels, which could negatively impact a Fund.

**Authorized Participant Concentration Risk**. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with a Fund, and none of those Authorized Participants is obligated to engage in creation and/or redemption transactions. A Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to a Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant concentration risk may be heightened because ETFs, such as the Funds, that invest in securities issued by non-U.S. issuers or other securities or instruments that are less widely traded often involve greater settlement and operational issues and capital costs for Authorized Participants, which may limit the availability of Authorized Participants.

**Cash Transactions Risk.** Each Fund generally intends to effect its creations for cash, rather than fully in-kind for securities. The use of cash creations may cause a Fund's shares to trade in the market at greater bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to a Fund's NAV. Furthermore, a Fund may not be able to execute cash transactions for creation purposes at the same price used to determine the Fund's NAV. To the extent that the maximum additional charge for creation transactions is insufficient to cover the execution shortfall, a Fund's performance could be negatively impacted.

**Cybersecurity Risk.** Each Fund, Authorized Participants, service providers and the relevant listing exchange are susceptible to operational, information security and related "cyber" risks both directly and through their service providers. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which each Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause a Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber incidents include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing.

Cybersecurity failures by, or breaches of, the systems of a Fund's adviser, distributor and other service providers (including, but not limited to, index and benchmark providers, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), market makers, Authorized Participants, hedging counterparties to a Fund or the issuers of securities

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in which a Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in: financial losses, interference with a Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, disclosure of confidential trading information, impediments to trading, submission of erroneous trades or erroneous creation or redemption orders, the inability of a Fund or its service providers to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, cyberattacks may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of a Fund or inaccessible, inaccurate or incomplete. Substantial costs may be incurred by a Fund in order to resolve or prevent cyber incidents in the future. While each Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, that prevention and remediation efforts will not be successful or that cyberattacks will go undetected. Furthermore, a Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund, issuers in which the Fund invests, or hedging counterparties to the Fund, market makers or Authorized Participants. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

**Equity Securities Risk.** Common and preferred stocks represent equity ownership in a company. Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities will fluctuate and can decline and reduce the value of a portfolio investing in equities. The value of equity securities purchased by a Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. The value of equity securities may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, the value may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment.

**Infectious Illness Risk.** A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely affect the economies of many nations and the global economy and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen.

An infectious illness outbreak may result in travel restrictions, closed international borders, disruption of healthcare services, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand, temporary and permanent closures of businesses, layoffs, defaults and other significant economic, social and political impacts, as well as general concern and uncertainty.

An infectious illness outbreak may result in extreme volatility, severe losses, credit deterioration of issuers, and disruptions in markets, which could adversely impact a Fund and its investments, including impairing any hedging activity.

Certain local markets may be subject to closures. Any suspension of trading in markets in which a Fund or the Underlying ETF invests will have an impact on the Fund and its investments and will impact the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities in such markets. Market or economic disruptions could result in increased premiums or discounts to a Fund's NAV. Additionally, an outbreak could impair the operations of a Fund's service providers, including BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA"), which could adversely impact the Fund.

Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world may respond to an outbreak and any resulting economic disruptions with a variety of fiscal and monetary policy changes, including direct capital infusions into companies and other issuers, new monetary policy tools, and changes in interest rates. A reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of such policies, is likely to increase market volatility, which could adversely affect a Fund's investments.

An outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally, which could adversely affect a Fund and its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's NAV.

Despite the development of vaccines, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty.

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**Investment Companies and ETFs Risk**. Subject to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, a Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies and in ETFs, some of which may be affiliated investment companies. The market value of the shares of other investment companies and ETFs may differ from their net asset value. As an investor in investment companies and ETFs, a Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity's expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, while continuing to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers). As a result, shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies and ETFs (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers).

The securities of other investment companies and ETFs in which a Fund may invest may be leveraged. As a result, a Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of other investment companies and ETFs that use leverage may expose a Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the Fund's long-term returns on such securities (and, indirectly, the long-term returns of shares of the Fund) will be diminished.

As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent a Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

**Large-Capitalization Companies Risk.** Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large-capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

**Large Shareholder and Large-Scale Redemption Risk.** Certain shareholders, including an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor, a Fund's adviser or an affiliate of a Fund's adviser, a market maker, or another entity, may from time to time own or manage a substantial amount of Fund shares or may invest in a Fund and hold their investment for a limited period of time. These shareholders may also pledge or loan Fund shares (to secure financing or otherwise), which may result in the shares becoming concentrated in another party. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder or large group of shareholders would not redeem their investment or that the size of a Fund would be maintained.

**Management Risk.** The Funds are subject to management risk, which is the risk that the investment process, techniques and analyses applied by BFA will not produce the desired results, and that securities or other financial instruments selected by BFA may result in returns that are inconsistent with a Fund's investment objective. In addition, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to BFA in connection with managing a Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

**Market Risk.** A Fund and the Underlying ETF could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments and volatility in spot prices and may be influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a Fund may suffer through holding financial instruments in the face of market movements or uncertainty. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on a Fund and its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Fund's or Underlying ETF's NAV. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Fixed-income securities with short-term maturities are generally less sensitive to such changes than are fixed-income securities with longer-term maturities.

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**Market Trading Risk.** 

*Absence of Active Market.* Although shares of each Fund and the Underlying ETF are listed for trading on one or more stock exchanges, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained by market makers or Authorized Participants.

*Risk of Secondary Listings.* A Fund's and the Underlying ETF's shares may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the U.S. stock exchange where the Fund's primary listing is maintained, and may otherwise be made available to non-U.S. investors through funds or structured investment vehicles similar to depositary receipts. There can be no assurance that a Fund's or the Underlying ETF's shares will continue to trade on any such stock exchange or in any market or that the Fund's or the Underlying ETF's shares will continue to meet the requirements for listing or trading on any exchange or in any market. A Fund's or the Underlying ETF's shares may be less actively traded in certain markets than in others, and investors are subject to the execution and settlement risks and market standards of the market where they or their broker direct their trades for execution. Certain information available to investors who trade Fund or Underlying ETF shares on a U.S. stock exchange during regular U.S. market hours may not be available to investors who trade in other markets, which may result in secondary market prices in such markets being less efficient.

*Secondary Market Trading Risk.* Shares of a Fund or the Underlying Fund may trade in the secondary market at times when the Fund or the Underlying Fund does not accept orders to purchase or redeem shares. At such times, shares may trade in the secondary market with more significant premiums or discounts than might be experienced at times when a Fund or the Underlying ETF accepts purchase and redemption orders. If a Fund purchases shares of an Underlying ETF at a time when the market price of Underlying ETF shares is at a premium to their NAV or sells Underlying ETF shares when their market price is at a discount to their NAV, the Fund may incur losses.

Secondary market trading in Fund or Underlying ETF shares may be halted by a stock exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in Fund or Underlying ETF shares on a stock exchange or in any market may be subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to "circuit breaker" rules on the stock exchange or market.

Shares of a Fund and the Underlying ETF, similar to shares of other issuers listed on a stock exchange, may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility and price decreases associated with being sold short. In addition, trading activity in derivative products based on a Fund or an Underlying ETF may lead to increased trading volume and volatility in the secondary market for the shares of the Fund or the Underlying ETF.

*Shares of a Fund and the Underlying ETF May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV.* Shares of a Fund and the Underlying ETF each trade on stock exchanges at prices at, above or below the respective Fund's or Underlying ETF's, as applicable, most recent respective NAV. The NAV of a Fund and the Underlying ETF are calculated at the end of each business day and fluctuate with changes in the market value of such Fund's or the Underlying ETF's holdings. The trading price of each of the Fund's and the Underlying ETF's shares fluctuates continuously throughout trading hours based on both market supply of and demand for Fund shares and the underlying value of a Fund's portfolio holdings or NAV. As a result, the trading prices of a Fund's and the Underlying ETF's shares may deviate significantly from NAV during periods of market volatility, including during periods of significant redemption requests or other unusual market conditions. Unlike conventional ETFs, a Fund is not an index fund and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index-based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV. Given the high level of transparency of a Fund's holdings, BFA believes that the trading experience of the Fund should be similar to that of index-based ETFs. However, ETFs that do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether, and/or the extent to which, a Fund's shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV. ANY OF THESE FACTORS, AMONG OTHERS, MAY LEAD TO A FUND'S OR THE UNDERLYING ETF'S SHARES TRADING AT A PREMIUM OR DISCOUNT TO NAV. However, because shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units at NAV, BFA believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of a Fund or the Underlying ETF, as applicable, are not likely to be sustained over the long term (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their NAVs). While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it more likely that a Fund's or the Underlying ETF's shares normally will trade on stock exchanges at prices close to the Fund's or the Underlying ETF's next calculated NAV,

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exchange prices are not expected to correlate exactly with their respective NAV due to timing reasons, supply and demand imbalances and other factors. In addition, disruptions to creations and redemptions, including disruptions at market makers, Authorized Participants, or other market participants, and during periods of significant market volatility, may result in trading prices for shares of a Fund or an Underlying ETF that differ significantly from its respective NAV. Authorized Participants may be less willing to create or redeem Fund or Underlying Fund shares if there is a lack of an active market for such shares or its underlying investments, which may contribute to a Fund's or Underlying ETF's shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.

*Costs of Buying or Selling Fund Shares.* Buying or selling Fund shares on an exchange involves two types of costs that apply to all securities transactions. When buying or selling shares of a Fund through a broker, you will likely incur a brokerage commission and other changes. In addition, you may incur the cost of the "spread"; that is, the difference between what investors are willing to pay for Fund shares (the "bid" price) and the price at which they are willing to sell Fund shares (the "ask" price). The spread, which varies over time for shares of a Fund based on trading volume and market liquidity, is generally narrower if the Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity. In addition, increased market volatility may cause wider spreads. There may also be regulatory and other charges that are incurred as a result of trading activity. Because of the costs inherent in buying or selling Fund shares, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment results and an investment in Fund shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments through a brokerage account.

**Non-Diversification Risk.** Each Fund is classified as "non-diversified." This means that, compared with other funds that are classified as "diversified," each Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers. As a result, each Fund may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers.

**Operational Risk.** Each Fund is exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of a Fund's service providers, counterparties or other third parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. Each Fund and BFA seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address significant operational risks.

**Risk of Investing in the U.S.** Issuers located in the U.S. constitute a majority of each Fund's holdings. A decrease in imports or exports, changes in trade regulations, inflation and/or an economic recession in the U.S. may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. economy and the securities listed on U.S. exchanges. Proposed and adopted policy and legislative changes in the U.S. are changing many aspects of financial, commercial, public health, environmental, and other regulation and may have a significant effect on U.S. markets generally, as well as on the value of certain securities. Governmental agencies project that the U.S. will continue to maintain elevated public debt levels for the foreseeable future. Although elevated debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, elevated public debt service costs may constrain future economic growth.

The U.S. has developed increasingly strained relations with a number of foreign countries. If relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. The U.S. has also experienced increased internal unrest and discord, as well as significant challenges in managing and containing the outbreak of COVID-19. If these trends were to continue, it may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and the issuers in which a Fund or the Underlying ETF invests.

**Small Fund Risk.** When a Fund's size is small, the Fund may experience low trading volume and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, a Fund may face the risk of being delisted if the Fund does not meet certain conditions of the listing exchange. If a Fund were to be required to delist from the listing exchange, the value of the Fund may rapidly decline and performance may be negatively impacted. Any resulting liquidation of a Fund could cause the Fund to incur elevated transaction costs for the Fund and negative tax consequences for its shareholders.

**Tax Risk.** Each Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). As a RIC, a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Internal

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Revenue Code. However, the federal income tax treatment of certain aspects of the proposed operations of a Fund are not entirely clear. This includes the tax aspects of a Fund's options strategy, its hedging strategy, the possible application of the "straddle" rules, and various loss limitation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify and maintain its status as a RIC, a Fund must meet certain income, diversification and distributions tests. For purposes of the diversification test, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. There is no published Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") guidance or case law on how to determine the "issuer" of certain derivatives that a Fund will enter into. Therefore, there is a risk that a Fund will not meet the Internal Revenue Code's diversification requirements and will not qualify, or will be disqualified, as a RIC. Each Fund intends to treat the issuer of the FLEX Options as the referenced asset, which, assuming the referenced asset qualifies as a RIC, would allow a Fund to count the FLEX Options as automatically diversified investments under the Internal Revenue Code's diversification requirements. In addition, each Fund intends to treat any income it may derive from the FLEX Options as "qualifying income" under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs. If the income is not qualifying income or if the FLEX Options are not treated as issued by the reference asset for diversification test purposes, there is a risk that a Fund could lose its RIC status. If a Fund did not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions were not available, the Fund's taxable income would be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. In such event, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a RIC, a Fund might be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make certain distributions. This would cause investors to incur higher tax liabilities than they otherwise would have incurred and would have a negative impact on Fund returns. In such event, a Fund may reorganize, close or materially change its investment objective and strategies.

A Fund's investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund under the Internal Revenue Code's "straddle" rules and may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund. Such short-term capital gain is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to U.S. shareholders in a non-liquidating distribution. As a result, if a Fund makes a non-liquidating distribution of its short-term capital gain, the amount which U.S. shareholders must treat as ordinary income may be increased substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such transactions. Accordingly, shareholders could have a lower after-tax return from investing in a Fund than investing directly in the Underlying ETF.

The FLEX Options included in each Fund's portfolio are exchange-traded options. The tax treatment of certain derivatives contracts including listed non-equity options written or purchased by a Fund on U.S. exchanges (such as options on futures contracts, broad-based equity indices and debt securities) may be governed by Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 1256 Contracts"). Section 1256 Contracts are treated as if they were sold (i.e., "marked to market") at the end of each year. Gain or loss is recognized on this deemed sale. Such treatment could cause a Fund to recognize taxable income without receiving cash. In order to maintain its RIC qualification, a Fund must distribute at least 90% of its income annually. If FLEX Options held by a Fund are subject to Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the Fund is unable to distribute marked-to-market gains to its shareholders, the Fund may lose its RIC qualification and be taxed as a regular corporation. Each Fund believes that the FLEX Options typically held in its portfolio (i.e., FLEX Options that reference the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) will not be subject to Section 1256, and disposition of such options will likely result in short-term capital gains or losses.

Additionally, buying securities shortly before the record date for a taxable dividend or capital gain distribution is commonly known as "buying a dividend." If a shareholder purchases Fund shares after the Hedge Period has begun and shortly thereafter a Fund issues a dividend, the entire distribution may be taxable to the shareholder even though a portion of the distribution effectively represents a return of the purchase price.

A Further Discussion of Other Risks

Each Fund may also be subject to certain other risks associated with its investments and investment strategies.

**Borrowing Risk.** Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the NAV of Fund shares and in the return on a Fund's portfolio. Borrowing will cost a Fund interest expense and other fees. The costs of borrowing may reduce a Fund's return. Borrowing may also cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations.

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**Expense Risk.** Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund's net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that a Fund's net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund's expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in a Fund's expense ratio could be significant.

**Futures Contract Risk.** Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. Unlike equities, which typically entitle the holder to a continuing ownership stake in an issuer, futures contracts normally specify a certain date for settlement in cash based on the level of the reference rate. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are: (i) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by a Fund and the price of the futures contract; (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (iii) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (iv) BFA's inability to predict correctly the direction of prices and other economic factors; and (v) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations.

**Options Risk.** Investments in options are considered speculative. When the Fund purchases an option, it may lose the total premium paid for it if the price of the underlying security or other assets decreased, remained the same or failed to increase to a level at or beyond the exercise price (in the case of a call option) or increased, remained the same or failed to decrease to a level at or below the exercise price (in the case of a put option). If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. To the extent that the Fund writes or sells an option, if the decline or increase in the underlying asset is significantly below or above the exercise price of the written option, the Fund could experience a substantial loss.

**Valuation Risk.** The price a Fund could receive upon the sale of a security or other asset may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security, particularly for securities or other assets that trade in low volume or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair value methodology as a result of trade suspensions or for other reasons. In addition, the value of the securities or other assets in a Fund's portfolio may change on days or during time periods when shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell the Fund's shares. Authorized Participants who purchase or redeem shares of a Fund on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received had the securities not been fair valued or been valued using a different methodology. The ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Portfolio Holdings Information

A description of the Trust's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Funds' Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). Each Fund discloses its portfolio holdings daily at www.blackrock.com. Fund fact sheets provide information regarding each Fund's top holdings and may be requested by calling 1-800-474-2737.

Management

**Investment Adviser**. As investment adviser, BFA has overall responsibility for the general management and administration of each Fund. BFA provides an investment program for each Fund and manages the investment of each Fund's assets. In managing the Funds, BFA may draw upon the trading, research and expertise of its asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to portfolio securities. In seeking to achieve each Fund's investment objective, BFA uses a team of portfolio managers, investment strategists and other investment specialists. This team approach brings together many disciplines and leverages BFA's extensive resources.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between BFA and the Trust (entered into on behalf of each Fund), BFA is responsible for substantially all expenses of the Funds, except the management fees, interest expenses, taxes, expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and any extraordinary expenses (as determined by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust).

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For its investment advisory services to Moderate Buffer ETF, BFA will be paid a management fee from the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets, at an annual rate of [●]%.

For its investment advisory services to Deep Buffer ETF, BFA will be paid a management fee from the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets, at an annual rate of [●]%.

[BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by each Fund in other equity and fixed-income mutual funds and ETFs advised by BFA or its affiliates through [●]. BFA has also contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees by an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by each Fund in money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through [●]. The agreement (with respect to either waiver) may be terminated upon 90 days' notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund.]

BFA may from time to time voluntarily waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any). Any such voluntary waiver or reimbursement may be eliminated by BFA at any time.

BFA is located at 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. It is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock"). As of [●], 2023, BFA and its affiliates provided investment advisory services for assets in excess of $[●]. BFA and its affiliates trade and invest for their own accounts in the actual securities and types of securities in which the Funds may also invest, which may affect the price of such securities.

A discussion regarding the basis for the approval by the Board of the Investment Advisory Agreement with BFA will be available in each Fund's [semi-]annual report for the period ending [●], 2023.

From time to time, a manager, analyst, or other employee of BlackRock or its affiliates may express views regarding a particular asset class, company, security, industry, or market sector. The views expressed by any such person are the views of only that individual as of the time expressed and do not necessarily represent the views of BlackRock or any other person within the BlackRock organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and BlackRock disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for the Funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of the Funds.

**Portfolio Managers**. Kyle McClements, CFA and Christopher Accettella (the "Portfolio Managers") are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds. Mr. McClements has been employed by BFA or its affiliates since 2004. Mr. Accettella has been employed by BFA or its affiliates since 2005. Messrs. McClements and Accettella have been Portfolio Managers of the Funds since 2023.

The Funds' SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers' ownership (if any) of shares in each Fund.

**Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent**. ("[●]") is the administrator, custodian and transfer agent for each Fund.

**Conflicts of Interest**. The investment activities of BFA and its affiliates (including BlackRock and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Affiliates")), and their respective directors, officers or employees, in the management of, or their interest in, their own accounts and other accounts they manage, may present conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Funds and their shareholders. BFA and its Affiliates provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary managed accounts that may follow investment programs similar to that of the Funds. BFA and its Affiliates are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of financial services and asset management activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients may conflict with those of the Funds. BFA or one or more Affiliates act**,** or may act**,** as an investor,

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research provider, investment manager, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, financier, underwriter, adviser, trader, lender, index provider, agent and/or principal, and have other direct and indirect interests in securities, currencies, commodities, derivatives and other instruments in which the Funds may directly or indirectly invest. The Funds may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies with which an Affiliate has significant debt or equity investments or other interests. The Funds may also invest in issuances (such as structured notes) by entities for which an Affiliate provides and is compensated for cash management services relating to the proceeds from the sale of such issuances. The Funds also may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies for which an Affiliate provides or may in the future provide research coverage. An Affiliate may have business relationships with, and purchase or distribute or sell services or products from or to, distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Funds or who engage in transactions with or for the Funds, and may receive compensation for such services. BFA or one or more Affiliates may engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds that have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and other instruments as the Funds. This may include transactions in securities issued by other open-end and closed-end investment companies (which may include investment companies that are affiliated with the Funds and BFA, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. The trading activities of BFA and these Affiliates are carried out without reference to positions held directly or indirectly by the Funds and may result in BFA or an Affiliate having positions in certain securities that are senior or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Funds.

Neither BlackRock nor any Affiliate is under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Funds. As a result, an Affiliate may compete with the Funds for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of a Fund's investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of an Affiliate and of other accounts managed by BlackRock or an Affiliate, and it is possible that a Fund could sustain losses during periods in which one or more Affiliates and other accounts achieve profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The opposite result is also possible.

In addition, the Funds may, from time to time, enter into transactions in which BFA or an Affiliate or its or their directors, officers or employees or other clients have an adverse interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by clients advised or managed by BFA or its Affiliates may adversely impact the Funds. Transactions by one or more clients or by BFA or its Affiliates or their directors, officers or employees, may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Funds.

The Funds' activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to BFA or one or more Affiliates and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions.

Under a securities lending program approved by the Board, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has retained BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., an Affiliate of BFA, to serve as the securities lending agent for the Funds to the extent that the Funds participate in the securities lending program. For these services, the securities lending agent will receive a fee from the Funds, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Funds' investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, one or more Affiliates may be among the entities to which the Funds may lend their portfolio securities under the securities lending program.

Under an ETF Services Agreement, each Fund has retained BlackRock Investments, LLC (the "Distributor" or "BRIL"), an Affiliate of BFA, to perform certain order processing, Authorized Participant communications, and related services in connection with the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of the Fund ("ETF Services"). BRIL will retain a portion of the standard transaction fee received from Authorized Participants on each creation or redemption order from the Authorized Participant for the ETF Services provided. BlackRock collaborated with, and received payment from, Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank") on the design and development of the ETF Services platform. Citibank may have, or from time to time may develop, additional relationships with BlackRock or funds managed by BFA and its affiliates.

It is also possible that, from time to time, BFA and/or its advisory clients (including other funds and separately managed accounts) may, subject to compliance with applicable law, purchase and hold shares of a Fund. The price, availability, liquidity, and (in some cases) expense ratio of a Fund may be impacted by purchases and sales of the Fund by BFA and/or its advisory clients.

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The activities of BFA and its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers or employees, may give rise to other conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Funds and their shareholders. BFA has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts of interest. See the SAI for further information.

Shareholder Information

*Additional shareholder information, including how to buy and sell shares of the Funds, is available free of charge by calling toll-free: 1-800-474-2737 or visiting our website at www.blackrock.com.* 

**Buying and Selling Shares**. Shares of a Fund may be acquired or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof, as discussed in the *Creations and Redemptions* section of this Prospectus. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Funds. Once created, shares of the Funds generally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit.

Shares of the Funds are listed on a national securities exchange for trading during the trading day. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly-traded companies. The Trust does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the Funds purchased on an exchange or otherwise in the secondary market. The Moderate Buffer ETF's shares trade under the ticker symbol "[●]" and Deep Buffer ETF's shares trade under the ticker symbol "[●]."

Buying or selling Fund shares on an exchange or other secondary market involves two types of costs that may apply to all securities transactions. When buying or selling shares of a Fund through a broker, you may incur a brokerage commission and other charges. The commission is frequently a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell small amounts of shares. In addition, you may incur the cost of the "spread," that is, any difference between the bid price and the ask price. The spread varies over time for shares of a Fund based on the Fund's trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund has high trading volume and market liquidity, and higher if the Fund has little trading volume and market liquidity (which is often the case for funds that are newly launched or small in size). A Fund's spread may also be impacted by the liquidity or illiquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, particularly for newly launched or smaller funds or in instances of significant volatility of the underlying securities.

The Funds do not impose restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Fund shares directly with the Funds. The Board determined not to adopt policies and procedures designed to prevent or monitor for frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares because each Fund generally sells and redeems its shares directly through transactions that are in-kind and/or cash, with a deadline for placing cash-related transactions no later than the close of the primary markets for the Fund's portfolio securities. However, each Fund has taken certain measures (e.g., imposing transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units and reserving the right to reject purchases of Creation Units under certain circumstances) to minimize the potential consequences of frequent cash purchases and redemptions by Authorized Participants, such as disruption of portfolio management, dilution to the Fund, and/or increased transaction costs. Further, the vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market, which does not involve a Fund directly, and such trading is unlikely to cause many of the harmful effects of frequent cash purchases or redemptions of Fund shares.

The national securities exchange on which each Fund's shares are listed is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays (or the days on which they are observed): New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Each Fund's listing exchange is the [●] (the "[●]").

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act generally restricts investments by investment companies, including foreign and unregistered investment companies, in the securities of other investment companies. For example, a registered investment company (the "Acquired Fund"), such as a Fund, may not knowingly sell or otherwise dispose of any security issued by the Acquired Fund to any investment company (the "Acquiring Fund") or any company or companies controlled by the Acquiring Fund if, immediately after such sale or disposition: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the Acquired Fund is owned by the Acquiring Fund and any company or companies

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controlled by the Acquiring Fund, or (ii) more than 10% of the total outstanding voting stock of the Acquired Fund is owned by the Acquiring Fund and other investment companies and companies controlled by them. However, registered investment companies are permitted to invest in a Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in SEC rules. In order for a registered investment company to invest in shares of a Fund beyond the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) in reliance on Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, the registered investment company must, among other things, enter into an agreement with the Trust. Foreign investment companies are permitted to invest in a Fund only up to the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to any applicable SEC no-action relief.

**Book Entry**. Shares of each Fund are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner of, and holds legal title to, all outstanding shares of each Fund.

Investors owning shares of a Fund are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for shares of each Fund. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book-entry or "street name" form.

**Share Prices**. The trading prices of a Fund's shares in the secondary market generally differ from the Fund's daily NAV and are affected by market forces such as the supply of and demand for ETF shares and underlying securities held by the Fund, economic conditions and other factors.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**. The NAV of each Fund normally is determined once daily Monday through Friday, generally as of the close of regular trading hours of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, based on prices at the time of closing, provided that (i) any Fund assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates on the date of valuation as quoted by one or more data service providers and (ii) U.S. fixed-income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange. The NAV of each Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund, generally rounded to the nearest cent.

The value of the securities and other assets and liabilities held by the Funds are determined pursuant to BFA's valuation policies and procedures. BFA has been designated by the Board as the valuation designee for each Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

Each Fund values fixed-income portfolio securities using last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund's approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with BFA's valuation policies and procedures. Pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but each Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. An amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with sixty days or less remaining to maturity unless BFA determines in good faith that such method does not represent fair value.

Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, U.S. government securities, money market instruments and certain fixed-income securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the NAV of each Fund are determined as of such times.

When market quotations are not readily available or are believed by BFA to be unreliable, BFA will fair value each Fund's investments in accordance with its policies and procedures. BFA may conclude that a market quotation is not readily available or is unreliable if a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source due to its lack of

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trading or other reasons, if a market quotation differs significantly from recent price quotations or otherwise no longer appears to reflect fair value, where the security or other asset or liability is thinly traded, when there is a significant event subsequent to the most recent market quotation, or if the trading market on which a security is listed is suspended or closed and no appropriate alternative trading market is available. A "significant event" is deemed to occur if BFA determines, in its reasonable business judgment prior to or at the time of pricing a Fund's assets or liabilities, that the event is likely to cause a material change to the last exchange closing price or closing market price of one or more assets held by, or liabilities of, the Fund.

Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. The fair value of an asset or liability held by a Fund is the amount the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset or the cost to extinguish that liability in an arm's-length transaction. Valuing a Fund's investments using fair value pricing will result in prices that may differ from current market valuations and that may not be the prices at which those investments could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used.

**Dividends and Distributions** 

*General Policies*. Dividends from net investment income, if any, generally are declared and paid annually by the Funds. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for the Funds. The Trust reserves the right to declare special distributions if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve its status as a regulated investment company or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income or realized gains.

Dividends and other distributions on shares of a Fund are distributed on a *pro rata* basis to beneficial owners of such shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners then of record with proceeds received from a Fund.

*Dividend Reinvestment Service*. No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Funds for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Funds purchased in the secondary market.

**Taxes.** As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares of a Fund will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information, based on current law. There is no guarantee that shares of a Fund will receive certain regulatory or accounting treatment. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares of a Fund.

Unless your investment in Fund shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, in which case your distributions generally will be taxable when withdrawn, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions or you sell Fund shares.

**Taxes on Distributions.** Distributions from a Fund's net investment income, including distributions of income from securities lending and distributions out of a Fund's net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income. A Fund's distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares. Long-term capital gains are eligible for taxation at a maximum rate of 15% or 20% for non-corporate shareholders, depending on whether their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Distributions from a Fund are subject to a 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax on "net investment income," for individuals with incomes exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) and of estates and trusts. In general, your distributions are subject to U.S. federal income tax for the year when they are paid. Certain distributions paid in January, however, may be treated as paid on December 31 of the prior year.

Provided that a certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by a Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the

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extent that a Fund's income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of non-corporate shareholders, as "qualified dividend income" eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that a Fund receives qualified dividend income. The Funds do not expect that a significant portion of their distributions will consist of qualified dividend income or be eligible for the dividends received deduction.

If a Fund's distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. Distributions in excess of a Fund's minimum distribution requirements, but not in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders and will not constitute nontaxable returns of capital. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder's cost basis and will result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold. Once a shareholder's cost basis is reduced to zero, further distributions will be treated as capital gain, if the shareholder holds shares of a Fund as capital assets.

Dividends, interest and capital gains earned by a Fund with respect to securities issued by non-U.S. issuers may give rise to withholding, capital gains and other taxes imposed by non-U.S. countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the total assets of a Fund at the close of a year consists of non-U.S. stocks or securities (generally, for this purpose, depositary receipts, no matter where traded, of non-U.S. companies are treated as "non-U.S."), generally the Fund may "pass through" to you certain non-U.S. income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. This means that you would be considered to have received as an additional dividend your share of such non-U.S. taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your U.S. federal income tax.

You may lose the ability to use foreign tax credits passed through by a Fund if your Fund shares are loaned out pursuant to a securities lending agreement. For purposes of foreign tax credits for U.S. shareholders of a Fund, foreign capital gains taxes may not produce associated foreign source income, limiting the availability of such credits for U.S. persons.

If you are neither a resident nor a citizen of the U.S. or if you are a non-U.S. entity (other than a pass-through entity to the extent owned by U.S. persons), a Fund's ordinary income dividends (which include distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies, provided that withholding tax will generally not apply to any gain or income realized by a non-U.S. shareholder in respect of any distributions of long-term capital gains or upon the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

Separately, a 30% withholding tax is currently imposed on U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to (i) foreign financial institutions, including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid withholding, foreign financial institutions will need to (i) enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders, comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts, report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained, agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to account holders who fail to provide the required information, and determine certain other information concerning their account holders, or (ii) in the event that an applicable intergovernmental agreement and implementing legislation are adopted, provide local revenue authorities with similar account holder information. Other foreign entities may need to report the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner or provide certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership unless certain exceptions apply.

If you are a resident or a citizen of the U.S., by law, backup withholding at a 24% rate will apply to your distributions and proceeds if you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number and made other required certifications.

**Taxes When Shares are Sold.** Currently, any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares is generally treated as a long-term gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund shares held for one year or less is generally treated as short-term gain or loss, except

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that any capital loss on the sale of shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such shares. Any such capital gains, including from sales of Fund shares or from capital gain dividends, are included in "net investment income" for purposes of the 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax mentioned above.

**Treatment of the FLEX Options.** A Fund's investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may be "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund, and losses realized by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating taxable income for the taxable year in which the losses are realized. In addition, certain carrying charges (including interest expense) associated with positions in a straddle may be required to be capitalized rather than deducted currently. Certain elections that a Fund may make with respect to its straddle positions may also affect the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected positions.

The tax consequences of straddle transactions to a Fund are not entirely clear in all situations under currently available authority. The straddle rules may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to U.S. shareholders in a non-liquidating distribution. Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, if a Fund makes a non-liquidating distribution of its short-term capital gain, the amount which U.S. shareholders must treat as ordinary income may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a Fund that did not engage in such transactions.

The FLEX Options included in the portfolio are exchange-traded options. Under Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code, certain types of exchange-traded options are treated as if they were sold (i.e., "marked to market") at the end of each year. The Funds do not believe that the positions held by the Funds will be subject to Section 1256, which means that the positions will not be marked to market, but the positions will be subject to the straddle rules.

*The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current U.S. federal tax law of an investment in a Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. You may also be subject to state and local taxation on Fund distributions and sales of shares. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in shares of a Fund under all applicable tax laws.* 

**Creations and Redemptions**. Prior to trading in the secondary market, shares of the Funds are "created" at NAV by market makers, large investors and institutions only in block-size Creation Units or multiples thereof. Each "creator" or authorized participant (an "Authorized Participant") has entered into an agreement with the Funds' Distributor. An Authorized Participant is a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has a written agreement with each Fund or one of its service providers that allows such member or participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units.

A creation transaction, which is subject to acceptance by the Distributor and a Fund, generally takes place when an Authorized Participant deposits into the Fund a specified amount of cash in exchange for a specified number of Creation Units. Each Fund generally offers Creation Units for cash. Shares can be redeemed only in Creation Units, generally for a designated portfolio of securities, assets or other positions (a "redemption basket") held by the Fund and an amount of cash (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted). Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable by a Fund. Creation and redemption baskets may differ and a Fund will accept "custom baskets." More information regarding custom baskets is contained in the Funds' SAI.

The prices at which creations and redemptions occur are based on the next calculation of NAV after a creation or redemption order is received in an acceptable form under the authorized participant agreement.

Only an Authorized Participant may create or redeem Creation Units with a Fund. Authorized Participants may create or redeem Creation Units for their own accounts or for customers, including, without limitation, affiliates of a Fund.

------

In the event of a system failure or other interruption, including disruptions at market makers or Authorized Participants, orders to purchase or redeem Creation Units either may not be executed according to a Fund's instructions or may not be executed at all, or the Fund may not be able to place or change orders.

To the extent a Fund engages in in-kind transactions, the Fund intends to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws in accepting securities for deposit and satisfying redemptions with redemption securities by, among other means, assuring that any securities accepted for deposit and any securities used to satisfy redemption requests will be sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," as such term is defined in Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, will not be able to receive restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

Creations and redemptions must be made through a firm that is either a member of the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or a DTC participant that has executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Unit aggregations. Information about the procedures regarding creation and redemption of Creation Units (including the cut-off times for receipt of creation and redemption orders) is included in the Funds' SAI.

Because new shares may be created and issued on an ongoing basis, at any point during the life of a Fund a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may be occurring. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act. Any determination of whether one is an underwriter must take into account all the relevant facts and circumstances of each particular case.

Broker-dealers should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted to ordinary secondary transactions), and thus dealing with shares that are part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the 1933 Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the 1933 Act is available only with respect to transactions on a national securities exchange.

**Householding**. Householding is an option available to certain Fund investors. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Please contact your broker-dealer if you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, or if you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status.

Distribution

The Distributor or its agent distributes Creation Units for the Funds on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in shares of the Funds. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Funds or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Funds. The Distributor's principal address is 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.

BFA or its affiliates make payments to broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks or other intermediaries (together, "intermediaries") related to marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, data provision services, or their making shares of the Funds and certain other BFA-advised ETFs available to their customers generally and in certain investment programs. Such payments, which may be significant to the intermediary, are not made by the Funds. Rather, such payments are made by BFA or its affiliates from their own resources, which come directly or indirectly in part from fees paid by the BFA-advised ETFs. Payments of this type are sometimes referred to as revenue-sharing payments. A financial intermediary may make decisions about which investment options it recommends or makes available, or the level of services provided, to its customers based on the payments or other financial incentives it is eligible to receive. Therefore, such payments or other financial incentives offered or made

------

to an intermediary create conflicts of interest between the intermediary and its customers and may cause the intermediary to recommend the Funds or other BFA-advised ETFs over another investment. More information regarding these payments is contained in the Funds' SAI. **Please contact your salesperson or other investment professional for more information regarding any such payments his or her firm may receive from BFA or its affiliates.**

------

Financial Highlights

Financial highlights for the Funds are not available because, as of the effective date of this Prospectus, the Funds have not commenced operations and therefore has no financial highlights to report.

------

Disclaimers

**Shares of the Funds are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by the [**●**]. The [**●**] makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of shares of the Funds or any member of the public regarding the ability of the Funds to achieve their investment objective. The [**●**] is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of a Fund's investments, nor in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of shares of the Funds to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which shares are redeemable. The [**●**] has no obligation or liability to owners of the shares of the Funds in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of shares of the Funds.** 

**Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the [**●**] have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.** 

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Want to know more?

**www.blackrock.com \| 1-800-474-2737** 

Copies of the Prospectus, SAI and other information can be found on our website at www.blackrock.com. For more information about the Funds, you may request a copy of the SAI. The SAI provides detailed information about the Funds and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this Prospectus.

If you have any questions about the Trust or shares of the Funds or you wish to obtain the SAI free of charge, please:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Call: | 1-800-474-2737 (toll free) |
| Write: | c/o BlackRock Investments, LLC |
|  | 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540 |

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Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

*No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations about the Funds and their shares not contained in this Prospectus and you should not rely on any other information. Read and keep this Prospectus for future reference.* 

Investment Company Act File No.: 811-23511

[CODE]

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g488450g41v31.jpg) | ![LOGO](g488450g56p99.jpg) |

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**The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The securities described herein may not be sold until the registration statement becomes effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities and is not offering or soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state in which the offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.** 

## BlackRock ETF Trust II
Statement of Additional Information

Dated [●], 2023

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus (the "Prospectus") for the following series of BlackRock ETF Trust II (the "Trust"):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Ticker** | **Listing Exchange** |
|  BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF ("Moderate Buffer ETF") | [●] | [●] |
|  BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF ("Deep Buffer ETF" and, together with "Moderate Buffer ETF," the "Funds") | [●] | [●] |

---

The Prospectus for the above listed Funds is dated [●], 2023, as amended and supplemented from time to time. Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus for the Funds may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust's distributor, BlackRock Investments, LLC (the "Distributor" or "BRIL"), 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, calling 1-800-474-2737 or visiting *www.blackrock.com.* The Funds' Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this SAI.

References to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act" or the "1940 Act"), or other applicable law, will include any rules promulgated thereunder and any guidance, interpretations or modifications by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, including court interpretations, and exemptive, no action or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

BlackRock<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of BlackRock Fund Advisors and its affiliates.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [General Description of the Trust and the Funds](#saitoc488450_1) | 1 |
|  [Exchange Listing and Trading](#saitoc488450_2) | 1 |
|  [Investment Strategies and Risks](#saitoc488450_3) | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information Regarding FLEX Options](#saitoc488450_4) | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Borrowing](#saitoc488450_5) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Derivatives](#saitoc488450_6) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Hedging](#saitoc488450_7) | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [OTC Options](#saitoc488450_8) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Regulation Regarding Derivatives](#saitoc488450_9) | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Securities of Investment Companies](#saitoc488450_10) | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Short-Term Instruments and Temporary Investments](#saitoc488450_11) | 10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Future Developments](#saitoc488450_12) | 11 |
|  [General Considerations and Risks](#saitoc488450_13) | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Liquidity Risk Management](#saitoc488450_14) | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Market Risk](#saitoc488450_15) | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Operational Risk](#saitoc488450_16) | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Risk of Derivatives](#saitoc488450_17) | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [U.S. Economic Trading Partners Risk](#saitoc488450_18) | 13 |
|  [Proxy Voting Policy](#saitoc488450_19) | 13 |
|  [Portfolio Holdings Information](#saitoc488450_20) | 14 |
|  [Investment Policies](#saitoc488450_21) | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fundamental Investment Policies](#saitoc488450_22) | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Notations Regarding the Funds' Fundamental Investment Policies](#saitoc488450_23) | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Non-Fundamental Investment Policies](#saitoc488450_24) | 17 |
|  [Continuous Offering](#saitoc488450_25) | 17 |
|  [Management](#saitoc488450_26) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Trustees and Officers](#saitoc488450_27) | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Independent Trustees](#saitoc488450_28) | 21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Interested Trustees](#saitoc488450_29) | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Biographical Information](#saitoc488450_30) | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Independent Trustees](#saitoc488450_31) | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Officers Who Are Not Trustees](#saitoc488450_32) | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Share Ownership](#saitoc488450_33) | 26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Compensation of Trustees](#saitoc488450_34) | 27 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities](#saitoc488450_35) | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Conflicts of Interest](#saitoc488450_36) | 28 |
|  [Investment Advisory, Administrative and Distribution Services](#saitoc488450_37) | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investment Adviser](#saitoc488450_38) | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Portfolio Managers](#saitoc488450_39) | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview](#saitoc488450_40) | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Base Compensation](#saitoc488450_41) | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Discretionary Incentive Compensation](#saitoc488450_42) | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation](#saitoc488450_43) | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Other Compensation Benefits](#saitoc488450_44) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Codes of Ethics](#saitoc488450_45) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Anti-Money Laundering Requirements](#saitoc488450_46) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent](#saitoc488450_47) | 40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Credit Agreement](#saitoc488450_48) | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Distributor](#saitoc488450_49) | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Securities Lending](#saitoc488450_50) | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Payments by BFA and its Affiliates](#saitoc488450_51) | 42 |
|  [Determination of Net Asset Value](#saitoc488450_52) | 44 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Valuation of Shares](#saitoc488450_53) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Equity Investments](#saitoc488450_54) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fixed-Income Investments](#saitoc488450_55) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Options, Futures, Swaps and Other Derivatives](#saitoc488450_56) | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Underlying Funds](#saitoc488450_57) | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [General Valuation Information](#saitoc488450_58) | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fair Value](#saitoc488450_59) | 45 |
|  [Brokerage Transactions](#saitoc488450_60) | 46 |
|  [Additional Information Concerning the Trust](#saitoc488450_61) | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Shares](#saitoc488450_62) | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [DTC as Securities Depository for Shares of the Funds](#saitoc488450_63) | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Distribution of Shares](#saitoc488450_64) | 51 |
|  [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#saitoc488450_65) | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [General](#saitoc488450_66) | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Fund Deposit](#saitoc488450_67) | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Cash Purchase Method](#saitoc488450_68) | 53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Procedures for Creation of Creation Units](#saitoc488450_69) | 53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Role of the Authorized Participant](#saitoc488450_70) | 53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Placement of Creation Orders](#saitoc488450_71) | 53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Purchase Orders](#saitoc488450_72) | 54 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders](#saitoc488450_73) | 54 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units](#saitoc488450_74) | 54 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Issuance of a Creation Unit](#saitoc488450_75) | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Costs Associated with Creation Transactions](#saitoc488450_76) | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Redemption of Creation Units](#saitoc488450_77) | 56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Cash Redemption Method](#saitoc488450_78) | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Costs Associated with Redemption Transactions](#saitoc488450_79) | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Placement of Redemption Orders](#saitoc488450_80) | 58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Custom Baskets](#saitoc488450_81) | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Taxation on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units](#saitoc488450_82) | 60 |
|  [Taxes](#saitoc488450_83) | 60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Regulated Investment Company Qualifications](#saitoc488450_84) | 60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Taxation of RICs](#saitoc488450_85) | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Net Capital Loss Carryforwards](#saitoc488450_86) | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Excise Tax](#saitoc488450_87) | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Taxation of U.S. Shareholders](#saitoc488450_88) | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Sales of Shares](#saitoc488450_89) | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Backup Withholding](#saitoc488450_90) | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Sections 351 and 362](#saitoc488450_91) | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Treatment of the FLEX Options](#saitoc488450_92) | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Taxation of Certain Derivatives](#saitoc488450_93) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Qualified Dividend Income and Dividends Received Deduction](#saitoc488450_94) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Market Discount](#saitoc488450_95) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Original Issue Discount](#saitoc488450_96) | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Non-U.S. Investments](#saitoc488450_97) | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Reporting](#saitoc488450_98) | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Other Taxes](#saitoc488450_99) | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders](#saitoc488450_100) | 65 |
|  [Miscellaneous Information](#saitoc488450_101) | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Counsel](#saitoc488450_102) | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#saitoc488450_103) | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [Investors' Rights](#saitoc488450_104) | 67 |
|  [Financial Statements](#saitoc488450_105) | 67 |
|  [Appendix A – Proxy Voting Policies](#saitoc488450_106) | A-1 |

---

ii

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## General Description of the Trust and the Funds
The Trust currently consists of 6 investment series or portfolios. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 19, 2020 and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act. The offering of the Trust's shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). This SAI relates solely to the Funds.

The Moderate Buffer ETF seeks to track the share price return of the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the "Underlying ETF") up to an approximate upside limit, while seeking to provide downside protection against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses over each calendar quarter.

The Deep Buffer ETF seeks to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to an approximate upside limit, while seeking to provide downside protection against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% over each calendar quarter.

Each Fund is managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA," the "Investment Adviser" or the "Manager"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

Each Fund offers and issues shares at its net asset value per share ("NAV") only in aggregations of a specified number of shares (each, a "Creation Unit"), generally in exchange for a specified amount of cash. Shares of each Fund are listed for trading on the [●] ("[●]" or the "Listing Exchange"), a national securities exchange. Shares of each Fund are traded in the secondary market and elsewhere at market prices that may be at, above or below the Fund's NAV. Shares are redeemable only in Creation Units, and, generally, in exchange for portfolio securities and a Cash Amount (as defined in the *Redemption of Creation Units* section of this SAI). Creation Units typically are a specified number of shares, generally [●] or multiples thereof.

The Trust reserves the right to permit or require that creations and redemptions of shares are effected fully or partially in cash. See the *Creation and Redemption of Creation Units* section of this SAI. Transaction fees and other costs associated with creations or redemptions that include a cash portion may be higher than the transaction fees and other costs associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases, conditions with respect to creations and redemptions of shares and fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of SEC rules and regulations applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.

## Exchange Listing and Trading
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in the Funds is contained in the *Shareholder Information* section of the Funds' Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, that section of the Prospectus.

Shares of the Funds are listed for trading, and trade throughout the day, on the Listing Exchange and in other secondary markets. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Listing Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Funds will continue to be met. The Listing Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of a Fund from listing if, among other things: (i) the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the Investment Company Act, (ii) any of the other listing requirements are not continuously maintained; (iii) following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of Fund shares, there are fewer than 50 record and/or beneficial owners of shares of the Fund; or (iv) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Listing Exchange, makes further dealings on the Listing Exchange inadvisable. The Listing Exchange will also remove shares of a Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

------

As in the case of other publicly-traded securities, when you buy or sell shares of a Fund through a broker, you may incur a brokerage commission determined by that broker, as well as other charges.

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the share prices of the Funds in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Funds or an investor's equity interest in the Funds.

## Investment Strategies and Risks
**Moderate Buffer ETF.** Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index (as defined below). Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to an approximate upside limit (the "Approximate Cap"), while seeking to provide downside protection against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses (the "Approximate Buffer") and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options"), as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, or exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index (the "Underlying ETF's Index"), which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund purchases a call option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"), a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("CBOE").

------

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each calendar quarter or "Hedge Period" (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the options expiring at the end of the current Hedge Period (the "Expiring Options") and into options expiring at the end of the next Hedge Period approximately three months later (the "New Options") over typically two business days (the "Rebalance Period"). At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

------

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act.

**Deep Buffer ETF.** Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies or instruments with similar economic characteristics. For purposes of the Fund's 80% policy, "large capitalization companies" are those within the range of capitalizations of the Underlying ETF's Index. Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy. The Fund pursues an options strategy which seeks to provide the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF up to the Approximate Cap, while seeking to provide an Approximate Buffer against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% and lower volatility over each calendar quarter, or Hedge Period (as defined below). The Fund principally buys and sells customized call and put equity or index exchange-traded options contracts that reference the Underlying ETF, referred to as FLEX Options, as well as other listed options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index (collectively, "exchange-traded options").

The Underlying ETF is an ETF that seeks to track the investment results of the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market, as determined by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. As of [●], 2023, the Underlying ETF's Index included approximately [●]% of the market capitalization of all publicly-traded U.S. equity securities. The securities in the Underlying ETF's Index are weighted based on the float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Underlying ETF's Index consists of securities from a broad range of industries. The components of the Underlying ETF's Index are likely to change over time.

------

An options contract is an agreement between a buyer and seller that gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a particular asset at a specified future date at an agreed upon price (commonly known as the "strike price"). When the Fund purchases a call option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund pays a premium and receives the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a call option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase from the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on the expiration date. When the Fund writes (sells) a put option, the Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund shares of the Underlying ETF or other reference asset at a strike price by or on expiration date.

FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key option contract terms like strike price, style and expiration date, while avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter options positions. Like traditional exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by the OCC, a market clearinghouse that guarantees performance by counterparties to certain derivatives contracts by becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer." The OCC may make adjustments to FLEX Options for certain significant events. The FLEX Options in which the Fund invests are European style, which are exercisable at the strike price only on the expiration date. The FLEX Options traded by the Fund are listed on the CBOE.

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of the FLEX Options in which the Fund invests is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities held by the Underlying ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying ETF's Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The Fund will typically trade options that expire at the end of each Hedge Period (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31), subject to the quarterly rebalancing process described below. The Fund will be indefinitely offered and is not intended to terminate after one or more Hedge Periods.

For each Hedge Period, the Fund trades a combination of put and call exchange-traded options. Specifically, the Fund buys a call option with a strike price that is very low relative to the Underlying ETF's share price on the day of purchase (a "zero strike call"), which provides the Fund with exposure to the share price return of the Underlying ETF. The Fund creates the Approximate Buffer by buying a put option and writing a put option with the strike price of the bought put option being higher than the strike price of the written put option (a "put spread"). The Fund simultaneously writes a call option with a higher strike price relative to the Underlying ETF's share price to collect a premium that it uses to offset the premium paid to enter into the put spread (a "capped call").

The capped call subjects the Fund to the Approximate Cap as it limits the Fund's ability to realize any increase in the value of the Underlying ETF above the strike price. The Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period is based on the strike price of the capped call for that Hedge Period. The strike prices for the capped calls will change for each Hedge Period depending on the prevailing market conditions and the cost of the put spread for that Hedge Period, resulting in a different Approximate Cap for each Hedge Period.

The Fund will seek to enter into the combination of options transactions described above if there are any inflows, or creation transactions, during a Hedge Period. This will occur even in circumstances where the Fund would receive a negligible premium for writing an out-of-the-money call or put option which may potentially give up more sizable returns to the extent that the option later becomes in the money.

In order to obtain economic exposure to the Underlying ETF, in lieu of purchasing an approximately three-month zero strike call for a Hedge Period, the Fund may instead, among other things: purchase a longer maturity zero strike call; purchase shares of the Underlying ETF; one or more other ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index; equity securities in seeking to track the share price return of the Underlying ETF; or invest in U.S. treasuries, money market funds and/or other cash equivalents and purchase and sell a combination of call and put options that seek to

------

replicate exposure to the Underlying ETF. The Fund's investments in equity securities will be primarily in common stocks of companies held by the Underlying ETF. The Fund's portfolio of equity securities is expected to have a risk/return profile similar to that of the Underlying ETF.

For the current Hedge Period of July 1 through September 30, the Approximate Cap is [●]% prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. When the Fund's annualized management fee of [●]% of the Fund's average daily net assets is taken into account, the Approximate Cap for the current Hedge Period is reduced to [●]%. The returns that the Fund seeks to provide also do not include the costs associated with purchasing shares of the Fund.

The Approximate Buffer that the Fund seeks to provide is only operative against Underlying ETF losses between approximately 5% to 20% for the applicable Hedge Period; **however, there is no guarantee that the Fund will be successful in its attempt to provide buffered returns**. The Approximate Buffer is provided prior to taking into account any fees or expenses charged to the Fund. These fees and any expenses will have the effect of reducing the Approximate Buffer amount for Fund shareholders for a Hedge Period. When the Fund's annual management fee equal to [●]% of the Fund's daily net assets is taken into account for a Hedge Period, the net Approximate Buffer for the Hedge Period is [●]%.

As the Fund approaches the end of each Hedge Period (typically three business days prior to the end of the Hedge Period), the Fund will begin rebalancing its portfolio out of the Expiring Options and into New Options over the Rebalance Period. At the end of the Hedge Period, the Fund will only hold New Options.

During the Rebalance Period, the Fund may have a blended portfolio consisting of both the Expiring Options and the New Options. If the Fund has a blended portfolio during the Rebalance Period, the returns of the Fund during that period will be the weighted returns of the positions in the blended portfolio. **A blended portfolio of Expiring Options and New Options during a Rebalance Period will impact the Fund's ability to realize the full benefit of the Approximate Buffer and may subject the Fund's return to an upside limit that is slightly lower or higher than the Approximate Cap for the applicable Hedge Period. Accordingly, investors may bear losses against which the Approximate Buffer is anticipated to protect and may be subject to an upside limit that is lower than the Approximate Cap.**

**The Fund will not receive or benefit from any dividend payments made by the Underlying ETF. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for income-seeking investors.** 

The Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap for a Hedge Period apply to Fund shares held over the entire Hedge Period. **An investor that purchases Fund shares after the beginning of a Hedge Period, or sells Fund shares before the end a Hedge Period, may not fully realize the Approximate Buffer or Approximate Cap for the Hedge Period and may be exposed to greater risk of loss.** For example, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has decreased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's buffer may be decreased. Conversely, if an investor purchases Fund shares during a Hedge Period at a time when the Underlying ETF's share price has increased from its price at the beginning of the Hedge Period, the investor's upside limit may be lowered and the investor may experience losses beyond approximately the first 5% of Underlying ETF losses prior to reaching the downside protection offered by the Approximate Buffer. **The Approximate Cap and Approximate Buffer, and the Fund's position relative to each, should be considered before investing in the Fund**.

**In periods of extreme market volatility, the Fund's return may be subject to an upside limit significantly below the Approximate Cap and downside protection significantly lower than the Approximate Buffer. An investor may lose their entire investment and an investment in the Fund is only appropriate for investors willing to bear those losses.** 

Following the close of business on the last day of each Hedge Period, the Fund will file a prospectus supplement that discloses the Fund's Approximate Cap (gross and net of the unitary management fee) for the next Hedge Period. The Fund's Approximate Cap (net of the unitary management fee) for the current Hedge Period, along with Fund's position relative to the Approximate Buffer and Approximate Cap, will be available on the Fund's website, **www.blackrock.com/[**●**]**.

------

The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act.

**Additional Information Regarding FLEX Options.** FLEX Options are customized option contracts available through national securities exchanges that are guaranteed for settlement by the OCC. FLEX Options are listed on a U.S. national securities exchange. FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize assets referenced by the options, exercise prices, exercise styles (i.e., American-style, exercisable any time prior to the expiration date, or European-style, exercisable only on the option expiration date) and expiration dates, while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auctions markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of over-the-counter ("OTC") options positions. Each option contract entitles the holder thereof to purchase (for the call options) or sell (for the put options) shares of the reference asset at the strike price. Each Fund's portfolio includes several types of FLEX Options, including both purchased and written put and call options (as further described below). The FLEX Options are all European style options, which means that they are exercisable at a predetermined specified price (the "strike price") only on the FLEX Option's expiration date.

The OCC guarantees performance by each of the counterparties to the FLEX Options, becoming the "buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer", reducing counterparty risk for clearing members and options traders. Although guaranteed for settlement by the OCC, FLEX Options are still subject to counterparty risk with the OCC and subject to the risk that the OCC may fail to perform the settlement of the FLEX Options due to bankruptcy or other adverse reasons. Each Fund bears the risk that the OCC will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the FLEX Options contracts.

Subject to determination by the Securities Committee of the OCC, adjustments may be made to the FLEX Options for certain events (collectively, "Corporate Actions") specified in the OCC's by-laws and rules: certain stock dividends or distributions, stock splits, reverse stock splits, rights offerings, distributions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, or reclassifications with respect to an underlying security, or a merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of the issuer of the underlying security. According to the OCC's by-laws, the nature and extent of any such adjustment is to be determined by the OCC's Securities Committee, in light of the circumstances known to it at the time such determination is made, based on its judgment as to what is appropriate for the protection of investors and the public interest, taking into account such factors as fairness to holders and writers (or purchasers and sellers) of the affected options, the maintenance of a fair and orderly market in the affected options, consistency of interpretation and practice, efficiency of exercise settlement procedures, and the coordination with other clearing agencies of the clearance and settlement of transactions in the underlying interest.

*<u>Certain Considerations Regarding Options</u>*. The FLEX Options in which each Fund invests will be options on an ETF or the S&P 500 Index (together with such ETF, a "Reference Asset") or the S&P 500 Index. As such, the value of a Fund's FLEX Options will fluctuate with changes in the value of the securities held by the ETF, and thus the ETF's share price. In addition to the value of the ETF, the value of an option, in general, will reflect, among other things, the time remaining until expiration (the end of the Outcome Period), the relationship of the exercise price to the market price of the Reference Asset, and general market conditions. Options that expire unexercised have no value.

Each of the options exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of call or put options on the same asset that may be bought or written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). Under these limitations, option positions of all investment companies advised by BFA are combined for purposes of these limits. Pursuant to these limitations, an exchange may order the liquidation of positions and may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options that a Fund may buy or sell. Currently, the relevant national securities exchanges have no position limits for the instruments in which the Funds expect to invest.

The puts and calls on the Reference Asset entitle the purchaser of the option the right to purchase (for a call option) or sell (for a put option) the Reference Asset at a predetermined specified price (the "strike price"). When a Fund writes a call on the Reference Asset, it receives a premium and agrees that the purchaser of the call, upon exercise of

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the call, will receive from the Fund the delivery of a specified number of shares of the ETF in exchange for the strike price. When a Fund buys a call on the Reference Asset, it pays a premium and has the same rights to such call as indicated above. When a Fund buys a put on the Reference Asset, it pays a premium and has the right to require the seller of the put, upon the Fund's exercise of the put, to deliver the specified number of shares of the ETF in exchange for the strike price. When a Fund writes a put on the Reference Asset, it receives a premium and the purchaser of the put has the right to require the Fund to deliver the specified number of shares of the ETF in exchange for the strike price.

Although each Fund will generally utilize FLEX Options that are physically settled, a Fund may also utilize FLEX Options that are cash-settled. Cash-settled options give the holder the right to receive an amount (or owe an amount) of cash upon the exercise of the option. Gain or loss depends on changes in the value of the ETF's share price relative to the strike price for a given option contract. The amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the ETF's share price and the exercise price of the option contract times a specified multiple ("multiplier"), which determines the total value for each point of such difference.

*<u>Risks of Options on the Reference Assets.</u>* If a Fund has purchased an option and exercises it before the closing value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the Reference Asset may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall out of the money, the applicable Fund will be required to pay the difference between the closing Reference Asset value and the exercise price of the option (times the applicable multiplier) to the assigned writer.

**Borrowing.** Each Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet payments due from redemptions or to facilitate the settlement of securities or other transactions.

Each Fund may also borrow in order to make investments, to the extent disclosed in the Prospectus. The purchase of securities while borrowings are outstanding may have the effect of leveraging a Fund. The incurrence of leverage increases a Fund's exposure to risk, and borrowed funds are subject to interest costs that will reduce net income. Purchasing securities while borrowings are outstanding creates special risks, such as the potential for greater volatility in the NAV of Fund shares and in the yield on a Fund's portfolio. In addition, the interest expenses from borrowings may exceed the income generated by a Fund's portfolio and, therefore, the amount available (if any) for distribution to shareholders as dividends may be reduced. BFA may determine to maintain outstanding borrowings if it expects that the benefits to a Fund's shareholders will outweigh the current reduced return.

Certain types of borrowings by a Fund must be made from a bank or may result in a Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage, portfolio composition requirements and other matters. It is not anticipated that observance of such covenants would impede BFA's management of a Fund's portfolio in accordance with a Fund's investment objective(s) and policies. However, a breach of any such covenants not cured within the specified cure period may result in acceleration of outstanding indebtedness and require a Fund to dispose of portfolio investments at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

**Derivatives.** The Funds will use instruments referred to as derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security, a commodity (such as gold or oil), a currency or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the S&P 500 Index or the prime lending rate). Derivatives allow a Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk to which a Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. The Funds may use derivatives for hedging purposes. The Funds may also use derivatives for speculative purposes to seek to enhance returns. The use of a derivative is speculative if a Fund is primarily seeking to achieve gains, rather than to offset the risk of other positions. When a Fund invests in a derivative for speculative purposes, a Fund will be fully exposed to the risks of loss of that derivative, which may sometimes be greater than the derivative's cost. Unless otherwise permitted, a Fund may not use any derivatives to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly.

**Hedging.** Hedging is a strategy in which a derivative is used to offset particular risks associated with other Fund holdings. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains or cause losses if the market moves in a manner different from that anticipated by a Fund or if the cost of the derivative

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outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Establishment of hedges, if not tailored properly or timed in accordance with market changes, may not be effective in meeting a Fund's intended objectives. This is due to the fact that hedging also involves correlation risk, i.e., the risk that changes in the value of the derivative will not match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by a Fund, in which case any losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced or may be increased. Physically settled currency contracts are not subject to centralized clearing and trading requirements in the U.S. but may be in other jurisdictions. In the U.S., NDFs must be traded into foreign currency contracts on a regulated exchange or facility and cleared through a central counterparty (a "CCP"). A Fund may also be subject to position limits in respect to the contracts established by a regulatory authority or exchange. There are no limitations on daily price moves in such foreign currency forward contracts, and banks and dealers are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain banks or dealers have refused to quote prices for such foreign currency forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which the bank or dealer is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell. Governmental imposition of credit controls might limit any such foreign currency forward contract trading. With respect to its trading of foreign currency forward contracts, if any, a Fund will be subject to the risk of bank or dealer failure and the inability of, or refusal by, a bank or dealer to perform with respect to such contracts or, in the case of cleared contracts, the refusal of a CCP to clear a contract that is subject to mandatory clearing. Any such default would deprive a Fund of any potential profit or force a Fund to cover its commitments for resale at the then market price and could result in a loss to a Fund. The cost to a Fund of engaging in foreign currency forward contracts varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period, whether the contract is cash settled and, thus, would be subject to posting and collection of margin in the U.S. and the market conditions then prevailing. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on each Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by a Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker or other intermediary with whom a Fund has an open position in a currency forward or non-deliverable forward ("NDF"), a swap, an option, a futures contract, a related option or another hedging instrument.

**OTC Options.** While each Fund will generally buy and sell exchange-traded options (as defined above), a Fund may also engage in transactions in OTC options that reference the price performance of the Underlying ETF, the Underlying ETF's Index, or ETFs that replicate the Underlying ETF's Index. Exchange-traded options typically have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. In contrast, OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater illiquidity risk.

**Regulation Regarding Derivatives.** The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") subjects advisers to registered investment companies to regulation by the CFTC if a fund that is advised by the adviser either (i) invests, directly or indirectly, more than a prescribed level of its liquidation value in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps ("CFTC Derivatives") or (ii) markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. The CFTC also subjects advisers to registered investment companies to regulation by the CFTC if the registered investment company invests in one or more commodity pools. To the extent a Fund uses CFTC Derivatives, it intends to do so below such prescribed levels and intends not to market itself as a "commodity pool" or a vehicle for trading such instruments.

BFA has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the CEA with respect to the Funds. BFA is not, therefore, subject to registration or regulation as a "commodity pool operator" under the CEA with respect to the Funds.

Derivative contracts, including, without limitation, swaps, currency forwards, and non-deliverable forwards, are subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act") in the U.S. and under comparable regimes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. Swaps, non-deliverable forwards and certain other derivatives traded in the OTC market are subject to variation margin and initial margin requirements. Implementation of the margining and other provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act regarding clearing, mandatory trading, reporting and documentation of swaps and other derivatives have impacted and may continue to impact the costs to a Fund of trading these instruments and, as a result, may affect returns to investors in the Fund.

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Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act permits a Fund to enter into Derivatives Transactions (as defined below) and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of "senior securities" under Section 18 of the Investment Company Act. Section 18 of the Investment Company Act, among other things, prohibits open-end funds, including the Funds, from issuing or selling any "senior security," other than borrowing from a bank (subject to a requirement to maintain 300% "asset coverage").

Under Rule 18f-4, "Derivatives Transactions" include the following: (1) any swap, security-based swap (including a contract for differences), futures contract, forward contract, option (excluding purchased options), any combination of the foregoing, or any similar instrument, under which a Fund is or may be required to make any payment or delivery of cash or other assets during the life of the instrument or at maturity or early termination, whether as margin or settlement payment or otherwise; (2) any short sale borrowing; (3) reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions (e.g., recourse and non-recourse tender option bonds, and borrowed bonds), if a Fund elects to treat these transactions as Derivatives Transactions under Rule 18f-4; and (4) when-issued or forward-settling securities (e.g., firm and standby commitments, including to-be-announced ("TBA") commitments, and dollar rolls) and non-standard settlement cycle securities, unless the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision").

Unless a Fund is relying on the Limited Derivatives User Exception (as defined below), the Fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to its Derivatives Transactions. Rule 18f-4, among other things, requires a Fund to adopt and implement a comprehensive written derivatives risk management program ("DRMP") and comply with a relative or absolute limit on Fund leverage risk calculated based on value-at-risk ("VaR"). The DRMP is administered by a "derivatives risk manager," who is appointed by the Board, including a majority of Independent Directors/Trustees, and periodically reviews the DRMP and reports to the Board.

Rule 18f-4 provides an exception from the DRMP, VaR limit and certain other requirements if a Fund's "derivatives exposure" (as defined in Rule 18f-4) is limited to 10% of its net assets (as calculated in accordance with Rule 18f-4) and the Fund adopts and implements written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks (the "Limited Derivatives User Exception").

**Securities of Investment Companies.** Each Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies (including money market funds) to the extent permitted by law, regulation, exemptive order or SEC staff guidance. Under the 1940 Act, a fund's investment in investment companies is limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company, and (iii) 10% of the fund's total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. To the extent allowed by law or regulation, the Funds intend from time to time to invest their assets in securities of investment companies, including, but not limited to, money market funds, including those advised by BFA or otherwise affiliated with BFA, in excess of the limits discussed above. Other investment companies in which a Fund invests can be expected to incur fees and expenses for operations, such as investment advisory and administration fees, which would be in addition to those incurred by a Fund. Pursuant to guidance issued by the SEC staff, fees and expenses of money market funds used for cash collateral received in connection with loans of securities are not treated as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, which reflect a Fund's *pro rata* share of the fees and expenses incurred indirectly as a result of investing in other investment companies (as disclosed in the Prospectus, as applicable).

**Short-Term Instruments and Temporary Investments.** Each Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include, but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by BFA or otherwise affiliated with BFA); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit (("CDs")), bankers' acceptances, fixed-time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. banks (including non-U.S. branches) and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated, at the date of purchase, "Prime-1" by Moody's<sup>®</sup> Investors Service, Inc., "F-1" by Fitch Ratings, Inc., or "A-1" by Standard & Poor's<sup>®</sup> Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of S&P Global, Inc. ("S&P Global Ratings"), or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by BFA; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that have been determined to present minimal credit risks, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; (vi)

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repurchase agreements; and (vii) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of non-U.S. banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of BFA, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks that may be purchased by a Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or forward-settled basis. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers' acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.

**Future Developments.** The Board may, in the future, authorize a Fund to invest in securities contracts and investments other than those listed in this SAI and in the Prospectus, provided they are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and do not violate any of its investment restrictions or policies.

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## General Considerations and Risks
A discussion of some of the principal risks associated with an investment in a Fund is contained in the Prospectus. An investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of bonds in general, and other factors that affect the market. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor.

**Liquidity Risk Management.** Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act (the "Liquidity Rule") requires open-end funds, including ETFs such as the Funds, to establish a liquidity risk management program (the "Liquidity Program") and enhance disclosures regarding fund liquidity. As required by the Liquidity Rule, the Funds have implemented a Liquidity Program, and the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust, has appointed BFA as the administrator of the Liquidity Program. Under the Liquidity Program, BFA assesses, manages, and periodically reviews each Fund's liquidity risk and classifies each investment held by a Fund as a "highly liquid investment," "moderately liquid investment," "less liquid investment" or "illiquid investment." The Liquidity Rule defines "liquidity risk" as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by a Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors' interest in a Fund. The liquidity of a Fund's portfolio investments is determined based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations under the Liquidity Program. There are exclusions from certain portions of the liquidity risk management program requirements for "in-kind" ETFs, as defined in the Liquidity Rule. To the extent that an investment is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, a Fund can expect to be exposed to greater liquidity risk.

**Market Risk.** Each Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments and may be influenced by price, currency and interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss a Fund may suffer through holding financial instruments in the face of market movements or uncertainty. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, exchange, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and has now been detected globally. This coronavirus has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

**Operational Risk.** BFA and a Fund's other service providers may experience disruptions or operating errors such as processing errors or human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, or systems or technology failures, that could negatively impact the Funds. While service providers are required to have appropriate operational risk management policies and procedures, their methods of operational risk management may differ from a Fund's in the setting of priorities, the personnel and resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. BFA, through its monitoring and oversight of service providers, seeks to ensure that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to disruptions and operating errors.

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However, it is not possible for BFA or the other Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

**Risk of Derivatives.** A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, such as a security, a commodity (such as gold or silver), a currency or an index (a measure of value or rates, such as the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> or the prime lending rate). A Fund will invest in options. Compared to securities, derivatives can be more sensitive to changes in interest rates or to sudden fluctuations in market prices and thus a Fund's losses may be greater if it invests in derivatives than if it invests only in conventional securities. Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligations. Derivatives generally involve the incurrence of leverage.

When a derivative is used as a hedge against a position that a Fund holds or is committed to purchase, any loss generated by the derivative generally should be substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains, and in some cases, hedging can cause losses that are not offset by gains, and a Fund will recognize losses on both the investment and the hedge. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that a Fund's hedging transactions, which entail additional transaction costs, will be effective.

**U.S. Economic Trading Partners Risk.** The U.S. is a significant, and in some cases the most significant, trading partner of, or foreign investor in, certain countries in which a Fund invests. As a result, economic conditions of such countries may be particularly affected by changes in the U.S. economy. A decrease in U.S. imports or exports, new trade and financial regulations or tariffs, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate or an economic slowdown in the U.S. may have a material adverse effect on a country's economic conditions and, as a result, securities to which a Fund has exposure.

The U.S. has developed increasingly strained relations with a number of foreign countries, including traditional allies, such as certain European countries, and historical adversaries, such as North Korea, Iran, China and Russia. If these relations were to worsen, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade. The U.S. has also experienced increased internal unrest and discord, as well as significant challenges in managing and containing the outbreak of COVID-19. If these trends were to continue, it may have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy and the issuers in which a Fund invests.

## Proxy Voting Policy
The Board has delegated the voting of proxies for each Fund's securities to BFA pursuant to the Fund's Proxy Voting Policy (the "Proxy Voting Policy"), and BFA has adopted policies and procedures (the "BlackRock Proxy Voting Policies") governing proxy voting by accounts managed by BFA, including the Funds.

Under the BlackRock Proxy Voting Policies, BFA will vote proxies related to Fund securities in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. From time to time, a vote may present a conflict between the interests of a Fund's shareholders, on the one hand, and those of BFA, or any affiliated person of the Fund or BFA, on the other. BFA maintains policies and procedures that are designed to prevent undue influence on BFA's proxy voting activity that might stem from any relationship between the issuer of a proxy (or any dissident shareholder) and BFA, BFA's affiliates, a Fund or a Fund's affiliates. Most conflicts are managed through a structural separation of BFA's Corporate Governance Group from BFA's employees with sales and client responsibilities. In addition, BFA maintains procedures to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers or dissident shareholders are managed consistently and without regard to BFA's relationship with the issuer of the proxy or the dissident shareholder. In certain instances, BFA may determine to engage an independent fiduciary to vote proxies as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest or as otherwise required by applicable law.

Copies of the Proxy Voting Policy, the BlackRock Global Proxy Voting Policies and the BlackRock U.S. Proxy Voting Policies are attached as Appendix A.

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Information with respect to how proxies relating to each Fund's portfolio securities were voted during the 12-month period ended June 30 will be available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-474-2737 or through the Fund's website at www.blackrock.com; and (ii) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

## Portfolio Holdings Information
On each Business Day (as defined in the *Creation and Redemption of Creation Units* section of this SAI), prior to the opening of regular trading on each Fund's primary listing exchange, each Fund discloses on its website (www.blackrock.com) certain information relating to the portfolio holdings that will form the basis of the Fund's next net asset value per share calculation.

In addition, certain information may also be made available to certain parties:

• **Communications of Data Files:** A Fund may make available through the facilities of the National Securities
Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") or through posting on www.blackrock.com, prior to the opening of trading on each business day, a list of the Fund's holdings (generally pro-rata) that Authorized Participants could deliver to the Fund to
settle purchases of the Fund (i.e. Deposit Securities) or that Authorized Participants would receive from the Fund to settle redemptions of the Fund (i.e. Fund Securities). These files are known as the Portfolio Composition File and the Fund Data
File (collectively, "Files"). The Files are applicable for the next trading day and are provided to the NSCC and/or posted on www.blackrock.com after the close of markets in the U.S.

• **Communications with Authorized Participants and Liquidity Providers:** Certain employees of BFA are responsible
for interacting with Authorized Participants and liquidity providers with respect to discussing custom basket proposals as described in the Custom Baskets section of this SAI. As part of these discussions, these employees may discuss with an
Authorized Participant or liquidity provider the securities a Fund is willing to accept for a creation, and securities that the Fund will provide on a redemption.

BFA employees may also discuss portfolio holdings-related information with broker/dealers, in connection with settling a Fund's transactions, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with the disclosure in the Fund's current registration statements.

• **Communications with Listing Exchanges:** From time to time, employees of BFA may discuss portfolio holdings
information with the applicable primary listing exchange for a Fund as needed to meet the exchange listing standards.

• **Communications with Other Portfolio Managers:** Certain information may be provided to employees of BFA who
manage funds that invest a significant percentage of their assets in shares of an underlying fund as necessary to manage the fund's investment objective(s) and strategy.

• **Communication of Other Information:** Certain explanatory information regarding the Files is released to
Authorized Participants and liquidity providers on a daily basis, but is only done so after the Files are posted to www.blackrock.com.

• **Third-Party Service Providers:** Certain portfolio holdings information may be disclosed to Fund Trustees and
their counsel, outside counsel for the Funds, auditors and to certain third-party service providers (i.e., fund administrator, custodian, proxy voting service) for which a non-disclosure, confidentiality agreement or other obligation is in place
with such service providers, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with applicable policies, agreements with the Funds, the terms of the current registration statements and federal securities laws and
regulations thereunder.

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• **Liquidity Metrics:** "Liquidity Metrics," which seek to ascertain a Fund's liquidity profile under
BlackRock, Inc.'s global liquidity risk methodology, include but are not limited to: (a) disclosure regarding the number of days needed to liquidate a portfolio or the portfolio's underlying investments; and (b) the percentage of
a Fund's NAV invested in a particular liquidity tier under BlackRock, Inc.'s global liquidity risk methodology. The dissemination of position-level liquidity metrics data and any non-public regulatory data pursuant to the Liquidity Rule (including SEC liquidity tiering) is not permitted unless pre-approved. Disclosure of portfolio-level liquidity metrics prior to 60 calendar days after calendar quarter-end requires a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and approval of the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer. Portfolio-level liquidity metrics disclosure
subsequent to 60 calendar days after calendar quarter-end requires the approval of portfolio management and must be disclosed to all parties requesting the information if disclosed to any party.

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information pursuant to the above policy and procedures, subject to restrictions on selective disclosure imposed by applicable law. The Board reviews the policy and procedures for disclosure of portfolio holdings information at least annually.

## Investment Policies
The Board has adopted as fundamental policies the following numbered investment policies, which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the applicable Fund's outstanding voting securities. A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund is defined in the Investment Company Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Each Fund has also adopted certain non-fundamental investment policies, including its investment objective. Non-fundamental investment policies may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Therefore, each Funds may change its investment objective(s) without shareholder approval.

**Fundamental Investment Policies** 

Each Fund may not:

1. Concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the Investment Company Act.

2. Borrow money, except as permitted under the Investment Company Act.

3. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate the Investment Company Act. 4.Purchase or hold real
estate, except the Fund may purchase and hold securities or other instruments that are secured by, or linked to, real estate or interests therein, securities of REITs, mortgage-related securities and securities of issuers engaged in the real estate
business, and the Fund may purchase and hold real estate as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments.

5. Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be
deemed to be an underwriting or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.

6. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act.

7. Make loans to the extent prohibited by the Investment Company Act.

***Notations Regarding each Fund's Fundamental Investment Policies***

The following notations are not considered to be part of each Fund's fundamental investment policies and are subject to change without shareholder approval.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (1) above, the Investment Company Act does not define what constitutes "concentration" in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund's total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same

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industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in (1) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or country. Finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents. Each foreign government will be considered to be a member of a separate industry. With respect to each Fund's industry classifications, the Fund currently utilizes any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or rating group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. The policy also will be interpreted to give broad authority to each Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (2) above, the Investment Company Act permits each Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund's total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund's total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (Each Fund's total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the Investment Company Act requires each Fund to maintain at all times an "asset coverage" of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of each Fund's total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as "leveraging." Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowings or involve leverage and thus are subject to the Investment Company Act restrictions. In accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, when a Fund engages in reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, the Fund may either (i) maintain asset coverage of at least 300% with respect to such transactions and any other borrowings in the aggregate, or (ii) treat such transactions as "derivatives transactions" and comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to such transactions. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered to be borrowings under the policy. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to underwriting set forth in (5) above, the Investment Company Act does not prohibit a Fund from engaging in the underwriting business or from underwriting the securities of other issuers; in fact, in the case of diversified funds, the Investment Company Act permits a Fund to have underwriting commitments of up to 25% of its assets under certain circumstances. Those circumstances currently are that the amount of a Fund's underwriting commitments, when added to the value of the Fund's investments in issuers where the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of those issuers, cannot exceed the 25% cap. A fund engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause a Fund to be engaged in the business of underwriting, the policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act or is otherwise engaged in the underwriting business to the extent permitted by applicable law.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to lending set forth in (7) above, the Investment Company Act does not prohibit a Fund from making loans (including lending its securities); however, SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending more than one-third of their total assets (including lending its securities), except through the purchase of debt obligations or the use of repurchase agreements. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments (as applicable), as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans.

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**Non-Fundamental Investment Policies** 

Under its non-fundamental investment restrictions, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval, each Fund may not:

a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act. As a
matter of policy, however, each Fund will not purchase shares of any registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust, in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) (the "fund
of funds" provisions) of the Investment Company Act, at any time the Fund has knowledge that its shares are purchased by another investment company investor in reliance on the provisions of subparagraph (G) of Section 12(d)(1).

b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except to the extent permitted by the Funds' Prospectus
and SAI, as amended from time to time, and applicable law.

Unless otherwise indicated, all limitations under each Fund's fundamental or non-fundamental investment policies apply only at the time that a transaction is undertaken. Any change in the percentage of a Fund's assets invested in certain securities or other instruments resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Fund's total assets will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment until BFA determines that it is practicable to sell or close out the investment without undue market or tax consequences.

## Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells such shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the 1933 Act must take into account all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Funds are reminded that, pursuant to Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Listing Exchange generally is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the Listing Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is available only with respect to transactions on an exchange.

## Management
**Trustees and Officers.** The Board of the Trust consists of ten individuals (each a "Trustee"), eight of whom are not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined in the Investment Company Act (the "Independent Trustees"). The registered investment companies advised by the Manager or its affiliates (the "BlackRock-advised Funds") are organized into the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex, the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex, and the iShares Complex (each, a "BlackRock Fund Complex"). The Trust is included in the BlackRock Fund Complex referred to as the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex. The Trustees also oversee as board members the operations of the other open-end and closed-end registered investment companies included in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

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The Board has overall responsibility for the oversight of the Trust and the Funds. The Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer are different people. Not only is the Chair of the Board an Independent Trustee, but also the Chair of each Board committee (each, a "Committee") is an Independent Trustee. The Board has five standing Committees: an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee, a Performance Oversight Committee and an Executive Committee. The role of the Chair of the Board is to preside over all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys, and other Trustees between meetings. The Chair of each Committee performs a similar role with respect to the Committee. The Chair of the Board or a Committee may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board or the Committee from time to time. The Independent Trustees meet regularly outside the presence of each Fund's management, in executive sessions or with other service providers to the Fund. The Board has regular meetings five times a year, including a meeting to consider the approval of Funds' investment management agreement, and, if necessary, may hold special meetings before its next regular meeting. Each Committee meets regularly to conduct the oversight functions delegated to that Committee by the Board and reports its findings to the Board. The Board and each standing Committee conduct annual assessments of their oversight function and structure. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise independent judgment over management and to allocate areas of responsibility among Committees and the Board to enhance oversight.

The Board decided to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer from the Chair because it believes that having an independent Chair:

• increases the independent oversight of the Funds and enhances the Board's objective evaluation of the Chief Executive
Officer;

• allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the Funds' operations instead of Board administration;

• provides greater opportunities for direct and independent communication between shareholders and the Board; and

• provides an independent spokesman for the Funds.

The Board has engaged the Manager to manage each Fund on a day-to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Manager, other service providers, the operations of each Fund and associated risks in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act, state law, other applicable laws, the Fund's charter, and the Fund's investment objective and strategies. The Board reviews, on an ongoing basis, each Fund's performance, operations, and investment strategies and techniques. The Board also conducts reviews of the Manager and its role in running the operations of each Fund.

Day-to-day risk management with respect to each Fund is the responsibility of the Manager, sub-advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), subject to the supervision of the Manager. Each Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational and valuation risks, among others. While there are a number of risk management functions performed by the Manager, sub-advisers or other service providers, as applicable, it is not possible to eliminate all of the risks applicable to the Funds. Risk oversight is part of the Board's general oversight of each Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. The Board, directly or through Committees, also reviews reports from, among others, management, the independent registered public accounting firm for each Fund, the Manager, sub-advisers and internal auditors for the Manager or its affiliates, as appropriate, regarding risks faced by each Fund and management's or the service provider's risk functions. The Committee system facilitates the timely and efficient consideration of matters by the Trustees and facilitates effective oversight of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and of each Fund's activities and associated risks. The Board has approved the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"), who oversees the implementation and testing of each Fund's compliance program and reports regularly to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Fund and its service providers. The Independent Trustees have engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

*Audit Committee*. The Board has a standing Audit Committee composed of Catherine A. Lynch (Chair), Frank J. Fabozzi, Lorenzo A. Flores and J. Phillip Holloman, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the accounting and financial reporting policies and practices of the Funds. The Audit Committee's responsibilities

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include, without limitation: (i) approving, and recommending to the full Board for approval, the selection, retention, termination and compensation of the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm (the "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm") and evaluating the independence and objectivity of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; (ii) approving all audit engagement terms and fees for the Funds; (iii) reviewing the conduct and results of each audit; (iv) reviewing any issues raised by the Funds' Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm or management regarding the accounting or financial reporting policies and practices of the Funds, its internal controls, and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers and management's response to any such issues; (v) reviewing and discussing the Funds' audited and unaudited financial statements and disclosure in the Funds' shareholder reports relating to the Funds' performance; (vi) assisting the Board's responsibilities with respect to the internal controls of the Funds and their service providers with respect to accounting and financial matters; and (vii) resolving any disagreements between the Funds' management and the Funds' Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm regarding financial reporting. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Board's Audit Committee. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022, the Audit Committee met thirteen times.

*Governance and Nominating Committee*. The Board has a standing Governance and Nominating Committee composed of W. Carl Kester (Chair), Cynthia L. Egan, J. Phillip Holloman, R. Glenn Hubbard and Catherine A. Lynch, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The principal responsibilities of the Governance and Nominating Committee are: (i) identifying individuals qualified to serve as Independent Trustees and recommending Board nominees that are not "interested persons" of the Funds (as defined in the Investment Company Act) for election by shareholders or appointment by the Board; (ii) advising the Board with respect to Board composition, procedures and Committees of the Board (other than the Audit Committee); (iii) overseeing periodic self-assessments of the Board and Committees of the Board (other than the Audit Committee); (iv) reviewing and making recommendations in respect to Independent Trustee compensation; (v) monitoring corporate governance matters and making recommendations in respect thereof to the Board; (vi) acting as the administrative committee with respect to Board policies and procedures, committee policies and procedures (other than the Audit Committee) and codes of ethics as they relate to the Independent Trustees; and (vii) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board in respect of Fund share ownership by the Independent Trustees. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Board's Governance and Nominating Committee. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022, the Governance and Nominating Committee met six times.

The Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board seeks to identify individuals to serve on the Board who have a diverse range of viewpoints, qualifications, experiences, backgrounds and skill sets so that the Board will be better suited to fulfill its responsibility of overseeing the Funds' activities. In so doing, the Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the size of the Board, the ages of the current Trustees and their tenure on the Board, and the skills, background and experiences of the Trustees in light of the issues facing the Funds in determining whether one or more new trustees should be added to the Board. The Board as a group strives to achieve diversity in terms of gender, race and geographic location. The Governance and Nominating Committee believes that the Trustees as a group possess the array of skills, experiences and backgrounds necessary to guide the Funds. The Trustees' biographies included herein highlight the diversity and breadth of skills, qualifications and expertise that the Trustees bring to the Funds.

The Governance and Nominating Committee may consider nominations for Trustees made by the Funds' shareholders as it deems appropriate. Under the Trust's Bylaws, shareholders must follow certain procedures to nominate a person for election as a Trustee at a shareholder meeting at which Trustees are to be elected. Under these advance notice procedures, shareholders must submit the proposed nominee by delivering a notice to the Secretary of the Funds at its principal executive offices no earlier than the 150th day prior to such meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to such meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of such meeting.

The Trust's Bylaws provide that notice of a proposed nomination must include certain information about the shareholder and the nominee, as well as certain other information, including a written consent of the proposed nominee to serve if elected. Reference is made to the Trust's Bylaws for more details.

*Compliance Committee*. The Board has a Compliance Committee composed of Cynthia L. Egan (Chair), Stayce D. Harris, R. Glenn Hubbard and W. Carl Kester, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Compliance Committee's

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purpose is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility with respect to the oversight of regulatory and fiduciary compliance matters involving the Funds, the fund-related activities of BlackRock, and any sub-advisers and the Funds' other third party service providers. The Compliance Committee's responsibilities include, without limitation: (i) overseeing the compliance policies and procedures of the Funds and their service providers and recommending changes or additions to such policies and procedures; (ii) reviewing information on and, where appropriate, recommending policies concerning Funds' compliance with applicable law; (iii) reviewing information on any significant correspondence with or other actions by regulators or governmental agencies with respect to the Funds and any employee complaints or published reports that raise concerns regarding compliance matters; and (iv) reviewing reports from, overseeing the annual performance review of, and making certain recommendations in respect of, the Funds' CCO, including, without limitation, determining the amount and structure of the CCO's compensation. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Board's Compliance Committee. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022, the Compliance Committee met four times.

*Performance Oversight Committee*. The Board has a Performance Oversight Committee composed of Frank J. Fabozzi (Chair), Cynthia L. Egan, Lorenzo A. Flores, Stayce D. Harris, J. Phillip Holloman, R. Glenn Hubbard, W. Carl Kester and Catherine A. Lynch, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Performance Oversight Committee's purpose is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee each Fund's investment performance relative to the Fund's investment objective, policies and practices. The Performance Oversight Committee's responsibilities include, without limitation: (i) reviewing each Fund's investment objective, policies and practices; (ii) recommending to the Board any required action in respect of changes in fundamental and non-fundamental investment restrictions; (iii) reviewing information on appropriate benchmarks and competitive universes; (iv) reviewing each Fund's investment performance relative to such benchmarks; (v) reviewing information on unusual or exceptional investment matters; (vi) reviewing whether each Fund has complied with its investment policies and restrictions; and (vii) overseeing policies, procedures and controls regarding valuation of each Fund's investments. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Board's Performance Oversight Committee. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022, the Performance Oversight Committee met four times.

*Executive Committee*. The Board has an Executive Committee composed of R. Glenn Hubbard (Chair) and W. Carl Kester, both of whom are Independent Trustees, and John M. Perlowski, who serves as an interested Trustee. The principal responsibilities of the Executive Committee include, without limitation: (i) acting on routine matters between meetings of the Board; (ii) acting on such matters as may require urgent action between meetings of the Board; and (iii) exercising such other authority as may from time to time be delegated to the Executive Committee by the Board. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Board's Executive Committee. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022, the Executive Committee did not meet.

The Independent Trustees have adopted a statement of policy that describes the experiences, qualifications, skills and attributes that are necessary and desirable for potential Independent Trustee candidates (the "Statement of Policy"). The Board believes that each Independent Trustee satisfied, at the time he or she was initially elected or appointed a Trustee, and continues to satisfy, the standards contemplated by the Statement of Policy as well as the standards set forth in the Trust's Bylaws. Furthermore, in determining that a particular Trustee was and continues to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, was controlling. The Board believes that, collectively, the Trustees have balanced and diverse experiences, skills, attributes and qualifications, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing each Fund and protecting the interests of shareholders. Among the attributes common to all Trustees is their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Manager, sub-advisers, other service providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. Each Trustee's ability to perform his or her duties effectively is evidenced by his or her educational background or professional training; business, consulting, public service or academic positions; experience from service as a board member of the Trust or the other funds in the BlackRock Fund Complexes (and any predecessor funds), other investment funds, public companies, or not-for-profit entities or other organizations; ongoing commitment and participation in Board and Committee meetings, as well as his or her leadership of standing and other committees throughout the years; or other relevant life experiences.

The table below discusses some of the experiences, qualifications and skills of each Trustee that support the conclusion that he or she should serve on the Board.

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**Independent Trustees** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Experience, Qualifications and Skills** |
| R. Glenn Hubbard | R. Glenn Hubbard has served in numerous roles in the field of economics, including as the Chairman of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers of the President of the United States. Dr. Hubbard has served as the Dean of Columbia Business School, as a member of the Columbia Faculty and as a Visiting Professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the Harvard Business School and the University of Chicago. Dr. Hubbard's experience as an adviser to the President of the United States adds a dimension of balance to the Funds' governance and provides perspective on economic issues. Dr. Hubbard's service on the boards of ADP and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company provides the Board with the benefit of his experience with the management practices of other financial companies. Dr. Hubbard's long-standing service on the boards of directors/trustees of the closed-end funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex also provides him with a specific understanding of the Funds, their operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the Funds. Dr. Hubbard's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances his service as Chair of the Board, Chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Compliance Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| W. Carl Kester | The Board benefits from W. Carl Kester's experiences as a professor and author in finance, and his experience as the George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and as Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs at Harvard Business School from 2006 through 2010 adds to the Board a wealth of expertise in corporate finance and corporate governance. Dr. Kester has authored and edited numerous books and research papers on both subject matters, including co-editing a leading volume of finance case studies used worldwide. Dr. Kester's long-standing service on the boards of directors/trustees of the closed-end funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex also provides him with a specific understanding of the Funds, their operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the Funds. Dr. Kester's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances his service as a Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee and a member of the Executive Committee, the Compliance Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| Cynthia L. Egan | Cynthia L. Egan brings to the Board a broad and diverse knowledge of investment companies and the retirement industry as a result of her many years of experience as President, Retirement Plan Services, for T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and her various senior operating officer positions at Fidelity Investments, including her service as Executive Vice President of FMR Co., President of Fidelity Institutional Services Company and President of the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund. Ms. Egan has also served as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Treasury as an expert in domestic retirement security. Ms. Egan began her professional career at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Ms. Egan is also a director of UNUM Corporation, a publicly traded insurance company providing personal risk reinsurance, and of The Hanover Group, a public property casualty insurance company. Ms. Egan's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances her service as Chair of the Compliance Committee, and a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Experience, Qualifications and Skills** |
| Frank J. Fabozzi | Frank J. Fabozzi has served for over 25 years on the boards of registered investment companies. Dr. Fabozzi holds the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant. Dr. Fabozzi was inducted into the Fixed Income Analysts Society's Hall of Fame and is the 2007 recipient of the C. Stewart Sheppard Award and the 2015 recipient of the James R. Vertin Award, both given by the CFA Institute. The Board benefits from Dr. Fabozzi's experiences as a professor and author in the field of finance. Dr. Fabozzi's experience as a professor at various institutions, including EDHEC Business School, Yale, MIT, and Princeton, as well as Dr. Fabozzi's experience as a Professor in the Practice of Finance and Becton Fellow at the Yale University School of Management and as editor of the Journal of Portfolio Management demonstrates his wealth of expertise in the investment management and structured finance areas. Dr. Fabozzi has authored and edited numerous books and research papers on topics in investment management and financial econometrics, and his writings have focused on fixed income securities and portfolio management, many of which are considered standard references in the investment management industry. Dr. Fabozzi's long-standing service on the boards of directors/trustees of the closed-end funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex also provides him with a specific understanding of the Funds, their operations and the business and regulatory issues facing the Funds. Moreover, Dr. Fabozzi's knowledge of financial and accounting matters qualifies him to serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Dr. Fabozzi's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances his service as Chair of the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| Lorenzo A. Flores | The Board benefits from Lorenzo A. Flores's many years of business, leadership and financial experience in his roles at various public and private companies. In particular, Mr. Flores's service as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller of Xilinx, Inc. and Vice Chairman of Kioxia, Inc. and his long experience in the technology industry allow him to provide insight to into financial, business and technology trends. Mr. Flores's knowledge of financial and accounting matters qualifies him to serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Flores's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances his service as a member of the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| Stayce D. Harris | The Board benefits from Stayce D. Harris's leadership and governance experience gained during her extensive military career, including as a three-star Lieutenant General of the United States Air Force. In her most recent role, Ms. Harris reported to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on matters concerning Air Force effectiveness, efficiency and the military discipline of active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces. Ms. Harris's experience on governance matters includes oversight of inspection policy and the inspection and evaluation system for all Air Force nuclear and conventional forces; oversight of Air Force counterintelligence operations and service on the Air Force Intelligence Oversight Panel; investigation of fraud, waste and abuse; and oversight of criminal investigations and complaints resolution programs. Ms. Harris's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances her service as a member of the Compliance Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| J. Phillip Holloman | The Board benefits from J. Phillip Holloman's many years of business and leadership experience as an executive, director and advisory board member of various public and private companies. In particular, Mr. Holloman's service as President and Chief Operating Officer of Cintas Corporation and director of PulteGroup, Inc. and Rockwell Automation Inc. allows him to provide insight into business trends and conditions. Mr. Holloman's knowledge of financial and accounting matters qualifies him to serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Holloman's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances his service as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |
| Catherine A. Lynch | Catherine A. Lynch, who served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust, benefits the Board by providing business leadership and experience and a diverse knowledge of pensions and endowments. Ms. Lynch also holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst. Ms. Lynch's knowledge of financial and accounting matters qualifies her to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Lynch's independence from the Funds and the Manager enhances her service as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Performance Oversight Committee. |

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**Interested Trustees** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Experience, Qualifications and Skills** |
| Robert Fairbairn | Robert Fairbairn has more than 25 years of experience with BlackRock, Inc. and over 30 years of experience in finance and asset management. In particular, Mr. Fairbairn's positions as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc., Member of BlackRock's Global Executive and Global Operating Committees and Co-Chair of BlackRock's Human Capital Committee provide the Board with a wealth of practical business knowledge and leadership. In addition, Mr. Fairbairn has global investment management and oversight experience through his former positions as Global Head of BlackRock's Retail and iShares<sup>®</sup> businesses, Head of BlackRock's Global Client Group, Chairman of BlackRock's international businesses and his previous oversight over BlackRock's Strategic Partner Program and Strategic Product Management Group. Mr. Fairbairn also serves as a board member for the funds in the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex. |
| John M. Perlowski | John M. Perlowski's experience as Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009, as the Head of BlackRock Global Accounting and Product Services since 2009, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Funds provides him with a strong understanding of the Funds, their operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the Funds. Mr. Perlowski's prior position as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and his former service as Treasurer and Senior Vice President of the Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds and as Director of the Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds provides the Board with the benefit of his experience with the management practices of other financial companies. Mr. Perlowski also serves as a board member for the funds in the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex. Mr. Perlowski's experience with BlackRock enhances his service as a member of the Executive Committee. |

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**Biographical Information** 

Certain biographical and other information relating to the Trustees is set forth below, including their address and year of birth, principal occupations for at least the last five years, length of time served, total number of registered investment companies and investment portfolios overseen in the BlackRock-advised Funds and any currently held public company and other investment company directorships.

**Independent Trustees** 

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and<br>Year of Birth<sup>1,2</sup>** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held (Length**<br> **of Service)<sup>3</sup>** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years** | **Number of**<br> **BlackRock-**<br> **Advised**<br> **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Companies**<br> **("RICs")**<br> **Consisting**<br> **of<br>Investment<br>Portfolios**<br> **("Portfolios")<br>Overseen** | **Public Company**<br> **and Other<br>Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held During**<br> **Past Five Years** |
| *Independent Trustees* | *Independent Trustees* | *Independent Trustees* | *Independent Trustees* | *Independent Trustees* |
| R. Glenn Hubbard<br> 1958 | Chair of the Board (Since 2022) and Trustee<br> (Since 2019) | Dean, Columbia Business School from 2004 to 2019; Faculty member, Columbia Business School since 1988. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios | ADP (data and information services) from 2004 to 2020; Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (insurance); TotalEnergies SE (multi-energy) |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and<br>Year of Birth<sup>1,2</sup>** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held (Length**<br> **of Service)<sup>3</sup>** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years** | **Number of**<br> **BlackRock-**<br> **Advised**<br> **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Companies**<br> **("RICs")**<br> **Consisting**<br> **of<br>Investment<br>Portfolios**<br> **("Portfolios")<br>Overseen** | **Public Company**<br> **and Other<br>Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held During**<br> **Past Five Years** |
| W. Carl Kester<sup>4</sup> 1951 | Vice Chair of the Board (Since 2022) and Trustee<br> (Since 2019) | Baker Foundation Professor and George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard Business School since 2022; George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School from 2008 to 2022; Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs from 2006 to 2010; Chairman of the Finance Unit, from 2005 to 2006; Senior Associate Dean and Chairman of the MBA Program from 1999 to 2005; Member of the faculty of Harvard Business School since 1981. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios |  |
| Cynthia L. Egan<br> 1955 | Trustee<br> (Since 2019) | Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2014 to 2015; President, Retirement Plan Services, for T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. from 2007 to 2012; executive positions within Fidelity Investments from 1989 to 2007. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios | Unum (insurance); The Hanover Insurance Group (Board Chair); Huntsman Corporation (Lead Independent Director and non-Executive Vice Chair of the Board) (chemical products) |
| Frank J. Fabozzi<sup>4</sup> 1948 | Trustee<br> (Since 2019) | Editor of The Journal of Portfolio Management since 1986; Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School (France) from 2011 to 2022; Professor of Practice, Johns Hopkins University since 2021; Professor in the Practice of Finance, Yale University School of Management from 1994 to 2011 and currently a Teaching Fellow in Yale's Executive Programs; Visiting Professor, Rutgers University for the Spring 2019 semester; Visiting Professor, New York University for the 2019 academic year; Adjunct Professor of Finance, Carnegie Mellon University in fall 2020 semester. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios |  |
| Lorenzo A. Flores<br> 1964 | Trustee<br> (Since 2021) | Vice Chairman, Kioxia, Inc. since 2019; Chief Financial Officer, Xilinx, Inc. from 2016 to 2019; Corporate Controller, Xilinx, Inc. from 2008 to 2016. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios |  |
| Stayce D. Harris<br> 1959 | Trustee<br> (Since 2021) | Lieutenant General, Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the United States Air Force from 2017 to 2019; Lieutenant General, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, United States Air Force from 2016 to 2017; Major General, Commander, 22nd Air Force, AFRC, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia from 2014 to 2016; Pilot, United Airlines from 1990 to 2020. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios | KULR Technology Group, Inc. in 2021; The Boeing Company (airplane manufacturer) |
| J. Phillip Holloman<br> 1955 | Trustee<br> (Since 2021) | President and Chief Operating Officer, Cintas Corporation from 2008 to 2018. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios | PulteGroup, Inc. (home construction); Rockwell Automation Inc. (industrial automation) |
| Catherine A. Lynch<sup>4</sup> 1961 | Trustee<br> (Since 2019) | Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and various other positions, National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust from 2003 to 2016; Associate Vice President for Treasury Management, The George Washington University from 1999 to 2003; Assistant Treasurer, Episcopal Church of America from 1995 to 1999. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios | PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and<br>Year of Birth<sup>1,2</sup>** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held (Length**<br> **of Service)<sup>3</sup>** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years** | **Number of**<br> **BlackRock-**<br> **Advised**<br> **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Companies**<br> **("RICs")**<br> **Consisting**<br> **of<br>Investment<br>Portfolios**<br> **("Portfolios")<br>Overseen** | **Public Company**<br> **and Other<br>Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held During**<br> **Past Five Years** |
| *Interested Trustees<sup>5</sup>* | *Interested Trustees<sup>5</sup>* | *Interested Trustees<sup>5</sup>* | *Interested Trustees<sup>5</sup>* | *Interested Trustees<sup>5</sup>* |
| Robert Fairbairn<br> 1965 | Trustee<br> (Since 2015) | Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. since 2019; Member of BlackRock's Global Executive and Global Operating Committees; Co-Chair of BlackRock's Human Capital Committee; Senior Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010 to 2019; oversaw BlackRock's Strategic Partner Program and Strategic Product Management Group from 2012 to 2019; Member of the Board of Managers of BlackRock Investments, LLC from 2011 to 2018; Global Head of BlackRock's Retail and iShares<sup>®</sup> businesses from 2012 to 2016. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios |  |
| John M. Perlowski<sup>4</sup> 1964 | Trustee<br> (Since 2015)<br> President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2010) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Accounting and Product Services since 2009; Advisory Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009. | [●] RICs consisting of [●] Portfolios |  |

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<sup>1</sup> The address of each Trustee is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 50 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001.

<sup>2</sup> Each Independent Trustee holds office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal as provided by the Trust's by-laws or charter or statute, or until December 31 of the year in which he or she turns 75. Trustees who are "interested persons," as defined in the Investment Company Act, serve until their successor is duly elected and qualifies or until their earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal as provided by the Trust's by-laws or statute, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 72. The Board may determine to extend the terms of Independent Trustees on a case-by-case basis, as appropriate. 

<sup>3</sup> Following the combination of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM") and BlackRock, Inc. in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new fund boards in 2007. Certain Independent Trustees first became members of the boards of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: Frank J. Fabozzi, 1988; R. Glenn Hubbard, 2004; and W. Carl Kester, 1995. Certain other Independent Trustees became members of the boards of the closed-end funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex as follows: Cynthia L. Egan, 2016; and Catherine A. Lynch, 2016. 

<sup>4</sup> Dr. Fabozzi, Dr. Kester, Ms. Lynch and Mr. Perlowski are also trustees of the BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund and BlackRock Private Investments Fund.

<sup>5</sup> Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are both "interested persons," as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Trust based on their positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Perlowski are also board members of the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex.

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**Officers Who Are Not Trustees** 

Certain biographical and other information relating to the officers of the Trust who are not Trustees is set forth below, including their address and year of birth, principal occupations for at least the last five years and length of time served.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth<sup>1,2</sup>** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held (Length**<br> **of Service)** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years** |
| *Officers Who Are Not Trustees* | *Officers Who Are Not Trustees* |  |
| Jennifer McGovern <br>1977 | Vice President<br> (Since 2020) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2016; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2015; Head of Americas Product Development and Governance for BlackRock's Global Product Group since 2019; Head of Product Structure and Oversight for BlackRock's U.S. Wealth Advisory Group from 2013 to 2019. |
| Trent Walker <br>1974 | Chief Financial Officer<br>(Since 2021) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since September 2019; Executive Vice President of PIMCO from 2016 to 2019; Senior Vice President of PIMCO from 2008 to 2015; Treasurer from 2013 to 2019 and Assistant Treasurer from 2007 to 2017 of PIMCO Funds, PIMCO Variable Insurance Trust, PIMCO ETF Trust, PIMCO Equity Series, PIMCO Equity Series VIT, PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust, 2 PIMCO-sponsored interval funds and 21 PIMCO-sponsored closed-end funds. |
| Jay M. Fife <br>1970 | Treasurer<br> (Since 2020) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007. |
| Charles Park <br>1967 | Chief Compliance Officer<br>(Since 2020) | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for certain BlackRock-advised Funds from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the BlackRock Multi-Asset Complex and the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares<sup>®</sup> Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares<sup>®</sup> exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012. |
| Lisa Belle <br>1968 | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer <br>(Since 2020) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2019; Global Financial Crime Head for Asset and Wealth Management of JP Morgan from 2013 to 2019; Managing Director of RBS Securities from 2012 to 2013; Head of Financial Crimes for Barclays Wealth Americas from 2010 to 2012. |
| Janey Ahn <br>1975 | Secretary<br> (Since 2020) | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2018; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2009 to 2017. |

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<sup>1</sup> The address of each Officer is c/o BlackRock, Inc., 50 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001.

<sup>2</sup> Officers of the Trust serve at the pleasure of the Board.

**Share Ownership** 

Information relating to each Trustee's share ownership in all BlackRock-advised Funds that are currently overseen by the respective Trustee ("Supervised Funds") as of December 31, 2022 is set forth in the chart below. Amounts shown may include shares as to which a Trustee has indirect beneficial ownership, such as through participation in certain family accounts, 529 college savings plan interests, or similar arrangements where the Trustee has beneficial economic interest but not a direct ownership interest.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Aggregate Dollar**<br> **Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in**<br> **Supervised Funds\*** |
|  *Independent Trustees:* |  |
|  Cynthia L. Egan | Over $100,000 |
|  Frank J. Fabozzi | Over $100,000 |
|  Lorenzo A. Flores | Over $100,000 |
|  Stayce D. Harris | Over $100,000 |
| J. Phillip Holloman | Over $100,000 |
| R. Glenn Hubbard | Over $100,000 |
| W. Carl Kester | Over $100,000 |
|  Catherine A. Lynch | Over $100,000 |
|  *Interested Trustees:* |  |
|  Robert Fairbairn | Over $100,000 |
|  John M. Perlowski | Over $100,000 |

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\* Includes share equivalents owned under the deferred compensation plan in the Supervised Funds by certain Independent Trustees who have participated in the deferred compensation plan of the Supervised Funds.

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group directly or indirectly beneficially owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. As of December 31, 2022, none of the Independent Trustees of the Trust or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of each Fund's investment adviser, principal underwriter, or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such entities.

**Compensation of Trustees** 

Each Trustee who is an Independent Trustee is paid an annual retainer of $370,000 per year for his or her services as a Board member of the BlackRock-advised Funds, including the Funds, and each Independent Trustee may also receive a $10,000 Board meeting fee for special unscheduled meetings or meetings in excess of six Board meetings held in a calendar year, together with out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with a Board policy on travel and other business expenses relating to attendance at meetings. In addition, the Chair of the Board and the Vice Chair of the Board are paid an additional annual retainer of $100,000 and $60,000, respectively. The Chairs of the Audit Committee, Performance Oversight Committee, Compliance Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee are paid an additional annual retainer of $45,000, $37,500, $45,000 and $37,500, respectively. Each of the members of the Audit Committee, Compliance Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee are paid an additional annual retainer of $30,000, $25,000 and $25,000, respectively, for his or her service on such committee. Each Fund will pay a *pro rata* portion quarterly (based on relative net assets) of the foregoing Trustee fees paid by the funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex.

The Independent Trustees have agreed that a maximum of 50% of each Independent Trustee's total compensation paid by funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex may be deferred pursuant to the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex's deferred compensation plan. Under the deferred compensation plan, deferred amounts earn a return for the Independent Trustees as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in shares of certain funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex selected by the Independent Trustees. This has approximately the same economic effect for the Independent Trustees as if they had invested the deferred amounts in such funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex. The deferred compensation plan is not funded and obligations thereunder represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of a fund and are recorded as a liability for accounting purposes.

The following table sets forth the estimated compensation the Trust expects to pay to the Trustees, on behalf of each Fund, for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, and the aggregate compensation, including deferred compensation amounts, paid to them by all BlackRock-advised Funds for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name1** | **Estimated<br>Compensation<br>from the<br>Moderate<br>Buffer ETF** | **Estimated<br>Compensation<br>from the Deep<br>Buffer ETF** | **Estimated<br>Annual<br>Benefits upon<br>Retirement** | **Aggregate<br>Compensation from<br>the Funds and<br>Other BlackRock-<br>Advised Funds<sup>2,3</sup>** |
|  *Independent Trustees:* |  |  |  |  |
|  Cynthia L. Egan | $[●] | $[●] |  | $465000 |
|  Frank J. Fabozzi | $[●] | $[●] |  | $497500 |
|  Lorenzo A. Flores | $[●] | $[●] |  | $400000 |
|  Stayce D. Harris | $[●] | $[●] |  | $395000 |
| J. Phillip Holloman<sup>4</sup> | $[●] | $[●] |  | $415453 |
| R. Glenn Hubbard | $[●] | $[●] |  | $520000 |
| W. Carl Kester | $[●] | $[●] |  | $587500 |
|  Catherine A. Lynch<sup>5</sup> | $[●] | $[●] |  | $520453 |
|  *Interested Trustees:* |  |  |  |  |
|  Robert Fairbairn |  |  |  |  |
|  John M. Perlowski |  |  |  |  |

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<sup>1</sup> For the number of BlackRock-advised Funds from which each Trustee receives compensation see the Biographical Information Chart beginning on page [ ● ].

<sup>2</sup> For the Independent Trustees, this amount represents the aggregate compensation earned from the funds in the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex during the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. Of this amount, Dr. Fabozzi, Mr. Flores, Ms. Harris, Mr. Holloman, Dr. Hubbard, Dr. Kester and Ms. Lynch deferred $74,625, $200,000, $197,500, $207,726, $260,000, $88,125 and $78,067, respectively, pursuant to the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex's deferred compensation plan. 

<sup>3</sup> Total amount of deferred compensation payable by the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex to Dr. Fabozzi, Mr. Flores, Ms. Harris, Mr. Holloman, Dr. Hubbard, Dr. Kester and Ms. Lynch is $1,172,873, $239,580, $238,473, $249,920, $3,546,573, $1,645,645 and $425,559, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Ms. Egan did not participate in the deferred compensation plan as of December 31, 2022. 

<sup>4</sup> Mr. Holloman was appointed as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee effective May 20, 2022.

<sup>5</sup> Ms. Lynch was appointed as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee effective May 20, 2022.

**Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.** Ownership information is not provided for the Funds, as they have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI. From time to time, an Authorized Participant, a third-party investor or the Funds' adviser or an affiliate of the Funds' adviser, or a fund, may invest in the Funds and hold its investment for a specific period of time.

**Conflicts of Interest.** *Certain activities of BFA, BlackRock, Inc. and the other subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. (collectively referred to in this section as "BlackRock") and their respective directors, officers and employees, with respect to the Funds and/or other accounts managed by BlackRock, may give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest such as those described below.*

BlackRock is one of the world's largest asset management firms. BlackRock, its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and employees, including the business units or entities and personnel who may be involved in the investment activities and business operations of a Fund, are engaged worldwide in businesses, including managing equities, fixed- income securities, cash and alternative investments, and have interests other than that of managing the Funds. These are considerations of which investors in a Fund should be aware, and which may cause conflicts of interest that could disadvantage a Fund and its shareholders. These businesses and interests include potential multiple advisory, financial and other relationships with, or interests in, companies and interests in securities or other instruments that may be purchased or sold by a Fund.

BlackRock has proprietary interests in, and may manage or advise with respect to, accounts or funds (including separate accounts and other funds and collective investment vehicles) that have investment objectives similar to those of a Fund and/or that engage in transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Fund. BlackRock is also a major participant in the global currency, equities, swap and fixed income markets, in each case, for the accounts of clients and, in some cases, on a proprietary basis. As such, BlackRock is or may be actively engaged in transactions in the same securities, currencies, and instruments in which a Fund may invest. Such

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activities could affect the prices and availability of the securities, currencies, and instruments in which a Fund may invest, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund's performance. Such transactions, particularly in respect of most proprietary accounts or client accounts, will be executed independently of a Fund's transactions and thus at prices or rates that may be more or less favorable than those obtained by the Fund.

When BlackRock seeks to purchase or sell the same assets for managed accounts, including a Fund, the assets actually purchased or sold may be allocated among the accounts on a basis determined in its good faith discretion to be equitable. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the size or price of the assets purchased or sold for a Fund. In addition, transactions in investments by one or more other accounts managed by BlackRock may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of a Fund, particularly, but not limited to, with respect to small-capitalization, emerging market or less liquid strategies. This may occur with respect to BlackRock-advised accounts when investment decisions regarding a Fund are based on research or other information that is also used to support decisions for other accounts. When BlackRock implements a portfolio decision or strategy on behalf of another account ahead of, or contemporaneously with, similar decisions or strategies for a Fund, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other factors could result in the Fund receiving less favorable trading results and the costs of implementing such decisions or strategies could be increased or the Fund could otherwise be disadvantaged. BlackRock may, in certain cases, elect to implement internal policies and procedures designed to limit such consequences, which may cause a Fund to be unable to engage in certain activities, including purchasing or disposing of securities, when it might otherwise be desirable for it to do so.

Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding a Fund may benefit other accounts managed by BlackRock. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by a Fund may impair the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) BlackRock or its other accounts or funds, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security by a Fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) BlackRock or its other accounts or funds.

In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest its assets in other funds advised by BlackRock, including funds that are managed by one or more of the same portfolio managers, which could result in conflicts of interest relating to asset allocation, timing of Fund purchases and sales, and increased remuneration and profitability for BlackRock and/or its personnel, including portfolio managers.

In certain circumstances, BlackRock, on behalf of a Fund, may seek to buy from or sell securities to another fund or account advised by BlackRock. BlackRock may (but is not required to) effect purchases and sales between BlackRock clients ("cross trades"), including the Funds, if BlackRock believes such transactions are appropriate based on each party's investment objectives and guidelines, subject to applicable law and regulation. There may be potential conflicts of interest or regulatory issues relating to these transactions which could limit BlackRock's decision to engage in these transactions for a Fund. BlackRock may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities to the parties in such transactions. On any occasion when a Fund participates in a cross trade, BlackRock will comply with procedures adopted under applicable rules and SEC guidance.

BlackRock and its clients may pursue or enforce rights with respect to an issuer in which a Fund has invested, and those activities may have an adverse effect on the Fund. As a result, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of a Fund's investments may be negatively impacted by the activities of BlackRock or its clients, and transactions for the Fund may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.

The results of a Fund's investment activities may differ significantly from the results achieved by BlackRock for its proprietary accounts or other accounts (including investment companies or collective investment vehicles) which it manages or advises. It is possible that one or more accounts managed or advised by BlackRock and such other accounts will achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable than the results achieved by a Fund. Moreover, it is possible that a Fund will sustain losses during periods in which one or more proprietary or other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock achieve significant profits. The opposite result is also possible.

From time to time, a Fund may be restricted from purchasing or selling securities, or from engaging in other investment activities because of regulatory, legal or contractual requirements applicable to BlackRock or other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock, and/or the internal policies of BlackRock designed to comply with

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such requirements. As a result, there may be periods, for example, when BlackRock will not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions in certain securities or instruments with respect to which BlackRock is performing services or when position limits have been reached. For example, the investment activities of BlackRock for its proprietary accounts and accounts under its management may limit the investment opportunities for a Fund in certain emerging and other markets in which limitations are imposed upon the amount of investment, in the aggregate or in individual issuers, by affiliated foreign investors.

In connection with its management of a Fund, BlackRock may have access to certain fundamental analysis and proprietary technical models developed by BlackRock. BlackRock will not be under any obligation, however, to effect transactions on behalf of a Fund in accordance with such analysis and models. In addition, BlackRock will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding its proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of a Fund and it is not anticipated that BlackRock will have access to such information for the purpose of managing the Fund. The proprietary activities or portfolio strategies of BlackRock, or the activities or strategies used for accounts managed by BlackRock or other client accounts could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed by BlackRock in managing a Fund.

The Funds may be included in investment models developed by BlackRock for use by clients and financial advisors. To the extent clients invest in these investment models and increase the assets under management of the Funds, the investment management fee amounts paid by the Funds to BlackRock may also increase. The liquidity of a Fund may be impacted by purchases and sales of the Fund by model-driven investment portfolios, as well as by BlackRock itself and by its advisory clients.

In addition, certain principals and certain employees of a Fund's investment adviser are also principals or employees of other business units or entities within BlackRock. As a result, these principals and employees may have obligations to such other business units or entities or their clients and such obligations to other business units or entities or their clients may be a consideration of which investors in a Fund should be aware.

BlackRock may enter into transactions and invest in securities, instruments and currencies on behalf of a Fund in which clients of BlackRock or, to the extent permitted by the SEC and applicable law, BlackRock serves as the counterparty, principal or issuer. In such cases, such party's interests in the transaction will be adverse to the interests of the Fund, and such party may have no incentive to assure that the Fund obtains the best possible prices or terms in connection with the transactions. In addition, the purchase, holding and sale of such investments by a Fund may enhance the profitability of BlackRock.

BlackRock may also create, write or issue derivatives for clients based on the underlying securities, currencies or instruments in which a Fund may invest or which may be based on the performance of the Fund. An entity in which BlackRock has a significant minority interest will create, write or issue options which may be based on the performance of certain Funds. BlackRock has the right to receive a portion of the gross revenue earned by such entity. Options writing by such entity on a Fund could potentially lead to increased purchase activity with respect to the Fund and increased assets under management for BlackRock.

BlackRock has entered into an arrangement with Markit Indices Limited, the index provider for underlying fixed-income indexes used by certain iShares funds, related to derivative fixed-income products that are based on such iShares funds. BlackRock may receive certain payments for licensing intellectual property belonging to BlackRock and for facilitating the provision of data in connection with such derivative products, which may include payments based on the trading volumes of, or revenues generated by, the derivative products. However, BlackRock will not receive any such payments on those derivative products utilized by a Fund or other BlackRock funds or accounts. Other funds and accounts managed by BlackRock may from time to time transact in such derivative products, which could contribute to the viability or success of such derivative products by making them more appealing to funds and accounts managed by third parties, and in turn lead to increased payments to BlackRock. Trading activity in these derivative products could also potentially lead to increased purchase activity with respect to these iShares funds and increased assets under management for BlackRock.

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Certain funds managed by BlackRock may transact in derivatives that are based on an iShares fund. Trading activity in these derivatives could potentially lead to increased purchase activity with respect to an iShares fund and increased assets under management for BlackRock.

A Fund may, subject to applicable law, purchase investments that are the subject of an underwriting or other distribution by BlackRock and may also enter into transactions with other clients of BlackRock where such other clients have interests adverse to those of the Fund. At times, these activities may cause business units or entities within BlackRock to give advice to clients that may cause these clients to take actions adverse to the interests of a Fund. To the extent such transactions are permitted, a Fund will deal with BlackRock on an arm's-length basis.

To the extent authorized by applicable law, BlackRock may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or adviser or in other commercial capacities for a Fund. It is anticipated that the commissions, mark-ups, mark-downs, financial advisory fees, underwriting and placement fees, sales fees, financing and commitment fees, brokerage fees, other fees, compensation or profits, rates, terms and conditions charged by BlackRock will be in its view commercially reasonable, although BlackRock, including its sales personnel, will have an interest in obtaining fees and other amounts that are favorable to BlackRock and such sales personnel, which may have an adverse effect on a Fund. Index based funds may use an index provider that is affiliated with another service provider of a Fund or BlackRock that acts as a broker, dealer, agent, lender or in other commercial capacities for a Fund or BlackRock.

Subject to applicable law, BlackRock (and its personnel and other distributors) will be entitled to retain fees and other amounts that they receive in connection with their service to the Funds as broker, dealer, agent, lender, adviser or in other commercial capacities. No accounting to the Funds or their shareholders will be required, and no fees or other compensation payable by the Funds or their shareholders will be reduced by reason of receipt by BlackRock of any such fees or other amounts.

When BlackRock acts as broker, dealer, agent, adviser or in other commercial capacities in relation to the Funds, BlackRock may take commercial steps in its own interests, which may have an adverse effect on a Fund. A Fund will be required to establish business relationships with its counterparties based on the Fund's own credit standing. BlackRock will not have any obligation to allow its credit to be used in connection with a Fund's establishment of its business relationships, nor is it expected that a Fund's counterparties will rely on the credit of BlackRock in evaluating the Fund's creditworthiness.

BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. ("BTC"), an affiliate of BFA, pursuant to SEC exemptive relief, acts as securities lending agent to, and receives a share of securities lending revenues from, the Funds. BlackRock will also receive compensation for managing the reinvestment of the cash collateral from securities lending. There are potential conflicts of interests in managing a securities lending program, including but not limited to: (i) BlackRock as securities lending agent may have an incentive to increase or decrease the amount of securities on loan or to lend particular securities in order to generate additional risk-adjusted revenue for BlackRock and its affiliates; and (ii) BlackRock as securities lending agent may have an incentive to allocate loans to clients that would provide more revenue to BlackRock. As described further below, BlackRock seeks to mitigate this conflict by providing its securities lending clients with equal lending opportunities over time in order to approximate *pro rata* allocation.

As part of its securities lending program, BlackRock indemnifies each Fund and certain other clients and/or funds against a shortfall in collateral in the event of borrower default. On a regular basis, BlackRock calculates the potential dollar exposure of collateral shortfall resulting from a borrower default ("shortfall risk") in the securities lending program. BlackRock establishes program-wide borrower limits ("credit limits") to actively manage borrower-specific credit exposure. BlackRock oversees the risk model that calculates projected collateral shortfall values using loan-level factors such as loan and collateral type and market value as well as specific borrower credit characteristics. When necessary, BlackRock may adjust securities lending program attributes by restricting eligible collateral or reducing borrower credit limits. As a result, the management of program-wide exposure as well as BlackRock-specific indemnification exposure may affect the amount of securities lending activity BlackRock may conduct at any given point in time by reducing the volume of lending opportunities for certain loans (including by asset type, collateral type and/or revenue profile).

BlackRock uses a predetermined systematic process in order to approximate *pro rata* allocation over time. In order to allocate a loan to a portfolio: (i) BlackRock as a whole must have sufficient lending capacity pursuant to the

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various program limits (*i.e.,* indemnification exposure limit and borrower credit limits); (ii) the lending portfolio must hold the asset at the time a loan opportunity arrives; and (iii) the lending portfolio must also have enough inventory, either on its own or when aggregated with other portfolios into one single market delivery, to satisfy the loan request. In doing so, BlackRock seeks to provide equal lending opportunities for all portfolios, independent of whether BlackRock indemnifies the portfolio. Equal opportunities for lending portfolios does not guarantee equal outcomes. Specifically, short and long-term outcomes for individual clients may vary due to asset mix, asset/liability spreads on different securities, and the overall limits imposed by the firm.

BlackRock may decline to make a securities loan on behalf of a Fund, discontinue lending on behalf of a Fund or terminate a securities loan on behalf of a Fund for any reason, including but not limited to regulatory requirements and/or market rules, liquidity considerations, or credit considerations, which may impact the Fund by reducing or eliminating the volume of lending opportunities for certain types of loans, loans in particular markets, loans of particular securities or types of securities, or for loans overall.

Purchases and sales of securities and other assets for a Fund may be bunched or aggregated with orders for other BlackRock client accounts, including with accounts that pay different transaction costs solely due to the fact that they have different research payment arrangements. BlackRock, however, is not required to bunch or aggregate orders if portfolio management decisions for different accounts are made separately, or if they determine that bunching or aggregating is not practicable or required, or in cases involving client direction.

Prevailing trading activity frequently may make impossible the receipt of the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities purchased or sold. When this occurs, the various prices may be averaged, and a Fund will be charged or credited with the average price. Thus, the effect of the aggregation may operate on some occasions to the disadvantage of a Fund. In addition, under certain circumstances, a Fund will not be charged the same commission or commission equivalent rates in connection with a bunched or aggregated order.

Subject to applicable law, BlackRock may select brokers that furnish BlackRock, the Funds, other BlackRock client accounts or personnel, directly or through correspondent relationships, with research or other appropriate services which provide, in BlackRock's view, appropriate assistance to BlackRock in the investment decision-making process (including with respect to futures, fixed-price offerings and OTC transactions). Such research or other services may include, to the extent permitted by law, research reports on companies, industries and securities; economic and financial data; financial publications; proxy analysis; trade industry seminars; computer data bases; research-oriented software and other services and products.

Research or other services obtained in this manner may be used in servicing any or all of the Funds and other BlackRock client accounts, including in connection with BlackRock client accounts other than those that pay commissions to the broker relating to the research or other service arrangements. Such products and services may disproportionately benefit other BlackRock client accounts relative to a Fund based on the amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund and such other BlackRock client accounts. For example, research or other services that are paid for through one client's commissions may not be used in managing that client's account. In addition, other BlackRock client accounts may receive the benefit, including disproportionate benefits, of economies of scale or price discounts in connection with products and services that may be provided to a Fund and to such other BlackRock client accounts. To the extent that BlackRock uses soft dollars, it will not have to pay for those products and services itself.

BlackRock permits the usage of fund assets in the form of brokerage commissions to receive eligible brokerage and research services (collectively "eligible services") as permitted under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), generally referred to as "soft dollars." Commissions paid as soft dollars that consider the full array of eligible services may be higher than commissions paid for "execution only" services and may include services provided by third parties where the executing broker-dealer shares a portion of the commissions received with that third-party. A potential conflict exists when eligible services are paid for through soft dollars using fund assets as they are not paid by BlackRock using its own assets. BlackRock believes eligible services obtained through soft dollars enhance its investment decision-making capabilities, thereby increasing the prospects for higher investment returns, and recognizes certain eligible services may only be made available to BlackRock through the use of soft dollars. BlackRock only engages in soft dollar transactions that comply with applicable regulatory requirements and guidance which includes its requirement to seek best execution. The Funds do not currently participate in a soft dollar program; however, each Fund may be considered for and included in such a program at a future date.

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BlackRock may utilize certain electronic crossing networks ("ECNs") (including, without limitation, ECNs in which BlackRock has an investment or other interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law) in executing client securities transactions for certain types of securities. These ECNs may charge fees for their services, including access fees and transaction fees. The transaction fees, which are similar to commissions or markups/markdowns, will generally be charged to clients and, like commissions and markups/markdowns, would generally be included in the cost of the securities purchased. Access fees may be paid by BlackRock even though incurred in connection with executing transactions on behalf of clients, including the Funds. In certain circumstances, ECNs may offer volume discounts that will reduce the access fees typically paid by BlackRock. BlackRock will only utilize ECNs consistent with its obligation to seek to obtain best execution in client transactions.

BlackRock owns a minority interest in, and is a member of, Members Exchange ("MEMX"), a newly created U.S. stock exchange. Transactions for a Fund may be executed on MEMX if third party brokers select MEMX as the appropriate venue for execution of orders placed by BlackRock traders on behalf of the Fund. In addition, transactions in Fund shares may be executed on MEMX if third party brokers select MEMX as the appropriate venue for the execution of such orders.

BlackRock has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Funds, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with BlackRock's fiduciary obligations to its clients. Nevertheless, notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of BlackRock may have the effect of favoring the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of BlackRock, provided that BlackRock believes such voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations. For a more detailed discussion of these policies and procedures, see the *Proxy Voting Policy* section of this SAI.

It is also possible that, from time to time, BlackRock and/or its advisory clients (including other funds and separately managed accounts) may, subject to compliance with applicable law, purchase and hold shares of a Fund. Increasing a Fund's assets may enhance liquidity, investment flexibility and diversification and may contribute to economies of scale that tend to reduce the Fund's expense ratio. BlackRock reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, to sell into the market or redeem in Creation Units through an Authorized Participant at any time some or all of the shares of a Fund acquired for its own accounts or the account of a BlackRock advisory client. A large sale or redemption of shares of a Fund by BlackRock itself or a BlackRock advisory client could significantly reduce the asset size of the Fund, which might have an adverse effect on the Fund's liquidity, investment flexibility, portfolio diversification, expense ratio or ability to comply with the listing requirements for the Fund.

It is possible that a Fund may invest in securities of, or engage in transactions with, companies in which BlackRock has significant debt or equity investments or other interests. A Fund may also invest in issuances (such as structured notes) by entities for which BlackRock provides and is compensated for cash management services relating to the proceeds from the sale of such issuances. In making investment decisions for a Fund, BlackRock is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information acquired by any unit of BlackRock in the course of these activities. In addition, from time to time, the activities of BlackRock may limit a Fund's flexibility in purchases and sales of securities. As indicated below, BlackRock may engage in transactions with companies in which BlackRock-advised funds or other clients of BlackRock have an investment.

BlackRock and its personnel and other financial service providers may have interests in promoting sales of a Fund. With respect to BlackRock and its personnel, the remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of a Fund or other products may be greater than remuneration and profitability relating to services to and sales of certain funds or other products that might be provided or offered. BlackRock and its sales personnel may directly or indirectly receive a portion of the fees and commissions charged to a Fund or its shareholders. BlackRock and its advisory or other personnel may also benefit from increased amounts of assets under management. Fees and commissions may also be higher than for other products or services, and the remuneration and profitability to BlackRock and such personnel resulting from transactions on behalf of or management of a Fund may be greater than the remuneration and profitability resulting from other funds or products.

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Third parties, including service providers to BlackRock or the Funds, may sponsor events (including, but not limited to, marketing and promotional activities and presentations, educational training programs and conferences) for registered representatives, other professionals and individual investors. There is a potential conflict of interest as such sponsorships may defray the costs of such activities to BlackRock, and may provide an incentive to BlackRock to retain such third parties to provide services to the Funds.

BlackRock may provide valuation assistance to certain clients with respect to certain securities or other investments and the valuation recommendations made for such clients' accounts may differ from the valuations for the same securities or investments assigned by a Fund's pricing vendors, especially if such valuations are based on broker-dealer quotes or other data sources unavailable to the Fund's pricing vendors. While BlackRock will generally communicate its valuation information or determinations to a Fund's pricing vendors and/or fund accountants, there may be instances where the Fund's pricing vendors or fund accountants assign a different valuation to a security or other investment than the valuation for such security or investment determined or recommended by BlackRock.

As disclosed in more detail in the Determination of Net Asset Value section of the Funds' Prospectus and this SAI, when market quotations are not readily available or are believed by BFA to be unreliable, a Fund's investments are valued at fair value by BFA. BFA has been designated as each Fund's valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act and acts through BFA's Rule 2a-5 Committee (the "2a-5 Committee"), with assistance from other BFA pricing committees and in accordance with BFA's policies and procedures (the "Valuation Procedures"). When determining a "fair value price," the 2a-5 Committee seeks to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset or liability in an arm's-length transaction. The price generally may not be determined based on what a Fund might reasonably expect to receive for selling an asset or liability at a later time or if it holds the asset or liability to maturity. While fair value determinations will be based upon all available factors that BFA deems relevant at the time of the determination, and may be based on analytical values determined by BFA using proprietary or third-party valuation models, fair value represents only a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. The fair value of one or more assets or liabilities may not, in retrospect, be the price at which those assets or liabilities could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used in determining a Fund's NAV. As a result, a Fund's sale or redemption of its shares at NAV, at a time when a holding or holdings are valued by the 2a-5 Committee at fair value, may have the effect of diluting or increasing the economic interest of existing shareholders and may affect the amount of revenue received by BFA with respect to services for which it receives an asset-based fee.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest all or some of its short-term cash investments in any money market fund or similarly-managed private fund advised or managed by BlackRock. In connection with any such investments, a Fund, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, may pay its share of expenses of a money market fund or other similarly-managed private fund in which it invests, which may result in the Fund bearing some additional expenses.

BlackRock and its directors, officers and employees, may buy and sell securities or other investments for their own accounts and may have conflicts of interest with respect to investments made on behalf of a Fund. As a result of differing trading and investment strategies or constraints, positions may be taken by directors, officers and employees that are the same, different from or made at different times than positions taken for a Fund. To lessen the possibility that a Fund will be adversely affected by this personal trading, the Fund, BFA and BlackRock have each adopted a code of ethics in compliance with Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act that restricts securities trading in the personal accounts of investment professionals and others who normally come into possession of information regarding the Fund's portfolio transactions. Each code of ethics is available by contacting BlackRock at the telephone number on the back cover of the Funds' Prospectus or by accessing the EDGAR Database on the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by e-mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.

BlackRock will not purchase securities or other property from, or sell securities or other property to, a Fund, except that the Fund may in accordance with rules or guidance adopted under the 1940 Act engage in transactions with other funds or accounts that are affiliated with the Fund as a result of common officers, directors, or investment advisers or pursuant to exemptive orders granted to the Fund and/or BlackRock by the SEC. These transactions would be effected in circumstances in which BlackRock determined that it would be appropriate for a Fund to purchase and another client of BlackRock to sell, or a Fund to sell and another client of BlackRock to purchase, the

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same security or instrument on the same day. From time to time, the activities of a Fund may be restricted because of regulatory requirements applicable to BlackRock and/or BlackRock's internal policies designed to comply with, limit the applicability of, or otherwise relate to such requirements. A client not advised by BlackRock would not be subject to some of those considerations. There may be periods when BlackRock may not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions, or may otherwise restrict or limit its advice in certain securities or instruments issued by or related to companies for which BlackRock is performing advisory or other services or has proprietary positions. For example, when BlackRock is engaged to provide advisory or risk management services for a company, BlackRock may be prohibited from or limited in purchasing or selling securities of that company on behalf of a Fund, particularly where such services result in BlackRock obtaining material non-public information about the company (*e.g.*, in connection with participation in a creditors' committee). Similar situations could arise if personnel of BlackRock serve as directors of companies the securities of which a Fund wishes to purchase or sell. However, if permitted by applicable law, and where consistent with BlackRock's policies and procedures (including the necessary implementation of appropriate information barriers), a Fund may purchase securities or instruments that are issued by such companies, are the subject of an advisory or risk management assignment by BlackRock, or where personnel of BlackRock are directors or officers of the issuer.

The investment activities of BlackRock for its proprietary accounts and for client accounts may also limit the investment strategies and rights of a Fund. For example, in certain circumstances where a Fund invests in securities issued by companies that operate in certain regulated industries**,** in certain emerging or international markets, or is subject to corporate or regulatory ownership restrictions, or invests in certain futures and derivative transactions, there may be limits on the aggregate amount invested by BlackRock for its proprietary accounts and for client accounts (including the Fund) that may not be exceeded without the grant of a license or other regulatory or corporate consent, or, if exceeded, may cause BlackRock, the Fund or other client accounts to suffer disadvantages or business restrictions.

If certain aggregate ownership thresholds are reached either through the actions of BlackRock or a Fund or as a result of third-party transactions, the ability of BlackRock, on behalf of clients (including the Funds), to purchase or dispose of investments, or exercise rights or undertake business transactions, may be restricted by regulation or otherwise impaired. As a result, BlackRock, on behalf of its clients (including the Funds), may limit purchases, sell existing investments, or otherwise restrict, forgo or limit the exercise of rights (including transferring, outsourcing or limiting voting rights or forgoing the right to receive dividends) when BlackRock, in its sole discretion, deems it appropriate in light of potential regulatory or other restrictions on ownership or other consequences resulting from reaching investment thresholds.

In those circumstances where ownership thresholds or limitations must be observed, BlackRock seeks to allocate limited investment opportunities equitably among clients (including the Funds), taking into consideration benchmark weight and investment strategy. BlackRock has adopted certain controls designed to prevent the occurrence of a breach of any applicable ownership threshold or limits, including, for example, when ownership in certain securities nears an applicable threshold, BlackRock may remove such securities from the list of Deposit Securities to be delivered to a Fund in connection with purchases of Creation Units of the Fund and may limit purchases in such securities to the issuer's weighting in the applicable benchmark used by BlackRock to manage the Fund. If client (including Fund) holdings of an issuer exceed an applicable threshold and BlackRock is unable to obtain relief to enable the continued holding of such investments, it may be necessary to sell down these positions to meet the applicable limitations. In these cases, benchmark overweight positions will be sold prior to benchmark positions being reduced to meet applicable limitations.

In addition to the foregoing, other ownership thresholds may trigger reporting requirements to governmental and regulatory authorities, and such reports may entail the disclosure of the identity of a client or BlackRock's intended strategy with respect to such security or asset.

BlackRock may not serve as an Authorized Participant in the creation and redemption of the Funds and other BFA-advised ETFs.

Under an ETF Services Agreement, each Fund has retained BlackRock Investments, LLC, an Affiliate of BFA, to perform certain order processing, Authorized Participant communications, and related services in connection with

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the issuance and redemption of Creation Units of the Fund ("ETF Services"). BRIL will retain a portion of the standard transaction fee received from Authorized Participants on each creation or redemption order from the Authorized Participant for the ETF Services provided. BlackRock collaborated with, and received payment from, Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank") on the design and development of the ETF Services platform. Citibank may have, or from time to time may develop, additional relationships with BlackRock or funds managed by BFA and its affiliates.

BlackRock may maintain securities indices. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, a Fund may seek to license and use such indices as part of its investment strategy. Index based funds that seek to track the performance of securities indices also may use the name of the index or index provider in the fund name. Index providers, including BlackRock (to the extent permitted by applicable law), may be paid licensing fees for use of their index or index name. BlackRock may benefit from a Fund using BlackRock indices by creating increasing acceptance in the marketplace for such indices. BlackRock is not obligated to license its indices to a Fund and the Fund is under no obligation to use BlackRock indices. Any fund that enters into a license for a BlackRock index cannot be assured that the terms of any index licensing agreement with BlackRock will be as favorable as those terms offered to other licensees.

The custody arrangement described in "Investment Advisory, Administrative and Distribution Services" may lead to potential conflicts of interest with BlackRock where BlackRock has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses in order to cap expenses of the Funds (or where BlackRock charges a unitary management fee). This is because the custody arrangements with certain funds' custodian may have the effect of reducing custody fees when a fund leaves cash balances uninvested. This could be viewed as having the potential to provide BlackRock an incentive to keep high positive cash balances for such fund in order to offset fund custody fees that BlackRock might otherwise reimburse or pay. However, BlackRock's portfolio managers do not intentionally keep uninvested balances high, but rather make investment decisions that they anticipate will be beneficial to fund performance. For funds without a unitary management fee, when a fund's actual operating expense ratio exceeds a stated cap, a reduction in custody fees reduces the amount of waivers and/or reimbursements BlackRock would be required to make to the fund.

BlackRock may enter into contractual arrangements with third-party service providers to the Funds (*e.g.*, custodians, administrators and index providers) pursuant to which BlackRock receives fee discounts or concessions in recognition of BlackRock's overall relationship with such service providers. BlackRock may also enter into contractual arrangements with such service providers pursuant to which BlackRock incurs additional costs if the service provider's services are terminated with respect to the Funds. To the extent that BlackRock is responsible for paying these service providers out of its management fee, the benefits of any such fee discounts or concessions, or any additional costs, may accrue, in whole or in part, to BlackRock, which could result in conflicts of interest relating to the use or termination of service providers to the Funds.

BlackRock owns or has an ownership interest in certain trading, portfolio management, operations and/or information systems used by Fund service providers. These systems are, or will be, used by the Fund service provider in connection with the provision of services to accounts managed by BlackRock and funds managed and sponsored by BlackRock, including the Funds, that engage the service provider (typically the custodian). A Fund's service provider remunerates BlackRock for the use of the systems. A Fund service provider's payments to BlackRock for the use of these systems may enhance the profitability of BlackRock.

BlackRock's receipt of fees from a service provider in connection with the use of systems provided by BlackRock may create an incentive for BlackRock to recommend that a Fund enter into or renew an arrangement with the service provider.

In recognition of a BlackRock client's overall relationship with BlackRock, BlackRock may offer special pricing arrangements for certain services provided by BlackRock. Any such special pricing arrangements will not apply to the client's investment in a Fund.

Present and future activities of BlackRock (including BFA) and its directors, officers and employees, in addition to those described in this section, may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

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## Investment Advisory, Administrative and Distribution Services
**Investment Adviser.** BFA serves as investment adviser to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, and BFA. BFA is a California corporation indirectly owned by BlackRock, Inc. and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Under the investment advisory agreement, BFA, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund, manages and administers the Trust and the investment of each Fund's assets. BFA is responsible for making investment decisions for each Fund.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, BFA may, from time to time, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, appoint one or more sub-advisers, including, without limitation, affiliates of BFA, to perform investment advisory or other services with respect to the Funds. In addition, BFA may delegate certain of its investment advisory functions under the investment advisory agreement to one or more of its affiliates to the extent permitted by applicable law. BFA may terminate any or all sub-advisers or such delegation arrangements in its sole discretion upon appropriate notice at any time to the extent permitted by applicable law.

BFA is responsible, under the investment advisory agreement, for substantially all expenses of the Funds, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. BFA is not responsible for, and the Funds will bear the cost of, the management fees, interest expenses, taxes, expenses incurred with respect to the acquisition and disposition of portfolio securities and the execution of portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions, distribution fees or expenses, litigation expenses and extraordinary expenses (as determined by a majority of the Independent Trustees).

For its investment advisory services to the Moderate Buffer ETF, BFA will be paid a management fee by the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets, at an annual rate of [●]%.

For its investment advisory services to the Deep Buffer ETF, BFA will be paid a management fee by the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets, at an annual rate of [●]%.

[BFA has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees in an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by a Fund in other equity and fixed-income mutual funds and ETFs advised by BFA or its affiliates through [●]. BFA has also contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees by an amount equal to the aggregate Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any, attributable to investments by a Fund in money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates through [●]. The agreement (with respect to either waiver) may be terminated upon 90 days' notice by a majority of the non-interested trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund.]

BFA may also from time to time voluntarily waive and/or reimburse fees or expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any). Any such voluntary waiver or reimbursement may be eliminated by BFA at any time.

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds have not made any payments to BFA for investment advisory services because the Funds have not yet commenced operations.

The investment advisory agreement with respect to the Funds continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (i) the Board, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

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The investment advisory agreement with respect to the Funds is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the applicable Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). The investment advisory agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by BFA and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

BFA also serves as the investment adviser for a large number of index-based exchange-traded funds which operate under the iShares brand. The Funds differs from these iShares products as they are actively managed and seek to outperform the investment results of an identified segment of the securities markets rather than to track the performance of a benchmark. BFA expects to continue to advise existing and newly-formed iShares products, as well as actively-managed ETFs to the extent new actively-managed ETFs are introduced.

**Portfolio Managers.** As of [●], 2023, the individuals named as Portfolio Managers in the Funds' Prospectus were also jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of other BlackRock funds and certain other types of portfolios and/or accounts as follows:

**Kyle McClements, CFA** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Types of Accounts** | **Number** | **Total Assets** |  |
|  Registered Investment Companies | [●] | $[ | ●] |
|  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [●] | [ | ●] |
|  Other Accounts | [●] | [ | ●] |

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**Christopher Accettella** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Types of Accounts** | **Number** | **Total Assets** |  |
|  Registered Investment Companies | [●] | $[ | ●] |
|  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [●] | [ | ●] |
|  Other Accounts | [●] | [ | ●] |

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Pursuant to BFA's policy, investment opportunities are allocated equitably among the Funds and other portfolios and accounts. For example, under certain circumstances, an investment opportunity may be restricted due to limited supply in the market, legal constraints or other factors, in which event the investment opportunity will be allocated equitably among those portfolios and accounts, including the Funds, seeking such investment opportunity. As a consequence, from time to time the Funds may receive a smaller allocation of an investment opportunity than it would have if the Portfolio Managers and BFA and its affiliates did not manage other portfolios or accounts.

Like the Funds, the other portfolios or accounts for which the Portfolio Managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management generally pay an asset-based fee to BFA or its affiliates, as applicable, for its advisory services. One or more of those other portfolios or accounts, however, may pay BFA or its affiliates a performance-based fee in lieu of, or in addition to, an asset-based fee for its advisory services. A portfolio or account with a performance-based fee would pay BFA or its affiliates a portion of that portfolio's or account's gains, or would pay BFA or its affiliates more for its services than would otherwise be the case if BFA or any of its affiliates meets or exceeds specified performance targets. Performance-based fee arrangements could present an incentive for BFA or its affiliates to devote greater resources, and allocate more investment opportunities, to the portfolios or accounts that have those fee arrangements, relative to other portfolios or accounts, in order to earn larger fees. Although BFA and each of its affiliates have an obligation to allocate resources and opportunities equitably among portfolios and accounts and intend to do so, shareholders of the Funds should be aware that, as with any group of portfolios and accounts managed by an investment adviser and/or its affiliates pursuant to varying fee arrangements, including performance-based fee arrangements, there is the potential for a conflict of interest, which may result in the Portfolio Managers favoring those portfolios or accounts with performance-based fee arrangements.

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The tables below show, for each Portfolio Manager, the number of portfolios or accounts of the types set forth in the above tables and the aggregate of total assets in those portfolios or accounts with respect to which the investment management fees are based on the performance of those portfolios or accounts as of [●], 2023:

**Kyle McClements, CFA** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Types of Accounts** | **Number of Other<br>Accounts<br>with Performance Fees<br>Managed by Portfolio<br>Manager** | **Aggregate<br>of Total Assets** |  |
|  Registered Investment Companies | [●] | $[ | ●] |
|  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [●] | [ | ●] |
|  Other Accounts | [●] | [ | ●] |

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**Christopher Accettella** 

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Types of Accounts** | **Number of Other<br>Accounts<br>with Performance Fees<br>Managed by Portfolio<br>Manager** | **Aggregate<br>of Total Assets** |  |
|  Registered Investment Companies | [●] | $[ | ●] |
|  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | [●] | [ | ●] |
|  Other Accounts | [●] | [ | ●] |

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The discussion below describes the Portfolio Managers' compensation as of [●], 2023.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation Overview** 

BlackRock, Inc.'s financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of compensation include a base salary, a performance-based discretionary bonus, participation in various benefits programs and one or more of the incentive compensation programs established by BlackRock, Inc.

**Base compensation**. Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation based on their position with the firm.

**Discretionary Incentive Compensation.** Discretionary incentive compensation is a function of several components: the performance of BlackRock, Inc., the performance of the portfolio manager's group within BlackRock, the investment performance, including risk-adjusted returns, of the firm's assets under management or supervision by that portfolio manager relative to predetermined benchmarks, and the individual's performance and contribution to the overall performance of these portfolios and BlackRock. In most cases, these benchmarks are the same as the benchmark or benchmarks against which the performance of the funds or other accounts managed by the portfolio managers are measured. Among other things, BlackRock's Chief Investment Officers make a subjective determination with respect to each portfolio manager's compensation based on the performance of the funds and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager relative to the various benchmarks. Performance of fixed income funds is measured on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis over various time periods including 1-, 3- and 5- year periods, as applicable. With respect to these portfolio managers, such benchmarks for the Funds and other accounts are a combination of market-based indices (e.g., S&P 500 Index) certain customized indices and certain fund industry peer groups.

**Distribution of Discretionary Incentive Compensation**. Discretionary incentive compensation is distributed to portfolio managers in a combination of cash, deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards, and/or deferred cash awards that notionally track the return of certain BlackRock investment products.

[Portfolio managers receive their annual discretionary incentive compensation in the form of cash. Portfolio managers whose total compensation is above a specified threshold also receive deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards annually as part of their discretionary incentive compensation. Paying a portion of discretionary incentive compensation in the form of deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock puts compensation earned by a portfolio manager for a given year "at risk" based on BlackRock's ability to sustain and improve its performance over future periods. In some cases, additional deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock may be granted to certain key employees as part of a long-term

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incentive award to aid in retention, align interests with long-term shareholders and motivate performance. Deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards are generally granted in the form of BlackRock, Inc. restricted stock units that vest pursuant to the terms of the applicable plan and, once vested, settle in BlackRock, Inc. common stock. The portfolio managers of this Fund have deferred BlackRock, Inc. stock awards.

For certain portfolio managers, a portion of the discretionary incentive compensation is also distributed in the form of deferred cash awards that notionally track the returns of select BlackRock investment products they manage, which provides direct alignment of portfolio manager discretionary incentive compensation with investment product results. Deferred cash awards vest ratably over a number of years and, once vested, settle in the form of cash. Only portfolio managers who manage specified products and whose total compensation is above a specified threshold are eligible to participate in the deferred cash award program.]

[**Other Compensation Benefits**. In addition to base salary and discretionary incentive compensation, portfolio managers may be eligible to receive or participate in one or more of the following:

*Incentive Savings Plans* — BlackRock, Inc. has created a variety of incentive savings plans in which BlackRock, Inc. employees are eligible to participate, including a 401(k) plan, the BlackRock Retirement Savings Plan ("RSP"), and the BlackRock Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"). The employer contribution components of the RSP include a company match equal to 50% of the first 8% of eligible pay contributed to the plan capped at $5,000 per year, and a company retirement contribution equal to 3-5% of eligible compensation up to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") limit ($330,000 for 2023). The RSP offers a range of investment options, including registered investment companies and collective investment funds managed by the firm. BlackRock, Inc. contributions follow the investment direction set by participants for their own contributions or, absent participant investment direction, are invested into a target date fund that corresponds to, or is closest to, the year in which the participant attains age 65. The ESPP allows for investment in BlackRock, Inc. common stock at a 5% discount on the fair market value of the stock on the purchase date. Annual participation in the ESPP is limited to the purchase of 1,000 shares of common stock or a dollar value of $25,000 based on its fair market value on the purchase date. All of the eligible portfolio managers are eligible to participate in these plans.]

As of [●], 2023, the Portfolio Managers did not beneficially own shares of the Funds.

**Codes of Ethics**. The Trust, BFA and the Distributor have adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The codes of ethics permit personnel subject to the codes of ethics to invest in securities, subject to certain limitations, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. Each code of ethics is available by contacting BlackRock at the telephone number on the back cover of the Funds' Prospectus or by accessing the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by e-mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.

**Anti-Money Laundering Requirements**. The Funds are subject to the USA PATRIOT Act (the "Patriot Act"). The Patriot Act is intended to prevent the use of the U.S. financial system in furtherance of money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities. Pursuant to requirements under the Patriot Act, the Funds may request information from Authorized Participants to enable it to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of its Authorized Participants. This information will be used to verify the identity of Authorized Participants or, in some cases, the status of financial professionals; it will be used only for compliance with the requirements of the Patriot Act.

The Funds reserve the right to reject purchase orders from persons who have not submitted information sufficient to allow the Funds to verify their identity. The Funds also reserve the right to redeem any amounts in the Funds from persons whose identity it is unable to verify on a timely basis. It is each Fund's policy to cooperate fully with appropriate regulators in any investigations conducted with respect to potential money laundering, terrorism or other illicit activities.

**Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent**. ("[●]") serves as administrator, custodian and transfer agent for the Funds.

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds have not made any payments to [●] for its services as administrator, custodian and transfer agent for the Funds because the Funds have not yet commenced operations.

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[**Credit Agreement.** It is expected that the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager and its affiliates ("Participating Funds"), will become a party to a 364-day, $2.5 billion credit agreement with a group of lenders, which facility terminates on [●], unless otherwise extended or renewed (the "Credit Agreement"). Excluding commitments designated for certain Participating Funds, the Participating Funds, including the Funds, can borrow up to an aggregate commitment amount of $1.75 billion at any time outstanding, subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the Credit Agreement. The Funds may borrow under the Credit Agreement to meet shareholder redemptions and for other lawful purposes. However, the Funds may not borrow under the Credit Agreement for leverage. The Funds may borrow up to the maximum amount allowable under its current Prospectus and SAI, subject to various other legal, regulatory or contractual limits. Borrowing results in interest expense and other fees and expenses for a Fund which may impact the Fund's net expenses. The costs of borrowing may reduce a Fund's return. A Fund is charged its pro rata share of upfront fees and commitment fees on the aggregate commitment amount based on its net assets. If a Fund borrows pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Fund will be charged interest at a variable rate.]

**Distributor**. The Distributor's principal address is 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Funds through the Distributor or its agent only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below in the *Creation and Redemption of Creation Units* section of this SAI. Fund shares in amounts less than Creation Units are generally not distributed by the Distributor or its agent. The Distributor or its agent will arrange for the delivery of the Prospectus and, upon request, this SAI to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it or its agents and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it or its agents. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). The Distributor is also licensed as a broker-dealer in all 50 U.S. states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

The Distribution Agreement for the Funds provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on at least 60 days' prior written notice to the other party following (i) the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers ("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Fund shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as described below), Depository Trust Company ("DTC") participants and/or investor services organizations.

BFA or its affiliates may, from time to time and from its own resources, pay, defray or absorb costs relating to distribution, including payments out of its own resources to the Distributor, or to otherwise promote the sale of shares.

**Securities Lending**. To the extent that a Fund engages in securities lending, the Fund conducts its securities lending pursuant to SEC exemptive relief, and BTC acts as securities lending agent for the Fund, subject to the overall supervision of BFA, pursuant to a written agreement (the "Securities Lending Agency Agreement").

To the extent a Fund engages in securities lending, the Fund retains a portion of securities lending income and remits a remaining portion to BTC as compensation for its services as securities lending agent. Securities lending income is generally equal to the total of income earned from the reinvestment of cash collateral (and excludes collateral investment fees as defined below), and any fees or other payments to and from borrowers of securities. As securities lending agent, BTC bears all operational costs directly related to securities lending. Each Fund is responsible for fees in connection with the investment of cash collateral received for securities on loan in money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates and such fees will not be subject to any waivers. However, BTC has agreed to reduce the amount of securities lending income it receives in order to effectively limit the collateral investment fees each Fund bears to an annual rate of 0.04% (the "collateral investment fees"). Such money market fund shares will not be subject to a sales load, distribution fee or service fee. If the money market fund's weekly liquid assets fall below 30% of its total assets, the board of directors of the money market fund, including the majority of the non-interested directors of the money market fund, is permitted at any time, if it determines it to be in the best interests of the money market fund, to impose a liquidity fee of up to 2% on all redemptions or impose a redemption gate that temporarily suspends the right of redemption out of the money market fund. In addition, if the

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money market fund's weekly liquid assets fall below 10% of its total assets at the end of any business day, the board of directors of the money market fund, including the majority of the non-interested directors of the money market fund, will impose a liquidity fee in the default amount of 1% on all redemptions, generally effective as of the next business day, unless the board of directors of the money market fund, including the majority of the non-interested directors of the money market fund, determines that a higher (not to exceed 2%) or lower fee level or not imposing a liquidity fee is in the best interests of the money market fund. The shares of the money market fund purchased by a Fund would be subject to any such liquidity fee or redemption gate imposed.

Under the securities lending program, each Fund is categorized into a specific asset class. The determination of a Fund's asset class category (fixed-income, domestic equity, international equity, or fund-of-funds), each of which may be subject to a different fee arrangement, is based on a methodology agreed to between the Trust and BTC.

Pursuant to the securities lending agreement: (i) if a Fund was to engage in securities lending, the Fund retains [●]% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees), and (ii) this amount can never be less than [●]% of the sum of securities lending income plus collateral investment fees.

In addition, commencing the business day following the date that the aggregate securities lending income earned across the BlackRock Fixed-Income Complex in a calendar year exceeds a specified threshold, each Fund, pursuant to the securities lending agreement, will receive for the remainder of that calendar year securities lending income as follows: if the Fund were to engage in securities lending, (i) [●]% of securities lending income (which excludes collateral investment fees); and (ii) this amount can never be less than [●]% of the sum of securities lending income plus collateral investment fees.

Because the Funds are newly launched, no services have been provided by BTC as the Funds' securities lending agent, and the Funds had no income and fees/compensation related to its securities lending activities as of the date of this SAI.

**Payments by BFA and its Affiliates**. BFA and/or its affiliates ("BFA Entities") may pay certain broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, banks and other financial intermediaries ("Intermediaries") for certain activities related to the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products in general. BFA Entities make these payments from their own assets and not from the assets of the Funds. Although a portion of BFA Entities' revenue comes directly or indirectly in part from fees paid by the Funds, BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products, these payments do not increase the price paid by investors for the purchase of shares of, or the cost of owning, the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products. BFA Entities make payments for Intermediaries' participation in activities that are designed to make registered representatives, other professionals and individual investors more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the Funds and other BFA-advised ETFs, or for other activities, such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems ("Education Costs"). BFA Entities also make payments to Intermediaries for certain printing, publishing and mailing costs or materials relating to the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products ("Publishing Costs"). In addition, BFA Entities make payments to Intermediaries that make shares of the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products available to their clients, develop new products that feature BlackRock, create educational content about the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products that is featured on an Intermediary's platform, or otherwise promote the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs and exchange-traded products. BFA Entities may also reimburse expenses or make payments from their own assets to Intermediaries or other persons in consideration of services or other activities that the BFA Entities believe may benefit the BlackRock business or facilitate investment in the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products. Payments of the type described above are sometimes referred to as revenue-sharing payments.

Payments to an Intermediary may be significant to the Intermediary, and amounts that Intermediaries pay to your salesperson or other investment professional may also be significant for your salesperson or other investment professional. Because an Intermediary may make decisions about which investment options it will recommend or make available to its clients, what services to provide for various products or what marketing content to make available to its clients based on payments it receives or is eligible to receive, such payments may create conflicts of interest between the Intermediary and its clients. These financial incentives may cause the Intermediary to recommend the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products or otherwise promote the Funds, other

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BFA-advised ETFs or exchange-traded products over other investments. The same conflicts of interest and financial incentives exist with respect to your salesperson or other investment professional if he or she receives similar payments from his or her Intermediary firm.

In addition to the payments described above, BFA Entities have developed proprietary tools, calculators and related interactive or digital content that is made available through the www.blackrock.com website at no additional cost to Intermediaries. BlackRock may configure these tools and calculators and localize the content for Intermediaries as part of its customary digital marketing support and promotion of the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs, exchange-traded products and BlackRock mutual funds.

As of March 1, 2013, BFA Entities have contractual arrangements to make payments (in addition to payments for Education Costs or Publishing Costs) to one Intermediary, Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC ("FBS"). Effective June 4, 2016, this relationship was expanded to include National Financial Services, LLC ("NFS"), an affiliate of FBS. Pursuant to this special, long-term and significant arrangement (the "Marketing Program"), FBS, NFS and certain of their affiliates (collectively "Fidelity") have agreed, among other things, to actively promote iShares funds to customers, investment professionals and other intermediaries and in advertising campaigns as the preferred exchange-traded product, to offer certain iShares funds in certain Fidelity platforms and investment programs, in some cases at a waived or reduced commission rate or ticket charge, and to provide marketing data to BFA Entities. BFA Entities have agreed to facilitate the Marketing Program by, among other things, making certain payments to FBS and NFS for marketing and implementing certain brokerage and investment programs. Upon termination of the arrangement, the BFA Entities will make additional payments to FBS and/or NFS based upon a number of criteria, including the overall success of the Marketing Program and the level of services provided by FBS and NFS during the wind-down period.

In addition, BFA Entities may enter into other contractual arrangements with Intermediaries and certain other third parties that the BFA Entities believe may benefit the BlackRock business or facilitate investment in BlackRock funds. Such agreements may include payments by BFA Entities to such Intermediaries and third parties for data collection and provision, technology support, platform enhancement, or educational content, co-marketing and cross-promotional efforts. Payments made pursuant to such arrangements may vary in any year and may be different for different Intermediaries and third parties. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence may be subject to certain minimum payment levels. As of the date of this SAI, the Intermediaries and other third parties receiving one or more types of the contractual payments described above include (in addition to FBS and NFS): [Advisor Credit Exchange, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, BNY Mellon Performance & Risk Analytics, LLC, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Commonwealth Equity Services, LLC, Dorsey Wright and Associates, LLC, Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., Envestnet Asset Management, Inc., FDx Advisors, Inc., LPL Financial LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC, Pershing LLC, Public Holdings, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Riskalyze, Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc., UBS Financial Services Inc., Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.] Any additions, modifications, or deletions to Intermediaries and other third parties listed above that have occurred since the date of this SAI are not included in the list.

Further, BFA Entities make Education Costs and Publishing Costs payments to other Intermediaries that are not listed in the immediately preceding paragraph. BFA Entities may determine to make such payments based on any number of metrics. For example, BFA Entities may make payments at year-end or other intervals in a fixed amount, an amount based upon an Intermediary's services at defined levels or an amount based on the Intermediary's net sales of one or more BFA-advised ETFs in a year or other period, any of which arrangements may include an agreed-upon minimum or maximum payment, or any combination of the foregoing. As of the date of this SAI, BFA anticipates that the payments paid by BFA Entities in connection with the Funds, BFA-advised ETFs and exchange-traded products in general will be immaterial to BFA Entities in the aggregate for the next year. **Please contact your salesperson or other investment professional for more information regarding any such payments or financial incentives his or her Intermediary firm may receive. Any payments made, or financial incentives offered, by the BFA Entities to an Intermediary may create the incentive for the Intermediary to encourage customers to buy shares of the Funds, other BFA-advised ETFs or other exchange-traded products.**

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The Funds may participate in certain market maker incentive programs of a national securities exchange in which an affiliate of the Funds would pay a fee to the exchange used for the purpose of incentivizing one or more market makers in the securities of the Funds to enhance the liquidity and quality of the secondary market of securities of the Funds. The fee would then be credited by the exchange to one or more market makers that meet or exceed liquidity and market quality standards with respect to the securities of the Funds. Each market maker incentive program is subject to approval from the SEC. Any such fee payments made to an exchange will be made by an affiliate of the Funds solely for the benefit of the Funds and will not be paid from any Fund assets. Other funds managed by BFA may also participate in such programs.

## Determination of Net Asset Value
**Valuation of Shares**. The NAV for each Fund is generally calculated as of the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Valuation of assets held by each Fund is as follows:

**Equity Investments**. Equity securities traded on a recognized securities exchange (e.g., NYSE), on separate trading boards of a securities exchange or through a market system that provides contemporaneous transaction pricing information (each an "Exchange") are valued using information obtained via independent pricing services, generally at the closing price or, if an Exchange closing price is not available, the last traded price on that Exchange prior to the time as of which the assets or liabilities are valued. However, under certain circumstances, other means of determining current market value may be used. If an equity security is traded on more than one Exchange, the current market value of the security where it is primarily traded generally will be used. In the event that there are no sales involving an equity security held by a Fund on a day on which the Fund values such security, the prior day's price will be used, unless BlackRock determines that such prior day's price no longer reflects the fair value of the security, in which case such asset would be treated as a Fair Value Asset (as defined below).

**Fixed-Income Investments**. Fixed-income securities for which market quotations are readily available are generally valued using such securities' current market value. A Fund values fixed-income portfolio securities using the last available bid prices or current market quotations provided by dealers or prices (including evaluated prices) supplied by the Fund's approved independent third-party pricing services, each in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. The pricing services may use matrix pricing or valuation models that utilize certain inputs and assumptions to derive values, including transaction data (*e.g.*, recent representative bids and offers), credit quality information, perceived market movements, news, and other relevant information and by other methods, which may include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; general market conditions; and/or other factors and assumptions. Pricing services generally value fixed-income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but a Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots may trade at lower prices than institutional round lots. The amortized cost method of valuation may be used with respect to debt obligations with 60 days or less remaining to maturity unless such method does not represent fair value. Certain fixed-income investments, including asset-backed and mortgage-related securities, may be valued based on valuation models that consider the estimated cash flows of each tranche of the issuer, establish a benchmark yield and develop an estimated tranche-specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche.

**Options, Futures, Swaps and Other Derivatives**. Exchange-traded equity options (except those that are customized) for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices as quoted on the Exchange or the board of trade on which such options are traded. In the event that there is no mean price available for an exchange traded equity option held by a Fund on a day on which the Fund values such option, the last bid (long positions) or ask (short positions) price, if available, will be used as the value of such option. If no bid or ask price is available on a day on which a Fund values such option, the prior day's price will be used, unless BFA determines that such prior day's price no longer reflects the fair value of the option, in which case such option will be treated as a Fair Value Asset (as defined below). Customized exchange-traded equity options, as well as OTC derivatives, may be valued using a mathematical model which may incorporate a number of market data factors. Financial futures contracts and options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their last sale price or settle price as of the close of such exchanges. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the Valuation Procedures.

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**Underlying Funds**. Shares of underlying open-end funds (including money market funds) are valued at NAV. Shares of underlying exchange-traded closed-end funds or other ETFs will be valued at their most recent closing price.

**General Valuation Information**. Prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services, broker-dealers or market makers to value a Fund's securities and other assets and liabilities are based on information available at the time the Fund values its assets and liabilities. In the event that a pricing service quotation is revised or updated subsequent to the day on which a Fund valued such security, the revised pricing service quotation generally will be applied prospectively. Such determination will be made considering pertinent facts and circumstances surrounding the revision.

The price a Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund's valuation of the investment, particularly for assets that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by a Fund, and the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. A Fund's ability to value its investment may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

All cash, receivables and current payables are carried on a Fund's books at their fair value. In the event that application of the methods of valuation discussed above result in a price for a security which is deemed not to be representative of the fair market value of such security, the security will be valued by, under the direction of or in accordance with a method approved by BFA, a Fund's valuation designee, as reflecting fair value. All other assets and liabilities (including securities for which market quotations are not readily available) held by a Fund (including restricted securities) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by BFA pursuant to the Valuation Procedures. Any assets and liabilities which are denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates.

**Fair Value**. When market quotations are not readily available or are believed by BFA to be unreliable, a Fund's investments are valued at fair value ("Fair Value Assets"). Fair Value Assets are valued by BFA in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, the Board has designated BFA as the valuation designee for the Funds. BFA may reasonably conclude that a market quotation is not readily available or is unreliable if, among other things, a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source due to its complete lack of trading, if BFA believes a market quotation from a broker-dealer or other source is unreliable (e.g., where it varies significantly from a recent trade, or no longer reflects the fair value of the security or other asset or liability subsequent to the most recent market quotation), or where the security or other asset or liability is only thinly traded or due to the occurrence of a significant event subsequent to the most recent market quotation. For this purpose, a "significant event" is deemed to occur if BFA determines, in its reasonable business judgment, that an event has occurred after the close of trading for an asset or liability but prior to or at the time of pricing a Fund's assets or liabilities, is likely to cause a material change to the last exchange closing price or closing market price of one or more assets held by, or liabilities of, the Fund. On any day the NYSE is open and a foreign market or the primary exchange on which a foreign asset or liability is traded is closed, such asset or liability will be valued using the prior day's price, provided that BFA is not aware of any significant event or other information that would cause such price to no longer reflect the fair value of the asset or liability, in which case such asset or liability would be treated as a Fair Value Asset.

BFA's Rule 2a-5 Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving methodologies by investment type and significant inputs used in the fair valuation of Fund assets or liabilities. In addition, a Fund's accounting agent assists BFA by periodically endeavoring to confirm the prices it receives from all third-party pricing services, index providers and broker-dealers and regularly evaluating the values assigned to the securities and other assets and liabilities of the Fund. The pricing of all Fair Value Assets is subsequently reported to the Board or a committee thereof.

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BFA's Rule 2a-5 Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving methodologies by investment type and significant inputs used in the fair valuation of Fund assets or liabilities. In addition, a Fund's accounting agent assists BFA by periodically endeavoring to confirm the prices it receives from all third-party pricing services, index providers and broker-dealers. BFA regularly evaluates the values assigned to the securities and other assets and liabilities of the Fund.

When determining the price for a Fair Value Asset, BFA will seek to determine the price that a Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset or liability in an arm's-length transaction on the date on which the asset or liability is being valued, and does not seek to determine the price a Fund might reasonably expect to receive for selling an asset or liability at a later time or if it holds the asset or liability to maturity. Fair value determinations will be based upon all available factors that BFA deems relevant at the time of the determination, and may be based on analytical values determined by BFA using proprietary or third-party valuation models.

Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of an asset or liability. When determining the fair value of an investment, one or more fair value methodologies may be used (depending on certain factors, including the asset type). For example, the investment may be initially priced based on the original cost of the investment or, alternatively, using proprietary or third-party models that may rely upon one or more unobservable inputs. Prices of actual, executed or historical transactions in the relevant investment (or comparable instruments) or, where appropriate, an appraisal by a third-party experienced in the valuation of similar instruments, may also be used as a basis for establishing the fair value of an investment.

Each Fund's annual audited financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"), follow the requirements for valuation set forth in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820"), which defines and establishes a framework for measuring fair value under US GAAP and expands financial statement disclosure requirements relating to fair value measurements.

Generally, ASC 820 and other accounting rules applicable to funds and various assets in which they invest are evolving. Such changes may adversely affect the Funds. For example, the evolution of rules governing the determination of the fair market value of assets or liabilities to the extent such rules become more stringent would tend to increase the cost and/or reduce the availability of third-party determinations of fair market value. This may in turn increase the costs associated with selling assets or affect their liquidity due to a Fund's inability to obtain a third-party determination of fair market value.

## Brokerage Transactions
Subject to policies established by the Board, BFA is primarily responsible for the execution of each Fund's portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage. BFA does not execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for each Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, operational facilities of the firm and the firm's risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While BFA generally seeks reasonable trade execution costs, a Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available, and payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions. Subject to applicable legal requirements, BFA may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to BFA and its clients, including the Funds. In return for such services, BFA may cause a Fund to pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if BFA determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

In selecting brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions, BFA seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Funds and may take into account a variety of factors including: (i) the size, nature and character of the security or instrument being traded and the markets in which it is purchased or sold; (ii) the desired timing of the transaction; (iii) BFA's knowledge of the expected commission rates and spreads currently available; (iv) the activity existing and expected in the market for the particular security or instrument, including any

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anticipated execution difficulties; (v) the full range of brokerage services provided; (vi) the broker's or dealer's capital; (vii) the quality of research and research services provided; (viii) the reasonableness of the commission, dealer spread or its equivalent for the specific transaction; and (ix) BFA's knowledge of any actual or apparent operational problems of a broker or dealer. Brokers may also be selected because of their ability to handle special or difficult executions, such as may be involved in large block trades, thinly traded securities, or other circumstances.

Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act ("Section 28(e)") permits a U.S. investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in securities that exceeds the amount another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the same transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by that broker or dealer. This includes commissions paid on riskless principal transactions in securities under certain conditions.

From time to time, the Funds may purchase new issues of securities in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the broker may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide BFA with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the broker will provide research "credits" in these situations at a rate that is higher than that available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).

OTC issues, including most fixed-income securities such as corporate debt and U.S. government securities, are normally traded on a "net" basis without a stated commission, through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The Funds will primarily engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly with the issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a broker. Prices paid to a dealer with respect to both foreign and domestic securities will generally include a "spread," which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is willing to purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the dealer's normal profit.

Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Funds and persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons are prohibited from dealing with the Funds as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the SEC. Since transactions in the OTC market usually involve transactions with the dealers acting as principal for their own accounts, the Funds will not deal with affiliated persons and affiliated persons of such affiliated persons in connection with such transactions. The Funds will not purchase securities during the existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such securities of which BFA, BRIL or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board in accordance with Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act.

Purchases of money market instruments by the Funds are made from dealers, underwriters and issuers. The Funds do not currently expect to incur any brokerage commission expense on such transactions because money market instruments are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission. The price of the security, however, usually includes a profit to the dealer.

BFA may, from time to time, effect trades on behalf of and for the account of a Fund with brokers or dealers that are affiliated with BFA, in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act and SEC rules and regulations. Under these provisions, any commissions paid to affiliated brokers or dealers must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions charged by other brokers or dealers in comparable transactions.

Securities purchased in underwritten offerings include a fixed amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount. When securities are purchased or sold directly from or to an issuer, no commissions or discounts are paid.

Investment decisions for the Funds and for other investment accounts managed by BFA and the other Affiliates are made independently of each other in light of differing conditions. A variety of factors will be considered in making investment allocations. These factors include: (i) investment objectives or strategies for particular accounts, including sector, industry, country or region and capitalization weightings; (ii) tax considerations of an account; (iii) risk or investment concentration parameters for an account; (iv) supply or demand for a security at a given price level; (v) size of available investment; (vi) cash availability and liquidity requirements for accounts; (vii) regulatory restrictions; (viii) minimum investment size of an account; (ix) relative size of account; and (x) such other factors as may be approved by BlackRock's general counsel. Moreover, investments may not be allocated to one client

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account over another based on any of the following considerations: (i) to favor one client account at the expense of another; (ii) to generate higher fees paid by one client account over another or to produce greater performance compensation to BlackRock; (iii) to develop or enhance a relationship with a client or prospective client; (iv) to compensate a client for past services or benefits rendered to BlackRock or to induce future services or benefits to be rendered to BlackRock; or (v) to manage or equalize investment performance among different client accounts. BFA and the other Affiliates may deal, trade and invest for their own respective accounts in the types of securities in which the Funds may invest.

Initial public offerings ("IPOs") of securities may be over-subscribed and subsequently trade at a premium in the secondary market. When BFA is given an opportunity to invest in such an initial offering or "new" or "hot" issue, the supply of securities available for client accounts is often less than the amount of securities the accounts would otherwise take. In order to allocate these investments fairly and equitably among client accounts over time, each portfolio manager or a member of his or her respective investment team will indicate to BFA's trading desk their level of interest in a particular offering with respect to eligible clients' accounts for which that team is responsible. IPOs of U.S. equity securities will be identified as eligible for particular client accounts that are managed by portfolio teams who have indicated interest in the offering based on market capitalization of the issuer of the security and the investment mandate of the client account and in the case of international equity securities, the country where the offering is taking place and the investment mandate of the client account. Generally, shares received during the IPO will be allocated among participating client accounts within each investment mandate on a *pro rata* basis. This *pro rata* allocation may result in the Funds receiving less of a particular security than if pro-rating had not occurred. All allocations of securities will be subject, where relevant, to share minimums established for accounts and compliance constraints. In situations where supply is too limited to be allocated among all accounts for which the investment is eligible, portfolio managers may rotate such investment opportunities among one or more accounts so long as the rotation system provides for fair access for all client accounts over time. Other allocation methodologies that are considered by BFA to be fair and equitable to clients may be used as well.

Because different accounts may have differing investment objectives and policies, BFA may buy and sell the same securities at the same time for different clients based on the particular investment objective, guidelines and strategies of those accounts. For example, BFA may decide that it may be entirely appropriate for a growth fund to sell a security at the same time a value fund is buying that security. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of BFA or the other Affiliates during the same period increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price. For example, sales of a security by BlackRock on behalf of one or more of its clients may decrease the market price of such security, adversely impacting other BlackRock clients that still hold the security. If purchases or sales of securities arise for consideration at or about the same time that would involve the Funds or other clients or funds for which BFA or another Affiliate act as investment manager, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all.

In certain instances, BFA may find it efficient for purposes of seeking to obtain best execution, to aggregate or "bunch" certain contemporaneous purchases or sale orders of its advisory accounts and advisory accounts of affiliates. In general, all contemporaneous trades for client accounts under management by the same portfolio manager or investment team will be bunched in a single order if the trader believes the bunched trade would provide each client with an opportunity to achieve a more favorable execution at a potentially lower execution cost. The costs associated with a bunched order will be shared *pro rata* among the clients in the bunched order. Generally, if an order for a particular portfolio manager or management team is filled at several different prices through multiple trades, all accounts participating in the order will receive the average price (except in the case of certain international markets where average pricing is not permitted). While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as a Fund is concerned, in other cases it could be beneficial to the Fund. Transactions effected by BFA or the other Affiliates on behalf of more than one of its clients during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, causing an adverse effect on price. The trader will give the bunched order to the broker-dealer that the trader has identified as being able to provide the best execution of the order. Orders for purchase or sale of securities will be placed within a reasonable amount of time of the order receipt and bunched orders will be kept bunched only long enough to execute the order.

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As of the date of this SAI, the Funds have not paid any brokerage commissions because the Funds have not yet commenced operations.

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds have not held any securities of its regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parent entities because the Funds have not yet commenced operations.

A Fund's purchase and sale orders for securities may be combined with those of other investment companies, clients or accounts that BlackRock manages or advises. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of a Fund and one or more other accounts managed or advised by BlackRock are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the Fund and the other accounts in a manner deemed equitable to all by BlackRock. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as a Fund is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower transaction costs will be beneficial to a Fund. BlackRock may deal, trade and invest for its own account in the types of securities in which a Fund may invest. BlackRock may, from time to time, effect trades on behalf of and for the account of a Fund with brokers or dealers that are affiliated with BFA, in conformity with the 1940 Act and SEC rules and regulations. Under these provisions, any commissions paid to affiliated brokers or dealers must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions charged by other brokers or dealers in comparable transactions. The Funds will not deal with affiliates in principal transactions unless permitted by applicable SEC rules or regulations, or by SEC exemptive order.

Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates may result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses.

## Additional Information Concerning the Trust
**Shares.** The Trust currently consists of 6 investment series or portfolios called funds. The Trust issues shares of beneficial interests in the funds with no par value. The Board may establish and designate additional funds.

Each share issued by a fund has a *pro rata* interest in the assets of that fund. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to the relevant fund, and in the net distributable assets of such fund on liquidation.

Each share has one vote with respect to matters upon which the shareholder is entitled to vote. In any matter submitted to shareholders for a vote, each Fund shall hold a separate vote, provided that shareholders of all affected funds will vote together when: (i) required by the 1940 Act, or (ii) the Trustees determine that the matter affects the interests of more than one fund.

Under Delaware law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All shares (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative voting rights in the election of members of the Board. Under Delaware law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.

Following the creation of the initial Creation Unit(s) of shares of a fund and immediately prior to the commencement of trading in such fund's shares, a holder of shares may be a "control person" of the fund, as defined in Rule 0-1 under the 1940 Act. A fund cannot predict the length of time for which one or more shareholders may remain a control person of the fund.

Shareholders may make inquiries by writing to BlackRock ETF Trust II, c/o BlackRock Investments, LLC, 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Absent an applicable exemption or other relief from the SEC or its staff, beneficial owners of more than 5% of the shares of a fund may be subject to the reporting provisions of Section 13 of the 1934 Act and the SEC's rules

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promulgated thereunder. In addition, absent an applicable exemption or other relief from the SEC or its staff, officers and trustees of a fund and beneficial owners of 10% of the shares of a fund ("Insiders") may be subject to the insider reporting, short-swing profit and short sale provisions of Section 16 of the 1934 Act and the SEC's rules promulgated thereunder. Beneficial owners and Insiders should consult with their own legal counsel concerning their obligations under Sections 13 and 16 of the 1934 Act and existing guidance provided by the SEC staff.

In accordance with the Trust's current Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), the Board may, without shareholder approval (unless such shareholder approval is required by applicable law, including the 1940 Act), authorize certain funds to merge, reorganize, consolidate, sell all or substantially all of their assets, or take other similar actions with, to or into another fund. The Trust or a fund may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board. Although the shares are not automatically redeemable upon the occurrence of any specific event, the Declaration of Trust provides that the Board will have the unrestricted power to alter the number of shares in a Creation Unit. Therefore, in the event of a termination of the Trust or a fund, the Board, in its sole discretion, could determine to permit the shares to be redeemable in aggregations smaller than Creation Units or to be individually redeemable. In such circumstance, the Trust or a fund may make redemptions in-kind, for cash or for a combination of cash and securities. Further, in the event of a termination of the Trust or a fund, the Trust or a fund might elect to pay cash redemptions to all shareholders, with an in-kind election for shareholders owning in excess of a certain stated minimum amount.

**DTC as Securities Depository for Shares of the Funds**. Shares of the Funds are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.

DTC was created in 1973 to enable electronic movement of securities between its participants ("DTC Participants"), and NSCC was established in 1976 to provide a single settlement system for securities clearing and to serve as central counterparty for securities trades among DTC Participants. In 1999, DTC and NSCC were consolidated within The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC") and became wholly-owned subsidiaries of DTCC. The common stock of DTCC is owned by the DTC Participants, but NYSE and FINRA, through subsidiaries, hold preferred shares in DTCC that provide them with the right to elect one member each to the DTCC board of directors. Access to the DTC system is available to entities, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").

Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability of certain investors to acquire beneficial interests in shares of a Fund.

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of the Funds held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares of the Trust. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the Funds as

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shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants. DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares of the Trust at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.

**Distribution of Shares**. In connection with each Fund's launch, the Fund will be seeded through the sale of one or more Creation Units by the Fund to one or more initial investors. Initial investors participating in the seeding may be Authorized Participants, a lead market maker or other third party investor or an affiliate of the Funds or the Funds' adviser. Each such initial investor may sell some or all of the shares underlying the Creation Unit(s) held by them pursuant to the registration statement for the Funds (each, a "Selling Shareholder"), which shares have been registered to permit the resale from time to time after purchase. The Funds will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these shares.

Selling Shareholders may sell shares owned by them directly or through broker-dealers, in accordance with applicable law, on any national securities exchange on which the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, through trading systems, in the OTC market or in transactions other than on these exchanges or systems at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected through brokerage transactions, privately negotiated trades, block sales, entry into options or other derivatives transactions or through any other means authorized by applicable law. Selling Shareholders may redeem the shares held in Creation Unit size by them through an Authorized Participant.

Any Selling Shareholder and any broker-dealer or agents participating in the distribution of shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the 1933 Act, in connection with such sales.

Any Selling Shareholder and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

## Creation and Redemption of Creation Units
**General**. The Trust issues and sells shares of each Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor or its agent, without a sales load, at a price based on a Fund's NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined below), of an order received by the Distributor or its agent in proper form. On days when the Listing Exchange or the listing exchange for the Fund's exchange-traded options close earlier than normal, the Funds may require orders to be placed earlier in the day. The following table sets forth the number of shares of each Fund that constitute a Creation Unit for the Fund and the approximate value of such Creation Unit as of [●], 2023:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Shares Per<br>Creation<br>Unit** | **Approximate<br>Value Per<br>Creation<br>Unit (U.S.$)** | **Approximate<br>Value Per<br>Creation<br>Unit (U.S.$)** |  |
|  Moderate Buffer ETF | [●] | $| [ | ●] |
|  Deep Buffer ETF | [●] | $| [ | ●] |

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In its discretion, the Trust reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of a Fund's shares that constitute a Creation Unit. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding

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of a Fund, and to make a corresponding change in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, in the event that the per share price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Board.

A "Business Day" with respect to each Fund is any day the Fund is open for business, including any day when it satisfies redemption requests as required by Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. Each Fund is open for business any day on which the Listing Exchange on which the Fund is listed for trading is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the Listing Exchange observes the following holidays, as observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

**Fund Deposit**. The consideration for purchase of Creation Units of a Fund is generally cash. However, in some cases the consideration consists of a designated portfolio of securities, assets or other positions (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) ("Deposit Securities" or "Creation Basket") and the Cash Component computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the "Fund Deposit," which will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to creation requests received in proper form. The Fund Deposit represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to purchases of Creation Units of shares of a given Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit is made available.

The "Cash Component" is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities, and serves to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount. Payment of any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities are the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing the Creation Unit.

Each Fund's current policy is to accept cash in substitution for the Deposit Securities it might otherwise accept as in-kind consideration for the purchase of Creation Units. A Fund may, at times, elect to receive Deposit Securities (*i.e.*, the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities) and a Cash Component as consideration for the purchase of Creation Units. If a Fund elects to accept Deposit Securities, a purchaser's delivery of the Deposit Securities together with the Cash Component will constitute the "Fund Deposit," which will represent the consideration for a Creation Unit of the Fund. Please see the *Cash Purchase Method* section below and the following discussion summarizing the Deposit Security method for further information on purchasing Creation Units of a Fund.

The Deposit Securities, in connection with a purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund, will consist of a pro rata basket of the Fund's portfolio except for differences due to minimum trading sizes for bonds, minimum lot sizes or rounding.

The identity and number or par value of the Deposit Securities change pursuant to changes in the composition of a Fund's portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by BFA with a view to the investment objective(s) of a Fund. The composition of the Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities constituting a Fund's portfolio.

The Fund Deposit may also be modified to minimize the Cash Component by redistributing the cash to the Deposit Securities portion of the Fund Deposit through "systematic rounding." The rounding methodology "rounds up" position sizes of securities in the Deposit Securities (which in turn reduces the cash portion). However, the methodology limits the maximum allowed percentage change in weight and share quantity of any given security in the Fund Deposit.

The Trust may, in its sole discretion, substitute a "cash in lieu" amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security in certain circumstances, including: (i) when instruments are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery; (ii) when instruments are not eligible for transfer through DTC or the clearing process (as discussed below); (iii) when instruments that the Authorized Participant (or an investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting) are not able to be traded due to a trading restriction; (iv) when delivery of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant (or by an investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting) would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws; (v) in connection with distribution payments to be made by a Fund; or (vi) in certain other situations.

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**Cash Purchase Method.** When partial or full cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund (Creation Units of a Fund are generally offered solely for cash), they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a partial or full cash purchase, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser.

**Procedures for Creation of Creation Units**. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be: (i) a "Participating Party," i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC, or (ii) a DTC Participant, and must have executed an agreement with the Distributor, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units ("Authorized Participant Agreement") (discussed below). A member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC which has a written agreement with a Fund or one of its service providers that allows such member or participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units is referred to as an "Authorized Participant." All shares of the Funds, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

**Role of the Authorized Participant**. Creation Units may be purchased only by or through a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has a written agreement with a Fund or one of its service providers that allows such member or participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units. Such Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of such Authorized Participant Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that such Authorized Participant will make available in advance of each purchase of shares an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component, once the NAV of a Creation Unit is next determined after receipt of the purchase order in proper form, together with the transaction fees described below. An Authorized Participant, acting on behalf of an investor, may require the investor to enter into an agreement with such Authorized Participant with respect to certain matters, including payment of the Cash Component. Investors who are not Authorized Participants must make appropriate arrangements with an Authorized Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not be a DTC Participant or may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that orders to purchase Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant. As a result, purchase orders placed through an Authorized Participant may result in additional charges to such investor. The Trust does not expect to enter into an Authorized Participant Agreement with more than a small number of DTC Participants. A list of current Authorized Participants may be obtained from the Distributor. The Distributor has adopted guidelines regarding Authorized Participants' transactions in Creation Units that are made available to all Authorized Participants. These guidelines set forth the processes and standards for Authorized Participants to transact with the Distributor and its agents in connection with creation and redemption transactions. In addition, the Distributor may be appointed as the proxy of the Authorized Participant and may be granted a power of attorney under its Authorized Participant Agreement.

**Placement of Creation Orders**. Fund Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) or through a central depository account, such as with Euroclear or DTC, maintained by [●] or a sub-custodian (a "Central Depository Account"). Any portion of the Fund Deposit that may not be delivered through the Federal Reserve System or DTC must be delivered through a Central Depository Account. The Fund Deposit transfers made through DTC must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of a Fund generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit transfers made through the Federal Reserve System must be deposited by the participant institution in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number or amount of Deposit Securities or cash through the Federal Reserve System to the account of a Fund generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit transfers made through a Central Depository Account must be completed pursuant to the requirements established by the custodian or sub-custodian for such Central Depository Account generally before 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" for all funds is generally the second business day after the Transmittal Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity,

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form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash Component must be transferred directly to [●] through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by [●] generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities are not received by 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date, the creation order may be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of a Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the second Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor, provided that the relevant Fund Deposit has been received by a Fund prior to such time.

**Purchase Orders**. To initiate an order for a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit to the Distributor or its agent an irrevocable order to purchase shares of a Fund, in proper form, generally before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day to receive that day's NAV. The Distributor or its agent will notify BFA and the custodian of such order. The custodian will then provide such information to any appropriate sub-custodian. Procedures and requirements governing the delivery of the Fund Deposit are set forth in the procedures handbook for Authorized Participants and may change from time to time. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a creation request to be made through an Authorized Participant. The Distributor or its agent will provide a list of current Authorized Participants upon request. Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Distributor or its agent by the Cutoff Time (as defined below) on such Business Day.

The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to a Fund, immediately available or same day funds estimated by a Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the purchase order, together with the applicable purchase transaction fees. Those placing orders should ascertain the deadline for cash transfers by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effectuating the transfer of the Cash Component. This deadline is likely to be significantly earlier than the Cutoff Time of a Fund. Investors should be aware that an Authorized Participant may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in the particular form required by the individual Authorized Participant.

The Authorized Participant is responsible for any and all expenses and costs incurred by a Fund, including any applicable cash amounts, in connection with any purchase order.

**Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders**. An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable order to purchase shares of a Fund before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day in order to receive that day's NAV. Creation Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant in the form required by a Fund to the Distributor or its agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or its agent or an Authorized Participant. A Fund's deadline specified above for the submission of purchase orders is referred to as the Fund's "Cutoff Time." The Distributor or its agent, in their discretion, may permit the submission of such orders and requests by or through an Authorized Participant at any time (including on days on which the Listing Exchange is not open for business) via communication through the facilities of the Distributor's or its agent's proprietary website maintained for this purpose. Purchase orders and redemption requests, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV next determined after such acceptance in accordance with a Fund's Cutoff Times as provided in the Authorized Participant Agreement and disclosed in this SAI.

**Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units**. Subject to the conditions that (i) an irrevocable purchase order has been submitted by the Authorized Participant (either on its own or another investor's behalf) and (ii) arrangements satisfactory to a Fund are in place for payment of the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due, a Fund will accept the order, subject to the Fund's right (and the right of the Distributor and BFA) to reject any order until acceptance, as set forth below.

Once a Fund has accepted an order, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.

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Each Fund reserves the right to reject or revoke a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor or its agent provided that a rejection or revocation of a creation order does not violate Rule 6c-11 under the Investment Company Act. For example, a Fund may reject or revoke a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor or its agent if (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified, as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities is not legally required or would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful or have an adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders (*e.g.*, jeopardize the Fund's tax status); or (v) circumstances outside the control of the Fund, the Distributor or its agent and BFA make it impracticable to process purchase orders. The Distributor or its agent shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such purchaser of its rejection of such order. The Funds, [●], the sub-custodian and the Distributor or its agent are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

**Issuance of a Creation Unit**. Except as provided herein, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to a Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the sub-custodian has confirmed to the custodian that the securities included in the Fund Deposit (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant sub-custodian or sub-custodians, the Distributor or its agent and BFA shall be notified of such delivery and a Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. Creation Units are generally issued on a "T+2 basis" (*i.e.*, two Business Days after trade date). Each Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2, including a shorter settlement period, as applicable. For example, a Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (i.e., the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividend (payable on the security) and in certain other circumstances.

To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor, each Fund will issue Creation Units to such Authorized Participant, notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Fund Deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral as set forth in the handbook for Authorized Participants. The Trust may use such collateral at any time to buy Deposit Securities for a Fund. Such collateral must be delivered no later than the time specified by a Fund or its custodian on the contractual settlement date. Information concerning a Fund's current procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the Distributor or its agent. The Authorized Participant Agreement will permit a Fund to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the collateral including, without limitation, liability for related brokerage, borrowings and other charges.

In certain cases, Authorized Participants may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date and in these instances, each Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participants that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate beneficial owners. All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by such Fund and the Fund's determination shall be final and binding.

**Costs Associated with Creation Transactions.** A standard creation transaction fee is imposed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units. Under an ETF Services Agreement, a Fund has retained BRIL, an affiliate of BFA, to perform certain ETF Services. BRIL will receive from an Authorized Participant a standard transaction fee on each creation order, which consists of (1) a fee for providing the ETF Services (the "ETF Servicing Fee") and (2) transfer, processing and other transaction costs charged by a Fund custodian in connection with the issuance of Creation Units for such creation order ("Custody Transaction Costs"). BRIL is entitled to retain the ETF Servicing Fee pursuant to the ETF Services Agreement, but BRIL will reimburse any Custody Transaction Costs to a Fund custodian according to the amounts invoiced by such custodian.

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The ETF Servicing Fee is a flat fee per order regardless of the number of Creation Units being purchased, which amount will vary among different BlackRock-advised funds based on a number of factors, including the complexity of the order and the types of securities or instruments included in a Fund's Creation Basket, among other variables. The actual Custody Transaction Costs vary per order based on the number of trades, underlying markets and settlement locations associated with the issuance of a Creation Unit. The following table sets forth a Fund's standard creation transaction fee that would have been charged as of [●], although the actual fee charged to an Authorized Participant in connection with a creation order will vary depending on the factors discussed above, and may be higher than the fee set forth below.

If a purchase consists solely or partially of cash, the Authorized Participant may also be required to cover (up to the maximum amount shown below) certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (which may, in certain instances, be based on a good faith estimate of transaction costs). Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to a Fund. Certain fees/costs associated with creation transactions may be waived in certain circumstances. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to acquire Fund shares may be charged a fee for such services.

The following table sets forth the Fund's standard creation transaction fee that would have been charged as of [●] and maximum additional charge (as described above):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Standard<br>Creation<br>Transaction Fee\*** | **Maximum Additional<br>Charge\*\*** |  |
|  Moderate Buffer ETF | $[●] | [ | ●]% |
|  Deep Buffer ETF | $[●] | [ | ●]% |

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\* The standard creation transaction fee consists of the ETF Servicing Fee and the Custody Transaction Costs. The standard creation transaction fee may vary over time depending on the factors discussed above, and may be higher than the see set forth above.

\*\* As a percentage of the net asset value per Creation Unit, inclusive of the standard creation transaction fee. 

**Redemption of Creation Units**. Shares of a Fund may be redeemed by Authorized Participants only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Distributor or its agent and only on a Business Day. The Funds will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the secondary market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a Creation Unit that could be redeemed by an Authorized Participant. Beneficial owners also may sell shares in the secondary market.

Each Fund generally redeems Creation Units for Fund Securities (as defined below). Please see the following discussion summarizing the in-kind method for further information on redeeming Creation Units of the Funds.

Each Fund publishes the designated portfolio of securities (including any portion of such securities for which cash may be substituted) that will be applicable to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day ("Fund Securities" or "Redemption Basket"), and an amount of cash (the "Cash Amount," as described below) are applicable, in order to effect redemptions of Creation Units of the Fund. Such Fund Securities and Cash Amount will remain in effect until such time as the next announced composition of the Fund Securities and Cash Amount is made available. The Fund Securities and Cash Amount are subject to possible amendment or correction. Procedures and requirements governing redemption transactions are set forth in the handbook for Authorized Participants and may change from time to time.

Unless cash redemptions are available or specified for a Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities, plus the Cash Amount, which is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after the receipt of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of Fund Securities, less a redemption transaction fee (as described below).

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The Trust may, in its sole discretion, substitute a "cash in lieu" amount to replace any Fund Security in certain circumstances, including: (i) when the delivery of a Fund Security to the Authorized Participant (or to an investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting) would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws or due to a trading restriction; (ii) when the delivery of a Fund Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Fund Security by the Authorized Participant due to restrictions under applicable securities or other local laws; (iii) when the delivery of a Fund Security to the Authorized Participant would result in unfavorable tax treatment; (iv) when a Fund Security cannot be settled or otherwise delivered in time to facilitate an in-kind redemption; or (v) in certain other situations. The amount of cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the substituted security listed as a Fund Security. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. The Funds generally redeem Creation Units for Fund Securities, but the Funds reserve the right to utilize a cash option for redemption of Creation Units. A Fund may, in its sole discretion, provide such redeeming Authorized Participant a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities, but does not differ in NAV. The Redemption Basket may also be modified to minimize the Cash Component by redistributing the cash to the Fund Securities portion of the Redemption Basket through systematically rounding. The rounding methodology allows position sizes of securities in the Fund Securities to be "rounded up," while limiting the maximum allowed percentage change in weight and share quantity of any given security in the Redemption Basket.

**Cash Redemption Method**. Although the Trust does not generally permit partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units of its funds, when partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions thereof. In the case of partial or full cash redemption, the Authorized Participant receives the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities it would otherwise receive through an in-kind redemption, plus the same Cash Amount to be paid to an in-kind redeemer.

**Costs Associated with Redemption Transactions.** A standard redemption transaction fee is imposed to offset transfer and other transaction costs that may be incurred by a Fund. As described above, under an ETF Services Agreement, a Fund has retained BRIL, an affiliate of BFA, to perform certain ETF Services. BRIL will receive from an Authorized Participant a standard transaction fee on each redemption order, which consists of (1) the ETF Servicing Fee and (2) Custody Transaction Costs. BRIL is entitled to retain the ETF Servicing Fee pursuant to the ETF Services Agreement, but BRIL will reimburse any Custody Transaction Costs to a Fund custodian according to the amounts invoiced by such custodian.

The ETF Servicing Fee is a flat fee per order regardless of the number of Creation Units being redeemed, which amount will vary among different BlackRock-advised funds based on a number of factors, including the complexity of the order and the types of securities or instruments included in a Fund's Redemption Basket, among other variables. The actual Custody Transaction Costs vary per order based on the number of trades, underlying markets, and settlement locations associated with the redemption of a Creation Unit. The following table sets forth a Fund's standard redemption transaction fee that would have been charged as of [●], although the actual fee charged to an Authorized Participant in connection with a redemption order will vary depending on the factors discussed above, and may be higher than the fee set forth below.

If a redemption consists solely or partially of cash, the Authorized Participant may also be required to cover (up to the maximum amount shown below) certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, price movement and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction (which may, in certain instances, be based on a good faith estimate of transaction costs). Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Fund Securities from a Fund to their account on their order. Certain fees/costs associated with redemption transactions may be waived in certain circumstances. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary to dispose of Fund shares may be charged a fee for such services.

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The following table sets forth the Fund's standard redemption transaction fee that would have been charged as of [●] and maximum additional charge (as described above):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Standard<br>Redemption<br>Transaction Fee\*** | **Maximum Additional<br>Charge\*\*** |  |
|  Moderate Buffer ETF | $[●] | [ | ●]% |
|  Deep Buffer ETF | $[●] | [ | ●]% |

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\* The standard redemption transaction fee consists of the ETF Servicing Fee and Custody Transaction Costs. The standard redemption transaction fee may vary over time depending on the factors discussed above, and may be higher than the fee set forth above.

\*\* As a percentage of the net asset value per Creation Unit, inclusive of the standard redemption transaction fee. 

**Placement of Redemption Orders**. Redemption requests for Creation Units of a Fund must be submitted to the Distributor or its agent by or through an Authorized Participant. An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable request to redeem shares of a Fund generally before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on any Business Day**,** in order to receive that day's NAV. On days when the Listing Exchange closes earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier that day. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant. The Distributor or its agent will provide a list of current Authorized Participants upon request.

The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption in the form required by a Fund to the Distributor or its agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement. At any time, only a limited number of broker-dealers will have an Authorized Participant Agreement in effect. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the shares to a Fund's transfer agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.

A redemption request is considered to be in "proper form" if: (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to a Fund's transfer agent the Creation Unit redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the Listing Exchange closing time on any Business Day on which the redemption request is submitted; (ii) a request in form satisfactory to a Fund is received by the Distributor or its agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified above; and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement are properly followed.

Upon receiving a redemption request, the Distributor or its agent shall notify a Fund and the Fund's transfer agent of such redemption request. The tender of an investor's shares for redemption and the distribution of the securities and/or cash included in the redemption payment made in respect of Creation Units redeemed will be made through DTC and the relevant Authorized Participant to the Beneficial Owner thereof as recorded on the book-entry system of DTC or the DTC Participant through which such investor holds, as the case may be, or by such other means specified by the Authorized Participant submitting the redemption request.

A redeeming Authorized Participant, whether on its own account or acting on behalf of a Beneficial Owner, must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the portfolio securities are customarily traded, to which account such portfolio securities will be delivered.

Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Funds are generally made within two Business Days (*i.e.*, "T+2"). However, each Fund reserves the right to settle redemption transactions on a basis other than T+2, including a shorter settlement period, if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law. Delayed settlement may occur due to a number of different reasons, including, without limitation, settlement cycles for the underlying securities, unscheduled market closings, an effort to link distribution to dividend record dates and ex-dates and newly announced holidays.

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If a Fund includes a foreign investment in its basket, and if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment in response to a redemption request, the Fund may delay delivery of the foreign investment more than seven days if the Fund delivers the foreign investment as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days.

If neither the Authorized Participant nor the Beneficial Owner on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of Fund Securities in the applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of Fund Securities in such jurisdiction, a Fund may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In such case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the net asset value of its shares based on the NAV of a Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charges specified above to offset a Fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and a Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund cannot lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or cannot do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws.

To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement with the Distributor or its agent, in the event an Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to a Fund, at or prior to the time specified by the Fund or its custodian on the Business Day after the date of submission of redemption request, the Distributor or its agent will accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral as set forth in the handbook for Authorized Participants. Such collateral must be delivered no later than the time specified by a Fund or its custodian on the Business Day after the date of submission of such redemption request and shall be held by [●] and marked-to-market daily. The fees of [●] and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant Agreement permits a Fund to acquire shares of the Fund at any time and subjects the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the aggregate of the cost to the Fund of purchasing such shares, plus the value of the Cash Amount, and the value of the collateral together with liability for related brokerage and other charges.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Funds: (i) for any period during which the Listing Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the Listing Exchange is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of a Fund's portfolio securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

**Custom Baskets.** Creation and Redemption baskets may differ and the Funds will accept "custom baskets." A custom basket may include any of the following: (i) a basket that is composed of a non-representative selection of a Fund's portfolio holdings; (ii) a representative basket that is different from the initial basket used in transactions on the same business day; or (iii) a basket that contains bespoke cash substitutions for a single Authorized Participant. Each Fund has adopted policies and procedures that govern the construction and acceptance of baskets, including heightened requirements for certain types of custom baskets. Such policies and procedures provide the parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets that are in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders, establish processes for revisions to, or deviations from, such parameters, and specify the titles and roles of the employees of BFA who are required to review each custom basket for compliance with those parameters. In addition, when constructing custom baskets for redemptions, the tax efficiency of a Fund may be taken into account. The policies and procedures distinguish among different types of custom baskets that may be used for a Fund and impose different requirements for different types of custom baskets in order to seek to mitigate against potential risks of conflicts and/or overreaching by an Authorized Participant. BlackRock has established a governance process to oversee basket compliance for a Fund, as set forth in each Fund's policies and procedures.

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**Taxation on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units.** An Authorized Participant generally will recognize either gain or loss upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units. This gain or loss is calculated by taking the market value of the Creation Units purchased over the Authorized Participant's aggregate basis in the Deposit Securities exchanged therefor. However, the IRS may apply the wash sales rules to determine that any loss realized upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units is not currently deductible. Authorized Participants should consult their own tax advisors.

Current U.S. federal income tax laws dictate that capital gain or loss realized from the redemption of Creation Units will generally create long-term capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Creation Units for more than one year, or short-term capital gain or loss if the Creation Units were held for one year or less, if the Creation Units are held as capital assets.

## Taxes
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the Funds. This summary does not address all of the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to the Funds or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special tax rules. Current and prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the specific federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of investing in the Funds. The summary is based on the laws and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof in effect on the date of this SAI, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

**Regulated Investment Company Qualifications.** Each Fund intends to elect and to qualify for treatment as a separate RIC under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). To qualify for treatment as a RIC, each Fund must annually distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains) and meet several other requirements. Among such other requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund's annual gross income must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or non-U.S. currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly-traded partnerships (i.e., partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than a partnership that derives at least 90% of its income from interest, dividends, capital gains and other traditionally permitted RIC income); and (ii) at the close of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited for purposes of this calculation in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer, of two or more issuers of which 20% or more of the voting stock is held by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses (other than the securities of other RICs) or the securities of one or more qualified publicly-traded partnerships.

Each Fund may be able to cure a failure to derive at least 90% of its income from the sources specified above or a failure to diversify its holdings in the manner described above by paying a tax and/or by disposing of certain assets. If, in any taxable year, a Fund fails one of these tests and does not timely cure the failure, that Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by that Fund in computing its taxable income.

Although in general the passive loss rules of the Internal Revenue Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly-traded partnership. A Fund's investments in partnerships, including in qualified publicly-traded partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local, or non-U.S. income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

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**Taxation of RICs.** As a RIC, a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders, provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. To satisfy the minimum distribution requirement, a Fund must distribute to its shareholders at least the sum of (i) 90% of its "investment company taxable income" (i.e., income other than its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), plus or minus certain adjustments, and (ii) 90% of its net tax-exempt income for the taxable year. A Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders. If a Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a RIC or fails to meet the distribution requirement, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions generally will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. In such event, distributions to individuals should be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income and distributions to corporate shareholders generally should be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Although each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital gains for each taxable year, the Fund may decide to retain a portion of its income or gains if the Fund determines that doing so is in the interest of its shareholders. Each Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. Moreover, if a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a RIC. If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Fund had been liquidated) if it qualifies as a RIC in a subsequent year.

**Net Capital Loss Carryforwards**. Net capital loss carryforwards may be applied against any net realized capital gains in each succeeding year, until they have been reduced to zero.

In the event that a Fund was to experience an ownership change as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, the loss carryforwards and other favorable tax attributes of the Fund, if any, may be subject to limitation.

**Excise Tax.** Each Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the 12 months ended October 31 of such year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by a Fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any underdistribution or overdistribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. Each Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.

**Taxation of U.S. Shareholders.** Dividends and other distributions by a Fund are generally treated under the Internal Revenue Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, any dividend or capital gain distribution declared by a Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month shall be deemed to have been received by each shareholder on December 31 of such calendar year and to have been paid by the Fund not later than such December 31, provided such dividend is actually paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year.

Each Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its net tax-exempt income, investment company taxable income and any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers). However, if a Fund retains for investment an amount equal to all or a portion of its net long-term capital gains in excess of its net short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), it will be subject to a corporate tax (at a flat rate of 21%) on the amount retained. In that event, a Fund will report such retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount in clause (a) over the amount in clause (b). Organizations or persons not subject to U.S. federal income tax on such capital gains will be entitled to a refund of their pro rata share of such taxes paid by a Fund upon filing appropriate returns or claims for refund with the IRS.

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Distributions of net realized long-term capital gains, if any, that a Fund reports as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or in shares and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. All other dividends of a Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current and accumulated earnings and profits ("regular dividends") are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are eligible for taxation at a maximum rate of 15% or 20% for non-corporate shareholders, depending on whether their income exceeds certain threshold amounts.

If an individual receives a regular dividend qualifying for the long-term capital gain rates and such dividend constitutes an "extraordinary dividend," and the individual subsequently recognizes a loss on the sale or exchange of stock in respect of which the extraordinary dividend was paid, then the loss will be long-term capital loss to the extent of such extraordinary dividend. An "extraordinary dividend" on common stock for this purpose is generally a dividend (i) in an amount greater than or equal to 10% of the taxpayer's tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period, or (ii) in an amount greater than 20% of the taxpayer's tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period.

Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's basis in shares of the Fund, and as a capital gain thereafter (if the shareholder holds shares of the Fund as capital assets). Distributions in excess of a Fund's minimum distribution requirements, but not in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits, will be taxable to shareholders and will not constitute nontaxable returns of capital. Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the shareholders receiving cash dividends or distributions will receive and should have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount.

A 3.8% U.S. federal Medicare contribution tax is imposed on net investment income, including, but not limited to, interest, dividends, and net gain from investments, of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 (or $250,000 if married and filing jointly), and of estates and trusts.

Investors considering buying shares just prior to a dividend or capital gain distribution should be aware that, although the price of shares purchased at that time may reflect the amount of the forthcoming distribution, such dividend or distribution may nevertheless be taxable to them. If a Fund is the holder of record of any security on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such security, such dividends will be included in the Fund's gross income not as of the date received but as of the later of (i) the date such security became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends (i.e., the date on which a buyer of the security would not be entitled to receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends); or (ii) the date the Fund acquired such security. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, the Fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.

In certain situations, a Fund may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its net capital loss (or if there is no net capital loss, then any net long-term or short-term capital loss) realized after October and its late-year ordinary loss (defined as the sum of the excess of post-October foreign currency and passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") losses over post- October foreign currency and PFIC gains, plus the excess of post-December ordinary losses over post-December ordinary income) until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October (or December) may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

**Sales of Shares.** Upon the sale or exchange of shares of a Fund, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's basis in shares of the Fund. A redemption of shares by a Fund will be treated as a sale for this purpose. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder's hands and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year and short- term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less. Any loss

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realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including replacement through the reinvesting of dividends or capital gains distributions, or by an option, or contract to acquire substantially identical shares, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder with respect to such share. The Medicare contribution tax described above will apply to the sale of Fund shares.

If a shareholder incurs a sales charge in acquiring shares of a Fund, disposes of those shares within 90 days and then, on or before January 31 of the following calendar year, acquires shares in a mutual fund for which the otherwise applicable sales charge is reduced by reason of a reinvestment right (e.g., an exchange privilege), the original sales charge will not be taken into account in computing gain/loss on the original shares to the extent the subsequent sales charge is reduced. Instead, the disregarded portion of the original sales charge will be added to the tax basis of the newly acquired shares. Furthermore, the same rule also applies to a disposition of the newly acquired shares made within 90 days of the second acquisition. This provision prevents a shareholder from immediately deducting the sales charge by shifting his or her investment within a family of mutual funds.

**Backup Withholding.** In certain cases, a Fund will be required to withhold at a 24% rate and remit to the U.S. Treasury such amounts withheld from any distributions paid to a shareholder who: (i) has failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability.

**Sections 351 and 362.** The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has the right to reject an order for a purchase of shares of a Fund if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of a given Fund and if, pursuant to Sections 351 and 362 of the Internal Revenue Code, that Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. If a Fund's basis in such securities on the date of deposit was less than market value on such date, the Fund, upon disposition of the securities, would recognize more taxable gain or less taxable loss than if its basis in the securities had been equal to market value. It is not anticipated that the Trust will exercise the right of rejection except in a case where the Trust determines that accepting the order could result in material adverse tax consequences to a Fund or its shareholders. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.

**Treatment of the FLEX Options.** A Fund's investments in offsetting positions with respect to the Underlying ETF may be "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund, and losses realized by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating taxable income for the taxable year in which the losses are realized. In addition, certain carrying charges (including interest expense) associated with positions in a straddle may be required to be capitalized rather than deducted currently. Certain elections that a Fund may make with respect to its straddle positions may also affect the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected positions.

The tax consequences of straddle transactions to a Fund are not entirely clear in all situations under currently available authority. The straddle rules may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to U.S. shareholders in a non-liquidating distribution. Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, if a Fund makes a non-liquidating distribution of its short-term capital gain, the amount which U.S. shareholders must treat as ordinary income may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a Fund that did not engage in such transactions.

The FLEX Options included in the portfolio are exchange-traded options. Under Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code, certain types of exchange-traded options are treated as if they were sold (i.e., "marked to market") at the end of each year. The Funds do not believe that the positions held by the Funds will be subject to Section 1256, which means that the positions will not be marked to market, but the positions will be subject to the straddle rules.

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**Taxation of Certain Derivatives.** A Fund's transactions in zero coupon securities, non-U.S. currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on non-U.S. currencies), to the extent permitted, will be subject to special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to "hedging transactions" and "straddles") that, among other consequences, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer Fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out at the end of each year) and (b) may cause a Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. Each Fund will monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any zero coupon security, non-U.S. currency, forward contract, option, futures contract or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC.

A Fund's investments in so-called "section 1256 contracts," such as regulated futures contracts, most non-U.S. currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market and options on most security indexes, are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund's income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by a Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were not part of a "hedging transaction" nor part of a "straddle," 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by a Fund.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, a Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. A Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if a Fund has been a party to the swap for more than one year). The cost of any payments made by a Fund on a swap transaction will be netted pro rata against both tax exempt and taxable gross income. With respect to certain types of swaps, a Fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

**Qualified Dividend Income and Dividends Received Deduction.** Provided that a certain holding period and other requirements are met, ordinary income dividends (if properly reported by a Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that a Fund's income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of non-corporate shareholders, as "qualified dividend income" eligible to be taxed at long-term capital gains rates to the extent that a Fund receives qualified dividend income. The Funds do not expect that a significant portion of their distributions will consist of qualified dividend income or be eligible for the dividends received deduction.

**Market Discount.** Any market discount recognized on a bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount ("OID"). To the extent a Fund does not include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount.

**Original Issue Discount.** OID on tax-exempt bonds is recognized over the term of the bond and is tax-exempt to the holder of the bond. Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to inflation-indexed bonds. Generally, all stated interest on such bonds is taken into income by a Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of a positive inflation adjustment, which results in an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount

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of the bond, is treated as OID. The OID is included in a Fund's gross income ratably during the period ending with the maturity of the bond, under the general OID inclusion rules. The amount of a Fund's OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the Fund's taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash, until the bond matures. As a result, a Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distributions for such year. The amount of negative inflation adjustment, which results in a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, reduces the amount of interest (including stated, interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includible in a Fund's income with respect to the bond for the taxable year.

**Non-U.S. Investments.** Income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by a Fund from investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by non-U.S. countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of non-U.S. corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. income tax purposes to treat non-U.S. income taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. A Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of its taxable years. If a Fund were to make an election, shareholders of the Fund would be required to take into account an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such non-U.S. taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat an amount equal to those non-U.S. taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shortly after any year for which it makes such an election, a Fund will report to its shareholders the amount per share of such non-U.S. income tax that must be included in each shareholder's gross income and the amount which will be available for the deduction or credit. No deduction for non-U.S. taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Certain limitations will be imposed on the extent to which the credit (but not the deduction) for non-U.S. taxes may be claimed.

Under Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time a Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a non-U.S. currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. In general, gains (and losses) realized on debt instruments will be treated as Section 988 gain (or loss) to the extent attributable to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the instruments are denominated. Similarly, gain or losses on non-U.S. currency, non-U.S. currency forward contracts, certain non-U.S. currency options or futures contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in non-U.S. currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss unless a Fund were to elect otherwise.

**Reporting.** If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a Fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

**Other Taxes.** Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds may also be subject to additional state, local and non-U.S. taxes depending on each shareholder's particular situation.

**Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders.** Dividends paid by a Fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. Dividends paid by a Fund from net tax-exempt income or long-term capital gains are generally not subject to such withholding tax. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides an IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder's conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional "branch profits tax" imposed at a rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.

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Properly-reported dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of a Fund's "qualified net interest income" (generally, the Fund's U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10% shareholder or partner, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income); or (ii) are paid in respect of a Fund's "qualified short-term capital gains" (generally, the excess of the Fund's net short-term capital gain over the Fund's long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, a Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

Special rules may apply to a foreign shareholder receiving a Fund distribution if at least 50% of the Fund's assets consist of interests in U.S. real property interests, including certain REITs and U.S. real property holding corporations (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations). Fund distributions that are attributable to gain from the disposition of a U.S. real property interest will be taxable as ordinary dividends and subject to withholding at a 30% or lower treaty rate if the foreign shareholder held no more than 5% of a Fund's shares at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. If the foreign shareholder held at least 5% of a Fund's shares, the distribution would be treated as income effectively connected with a trade or business within the U.S. and the foreign shareholder would be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 21% and would generally be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return.

Similar consequences would generally apply to a foreign shareholder's gain on the sale of Fund shares unless a Fund is domestically controlled (meaning that more than 50% of the value of the Fund's shares is held by U.S. shareholders) or the foreign shareholder owns no more than 5% of a Fund's shares at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of sale. Finally, a domestically controlled Fund may be required to recognize a portion of its gain on the in-kind distribution of certain U.S. real property interests. Shareholders that are nonresident aliens or foreign entities are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.

The rules laid out in the previous paragraph, other than the withholding rules, will apply notwithstanding a Fund's participation in a wash sale transaction or its payment of a substitute dividend.

Shareholders that are nonresident aliens or foreign entities are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund.

Separately, a 30% withholding tax is currently imposed on U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items paid to: (i) foreign financial institutions, including non-U.S. investment funds, unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid withholding, foreign financial institutions will need to: (i) enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information including the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders; comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts; report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained; agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to account holders who fail to provide the required information; and determine certain other information as to their account holders, or (ii) in the event that an applicable intergovernmental agreement and implementing legislation are adopted, provide local revenue authorities with similar account holder information. Other foreign entities will need to provide the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner or provide certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership, unless certain exceptions apply.

Shares of a Fund held by a non-U.S. shareholder at death will be considered situated within the U.S. and subject to the U.S. estate tax.

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The foregoing discussion is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such shares, including consequences under state, local and non-U.S. tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date of this SAI. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.

## Miscellaneous Information
**Counsel**. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, located at 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, is counsel to the Trust.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**. [●], located at [●], serves as the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, audits each Fund's financial statements, and may perform other services.

**Investors' Rights**. Each Fund relies on the services of BFA and its other service providers, including the Distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. Further information about the duties and roles of these service providers is set out in this SAI. Investors who acquire shares of a Fund are not parties to the relevant agreement with these service providers and do not have express contractual rights against the Fund or its service providers, except certain institutional investors that are Authorized Participants may have certain express contractual rights with respect to the Distributor under the terms of the relevant Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors may have certain legal rights under federal or state law against a Fund or its service providers. In the event that an investor considers that it may have a claim against a Fund, or against any service provider in connection with its investment in the Fund, such investor should consult its own legal advisor.

By contract, Authorized Participants irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. federal court sitting in New York City over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Authorized Participant Agreement. Jurisdiction over other claims, whether by investors or Authorized Participants, will turn on the facts of the particular case and the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceeding is brought.

## Financial Statements
A copy of each Fund's first Annual Report, when available, may be obtained upon request and at no charge by calling 1-800-441-7762 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on any business day.

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**Appendix A** 

**Open-End Fund Proxy Voting Policy** 

**Procedures Governing Delegation of Proxy Voting to Fund Advisers** 

Effective Date: August 1, 2021

Last Review Date: August 1, 2022

**Open-End Mutual Funds (including money market funds)** 

**iShares ETFs and BlackRock ETFs** 

**Objective and Scope** 

Set forth below is the Open-End Fund Proxy Voting Policy.

**Policy / Document Requirements and Statements** 

The Boards of Trustees/Directors ("Directors") of open-end funds (the "Funds") advised by BlackRock Fund Advisors or BlackRock Advisors, LLC ("BlackRock"), have the responsibility for the oversight of voting proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds, and have determined that it is in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders to delegate the responsibility to vote proxies to BlackRock, subject to the principles outlined in this Policy, as part of BlackRock's authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets, all as contemplated by the Funds' respective investment management agreements.

BlackRock has adopted guidelines and procedures (together and as from time to time amended, the "BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines") governing proxy voting by accounts managed by BlackRock.

BlackRock will cast votes on behalf of each of the Funds on specific proxy issues in respect of securities held by each such Fund (or may refrain from voting) in accordance with the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines.

BlackRock will report on an annual basis to the Directors on (1) a summary of all proxy votes that BlackRock has made on behalf of the Funds in the preceding year together with a representation that all votes were in accordance with the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines, and (2) any changes to the BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines that have not previously been reported.

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## BlackRock

## Investment

## Stewardship
Global Principles

Effective as of January 2023

![LOGO](g488450g0330113200745.jpg)

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**Contents** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  **[Introduction to BlackRock](#appa488450_1)** | **A-4** |
|  **[Philosophy on investment stewardship](#appa488450_2)** | **A-4** |
|  **[Key themes](#appa488450_3)** | **A-5** |
|  **[Boards and directors](#appa488450_4)** | **A-5** |
|  **[Auditors and audit-related issues](#appa488450_5)** | **A-9** |
|  **[Capital structure, mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions](#appa488450_6)** | **A-10** |
|  **[Compensation and benefits](#appa488450_7)** | **A-10** |
|  **[Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities](#appa488450_8)** | **A-11** |
|  **[Other corporate governance matters and shareholder protections](#appa488450_9)** | **A-14** |
|  **[Shareholder proposals](#appa488450_10)** | **A-14** |
|  **[BlackRock's oversight of its investment stewardship activities](#appa488450_11)** | **A-15** |
|  **[Vote execution](#appa488450_12)** | **A-16** |
|  **[Conflicts management policies and procedures](#appa488450_13)** | **A-17** |
|  **[Securities lending](#appa488450_14)** | **A-18** |
|  **[Voting guidelines](#appa488450_15)** | **A-18** |
|  **[Reporting and vote transparency](#appa488450_16)** | **A-19** |

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*The purpose of this document is to provide an overarching explanation of BlackRock's approach globally to our responsibilities as a shareholder on behalf of our clients, our expectations of companies, and our commitments to clients in terms of our own governance and transparency.* 

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**INTRODUCTION TO BLACKROCK** 

BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. We manage assets on behalf of institutional and individual clients, across a full spectrum of investment strategies, asset classes, and regions. Our client base includes pension plans, endowments, foundations, charities, official institutions, insurers, and other financial institutions, as well as individuals around the world. As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, we consider it one of our responsibilities to promote sound corporate governance, as an informed, engaged shareholder on their behalf. At BlackRock, this is the responsibility of the Investment Stewardship team.

**PHILOSOPHY ON INVESTMENT STEWARDSHIP** 

Companies are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate governance structures to serve the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders. We believe that there are certain fundamental rights attached to shareholding. Companies and their boards should be accountable to shareholders and structured with appropriate checks and balances to ensure that they operate in shareholders' best interests to create sustainable value. Shareholders should have the right to vote to elect, remove, and nominate directors, approve the appointment of the auditor, and amend the corporate charter or by-laws. Shareholders should be able to vote on key board decisions that are material to the protection of their investment, including but not limited to, changes to the purpose of the business, dilution levels and pre-emptive rights, and the distribution of income and capital structure. In order to make informed decisions, shareholders need sufficient and timely information. In addition, shareholder voting rights should be proportionate to their economic ownership—the principle of "one share, one vote" helps achieve this balance.

Consistent with these shareholder rights, BlackRock has a responsibility to monitor and provide feedback to companies in our role as stewards of our clients' investments. Investment stewardship is how we use our voice as an investor to promote sound corporate governance and business practices to help maximize long-term shareholder value for our clients, the vast majority of whom are investing for long-term goals such as retirement. BlackRock Investment Stewardship (BIS) does this through engagement with management teams and/or board members on material business issues and, for those clients who have given us authority, through voting proxies in their best long-term financial interests.<sup>1</sup> We also contribute to consultations on public policy and private sector initiatives on industry standards, consistent with our clients' interests as long-term shareholders.

BlackRock looks to companies to provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive disclosure on all material governance and business matters. This transparency allows shareholders to appropriately understand and assess how relevant risks and opportunities are being effectively identified and managed. Where company reporting and disclosure is inadequate or where the governance approach taken may be inconsistent with durable, long-term value creation for shareholders, we will engage with a company and/or vote in a manner that advances long-term shareholders' interests.

BlackRock views engagement as an important activity; engagement provides us with the opportunity to improve our understanding of the business and of the risks and opportunities that are material to the companies in which our clients invest. Engagement may also inform our voting decisions. As long-term investors on behalf of clients, we seek to have regular and continuing dialogue with executives and board directors to advance sound

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<sup>1</sup> Through BlackRock Voting Choice we have, since January 2022, made proxy voting easier and more accessible for investors in separate accounts and certain pooled vehicles. As a result, the shares attributed to BlackRock in company share registers may be voted differently depending on whether our clients have authorized BIS to vote on their behalf, have authorized BIS to vote in accordance with a third party policy, or have elected to vote shares in accordance with their own policy. We are not able to disclose which clients have opted to exercise greater control over their voting, nor are we able to disclose which proxy voting policies they have selected. 

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governance and durable business practices aligned with long-term value creation, as well as to understand the effectiveness of the company's management and oversight of material issues. Engagement is an important mechanism for providing feedback on company practices and disclosures, particularly where we believe they could be enhanced to support a company's ability to deliver financial performance. Similarly, it provides us with an opportunity to hear directly from company boards and management on how they believe their actions are aligned with durable, long-term value creation.

We generally vote in support of management and boards that exhibit an approach to decision-making that is consistent with creating durable, long-term value for shareholders. If we have concerns about a company's approach, we may choose to explain our expectations to the company's board and management. Following that engagement, we may signal through our voting that we have outstanding concerns, generally by voting against the re-election of directors we view as having responsibility for an issue. We apply our regional proxy voting guidelines to achieve the outcome that is most aligned with our clients' long-term financial interests.

**KEY THEMES** 

We recognize that accepted standards and norms of corporate governance can differ between markets. However, in our experience, there are certain fundamental elements of governance practice that are intrinsic globally to a company's ability to create long-term value for shareholders. These global themes are set out in this overarching set of principles (the Principles), which are anchored in transparency and accountability. At a minimum, it is our view that companies should observe the accepted corporate governance standards in their domestic market and ask that, if they do not, they explain how their approach better supports durable, long-term value creation.

**These Principles cover seven key themes:** 

• Boards and directors

• Auditors and audit-related issues

• Capital structure, mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions

• Compensation and benefits

• Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities

• Other corporate governance matters and shareholder protections

• Shareholder proposals

Our regional and market-specific voting guidelines explain how these Principles inform our voting decisions in relation to specific ballot items for shareholder meetings.

**BOARDS AND DIRECTORS** 

Our primary focus is on the performance of the board of directors to promote sound corporate governance. The performance of the board is critical to the economic success of the company and the protection of shareholders' interests. As part of their responsibilities, board members owe fiduciary duties to shareholders in overseeing the strategic direction and operation of the company. For this reason, BIS sees engaging with and the election of directors as one of our most important and impactful responsibilities.

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We support boards whose approach is consistent with creating durable, long-term value. This includes the effective corporate governance and management of material sustainability-related risks and opportunities,<sup>2</sup> as well as the consideration of the company's key constituents including their employees, clients, suppliers, and the communities within which they operate. The board should establish and maintain a framework of robust and effective governance mechanisms to support its oversight of the company's strategic aims. We look to the board to articulate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in overseeing the management of business risks and opportunities and the fulfillment of the company's purpose. Disclosure of all material issues that affect the company's long-term strategy and ability to create value is essential for shareholders to be able to appropriately understand and assess how risks are effectively identified, managed and mitigated.

Where a company has not adequately disclosed and demonstrated that they have fulfilled these responsibilities, we will consider voting against the re-election of directors whom we consider to have particular responsibility for the issue. We assess director performance on a case-by-case basis and in light of each company's circumstances, taking into consideration our assessment of their governance, business practices that support durable, long-term value creation, and performance. In serving the interests of shareholders, the responsibility of the board of directors includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Establishing an appropriate corporate governance structure

• Supporting and overseeing management in setting long-term strategic goals and applicable measures of value-creation and
milestones that will demonstrate progress, and taking steps to address anticipated or actual obstacles to success

• Providing oversight on the identification and management of material governance and sustainability- related risks

• Overseeing the financial resilience of the company, the integrity of financial statements, and the robustness of a
company's Enterprise Risk Management<sup>3</sup> framework

• Making decisions on matters that require independent evaluation, which may include mergers, acquisitions and dispositions,
activist situations or other similar cases

• Establishing appropriate executive compensation structures

• Monitoring business issues including material sustainability-related risks and opportunities, that have the potential to
significantly impact the company's long-term value

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<sup>2</sup> By material sustainability-related risks and opportunities, we mean the drivers of risk and value creation in a company's business model that have an environmental or social dependency or impact. Examples of environmental issues include, but are not limited to, water use, land use, waste management and climate risk. Examples of social issues include, but are not limited to, human capital management, impacts on the communities in which a company operates, customer loyalty and relationships with regulators. It is our view that well-managed companies will effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. Governance is the core means by which boards can oversee the creation of durable, long-term value. Appropriate risk oversight of business-relevant and material sustainability-related considerations is a component of a sound governance framework. 

<sup>3</sup> Enterprise risk management is a process, effected by the entity's board of directors, management, and other personnel, applied in strategy setting and across the enterprise, designed to identify potential events that may affect the entity, and manage risk to be within the risk appetite, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives. (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), Enterprise Risk Management — Integrated Framework, September 2004, New York, NY). 

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There should be clear descriptions of the role of the board and the committees of the board and how they engage with and oversee management. Set out below are ways in which boards and directors can demonstrate a commitment to acting in the best long-term economic interests of all shareholders.

We will seek to engage with the appropriate directors where we have concerns about the performance of the company, board, or individual directors and may signal outstanding concerns in our voting. While we consider these principles to be globally relevant, when assessing a board's composition and governance processes, we consider local market norms and regulations.

***Regular accountability***

It is our view that directors should stand for re-election on a regular basis, ideally annually. In our experience, annual re-elections allow shareholders to reaffirm their support for board members or hold them accountable for their decisions in a timely manner. When board members are not re-elected annually, in our experience, it is good practice for boards to have a rotation policy to ensure that, through a board cycle, all directors have had their appointment re-confirmed, with a proportion of directors being put forward for re-election at each annual general meeting.

***Effective board composition***

Regular director elections also give boards the opportunity to adjust their composition in an orderly way to reflect the evolution of the company's strategy and the market environment. In our view, it is beneficial for new directors to be brought onto the board periodically to refresh the group's thinking and in a manner that supports both continuity and appropriate succession planning. We consider the average overall tenure of the board, where we are seeking a balance between the knowledge and experience of longer-serving members and the fresh perspectives of newer members. We encourage companies to keep under regular review the effectiveness of their board (including its size), and assess directors nominated for election or re-election in the context of the composition of the board as a whole. This assessment should consider a number of factors, including the potential need to address gaps in skills, experience, independence, and diversity.

In our view, there should be a sufficient number of independent directors, free from conflicts of interest or undue influence from connected parties, to ensure objectivity in the decision-making of the board and its ability to oversee management. Common impediments to independence may include but are not limited to:

• Current or recent employment at the company or a subsidiary

• Being, or representing, a shareholder with a substantial shareholding in the company

• Interlocking directorships

• Having any other interest, business, or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially
interfere with a director's ability to act in the best interests of the company and their shareholders

In our experience, boards are most effective at overseeing and advising management when there is a senior independent board leader. This director may chair the board, or, where the chair is also the CEO (or is otherwise not independent), be designated as a lead independent director. The role of this director is to enhance the effectiveness of the independent members of the board through shaping the agenda, ensuring adequate information is provided to the board, and encouraging independent director participation in board deliberations. The lead independent director or another appropriate director should be available to shareholders in those situations where an independent director is best placed to explain and contextualize a company's approach.

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When nominating new directors to the board, we look to companies to provide sufficient information on the individual candidates so that shareholders can assess the suitability of each individual nominee and the overall board composition. These disclosures should give an understanding of how the collective experience and expertise of the board aligns with the company's long-term strategy and business model. Highly qualified, engaged directors with professional characteristics relevant to a company's business enhance the ability of the board to add value and be the voice of shareholders in board discussions. In our view, a strong board provides a competitive advantage to a company, providing valuable oversight and contributing to the most important management decisions that support long-term financial performance.

It is in this context that we are interested in diversity in the board room. We see it as a means to promoting diversity of thought and avoiding "group think" in the board's exercise of its responsibilities to advise and oversee management. It allows boards to have deeper discussions and make more resilient decisions. We ask boards to disclose how diversity is considered in board composition, including professional characteristics, such as a director's industry experience, specialist areas of expertise and geographic location; as well as demographic characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity and age.

We look to understand a board's diversity in the context of a company's domicile, market capitalization, business model and strategy. Increasingly, we see leading boards adding members whose experience deepens the board's understanding of the company's customers, employees and communities. Self-identified board demographic diversity can usefully be disclosed in aggregate, consistent with local law. We believe boards should aspire to meaningful diversity of membership, at least consistent with local regulatory requirements and best practices, while recognizing that building a strong, diverse board can take time.

This position is based on our view that diversity of perspective and thought – in the board room, in the management team and throughout the company – leads to better long term economic outcomes for companies. Academic research already reveals correlations between specific dimensions of diversity and effects on decision-making processes and outcomes.<sup>4</sup> In our experience, greater diversity in the board room contributes to more robust discussions and more innovative and resilient decisions. Over time, greater diversity in the board room can also promote greater diversity and resilience in the leadership team, and the workforce more broadly. That diversity can enable companies to develop businesses that more closely reflect and resonate with the customers and communities they serve.

There are matters for which the board has responsibility that may involve a conflict of interest for executives or for affiliated directors. It is our view that objective oversight of such matters is best achieved when the board forms committees comprised entirely of independent directors. In many markets, these committees of the board specialize in audit, director nominations, and compensation matters. An ad hoc committee might also be formed to decide on a special transaction, particularly one involving a related party, or to investigate a significant adverse event.

***Sufficient capacity***

As the role and expectations of a director are increasingly demanding, directors must be able to commit an appropriate amount of time to board and committee matters. It is important that directors have the capacity to meet all of their responsibilities - including when there are unforeseen events – and therefore, they should not take on an excessive number of roles that would impair their ability to fulfill their duties.

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<sup>4</sup> For a discussion on the different impacts of diversity see: McKinsey, "Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters", May 2022; Harvard Business Review, Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable – and That's Why They Perform Better, September 2016; "<u>Do Diverse Directors Influence DEI Outcomes</u>", September 2022 McKinsey, "Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters", May 2022; Harvard Business Review, Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable – and That's Why They Perform Better, September 2016; "<u>Do Diverse Directors Influence DEI Outcomes</u>", September 2022 

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**AUDITORS AND AUDIT-RELATED ISSUES** 

BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of financial statements, which should provide a true and fair picture of a company's financial condition. Accordingly, the assumptions made by management and reviewed by the auditor in preparing the financial statements should be reasonable and justified.

The accuracy of financial statements, inclusive of financial and non-financial information as required or permitted under market-specific accounting rules, is of paramount importance to BlackRock. Investors increasingly recognize that a broader range of risks and opportunities have the potential to materially impact financial performance. Over time, we anticipate investors and other users of company reporting will increasingly seek to understand and scrutinize the assumptions underlying financial statements, particularly those that pertain to the impact of the transition to a low carbon economy on a company's business model and asset mix. We recognize that this is an area of evolving practice and we look to international standards setters, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) to provide additional guidance to companies.

In this context, audit committees, or equivalent, play a vital role in a company's financial reporting system by providing independent oversight of the accounts, material financial and, where appropriate to the jurisdiction, non-financial information, internal control frameworks, and in the absence of a dedicated risk committee, Enterprise Risk Management systems. In our view, effective audit committee oversight strengthens the quality and reliability of a company's financial statements and provides an important level of reassurance to shareholders.

We hold members of the audit committee or equivalent responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function. Audit committees or equivalent should have clearly articulated charters that set out their responsibilities and have a rotation plan in place that allows for a periodic refreshment of the committee membership to introduce fresh perspectives to audit oversight. We recognize that audit committees will rely on management, internal audit and the independent auditor in fulfilling their responsibilities but look to committee members to demonstrate they have relevant expertise to monitor and oversee those functions.

We take particular note of unexplained changes in reporting methodology, cases involving significant financial restatements, or ad hoc notifications of material financial weakness. In this respect, audit committees should provide timely disclosure on the remediation of Key and Critical Audit Matters identified either by the external auditor or internal audit function.

The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor being free of any impediments to being an effective check on management. To that end, it is important that auditors are, and are seen to be, independent. Where an audit firm provides services to the company in addition to the audit, the fees earned should be disclosed and explained. Audit committees should have in place a procedure for assessing annually the independence of the auditor and the quality of the external audit process.

Comprehensive disclosure provides investors with a sense of the company's long-term operational risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the board's oversight. The audit committee or equivalent, or a dedicated risk committee, should periodically review the company's risk assessment and risk management policies and the significant risks and exposures identified by management, the internal auditors or the independent accountants, and management's steps to address them. In the absence of robust disclosures, we may reasonably conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.

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**CAPITAL STRUCTURE, MERGERS, ASSET SALES, AND OTHER SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS** 

The capital structure of a company is critical to shareholders as it impacts the value of their investment and the priority of their interest in the company relative to that of other equity or debt investors. Pre-emptive rights are a key protection for shareholders against the dilution of their interests.

Effective voting rights are basic rights of share ownership. It is our view that one vote for one share as a guiding principle supports effective corporate governance. Shareholders, as the residual claimants, have the strongest interest in protecting company value, and voting rights should match economic exposure.

In principle, we disagree with the creation of a share class with equivalent economic exposure and preferential, differentiated voting rights. In our view, this structure violates the fundamental corporate governance principle of proportionality and results in a concentration of power in the hands of a few shareholders, thus disenfranchising other shareholders and amplifying any potential conflicts of interest. However, we recognize that in certain markets, at least for a period of time, companies may have a valid argument for listing dual classes of shares with differentiated voting rights. In our view, such companies should review these share class structures on a regular basis or as company circumstances change.

Additionally, they should seek shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal at the company's shareholder meeting. The proposal should give unaffiliated shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders.

In assessing mergers, asset sales, or other special transactions, BlackRock's primary consideration is the long-term economic interests of our clients as shareholders. Boards proposing a transaction need to clearly explain the economic and strategic rationale behind it. We will review a proposed transaction to determine the degree to which it can enhance long-term shareholder value. We would prefer that proposed transactions have the unanimous support of the board and have been negotiated at arm's length. We may seek reassurance from the board that executives' and/or board members' financial interests in a given transaction have not adversely affected their ability to place shareholders' interests before their own. Where the transaction involves related parties, the recommendation to support should come from the independent directors, a best practice in most markets, and ideally, the terms should have been assessed through an independent appraisal process. In addition, it is good practice that it be approved by a separate vote of the non-conflicted parties.

As a matter of sound governance practice, shareholders should have a right to dispose of company shares in the open market without unnecessary restriction. In our view, corporate mechanisms designed to limit shareholders' ability to sell their shares are contrary to basic property rights. Such mechanisms can serve to protect and entrench interests other than those of the shareholders. In our experience, shareholders are broadly capable of making decisions in their own best interests. We encourage any so-called "shareholder rights plans" proposed by a board to be subject to shareholder approval upon introduction and periodically thereafter.

**COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS** 

In most markets, one of the most important roles for a company's board of directors is to put in place a compensation structure that incentivizes and rewards executives appropriately. There should be a clear link between variable pay and operational and financial performance. Performance metrics should be stretching and aligned with a company's strategy and business model. BIS does not have a position on the use of sustainability-related criteria, but in our view, where companies choose to include them, they should be as rigorous as other financial or operational targets. Long-term incentive plans should vest over timeframes aligned with the delivery of long-term shareholder value. Compensation committees should guard against contractual arrangements that would entitle executives to material compensation for early termination of their employment. Finally, pension contributions and other deferred compensation arrangements should be reasonable in light of market practice.

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We are not supportive of one-off or special bonuses unrelated to company or individual performance. Where discretion has been used by the compensation committee or its equivalent, we expect disclosure relating to how and why the discretion was used, and how the adjusted outcome is aligned with the interests of shareholders. We acknowledge that the use of peer group evaluation by compensation committees can help ensure competitive pay; however, we are concerned when the rationale for increases in total compensation at a company is solely based on peer benchmarking rather than a rigorous measure of outperformance. We encourage companies to clearly explain how compensation outcomes have rewarded outperformance against peer firms.

We believe consideration should be given to building claw back provisions into incentive plans such that executives would be required to forgo rewards when they are not justified by actual performance and/or when compensation was based on faulty financial reporting or deceptive business practices. We also favor recoupment from any senior executive whose behavior caused material financial harm to shareholders, material reputational risk to the company, or resulted in a criminal investigation, even if such actions did not ultimately result in a material restatement of past results.

Non-executive directors should be compensated in a manner that is commensurate with the time and effort expended in fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Additionally, these compensation arrangements should not risk compromising directors' independence or aligning their interests too closely with those of the management, whom they are charged with overseeing.

We use third party research, in addition to our own analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed compensation structures. We may vote against members of the compensation committee or equivalent board members for poor compensation practices or structures.

**MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES** 

It is our view that well-managed companies will effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. Appropriate oversight of sustainability considerations is a core component of having an effective governance framework, which supports durable, long-term value creation.

Robust disclosure is essential for investors to effectively evaluate companies' strategy and business practices related to material sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Given the increased understanding of material sustainability-related risks and opportunities and the need for better information to assess them, BlackRock advocates for continued improvement in companies' reporting, where necessary, and will express any concerns through our voting where a company's actions or disclosures are inadequate.

BlackRock encourages companies to use the framework developed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to disclose their approach to ensuring they have a sustainable business model and to supplement that disclosure with industry-specific metrics such as those identified by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), now part of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation.<sup>5</sup> While the TCFD framework was developed to support climate-related risk disclosure, the four pillars of the TCFD governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets are a useful way for companies to disclose how they identify, assess,

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<sup>5</sup> The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation announced in November 2021 the formation of an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to develop a comprehensive global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards to meet investors' information needs. SASB standards will over time be adapted to ISSB standards but are the reference reporting tool in the meantime. 

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manage, and oversee a variety of sustainability-related risks and opportunities. SASB's industry-specific guidance (as identified in its materiality map) is beneficial in helping companies identify key performance indicators (KPIs) across various dimensions of sustainability that are considered to be financially material and decision-useful within their industry. In particular, we encourage companies to consider reporting on nature-related factors, given the growing materiality of these issues for many businesses.<sup>6</sup> We recognize that some companies may report using different standards, which may be required by regulation, or one of a number of voluntary standards. In such cases, we ask that companies highlight the metrics that are industry- or company-specific.

Climate and other sustainability-related disclosures often require companies to collect and aggregate data from various internal and external sources. We recognize that the practical realities of data-collection and reporting may not line up with financial reporting cycles and companies may require additional time after their fiscal year-end to accurately collect, analyze and report this data to investors. To give investors time to assess the data, we encourage companies to produce climate and other sustainability-related disclosures sufficiently in advance of their annual meeting.

Companies may also adopt or refer to guidance on sustainable and responsible business conduct issued by supranational organizations such as the United Nations or the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Further, industry initiatives on managing specific operational risks may provide useful guidance to companies on best practices and disclosures. Companies should disclose any relevant global climate and other sustainability-related standards adopted, the industry initiatives in which they participate, any peer group benchmarking undertaken, and any assurance processes to help investors understand their approach to sustainable and responsible business practices.

***Climate risk***

It is our view that climate change has become a key factor in many companies' long-term prospects. As such, as long-term investors we are interested in understanding how companies may be impacted by material climate-related risks and opportunities - just as we seek to understand other business-relevant risks and opportunities - and how these factors are considered within strategy in a manner consistent with the company's business model and sector. Specifically, we look for companies to disclose strategies they have in place that mitigate and are resilient to any material risks to their long-term business model associated with a range of climate-related scenarios, including a scenario in which global warming is limited to well below 2°C, considering global ambitions to achieve a limit of 1.5°C.<sup>7</sup> It is, of course, up to each company to define their own strategy: that is not the role of BlackRock or other investors.

BIS recognizes that climate change can be challenging for many companies, as they seek to drive long-term value by mitigating risks and capturing opportunities. A growing number of companies, financial institutions, as well as governments, have committed to advancing decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement. There is growing consensus that companies can benefit from the more favorable macro-economic environment under an orderly, timely and equitable global energy transition.<sup>8</sup> Yet the path ahead is deeply uncertain and uneven,

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<sup>6</sup> While guidance is still under development for a unified disclosure framework related to natural capital, the emerging recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), may prove useful to some companies.

<sup>7</sup> The global aspiration to achieve a net-zero global economy by 2050 is reflective of aggregated efforts; governments representing over 90% of GDP have committed to move to net-zero over the coming decades. In determining how to vote on behalf of clients who have authorized us to do so, we look to companies only to address issues within their control and do not anticipate that they will address matters that are the domain of public policy. 

<sup>8</sup> For example, BlackRock's Capital Markets Assumptions anticipate 25 points of cumulative economic gains over a 20-year period in an orderly transition as compared to the alternative. This better macro environment will support better economic growth, financial stability, job growth, productivity, as well as ecosystem stability and health outcomes. 

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with different parts of the economy moving at different speeds.<sup>9</sup> Many companies are asking what their role should be in contributing to an orderly and equitable transition – in ensuring a reliable energy supply and energy security, and in protecting the most vulnerable from energy price shocks and economic dislocation. In this context, we encourage companies to include in their disclosure a business plan for how they intend to deliver long-term financial performance through a transition to global net zero carbon emissions, consistent with their business model and sector.

We look to companies to disclose short-, medium- and long-term targets, ideally science-based targets where these are available for their sector, for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions and to demonstrate how their targets are consistent with the long-term economic interests of their shareholders. Many companies have an opportunity to use and contribute to the development of low carbon energy sources and technologies that will be essential to decarbonizing the global economy over time. We also recognize that continued investment in traditional energy sources, including oil and gas, is required to maintain an orderly and equitable transition — and that divestiture of carbon-intensive assets is unlikely to contribute to global emissions reductions. We encourage companies to disclose how their capital allocation to various energy sources is consistent with their strategy.

At this stage, we view Scope 3 emissions differently from Scopes 1 and 2, given methodological complexity, regulatory uncertainty, concerns about double-counting, and lack of direct control by companies. While we welcome any disclosures and commitments companies choose to make regarding Scope 3 emissions, we recognize these are provided on a good-faith basis as methodology develops. Our publicly available <u>commentary</u> provides more information on our approach to climate risk.

***Key stakeholder interests***

In order to advance long-term shareholders' interests, companies should consider the interests of the various parties on whom they depend for their success over time. It is for each company to determine their key stakeholders based on what is material to their business and long-term financial performance. Most commonly, key stakeholders include employees, business partners (such as suppliers and distributors), clients and consumers, regulators, and the communities in which they operate.

Considering the interests of key stakeholders recognizes the collective nature of long-term value creation and the extent to which each company's prospects for growth are tied to its ability to foster strong sustainable relationships with and support from those stakeholders. Companies should articulate how they address adverse impacts that could arise from their business practices and affect critical business relationships with their stakeholders. We encourage companies to implement, to the extent appropriate, monitoring processes (often referred to as due diligence) to identify and mitigate potential adverse impacts and grievance mechanisms to remediate any actual adverse material impacts. In our view, maintaining trust within these relationships can contribute to a company's long-term success.

As a long-term shareholder on behalf of our clients, we find it helpful when companies disclose how they have identified their key stakeholders and considered their interests in business decision-making. We are also interested to understand the role of the board, which is well positioned to ensure that the approach taken is informed by and aligns with the company's strategy and purpose.

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<sup>9</sup> BlackRock, "<u>Managing the net-zero transition</u>", February 2022.

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**OTHER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS AND SHAREHOLDER PROTECTIONS** 

It is our view that shareholders have a right to material and timely information on the financial performance and viability of the companies in which they invest. In addition, companies should publish information on the governance structures in place and the rights of shareholders to influence these structures. The reporting and disclosure provided by companies help shareholders assess whether their economic interests have been protected and the quality of the board's oversight of management. We believe shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including changes to governance mechanisms, to submit proposals to the shareholders' meeting, and to call special meetings of shareholders.

***Corporate Form***

In our view, it is the responsibility of the board to determine the corporate form that is most appropriate given the company's purpose and business model.<sup>10</sup> Companies proposing to change their corporate form to a public benefit corporation or similar entity should put it to a shareholder vote if not already required to do so under applicable law. Supporting documentation from companies or shareholder proponents proposing to alter the corporate form should clearly articulate how the interests of shareholders and different stakeholders would be impacted as well as the accountability and voting mechanisms that would be available to shareholders. As a fiduciary on behalf of clients, we generally support management proposals if our analysis indicates that shareholders' interests are adequately protected. Relevant shareholder proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

**SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS** 

In most markets in which BlackRock invests on behalf of clients, shareholders have the right to submit proposals to be voted on by shareholders at a company's annual or extraordinary meeting, as long as eligibility and procedural requirements are met. The matters that we see put forward by shareholders address a wide range of topics, including governance reforms, capital management, and improvements in the management or disclosure of sustainability-related risks.

BlackRock is subject to certain requirements under antitrust law in the United States that place restrictions and limitations on how BlackRock can interact with the companies in which we invest on behalf of our clients, including our ability to submit shareholder proposals. As noted above, we can vote, on behalf of clients who authorize us to do so, on proposals put forth by others.

When assessing shareholder proposals, we evaluate each proposal on its merit, with a singular focus on its implications for long-term value creation. We consider the business and economic relevance of the issue raised, as well as its materiality and the urgency with which we believe it should be addressed. We take into consideration the legal effect of the proposal, as shareholder proposals may be advisory or legally binding depending on the jurisdiction. We would not support proposals that we believe would result in over-reaching into the basic business decisions of the company.

Where a proposal is focused on a material governance or sustainability-related risk that we agree needs to be addressed and the intended outcome is consistent with long-term value creation, we will look to the board and management to demonstrate that the company has met the intent of the request made in the shareholder proposal. Where our analysis and/or engagement indicate an opportunity for improvement in the company's approach to the issue, we may support shareholder proposals that are reasonable and not unduly prescriptive or constraining

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<sup>10</sup> Corporate form refers to the legal structure by which a business is organized.

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on management. Alternatively, or in addition, we may vote against the re-election of one or more directors if, in our assessment, the board has not responded sufficiently or with an appropriate sense of urgency. While we may not agree with all aspects of a shareholder proponent's views or all facets of the proponent's supporting statement, we may still support proposals that address material governance or sustainability-related risks where we believe it would be helpful for shareholders to have more detailed information on how those risks are identified, monitored, and managed to support a company's ability to deliver long-term financial returns. We may also support a proposal if management is on track, but we believe that voting in favor might accelerate progress.

**BLACKROCK'S OVERSIGHT OF ITS INVESTMENT STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES** 

***Oversight***

BlackRock maintains three regional advisory committees (Stewardship Advisory Committees) for a) the Americas; b) Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and c) Asia-Pacific, generally consisting of senior BlackRock investment professionals and/or senior employees with practical boardroom experience. The regional Stewardship Advisory Committees review and advise on amendments to BIS proxy voting guidelines covering markets within each respective region (Guidelines). The advisory committees do not determine voting decisions, which are the responsibility of BIS.

In addition to the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees, the Investment Stewardship Global Oversight Committee (Global Committee) is a risk-focused committee, comprised of senior representatives from various BlackRock investment teams, a senior legal representative, the Global Head of Investment Stewardship (Global Head), and other senior executives with relevant experience and team oversight. The Global Oversight Committee does not determine voting decisions, which are the responsibility of BIS.

The Global Head has primary oversight of the activities of BIS, including voting in accordance with the Guidelines, which require the application of professional judgment and consideration of each company's unique circumstances. The Global Committee reviews and approves amendments to these Principles. The Global Committee also reviews and approves amendments to the regional Guidelines, as proposed by the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees.

In addition, the Global Committee receives and reviews periodic reports regarding the votes cast by BIS, as well as updates on material process issues, procedural changes, and other risk oversight considerations. The Global Committee reviews these reports in an oversight capacity as informed by the BIS corporate governance engagement program and the Guidelines.

BIS carries out engagement with companies, monitors and executes proxy votes, and conducts vote operations (including maintaining records of votes cast) in a manner consistent with the relevant Guidelines. BIS also conducts research on corporate governance issues and participates in industry discussions to contribute to and keep abreast of important developments in the corporate governance field. BIS may utilize third parties for certain of the foregoing activities and performs oversight of those third parties. BIS may raise complicated or particularly controversial matters for internal discussion with the relevant investment teams and governance specialists for discussion and guidance prior to making a voting decision.

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**VOTE EXECUTION** 

BlackRock votes on proxy issues when our clients authorize us to do so. We offer certain clients who prefer their holdings to be voted consistent with specific values or views Voting Choice.<sup>11</sup> When BlackRock votes on behalf of our clients, we carefully consider proxies submitted to funds and other fiduciary account(s) (Fund or Funds) for which we have voting authority. BlackRock votes (or refrains from voting) proxies for each Fund for which we have voting authority based on our evaluation of the best long-term economic interests of our clients as shareholders, in the exercise of our independent business judgment, and without regard to the relationship of the issuer of the proxy (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) to the Fund, the Fund's affiliates (if any), BlackRock or BlackRock's affiliates, or BlackRock employees (see "Conflicts management policies and procedures", below).

When exercising voting rights, BlackRock will normally vote on specific proxy issues in accordance with the Guidelines for the relevant market. The Guidelines are reviewed annually and are amended consistent with changes in the local market practice, as developments in corporate governance occur, or as otherwise deemed advisable by the applicable Stewardship Advisory Committees. BIS analysts may, in the exercise of their professional judgment, conclude that the Guidelines do not cover the specific matter upon which a proxy vote is required or that an exception to the Guidelines would be in the best long-term economic interests of BlackRock's clients.

In the uncommon circumstance of there being a vote with respect to fixed income securities or the securities of privately held issuers, the decision generally will be made by a Fund's portfolio managers and/or BIS based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

In certain markets, proxy voting involves logistical issues which can affect BlackRock's ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. These issues include, but are not limited to: i) untimely notice of shareholder meetings; ii) restrictions on a foreigner's ability to exercise votes; iii) requirements to vote proxies in person; iv) "share-blocking" (requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the shareholder meeting); v) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; vi) regulatory constraints; and vii) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions. We are not supportive of impediments to the exercise of voting rights such as share-blocking or overly burdensome administrative requirements.

As a consequence, BlackRock votes proxies in these situations on a "best-efforts" basis. In addition, BIS may determine that it is generally in the best interests of BlackRock's clients not to vote proxies (or not to vote our full allocation) if the costs (including but not limited to opportunity costs associated with share-blocking constraints) associated with exercising a vote are expected to outweigh the benefit the client would derive by voting on the proposal.

Portfolio managers have full discretion to vote the shares in the Funds they manage based on their analysis of the economic impact of a particular ballot item on their investors. Portfolio managers may, from time to time, reach differing views on how best to maximize economic value with respect to a particular investment. Therefore, portfolio managers may, and sometimes do, vote shares in the Funds under their management differently from BIS or from one another. However, because BlackRock's clients are mostly long-term investors with long-term economic goals, ballots are frequently cast in a uniform manner.

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<sup>11</sup> To learn more visit https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/about-us/investment-stewardship/blackrock-voting-choice

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**CONFLICTS MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** 

BIS maintains policies and procedures that seek to prevent undue influence on BlackRock's proxy voting activity. Such influence might stem from any relationship between the investee company (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) and BlackRock, BlackRock's affiliates, a Fund or a Fund's affiliates, or BlackRock employees. The following are examples of sources of perceived or potential conflicts of interest:

• BlackRock clients who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions

• BlackRock business partners or third parties who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions

• BlackRock employees who may sit on the boards of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock

• Significant BlackRock, Inc. investors who may be issuers of securities held in Funds managed by BlackRock

• Securities of BlackRock, Inc. or BlackRock investment funds held in Funds managed by BlackRock

• BlackRock, Inc. board members who serve as senior executives or directors of public companies held in Funds managed by
BlackRock

BlackRock has taken certain steps to mitigate perceived or potential conflicts including, but not limited to, the following:

• Adopted the Guidelines which are designed to advance our clients' interests in the companies in which BlackRock
invests on their behalf

• Established a reporting structure that separates BIS from employees with sales, vendor management, or business partnership
roles. In addition, BlackRock seeks to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers, dissident shareholders or shareholder proponents are managed consistently and without regard to BlackRock's relationship with such parties. Clients or
business partners are not given special treatment or differentiated access to BIS. BIS prioritizes engagements based on factors including, but not limited to, our need for additional information to make a voting decision or our view on the
likelihood that an engagement could lead to positive outcome(s) over time for the economic value of the company. Within the normal course of business, BIS may engage directly with BlackRock clients, business partners and/or third parties, and/or
with employees with sales, vendor management, or business partnership roles, in discussions regarding our approach to stewardship, general corporate governance matters, client reporting needs, and/or to otherwise ensure that proxy-related client
service levels are met

• Determined to engage, in certain instances, an independent third party voting service provider to make proxy voting
recommendations as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest, to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements, or as may be otherwise required by applicable law. In such circumstances, the voting service provider provides BlackRock
with recommendations, in accordance with the Guidelines, as to how to vote such proxies. BlackRock uses an independent voting service provider to make proxy voting recommendations for shares of BlackRock, Inc. and companies affiliated with
BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock may also use an independent voting service provider to make proxy voting recommendations for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public companies that include BlackRock employees on their boards of directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public companies of which a BlackRock, Inc. board member serves as a senior executive or a member of the board of directors

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public companies that are the subject of certain transactions involving BlackRock Funds

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public companies that are joint venture partners with BlackRock, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• public companies when legal or regulatory requirements compel BlackRock to use an independent voting service provider

In selecting a voting service provider, we assess several characteristics, including but not limited to: independence, an ability to analyze proxy issues and make recommendations in the best economic interest of our clients in accordance with the Guidelines, reputation for reliability and integrity, and operational capacity to accurately deliver the assigned recommendations in a timely manner. We may engage more than one voting service provider, in part to mitigate potential or perceived conflicts of interest at a single voting service provider. The Global Committee appoints and reviews the performance of the voting service providers, generally on an annual basis.

**SECURITIES LENDING** 

When so authorized, BlackRock acts as a securities lending agent on behalf of Funds. Securities lending is a well-regulated practice that contributes to capital market efficiency. It also enables funds to generate additional returns for a fund, while allowing fund providers to keep fund expenses lower.

With regard to the relationship between securities lending and proxy voting, BlackRock's approach is informed by our fiduciary responsibility to act in our clients' best interests. In most cases, BlackRock anticipates that the potential long-term value to the Fund of voting shares would be less than the potential revenue the loan may provide the Fund. However, in certain instances, BlackRock may determine, in its independent business judgment as a fiduciary, that the value of voting outweighs the securities lending revenue loss to clients and would therefore recall shares to be voted in those instances.

The decision to recall securities on loan as part of BlackRock's securities lending program in order to vote is based on an evaluation of various factors that include, but are not limited to, assessing potential securities lending revenue alongside the potential long-term value to clients of voting those securities (based on the information available at the time of recall consideration).<sup>12</sup> BIS works with colleagues in the Securities Lending and Risk and Quantitative Analysis teams to evaluate the costs and benefits to clients of recalling shares on loan.

Periodically, BlackRock reviews our process for determining whether to recall securities on loan in order to vote and may modify it as necessary.

**VOTING GUIDELINES** 

The issue-specific Guidelines published for each region/country in which we vote are intended to summarize BlackRock's general philosophy and approach to issues that may commonly arise in the proxy voting context in each market where we invest. The Guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive. BIS applies the Guidelines on

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<sup>12</sup> Recalling securities on loan can be impacted by the timing of record dates. In the United States, for example, the record date of a shareholder meeting typically falls before the proxy statements are released. Accordingly, it is not practicable to evaluate a proxy statement, determine that a vote has a material impact on a fund and recall any shares on loan in advance of the record date for the annual meeting. As a result, managers must weigh independent business judgement as a fiduciary, the benefit to a fund's shareholders of recalling loaned shares in advance of an estimated record date without knowing whether there will be a vote on matters which have a material impact on the fund (thereby forgoing potential securities lending revenue for the fund's shareholders) or leaving shares on loan to potentially earn revenue for the fund (thereby forgoing the opportunity to vote). 

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a case-by-case basis, in the context of the individual circumstances of each company and the specific issue under review. As such, the Guidelines do not indicate how BIS will vote in every instance. Rather, they reflect our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots.

**REPORTING AND VOTE TRANSPARENCY** 

We are committed to transparency in the stewardship work we do on behalf of clients. We inform clients about our engagement and voting policies and activities through direct communication and through disclosure on our website. Each year we publish an annual report that provides a global overview of our investment stewardship engagement and voting activities and a voting spotlight that summarizes our voting over a proxy year.<sup>13</sup> Additionally, we make public our market-specific voting guidelines for the benefit of clients and companies with whom we engage. We also publish commentaries to share our perspective on market developments and emerging key themes.

At a more granular level, we publish quarterly our vote record for each company that held a shareholder meeting during the period, showing how we voted on each proposal and explaining any votes against management proposals or on shareholder proposals. For shareholder meetings where a vote might be high profile or of significant interest to clients, we may publish a vote bulletin after the meeting, disclosing and explaining our vote on key proposals. We also publish a quarterly list of all companies with which we engaged and the key topics addressed in the engagement meeting.

In this way, we help inform our clients about the work we do on their behalf in promoting the governance and business models that support durable, long-term value creation.

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<sup>13</sup> The proxy year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the proceeding calendar year.

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## BlackRock

## Investment

## Stewardship
Proxy voting guidelines for U.S. securities

January 2023

![LOGO](g488450g0330113200745.jpg)

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**Contents** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  [Introduction](#appa488450_17) | A-22 |
|  [Voting guidelines](#appa488450_18) | A-22 |
|  [Boards and directors](#appa488450_19) | A-22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Board Structure |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Board composition and effectiveness |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Board responsiveness and shareholder rights |  |
|  [Board responsiveness and shareholder rights](#appa488450_23) | A-27 |
|  [Auditors and audit-related issues](#appa488450_24) | A-29 |
|  [Capital structure proposals](#appa488450_25) | A-29 |
|  [Mergers, acquisitions, transactions, and other special situations](#appa488450_26) | A-30 |
|  [Executive Compensation](#appa488450_27) | A-31 |
|  [Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities](#appa488450_28) | A-34 |
|  [General corporate governance matters](#appa488450_29) | A-38 |
|  [Shareholder protections](#appa488450_30) | A-39 |

---

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These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Principles.

**INTRODUCTION** 

As stewards of our clients' investments, BlackRock believes it has a responsibility to engage with management teams and/or board members on material business issues and, for those clients who have given us authority, to vote proxies in the best long-term economic interests of their assets.

The following issue-specific proxy voting guidelines (the "Guidelines") summarize BlackRock Investment Stewardship's ("BIS") philosophy and approach to engagement and voting, as well as our view of governance best practices and the roles and responsibilities of boards and directors for publicly listed U.S. companies. These Guidelines are not intended to limit the analysis of individual issues at specific companies or provide a guide to how BIS will engage and/or vote in every instance. They are to be applied with discretion, taking into consideration the range of issues and facts specific to the company, as well as individual ballot items at shareholder meetings.

**VOTING GUIDELINES** 

These guidelines are divided into eight key themes, which group together the issues that frequently appear on the agenda of shareholder meetings:

• Boards and directors

• Auditors and audit-related issues

• Capital structure

• Mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, and other special transactions

• Executive compensation

• Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities

• General corporate governance matters

• Shareholder protections

**BOARDS AND DIRECTORS** 

An effective and well-functioning board is critical to the economic success of the company and the protection of shareholders' interests, inducting the establishment of appropriate governance structures that facilitate oversight of management and the company's strategic initiatives. As part of their responsibilities, board members owe fiduciary duties to shareholders in overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and risk management of the company. For this reason, BIS sees engagement with and the election of directors as one of our most critical responsibilities.

Disclosure of material issues that affect the company's long-term strategy and value creation, including, when relevant, material sustainability-related factors, is essential for shareholders to appropriately understand and assess how effectively the board is identifying, managing, and mitigating risks.

Where a company has not adequately demonstrated, through actions and/or disclosures, how material issues are appropriately identified, managed, and overseen, we will consider voting against the re-election of those directors responsible for the oversight of such issues, as indicated below.

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***Independence***

It is our view that a majority of the directors on the board should be independent to ensure objectivity in the decision-making of the board and its ability to oversee management. In addition, all members of audit, compensation, and nominating/governance committees should be independent. Our view of independence may vary from listing standards.

Common impediments to independence may include:

• Employment as a senior executive by the company or a subsidiary within the past five years

• An equity ownership in the company in excess of 20%

• Having any other interest, business, or relationship (professional or personal) which could, or could reasonably be
perceived to, materially interfere with the director's ability to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders We may vote against directors who we do not consider to be independent, including at controlled companies, when we
believe oversight could be enhanced with greater independent director representation. To signal our concerns, we may also vote against the chair of the nominating/governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating/governance committee
member with the longest tenure.

***Oversight role of the board***

The board should exercise appropriate oversight of management and the business activities of the company. Where we determine that a board has failed to do so in a way that may impede a company's long-term value, we may vote against the responsible committees and/or individual directors.

Common circumstances are illustrated below:

• Where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing or accounting practices, we may vote against members
of the audit committee

• Where the company has failed to provide shareholders with adequate disclosure to conclude that appropriate strategic
consideration is given to material risk factors (including, where relevant, sustainability factors), we may vote against members of the responsible committee, or the most relevant director

• Where it appears that a director has acted (at the company or at other companies) in a manner that compromises their
ability to represent the best long-term economic interests of shareholders, we may vote against that individual

• Where a director has a multi-year pattern of poor attendance at combined board and applicable committee meetings, or a
director has poor attendance in a single year with no disclosed rationale, we may vote against that individual. Excluding exigent circumstances, BIS generally considers attendance at less than 75% of the combined board and applicable committee
meetings to be poor attendance

• Where a director serves on an excessive number of boards, which may limit their capacity to focus on each board's
needs, we may vote against that individual. The following identifies the maximum number of boards on which a director may serve, before BIS considers them to be over-committed:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Public Company**<br> **Executive<sup>14</sup>** | **# Outside Public**<br> **Boards<sup>15</sup>** | **Total # of Public**<br> **Boards** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director A | ✓ | 1 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director B |  | 3 | 4 |

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<sup>14</sup> A public company executive is defined as a Named Executive Officer (NEO) or Executive Chair.

<sup>15</sup> In addition to the company under review.

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In addition, we recognize that board leadership roles may vary in responsibility and time requirements in different markets around the world. In particular, where a director maintains a Chair role of a publicly listed company in European markets, we may consider that responsibility as equal to two board commitments, consistent with our EMEA Proxy Voting Guidelines. We will take the total number of board commitments across our global policies into account for director elections.

***Risk oversight***

Companies should have an established process for identifying, monitoring, and managing business and material risks. Independent directors should have access to relevant management information and outside advice, as appropriate, to ensure they can properly oversee risk. We encourage companies to provide transparency around risk management, mitigation, and reporting to the board. We are particularly interested in understanding how risk oversight processes evolve in response to changes in corporate strategy and/or shifts in the business and related risk environment. Comprehensive disclosures provide investors with a sense of the company's long-term risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the board's oversight. In the absence of robust disclosures, we may reasonably conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.

**BOARD STRUCTURE** 

***Classified board of directors/staggered terms***

Directors should be re-elected annually; classification of the board generally limits shareholders' rights to regularly evaluate a board's performance and select directors. While we will typically support proposals requesting board de-classification, we may make exceptions, should the board articulate an appropriate strategic rationale for a classified board structure. This may include when a company needs consistency and stability during a time of transition, e.g., newly public companies or companies undergoing a strategic restructuring. A classified board structure may also be justified at non-operating companies, e.g., closed-end funds or business development companies ("BDC"),<sup>16</sup> in certain circumstances. However, in these instances, boards should periodically review the rationale for a classified structure and consider when annual elections might be more appropriate.

Without a voting mechanism to immediately address concerns about a specific director, we may choose to vote against the directors up for election at the time (see "Shareholder rights" for additional detail).

***Independent leadership***

There are two commonly accepted structures for independent leadership to balance the CEO role in the boardroom: 1) an independent Chair; or 2) a Lead Independent director when the roles of Chair and CEO are combined, or when the Chair is otherwise not independent.

In the absence of a significant governance concern, we defer to boards to designate the most appropriate leadership structure to ensure adequate balance and independence.<sup>17</sup> However, BIS may vote against the most senior non-executive member of the board when appropriate independence is lacking in designated leadership roles.

In the event that the board chooses to have a combined Chair/CEO or a non-independent Chair, we support the designation of a Lead Independent director, with the ability to: 1) provide formal input into board meeting agendas; 2) call meetings of the independent directors; and 3) preside at meetings of independent directors. These roles and responsibilities should be disclosed and easily accessible.

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<sup>16</sup> A BDC is a special investment vehicle under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that is designed to facilitate capital formation for small and middle-market companies.

<sup>17</sup> To this end, we do not view shareholder proposals asking for the separation of Chair and CEO to be a proxy for other concerns we may have at the company for which a vote against directors would be more appropriate. Rather, support for such a proposal might arise in the case of overarching and sustained governance concerns such as lack of independence or failure to oversee a material risk over consecutive years. 

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The following table illustrates examples<sup>18</sup> of responsibilities under each board leadership model:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Combined Chair/CEO or CEO +<br>Non-independent Chair** | **Combined Chair/CEO or CEO +<br>Non-independent Chair** | **Separate<br>Independent Chair** |
| | **Chair/CEO or<br>Non-independent<br>Chair** | **Lead Independent**<br> **Director** | **Independent Chair** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Board Meetings** | Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors | Attends full meetings of the board of directors | Authority to call full meetings of the board of directors |
|  |  | Authority to call meetings of independent directors |  |
|  | | Briefs CEO on issues arising from executive sessions | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agenda | Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, consulting with the lead independent director | Collaborates with chair/CEO to set board agenda and board information | Primary responsibility for shaping board agendas, in conjunction with CEO |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Board Communications | Communicates with all directors on key issues and concerns outside of full board meetings | Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside of full board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning | Facilitates discussion among independent directors on key issues and concerns outside of full board meetings, including contributing to the oversight of CEO and management succession planning |

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***CEO and management succession planning***

Companies should have a robust CEO and senior management succession plan in place at the board level that is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Succession planning should cover scenarios over both the long-term, consistent with the strategic direction of the company and identified leadership needs over time, as well as the short-term, in the event of an unanticipated executive departure. We encourage the company to explain their executive succession planning process, including where accountability lies within the boardroom for this task, without prematurely divulging sensitive information commonly associated with this exercise.

During a CEO transition, companies may elect for the departing CEO to maintain a role in the boardroom. We ask for disclosures to understand the timeframe and responsibilities of this role. In such instances, we typically look for the board to have appropriate independent leadership structures in place. (See chart above.)

***Director compensation and equity programs***

Compensation for directors should generally be structured to attract and retain directors, while also aligning their interests with those of shareholders. In our view, director compensation packages that are based on the company's long-term value creation and include some form of long-term equity compensation are more likely to meet this goal.

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<sup>18</sup> This table is for illustrative purposes only. The roles and responsibilities cited here are not all-encompassing and are noted for reference as to how these leadership positions may be defined.

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**BOARD COMPOSITION AND EFFECTIVENESS** 

***Director qualifications and skills***

We encourage boards to periodically review director qualifications and skills to ensure relevant experience and diverse perspectives are represented in the boardroom. To this end, performance reviews and skills assessments should be conducted by the nominating/governance committee or the Lead Independent Director. This process may include internal board evaluations; however, boards may also find it useful to periodically conduct an assessment with a third party. We encourage boards to disclose their approach to evaluations, including objectives of the evaluation; if an external party conducts the evaluation; the frequency of the evaluations; and, whether that evaluation occurs on an individual director basis.

***Board term limits and director tenure***

Where boards find that age limits or term limits are the most efficient and objective mechanism for ensuring periodic board refreshment, we generally defer to the board's determination in setting such limits. BIS will also consider the average board tenure to evaluate processes for board renewal. We may oppose boards that appear to have an insufficient mix of short-, medium-, and long-tenured directors.

***Board diversity***

As noted above, highly qualified, engaged directors with professional characteristics relevant to a company's business enhance the ability of the board to add value and be the voice of shareholders in board discussions. In our view, a strong board provides a competitive advantage to a company, providing valuable oversight and contributing to the most important management decisions that support long-term financial performance.

It is in this context that we are interested in diversity in the boardroom. We see it as a means to promoting diversity of thought and avoiding 'group think' in the board's exercise of its responsibilities to advise and oversee management. It allows boards to have deeper discussions and make more resilient decisions. We ask boards to disclose how diversity is considered in board composition, including professional characteristics, such as a director's industry experience, specialist areas of expertise and geographic location; as well as demographic characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age.

We look to understand a board's diversity in the context of a company's domicile, market capitalization, business model, and strategy. Increasingly, we see leading boards adding members whose experience deepens the board's understanding of the company's customers, employees, and communities. Self-identified board demographic diversity can usefully be disclosed in aggregate, consistent with local law. We believe boards should aspire to meaningful diversity of membership, at least consistent with local regulatory requirements and best practices, while recognizing that building a strong, diverse board can take time.

This position is based on our view that diversity of perspective and thought—in the boardroom, in the management team and throughout the company—leads to better long-term economic outcomes for companies. Academic and other research reveals correlations between specific dimensions of diversity and effects on decision-making processes and outcomes.<sup>19</sup> In our experience, greater diversity in the boardroom contributes to more robust discussions and more innovative and resilient decisions. Over time, greater diversity in the boardroom can also promote greater diversity and resilience in the leadership team, and the workforce more broadly. That diversity can enable companies to develop businesses that more closely reflect and resonate with the customers and communities they serve.

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<sup>19</sup> For a discussion on the different impacts of diversity see: McKinsey, "Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters", May 2022; Harvard Business Review, Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable – and That's Why They Perform Better, September 2016; "<u>Do Diverse Directors Influence DEI Outcomes</u>", September 2022 

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In the U.S., we believe that boards should aspire to at least 30% diversity of membership,<sup>20</sup> and we encourage large companies, such as those in the S&P 500, to lead in achieving this standard. In our view, an informative indicator of diversity for such companies is having at least two women and a director who identifies as a member of an underrepresented group.<sup>21</sup> We recognize that it may take time and that companies with smaller market capitalizations and in certain sectors may face more challenges in pursuing diversity. Among these smaller companies, we look for the presence of diversity and take into consideration the progress that companies are making.

In order to help investors understand overall diversity, we look to boards to disclose:

• How diversity, including demographic factors and professional characteristics, is considered in board composition, given
the company's long-term strategy and business model

• How directors' professional characteristics, which may include domain expertise such as finance or technology, and
sector- or market-specific experience, are complementary and link to the company's long-term strategy

• The process by which candidates for board positions are identified, including whether professional firms or other resources
outside of incumbent directors' networks are engaged to identify and/or assess candidates, and whether a diverse slate of nominees is considered for all available board nominations

To the extent that, based on our assessment of corporate disclosures, a company has not adequately explained their approach to diversity in their board composition, we may vote against members of the nominating/governance committee. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to board diversity.

***Board size***

We typically defer to the board in setting the appropriate size and believe that directors are generally in the best position to assess the optimal board size to ensure effectiveness. However, we may vote against the appropriate committees and/or individual directors if, in our view, the board is ineffective in its oversight, either because it is too small to allow for the necessary range of skills and experience or too large to function efficiently.

**BOARD RESPONSIVENESS AND SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS** 

***Shareholder rights***

Where we determine that a board has not acted in the best interests of the company's shareholders, or takes action to unreasonably limit shareholder rights, we may vote against the appropriate committees and/or individual directors. Common circumstances are illustrated below:

• The Independent Chair or Lead Independent Director and members of the nominating/governance committee, where a board
implements or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval

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<sup>20</sup> We take a case-by-case approach and consider the size of the board in our evaluation of overall composition and diversity. Business model, strategy, location, and company size may also impact our analysis of board diversity. We acknowledge that these factors may also play into the various elements of diversity that a board may attract. We look for disclosures from companies to help us understand their approach and do not prescribe any particular board composition. 

<sup>21</sup> Including, but not limited to, individuals who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian, Native American or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; individuals who identify as LGBTQ+; individuals who identify as underrepresented based on national, Indigenous, religious, or cultural identity; individuals with disabilities; and veterans. 

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• The Independent Chair or Lead Independent Director and members of the nominating/governance committee, where a board amends
the charter/articles/bylaws and where the effect may be to entrench directors or to unreasonably reduce shareholder rights

• Members of the compensation committee where the company has repriced options without shareholder approval If a board
maintains a classified structure, it is possible that the director(s) or committee members with whom we have a particular concern may not be subject to election in the year that the concern arises. In such situations, we may register our concern by
voting against the most relevant director(s) up for election.

***Responsiveness to shareholders***

A board should be engaged and responsive to the company's shareholders, including acknowledging voting outcomes for director elections, compensation, shareholder proposals, and other ballot items. Where we determine that a board has not substantially addressed shareholder concerns that we deem material to the business, we may vote against the responsible committees and/or individual directors. Common circumstances are illustrated below:

• The Independent Chair or Lead Independent Director, members of the nominating/governance committee, and/or the longest
tenured director(s), where we observe a lack of board responsiveness to shareholders, evidence of board entrenchment, and/or failure to plan for adequate board member succession

• The chair of the nominating/governance committee, or where no chair exists, the nominating/governance committee member with
the longest tenure, where board member(s) at the most recent election of directors have received against votes from more than 25% of shares voted, and the board has not taken appropriate action to respond to shareholder concerns. This may not apply
in cases where BIS did not support the initial vote against such board member(s)

• The Independent Chair or Lead Independent Director and/or members of the nominating/governance committee, where a board
fails to consider shareholder proposals that (1) receive substantial support, and (2) in our view, have a material impact on the business, shareholder rights, or the potential for long-term value creation

***Majority vote requirements***

Directors should generally be elected by a majority of the shares voted. We will normally support proposals seeking to introduce bylaws requiring a majority vote standard for director elections. Majority vote standards generally assist in ensuring that directors who are not broadly supported by shareholders are not elected to serve as their representatives. As a best practice, companies with either a majority vote standard or a plurality vote standard should adopt a resignation policy for directors who do not receive support from at least a majority of votes cast. Where the company already has a sufficiently robust majority voting process in place, we may not support a shareholder proposal seeking an alternative mechanism.

We note that majority voting may not be appropriate in all circumstances, for example, in the context of a contested election, or for majority-controlled companies or those with concentrated ownership structures.

***Cumulative voting***

As stated above, a majority vote standard is generally in the best long-term interests of shareholders, as it ensures director accountability through the requirement to be elected by more than half of the votes cast. As such, we will generally oppose proposals requesting the adoption of cumulative voting, which may disproportionately aggregate votes on certain issues or director candidates.

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**AUDITORS AND AUDIT-RELATED ISSUES** 

BIS recognizes the critical importance of financial statements to provide a complete and accurate portrayal of a company's financial condition. Consistent with our approach to voting on directors, we seek to hold the audit committee of the board responsible for overseeing the management of the independent auditor and the internal audit function at a company.

We may vote against the audit committee members where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing. We look to public disclosures for insight into the scope of the audit committee responsibilities, including an overview of audit committee processes, issues on the audit committee agenda, and key decisions taken by the audit committee. We take particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or material weakness disclosures, and we look for timely disclosure and remediation of accounting irregularities.

The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor effectively fulfilling its role. To that end, we favor an independent auditor. In addition, to the extent that an auditor fails to reasonably identify and address issues that eventually lead to a significant financial restatement, or the audit firm has violated standards of practice, we may also vote against ratification.

From time to time, shareholder proposals may be presented to promote auditor independence or the rotation of audit firms. We may support these proposals when they are consistent with our views as described above.

**CAPITAL STRUCTURE PROPOSALS** 

***Equal voting rights***

In our view, shareholders should be entitled to voting rights in proportion to their economic interests. In addition, companies that have implemented dual or multiple class share structures should review these structures on a regular basis, or as company circumstances change. Companies with multiple share classes should receive shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal on the company's proxy. The proposal should give unaffiliated shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders. Where companies are unwilling to voluntarily implement "one share, one vote" within a specified timeframe, or are unresponsive to shareholder feedback for change over time, we generally support shareholder proposals to recapitalize stock into a single voting class.

***Blank check preferred stock***

We frequently oppose proposals requesting authorization of a class of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights ("blank check" preferred stock) because they may serve as a transfer of authority from shareholders to the board and as a possible entrenchment device. We generally view the board's discretion to establish voting rights on a when-issued basis as a potential anti-takeover device, as it affords the board the ability to place a block of stock with an investor sympathetic to management, thereby foiling a takeover bid without a shareholder vote.

Nonetheless, we may support the proposal where the company:

• Appears to have a legitimate financing motive for requesting blank check authority

• Has committed publicly that blank check preferred shares will not be used for anti-takeover purposes

• Has a history of using blank check preferred stock for financings

• Has blank check preferred stock previously outstanding such that an increase would not necessarily provide further
anti-takeover protection but may provide greater financing flexibility

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***Increase in authorized common shares***

BIS will evaluate requests to increase authorized shares on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with industry-specific norms and potential dilution, as well as a company's history with respect to the use of its common shares.

***Increase or issuance of preferred stock***

We generally support proposals to increase or issue preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and where the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

***Stock splits***

We generally support stock splits that are not likely to negatively affect the ability to trade shares or the economic value of a share. We generally support reverse stock splits that are designed to avoid delisting or to facilitate trading in the stock, where the reverse split will not have a negative impact on share value (e.g., one class is reduced while others remain at pre-split levels). In the event of a proposal for a reverse split that would not proportionately reduce the company's authorized stock, we apply the same analysis we would use for a proposal to increase authorized stock.

**MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS, TRANSACTIONS, AND OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS** 

***Mergers, acquisitions, and transactions***

In assessing mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions– including business combinations involving Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs") – BIS' primary consideration is the long-term economic interests of our clients as shareholders. Boards should clearly explain the economic and strategic rationale for any proposed transactions or material changes to the business. We will review a proposed transaction to determine the degree to which it has the potential to enhance long-term shareholder value. While mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, business combinations, and other special transaction proposals vary widely in scope and substance, we closely examine certain salient features in our analyses, such as:

• The degree to which the proposed transaction represents a premium to the company's trading price. We consider the
share price over multiple time periods prior to the date of the merger announcement. We may consider comparable transaction analyses provided by the parties' financial advisors and our own valuation assessments. For companies facing insolvency
or bankruptcy, a premium may not apply

• There should be clear strategic, operational, and/or financial rationale for the combination

• Unanimous board approval and arm's-length negotiations are preferred. We will
consider whether the transaction involves a dissenting board or does not appear to be the result of an arm's-length bidding process. We may also consider whether executive and/or board members'
financial interests appear likely to affect their ability to place shareholders' interests before their own, as well as measures taken to address conflicts of interest

• We prefer transaction proposals that include the fairness opinion of a reputable financial advisor assessing the value of
the transaction to shareholders in comparison to recent similar transactions

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***Contested director elections and special situations***

Contested elections and other special situations<sup>22</sup> are assessed on a case-by-case basis. We evaluate a number of factors, which may include: the qualifications and past performance of the dissident and management candidates; the validity of the concerns identified by the dissident; the viability of both the dissident's and management's plans; the ownership stake and holding period of the dissident; the likelihood that the dissident's strategy will produce the desired change; and whether the dissident represents the best option for enhancing long-term shareholder value.

We will evaluate the actions that the company has taken to limit shareholders' ability to exercise the right to nominate dissident director candidates, including those actions taken absent the immediate threat of a contested situation. BIS may take voting action against directors(up to and including the full board) where those actions are viewed as egregiously infringing on shareholder rights.

We will consider a variety of possible voting outcomes in contested situations, including the ability to support a mix of management and dissident nominees.

***Poison pill plans***

Where a poison pill is put to a shareholder vote by management, our policy is to examine these plans individually. Although we have historically opposed most plans, we may support plans that include a reasonable "qualifying offer clause." Such clauses typically require shareholder ratification of the pill and stipulate a sunset provision whereby the pill expires unless it is renewed. These clauses also tend to specify that an all-cash bid for all shares that includes a fairness opinion and evidence of financing does not trigger the pill, but forces either a special meeting at which the offer is put to a shareholder vote or requires the board to seek the written consent of shareholders, where shareholders could rescind the pill at their discretion. We may also support a pill where it is the only effective method for protecting tax or other economic benefits that may be associated with limiting the ownership changes of individual shareholders. Lastly, we look for shareholder approval of poison pill plans within one year of adoption of implementation.

***Reimbursement of expense for successful shareholder campaigns***

We generally do not support shareholder proposals seeking the reimbursement of proxy contest expenses, even in situations where we support the shareholder campaign. Introducing the possibility of such reimbursement may incentivize disruptive and unnecessary shareholder campaigns.

**EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION** 

A company's board of directors should put in place a compensation structure that balances incentivizing, rewarding, and retaining executives appropriately across a wide range of business outcomes. This structure should be aligned with shareholder interests, particularly the generation of sustainable, long-term value.

The compensation committee should carefully consider the specific circumstances of the company and the key individuals the board is focused on incentivizing. We encourage companies to ensure that their compensation plans incorporate appropriate and rigorous performance metrics, consistent with corporate strategy and market practice. Performance-based compensation should include metrics that are relevant to the business and stated strategy and/or risk mitigation efforts. Goals, and the processes used to set these goals, should be clearly articulated and appropriately rigorous. We use third party research, in addition to our own analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed compensation structures. We hold members of the compensation committee, or equivalent board members, accountable for poor compensation practices and/or structures.

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<sup>22</sup> Special situations are broadly defined as events that are non-routine and differ from the normal course of business for a company's shareholder meeting, involving a solicitation other than by management with respect to the exercise of voting rights in a manner inconsistent with management's recommendation. These may include instances where shareholders nominate director candidates, oppose the view of management and/or the board on mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions, etc. 

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There should be a clear link between variable pay and company performance that drives sustained value creation for our clients as shareholders. Where compensation structures provide for a front-loaded<sup>23</sup> award, we look for appropriate structures(including vesting and/or holding periods) that motivate sustained performance for shareholders over a number of years. We generally do not favor programs focused on awards that require performance levels to be met and maintained for a relatively short time period for payouts to be earned, unless there are extended vesting and/or holding requirements.

Compensation structures should generally drive outcomes that align the pay of the executives with performance of the company and the value received by shareholders. When evaluating performance, we examine both executive teams' efforts, as well as outcomes realized by shareholders. Payouts to executives should reflect both the executive's contributions to the company's ongoing success, as well as exogenous factors that impacted shareholder value. Where discretion has been used by the compensation committee, we look for disclosures relating to how and why the discretion was used and how the adjusted outcome is aligned with the interests of shareholders. While we believe special awards<sup>24</sup> should be used sparingly, we acknowledge that there may be instances when such awards are appropriate. When evaluating these awards, we consider a variety of factors, including the magnitude and structure of the award, the scope of award recipients, the alignment of the grant with shareholder value, and the company's historical use of such awards, in addition to other company-specific circumstances.

We acknowledge that the use of peer group evaluation by compensation committees can help calibrate competitive pay; however, we are concerned when the rationale for increases in total compensation is solely based on peer benchmarking.

We support incentive plans that foster the sustainable achievement of results– both financial and non-financial – consistent with the company's strategic initiatives. Compensation committees should guard against contractual arrangements that would entitle executives to material compensation for early termination of their contract. Finally, pension contributions and other deferred compensation arrangements should be reasonable in light of market practices. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to executive compensation.

Where executive compensation appears excessive relative to the performance of the company and/or compensation paid by peers, or where an equity compensation plan is not aligned with shareholders' interests, we may vote against members of the compensation committee.

***"Say on Pay" advisory resolutions***

In cases where there is a "Say on Pay" vote, BIS will respond to the proposal as informed by our evaluation of compensation practices at that particular company and in a manner that appropriately addresses the specific question posed to shareholders. Where we conclude that a company has failed to align pay with performance, we will vote against the management compensation proposal and relevant compensation committee members.

***Frequency of "Say on Pay" advisory resolutions***

BIS will generally support annual advisory votes on executive compensation. It is our view that shareholders should have the opportunity to express feedback on annual incentive programs and changes to long-term compensation before multiple cycles are issued. Where a company has failed to implement a "Say on Pay" advisory vote within the frequency period that received the most support from shareholders or a "Say on Pay" resolution is omitted without explanation, BIS may vote against members of the compensation committee.

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<sup>23</sup> Front-loaded awards are generally those that accelerate the grant of multiple years' worth of compensation in a single year.

<sup>24</sup> "Special awards" refers to awards granted outside the company's typical compensation program.

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***Clawback proposals***

We generally favor prompt recoupment from any senior executive whose compensation was based on faulty financial reporting or deceptive business practices. We also favor prompt recoupment from any senior executive whose behavior caused material financial harm to shareholders, material reputational risk to the company, or resulted in a criminal proceeding, even if such actions did not ultimately result in a material restatement of past results. This includes, but is not limited to, settlement agreements arising from such behavior and paid for directly by the company. We typically support shareholder proposals on these matters unless the company already has a robust clawback policy that sufficiently addresses our concerns.

***Employee stock purchase plans***

Employee stock purchase plans("ESPP") are an important part of a company's overall human capital management strategy and can provide performance incentives to help align employees' interests with those of shareholders. The most common form of ESPP qualifies for favorable tax treatment under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. We will typically support qualified ESPP proposals.

***Equity compensation plans***

BIS supports equity plans that align the economic interests of directors, managers, and other employees with those of shareholders. Boards should establish policies prohibiting the use of equity awards in a manner that could disrupt the intended alignment with shareholder interests, such as the excessive pledging or heading of stock. We may support shareholder proposals requesting the establishment of such policies.

Our evaluation of equity compensation plans is based on a company's executive pay and performance relative to peers and whether the plan plays a significant role in a pay-for-performance disconnect. We generally oppose plans that contain "evergreen" provisions, which allow for automatic annual increases of shares available for grant without requiring further shareholder approval; we note that the aggregate impacts of such increases are difficult to predict and may lead to significant dilution. We also generally oppose plans that allow for repricing without shareholder approval. We may oppose plans that provide for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even in situations where an actual change of control may not occur. We encourage companies to structure their change of control provisions to require the termination of the covered employee before acceleration or special payments are triggered (commonly referred to as "double trigger" change of control provisions).

***Golden parachutes***

We generally view golden parachutes as encouragement to management to consider transactions that might be beneficial to shareholders. However, a large potential payout under a golden parachute arrangement also presents the risk of motivating a management team to support a sub-optimal sale price for a company.

When determining whether to support or oppose an advisory vote on a golden parachute plan, BIS may consider several factors, including:

• Whether we determine that the triggering event is in the best interests of shareholders

• Whether management attempted to maximize shareholder value in the triggering event

• The percentage of total premium or transaction value that will be transferred to the management team, rather than
shareholders, as a result of the golden parachute payment

• Whether excessively large excise tax gross-up payments are part of the pay-out

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• Whether the pay package that serves as the basis for calculating the golden parachute payment was reasonable in light of
performance and peers

• Whether the golden parachute payment will have the effect of rewarding a management team that has failed to effectively
manage the company It may be difficult to anticipate the results of a plan until after it has been triggered; as a result, BIS may vote against a golden parachute proposal even if the golden parachute plan under review was approved by shareholders
when it was implemented.

We may support shareholder proposals requesting that implementation of such arrangements require shareholder approval.

***Option exchanges***

There may be legitimate instances where underwater options create an overhang on a company's capital structure and a repricing or option exchange may be warranted. We will evaluate these instances on a case-by-case basis. BIS may support a request to reprice or exchange underwater options under the following circumstances:

• The company has experienced significant stock price decline as a result of macroeconomic trends, not individual company
performance

• Directors and executive officers are excluded; the exchange is value neutral or value creative to shareholders; tax,
accounting, and other technical considerations have been fully contemplated

• There is clear evidence that absent repricing, employee incentives, retention, and/or recruiting may be impacted BIS may
also support a request to exchange underwater options in other circumstances, if we determine that the exchange is in the best interests of shareholders.

***Supplemental executive retirement plans***

BIS may support shareholder proposals requesting to put extraordinary benefits contained in supplemental executive retirement plans("SERP") to a shareholder vote unless the company's executive pension plans do not contain excessive benefits beyond what is offered under employee-wide plans.

**MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES** 

It is our view that well-run companies, where appropriate, effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities<sup>25</sup> as a core component of their long-term value creation for shareholder and business strategy. At the board level, appropriate governance structures and responsibilities allow for effective oversight of the strategic implementation of material sustainability issues.

When assessing how to vote– including on the election of directors and relevant shareholder proposals – robust disclosures are essential for investors to understand, where appropriate, how companies are integrating material

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<sup>25</sup> By material sustainability-related risks and opportunities, we mean the drivers of risk and value creation in a company's business model that have an environmental or social dependency or impact. Examples of environmental issues include, but are not limited to, water use, land use, waste management, and climate risk. Examples of social issues include, but are not limited to, human capital management, impacts on the communities in which a company operates, customer loyalty, and relationships with regulators. It is our view that well-run companies will effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. Governance is the core means by which boards can oversee the creation of durable, long-term value. Appropriate risk oversight of business-relevant and material sustainability-related considerations is a component of a sound governance framework. 

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sustainability risks and opportunities across their business and strategic, long-term planning. Where a company has failed to appropriately provide robust disclosures and evidence of effective business practices, BIS may express concerns through our engagement and voting. As part of this consideration, we encourage companies to produce sustainability-related disclosures sufficiently in advance of their annual meeting so that the disclosures can be considered in relevant vote decisions.

We encourage disclosures aligned with the reporting framework developed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), supported by industry-specific metrics, such as those identified by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), now part of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation.<sup>26</sup> While the TCFD framework was developed to support climate-related risk disclosures, the four pillars of the TCFD – governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets – are a useful way for companies to disclose how they identify, assess, manage, and oversee a variety of sustainability-related risks and opportunities. SASB's<sup>27</sup> industry-specific metrics are beneficial in helping companies identify key performance indicators ("KPIs") across various dimensions of sustainability that are considered to be financially material. We recognize that some companies may report using different standards, which may be required by regulation, or one of a number of private standards. In such cases, we ask that companies highlight the metrics that are industry- or company-specific.

We look to companies to:

• Disclose the identification, assessment, management, and oversight of material sustainability-related risks and
opportunities in accordance with the four pillars of TCFD

• Publish material, investor-relevant, industry-specific metrics and rigorous targets, aligned with SASB (ISSB) or comparable
sustainability reporting standards

Companies should also disclose any material supranational standards adopted, the industry initiatives in which they participate, any peer group benchmarking undertaken, and any assurance processes to help investors understand their approach to sustainable and responsible business conduct.

***Climate risk***

It is our view that climate change has become a key factor in many companies' long-term prospects. As such, as long-term investors, we are interested in understanding how companies may be impacted by material climate-related risks and opportunities—just as we seek to understand other business-relevant risks and opportunities—and how these factors are considered within their strategy in a manner that is consistent with the company's business model and sector. Specifically, we look for companies to disclose strategies that they have in place that mitigate and are resilient to any material risks to their long-term business model associated with a range of climate-related scenarios, including a scenario in which global warming is limited to well below 2°C, and considering global ambitions to achieve a limit of 1.5°C.<sup>28</sup> It is, of course, up to each company to define their own strategy: that is not the role of BlackRock or other investors.

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<sup>26</sup> The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation announced in November 2021 the formation of an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to develop a comprehensive global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards to meet investors' information needs. SASB standards will over time be adapted to ISSB standards but are the reference reporting tool in the meantime. 

<sup>27</sup> The ISSB has committed to build upon the SASB standards, which identify material, sustainability-related disclosures across sectors. SASB Standards can be used to provide a baseline of investor-focused sustainability disclosure and to implement the principles-based framework recommended by the TCFD, which is also incorporated into the ISSB's Climate Exposure Draft. Similarly, SASB Standards enable robust implementation of the Integrated Reporting Framework, providing the comparability sought by investors. 

<sup>28</sup> The global aspiration to achieve a net-zero global economy by 2050 is reflective of aggregated efforts; governments representing over 90% of GDP have committed to move to net-zero over the coming decades. In determining how to vote on behalf of clients who have authorized us to do so, we look to companies only to address issues within their control and do not anticipate that they will address matters that are the domain of public policy. 

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BIS recognizes that climate change can be challenging for many companies, as they seek to drive long-term value by mitigating risks and capturing opportunities. A growing number of companies, financial institutions, as well as governments, have committed to advancing decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement. There is growing consensus that companies can benefit from the more favorable macro-economic environment under an orderly, timely, and equitable global energy transition.<sup>29</sup> Yet, the path ahead is deeply uncertain and uneven, with different parts of the economy moving at different speeds.<sup>30</sup> Many companies are asking what their role should be in contributing to an orderly and equitable transition—in ensuring a reliable energy supply and energy security and in protecting the most vulnerable from energy price shocks and economic dislocation. In this context, we encourage companies to include in their disclosures a business plan for how they intend to deliver long-term financial performance through a transition to global net zero carbon emissions, consistent with their business model and sector.

We look to companies to disclose short-, medium-, and long-term targets, ideally science-based targets where these are available for their sector, for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions(GHG) reductions and to demonstrate how their targets are consistent with the long-term economic interests of their shareholders. Many companies have an opportunity to use and contribute to the development of low carbon energy sources and technologies that will be essential to decarbonizing the global economy over time. We also recognize that continued investment in traditional energy sources, including oil and gas, is required to maintain an orderly and equitable transition—and that divestiture of carbon-intensive assets is unlikely to contribute to global emissions reductions. We encourage companies to disclose how their capital allocation to various energy sources is consistent with their strategy.

At this stage, we view Scope 3 emissions differently from Scopes 1 and 2, given methodological complexity, regulatory uncertainty, concerns about double-counting, and lack of direct control by companies. While we welcome any disclosures and commitments companies choose to make regarding Scope 3 emissions, we recognize that these are provided on a good-faith basis as methodology develops. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to climate risk and the global energy transition.

***Natural capital***

The management of nature-related factors is increasingly a core component of some companies' ability to generate sustainable, long-term financial returns for shareholders, particularly where a company's strategy is heavily reliant on the availably of natural capital, or whose supply chains are exposed to locations with nature-related risks. We look for such companies to disclose<sup>31</sup> how they consider their reliance and use of natural capital, including appropriate risk oversight and relevant metrics and targets, to understand how these factors are integrated into strategy. We will evaluate these disclosures to inform our view of how a company is managing material nature-related risks and opportunities, as well as in our assessment of relevant shareholder proposals. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to natural capital.

***Key stakeholder interests***

In order to deliver long-term value for shareholders, companies should also consider the interests of their key stakeholders. While stakeholder groups may vary across industries, they are likely to include employees; business

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<sup>29</sup> For example, BlackRock's Capital Markets Assumptions anticipate 25 points of cumulative economic gains over a 20-year period in an orderly transition as compared to the alternative. This better macro environment will support better economic growth, financial stability, job growth, productivity, as well as ecosystem stability and health outcomes. 

<sup>30</sup> https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/whitepaper/bii-managing-the-net-zero-transition-february-2022.pdf

<sup>31</sup> While guidance is still under development for a unified disclosure framework related to natural capital, the emerging recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), may prove useful to some companies.

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partners (such as suppliers and distributors); clients and consumers; government and regulators; and the constituents of the communities in which a company operates. Companies that build strong relationships with their key stakeholders are more likely to meet their own strategic objectives, while poor relationships may create adverse impacts that expose a company to legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks.

Companies should effectively oversee and mitigate material risks related to stakeholders with appropriate due diligence processes and board oversight. Where we determine that company is not appropriately considering their key stakeholder interests in a way that poses material financial risk to the company and its shareholders, we may vote against relevant directors or support shareholder proposals related to these topics. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach.

Conversely, we note that some shareholder proposals seek to address topics that are clearly within the purview of certain stakeholders. For example, we recognize that topics around taxation and tax reporting are within the domain of local, state, and federal authorities. BIS will generally not support these proposals.

***Human capital management***

A company's approach to human capital management ("HCM") is a critical factor in fostering an inclusive, diverse, and engaged workforce, which contributes to business continuity, innovation, and long-term value creation. Consequently, we ask companies to demonstrate a robust approach to HCM and provide shareholders with disclosures to understand how their approach aligns with their stated strategy and business model.

Clear and consistent disclosures on these matters are critical for investors to make an informed assessment of a company's HCM practices. Companies should disclose the steps they are taking to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion; job categories and workforce demographics; and their responses to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's EEO-1 Survey. Where we believe a company's disclosures or practices fall short relative to the market or peers, or we are unable to ascertain the board and management's effectiveness in overseeing related risks and opportunities, we may vote against members of the appropriate committee or support relevant shareholder proposals. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to HCM.

***Corporate political activities***

Companies may engage in certain political activities, within legal and regulatory limits, in order to support public policy matters material to the companies' long-term strategies. These activities can also create risks, including: the potential for allegations of corruption; certain reputational risks; and risks that arise from the complex legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations associated with corporate political spending and lobbying activity. Companies that engage in political activities should develop and maintain robust processes to guide these activities and mitigate risks, including board oversight.

We depend on companies to provide accessible and clear disclosures so that investors can easily understand how their political activities support their long-term strategy, including on stated public policy priorities. When presented with shareholder proposals requesting increased disclosure on corporate political activities, BIS will evaluate publicly available information to consider how a company's lobbying and political activities may impact the company. We will also evaluate whether there is general consistency between a company's stated positions on policy matters material to their strategy and the material positions taken by significant industry groups of which they are a member. We may decide to support a shareholder proposal requesting additional disclosures if we identify a material inconsistency or feel that further transparency may clarify how the company's political activities support its long-term strategy. Our publicly available commentary provides more information on our approach to corporate political activities.

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**GENERAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS** 

***IPO governance***

Boards should disclose how the corporate governance structures adopted upon a company's initial public offering ("IPO") are in shareholders' best long-term interests. We also ask boards to conduct a regular review of corporate governance and control structures, such that boards might evolve foundational corporate governance structures as company circumstances change, without undue costs and disruption to shareholders. In our letter on unequal voting structures, we articulate our view that "one vote for one share" is the preferred structure for publicly-traded companies. We also recognize the potential benefits of dual class shares to newly public companies as they establish themselves; however, these structures should have a specific and limited duration. We will generally engage new companies on topics such as classified boards and supermajority vote provisions to amend bylaws, as we think that such arrangements may not be in the best interests of shareholders over the long-term.

We may apply a one-year grace period for the application of certain director-related guidelines (including, but not limited to, responsibilities on other public company boards and board composition concerns), during which we ask boards to take steps to bring corporate governance standards in line with our policies.

Further, if a company qualifies as an emerging growth company (an "EGC") under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"), we will give consideration to the NYSE and NASDAQ governance exemptions granted under the JOBS Act for the duration such a company is categorized as an EGC. An EGC should have an independent audit committee by the first anniversary of its IPO, with our standard approach to voting on auditors and audit-related issues applicable in full for an EGC on the first anniversary of its IPO.

***Corporate form***

Proposals to change a corporation's form, including those to convert to a public benefit corporation ("PBC") structure, should clearly articulate the stakeholder groups the company seeks to benefit and provide detail on how the interests of shareholders would be augmented or adversely affected with the change to a PBC. These disclosures should also include the accountability and voting mechanisms that would be available to shareholders. We generally support management proposals to convert to a PBC if our analysis indicates that shareholders' interests are adequately protected. Corporate form shareholder proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

***Exclusive forum provisions***

BIS generally supports proposals to seek exclusive forum for certain shareholder litigation. In cases where a board unilaterally adopts exclusive forum provisions that we consider unfavorable to the interests of shareholders, we will vote against the Independent Chair or Lead Independent director and members of the nominating/governance committee.

***Reincorporation***

We will evaluate the economic and strategic rationale behind the company's proposal to reincorporate on a case-by-case basis. In all instances, we will evaluate the changes to shareholder protections under the new charter/articles/bylaws to assess whether the move increases or decreases shareholder protections. Where we find that shareholder protections are diminished, we may support reincorporation if we determine that the overall benefits outweigh the diminished rights.

***Multi-jurisdictional companies***

Where a company is listed on multiple exchanges or incorporated in a country different from their primary listing, we will seek to apply the most relevant market guideline(s) to our analysis of the company's governance structure and specific proposals on the shareholder meeting agenda. In doing so, we typically consider the governance standards of the company's primary listing, the market standards by which the company governs themselves, and the market context of each specific proposal on the agenda. If the relevant standards are silent on the issue under consideration, we will use

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our professional judgment as to what voting outcome would best protect the long-term economic interests of investors. Companies should disclose the rationale for their selection of primary listing, country of incorporation, and choice of governance structures, particularly where there is conflict between relevant market governance practices.

***Adjourn meeting to solicit additional votes***

We generally support such proposals unless the agenda contains items that we judge to be detrimental to shareholders' best long-term economic interests.

***Bundled proposals***

Shareholders should have the opportunity to review substantial governance changes individually without having to accept bundled proposals. Where several measures are grouped into one proposal, BIS may reject certain positive changes when linked with proposals that generally contradict or impede the rights and economic interests of shareholders.

***Other business***

We oppose voting on matters where we are not given the opportunity to review and understand those measures and carry out an appropriate level of shareholder oversight.

**SHAREHOLDER PROTECTIONS** 

***Amendment to charter/articles/bylaws***

Shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including changes to governance mechanisms and amendments to the charter/articles/bylaws. We may vote against certain directors where changes to governing documents are not put to a shareholder vote within a reasonable period of time, particularly if those changes have the potential to impact shareholder rights (see "Director elections"). In cases where a board's unilateral adoption of changes to the charter/articles/bylaws promotes cost and operational efficiency benefits for the company and its shareholders, we may support such action if it does not have a negative effect on shareholder rights or the company's corporate governance structure.

When voting on a management or shareholder proposal to make changes to the charter/articles/bylaws, we will consider in part the company's and/or proponent's publicly stated rationale for the changes; the company's governance profile and history; relevant jurisdictional laws; and situational or contextual circumstances which may have motivated the proposed changes, among other factors. We will typically support amendments to the charter/articles/bylaws where the benefits to shareholders outweigh the costs of failing to make such changes.

***Proxy access***

It is our view that long-term shareholders should have the opportunity, when necessary and under reasonable conditions, to nominate directors on the company's proxy card.<sup>32</sup> Securing the right of shareholders to nominate directors without engaging in a control contest can enhance shareholders' ability to meaningfully participate in the director election process, encourage board attention to shareholder interests, and provide shareholders an effective means of directing that attention where it is lacking. Proxy access mechanisms should provide shareholders with a reasonable opportunity to use this right without stipulating overly restrictive or onerous parameters for use, and also provide assurances that the mechanism will not be subject to abuse by short-term investors, investors without a substantial investment in the company, or investors seeking to take control of the board.

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<sup>32</sup> BlackRock is subject to certain regulations and laws in the United States that place restrictions and limitations on how BlackRock can interact with the companies in which we invest on behalf of our clients, including our ability to submit shareholder proposals or elect directors to the board. 

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In general, we support market-standardized proxy access proposals, which allow a shareholder (or group of up to 20 shareholders) holding three percent of a company's outstanding shares for at least three years the right to nominate the greater of up to two directors or 20% of the board. Where a standardized proxy access provision exists, we will generally oppose shareholder proposals requesting outlier thresholds.

***Right to act by written consent***

In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. Accordingly, shareholders should have the right to solicit votes by written consent provided that: 1) there are reasonable requirements to initiate the consent solicitation process(in order to avoid the waste of corporate resources in addressing narrowly supported interests); and 2) shareholders receive a minimum of 50% of outstanding shares to effectuate the action by written consent.

We may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder to the exclusion of others, or if the proposal is written to discourage the board from incorporating appropriate mechanisms to avoid the waste of corporate resources when establishing a right to act by written consent. Additionally, we may oppose shareholder proposals requesting the right to act by written consent if the company already provides a shareholder right to call a special meeting that offers shareholders a reasonable opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting.

***Right to call a special meeting***

In exceptional circumstances and with sufficiently broad support, shareholders should have the opportunity to raise issues of substantial importance without having to wait for management to schedule a meeting. Accordingly, shareholders should have the right to call a special meeting in cases where a reasonably high proportion of shareholders (typically a minimum of 15% but no higher than 25%) are required to agree to such a meeting before it is called. However, we may oppose this right in cases where the proposal is structured for the benefit of a dominant shareholder, or where a lower threshold may lead to an ineffective use of corporate resources. We generally think that a right to act via written consent is not a sufficient alternative to the right to call a special meeting.

***Consent solicitation***

While BlackRock is supportive of the shareholder rights to act by written consent and call a special meeting, BlackRock is subject to certain regulations and laws that place restrictions and limitations on how BlackRock can interact with the companies in which we invest on behalf of our clients, including our ability to participate in consent solicitations. As a result, BlackRock will generally not participate in consent solicitations or related processes. However, once an item comes to a shareholder vote, we uphold our fiduciary duty to vote in the best long-term interests of our clients, where we are authorized to do so.

***Simple majority voting***

We generally favor a simple majority voting requirement to pass proposals. Therefore, we will generally support the reduction or the elimination of supermajority voting requirements to the extent that we determine shareholders' ability to protect their economic interests is improved. Nonetheless, in situations where there is a substantial or dominant shareholder, supermajority voting may be protective of minority shareholder interests, and we may support supermajority voting requirements in those situations.

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***Virtual meetings***

Shareholders should have the opportunity to participate in the annual and special meetings for the companies in which they are invested, as these meetings facilitate an opportunity for shareholders to provide feedback and hear from the board and management. While these meetings have traditionally been conducted in-person, virtual meetings are an increasingly viable way for companies to utilize technology to facilitate shareholder accessibility, inclusiveness, and cost efficiencies. Shareholders should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the meeting and interact with the board and management in these virtual settings; companies should facilitate open dialogue and allow shareholders to voice concerns and provide feedback without undue censorship. Relevant shareholder proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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[CODE]

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**BLACKROCK ETF TRUST II** 

**PART C. OTHER INFORMATION** 

**Item 28.** ***Exhibits*.**<br>

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit <br>Number** | **Description** |
| (a | Articles of Incorporation |
|  | [Certificate of Trust, dated February 19, 2020 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex991a.htm) |
|  | [Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), dated February 19, 2020 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement of Form N-1A, as filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex991b.htm) |
| (b | By-laws |
|  | [By-Laws, dated February 19, 2020 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex992a.htm) |
|  | [Amendment to By-Laws, dated November 19, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) of the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed on December 1, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520307589/d16835dex992b.htm) |
| (c | Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders |
|  | [Articles II, VII, IX and X of the Declaration of Trust are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex991b.htm) |
|  | [Articles IV and VI of the By-Laws are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex992a.htm) |
| (d | Investment Advisory Contracts. |
|  | [Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Fund Advisors is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312521071699/d16835dex994a.htm) |
|  | Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Fund Advisors, to be filed by amendment. |
|  | [Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Fund Advisors (BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312522253290/d277775dex99d2.htm) |
| (e | Underwriting Contracts |
|  | [Form of Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(a) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312521071699/d16835dex995a.htm) |
|  | Amended Schedule A to the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and BRIL, to be filed by amendment. |
| (f | Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts |
|  | Not applicable |
| (g | Custodian Agreements |
|  | [Form of Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated December 31, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 943 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds<sup>SM</sup> (File No. 33-26305), filed on February 28, 2019.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/844779/000119312519057019/d670783dex997g.htm) |
| (h | Other Material Contracts |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Form of Administration and Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated December 31, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(k) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Managed Account Series (File No. 333-124463), filed on February 28, 2019.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1323737/000119312519056699/d672229dex998k.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Form of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement of BlackRock ETF Trust, filed on March 13, 2019.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1761055/000119312519073333/d720404dex998b.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Form of Eighth Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement between Registrant and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(n) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 349 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds III (File No. 33-54126), filed on January 11, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/893818/000119312523006540/d390652dex998n.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Form of Eleventh Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement by and between Registrant, BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Fund Advisors is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(d) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock ETF Trust (File No. 333-228832), filed on November 22, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1761055/000119312522290819/d395880dex998d.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Form of Ninth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Registrant, a syndicate of banks and certain other parties is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Series Fund II, Inc. (File No. 333-224375), filed on April 21, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1738073/000119312522112781/d661618dex99h5.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) [Form of Amendment to Ninth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Registrant, a syndicate of banks and certain other parties is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (File No. 002-99473), filed on October 25, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/774013/000119312522268084/d394284dex99h3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) [Form of Joinder to Ninth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Registrant, a syndicate of banks and certain other parties is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (File No. 002-99473), filed on October 25, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/774013/000119312522268084/d394284dex99h4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) [12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreements between iShares Trust, the Registrant and the other registrants party thereto, dated as of January 19, 2022, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h.30) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,524 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of iShares Trust, filed February 28, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1100663/000119312522057039/d301609dex99h30.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) [Schedule A to the 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between iShares Trust, the Registrant and the Morningstar Funds Trust, amended April 6, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h.30.1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,542 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of iShares Trust, filed April 22, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1100663/000119312522115242/d308853dex99h301.htm)

(10) [12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between iShares Trust, the Registrant and Voya Balanced Portfolio, Inc., Voya Equity Trust, Voya Investors Trust, Voya Mutual Funds, Voya Partners, Inc., Voya Separate Portfolios Trust, and Voya Strategic Allocation Portfolios, Inc., dated as of January 19, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h.31) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,530 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of iShares Trust, filed March 23, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1100663/000119312522082814/d322898dex99h31.htm)

(11) [12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between iShares Trust, the Registrant and Carillon Family of Funds, dated as of February 17, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h.32) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2,530 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of iShares Trust, filed March 23, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1100663/000119312522082814/d322898dex99h32.htm)

(12) [12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between the Registrant, BlackRock ETF Trust II, iShares Trust, iShares, Inc., iShares U.S.ETF Trust, BlackRock Funds<sup>SM</sup> and Pacific Select Fund, dated as of August 1, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(j) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock ETF Trust (File No. 333-228832), filed on November 22, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1761055/000119312522290819/d395880dex998j.htm)

(13) [BlackRock Rule 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement between the Registrant and the other registered open-end investment companies party thereto is filed herewith.](d488450dex99h13.htm)

------

(14) [ETF Services Agreement between the Registrant, BlackRock ETF Trust II, the Investment Adviser and BRIL, dated as of March 29, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(k) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to Registrant's Registration Statement, filed on November 22, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1761055/000119312522290819/d395880dex998k.htm)

(i) Legal Opinion

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock High Yield Muni Income Bond ETF and BlackRock Intermediate Muni Income Bond ETF, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312521071699/d16835dex999a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312522253290/d277775dex99i2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock AAA CLO ETF, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (i)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 7, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312522300222/d382842dex99i3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock Flexible Income ETF, to be filed by amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock Short-Term California Muni Bond ETF, to be filed by amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, with respect to BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF and BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF, to be filed by amendment.

(j) Other Opinions

(k) Omitted Financial Statements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) nan

(l) Initial Capital Agreements

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock High Yield Muni Income Bond ETF is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(a) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312521071699/d16835dex9912a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock Intermediate Muni Income Bond ETF is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(b) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312521071699/d16835dex9912b.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (l)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 28, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312522253290/d277775dex99l3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Form of Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock AAA CLO ETF is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (l)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 7, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312522300222/d382842dex99l4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Form of Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock Flexible Income ETF, to be filed by amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Form of Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock Short-Term California Muni Bond ETF, to be filed by amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Form of Purchase Agreement with respect to BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF and BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF, to be filed by amendment.

(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Not applicable.

(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Not applicable.

(o) Reserved

(p) Codes of Ethics.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Code of Ethics of the Registrant, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock International Limited and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (r) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 of BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust (File No. 333-266318), filed on January 9, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1287480/000119312523004873/d421862dex99r.htm)

(q) Power of Attorney

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) [Power of Attorney, dated February 20, 2020 for Cynthia L. Egan, Robert Fairbairn, R. Glenn Hubbard, W. Carl Kester, Catherine A. Lynch and John M. Perlowski is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(a) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex9999a.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) [Power of Attorney, dated February 20, 2020 for Frank J. Fabozzi is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(b) of the Trust's initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on February 21, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1804196/000119312520044824/d894095dex9999b.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) [Power of Attorney, dated June 10, 2021 for Stayce D. Harris is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds V (File No. 333-224371), filed on July 20, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001738078/000119312521219629/d151095dex99q2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) [Power of Attorney, dated June 10, 2021 for J. Phillip Holloman is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds V (File No. 333-224371), filed on July 20, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1738078/000119312521219629/d151095dex99q3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) [Power of Attorney, dated July 30, 2021 for Lorenzo A. Flores is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Managed Account Series II (File No. 333-224372), filed on August 23, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1738079/000119312521254011/d135529dex99q4.htm)

**Item 29.** ***Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant.***<br>

Registrant does not control and is not under common control with any other person.

**Item 30.** ***Indemnification*.** <br>

Indemnification of Registrant's principal underwriter against certain losses is provided for in Section 8 of the Distribution Agreement incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit (e)(1). Indemnification of Registrant's Custodian, Transfer Agent and Administrator is provided for, respectively, in Section 15 of the Master Custodian Agreement incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit (g)(1), Section 7 of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit (h)(2) and Section 8 of the Administration and Fund Accounting Services Agreement incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit (h)(1). Registrant intends to obtain from a major insurance carrier a trustees' and officers' liability policy covering certain types of errors and omissions. In addition, Section 10.2 of Registrant's Declaration of Trust filed herein as Exhibit (a)(2) provides as follows:

Indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) every Person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the Trust or the applicable Series to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, or proceedings (civil, criminal, or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, while in office or thereafter, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorney's fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties, and other liabilities.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) To the extent required under the 1940 Act, but only to such extent, no indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who neither are Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter
based upon a review of readily-available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily-available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel, other than Covered Persons, and other Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit, or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this Section 10.2 shall be paid by the Trust or Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the Trust or Series if it ultimately is determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.2; provided, however, that either (a) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking; (b) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments, or (c) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily-available facts (as opposed to a trial-type inquiry or full investigation), that there is a reason to believe that such Covered Person will be found entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.2. Notwithstanding anything else herein, any amendment to Article X hereof shall not be effective to limit the rights to indemnification or insurance provided herein with respect to any Covered Persons without such Covered Person's written consent. The advancement of any expenses pursuant to this Section 10.2(d) shall under no circumstances be considered a "loan" under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time to time, or for any other reason.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Trust is authorized to enter into separate indemnification agreements with any one or more Trustees or officers of the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Any repeal or modification of this Article X or adoption or modification of any other provision of this Trust Instrument inconsistent with this Article shall be prospective only to the extent that such repeal or modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification or right to advancement of expenses available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission that occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Trust Instrument to the contrary, any liability and/or expense against which any Covered Person is indemnified under this Section 10.2 and any advancement of expenses that any Covered Person is entitled to be paid under Section 10.2(d) shall be deemed to be joint and several obligations of the Trust and each Series, and the assets of the Trust and each Series shall be subject to the claims of any Covered Person therefor under this Article X; provided that any such liability, expense or obligation may be allocated and charged by the Trustees between or among the Trust and/or any one or more Series (and Classes) in such manner as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Section 10.3 of Registrant's Declaration of Trust, filed herein as Exhibit (a)(2), also provides for the indemnification of shareholders of Registrant. Section 10.3 states as follows:

Shareholders. In case any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder of such Series and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, on behalf of the affected Series, shall assume, upon request by the Shareholder, the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.

**Item 31.** ***Business and Other Connections of the Investment Advisers*.** <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA"). The information required by this Item 31 about officers and directors of BFA, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of Form ADV, filed by BFA pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (SEC File No. 801-22609).

**Item 32.** ***Principal Underwriters*.**<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") acts as the principal underwriter or placement agent, as applicable, for each of the following open-end registered investment companies, including Registrant:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| BlackRock Advantage Global Fund, Inc. | BlackRock Liquidity Funds |
| BlackRock Advantage SMID Cap Fund, Inc. | BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Series, Inc. |
| BlackRock Allocation Target Shares | BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust |
| BlackRock Bond Fund, Inc. | BlackRock Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. |
| BlackRock California Municipal Series Trust | BlackRock Municipal Series Trust |
| BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc. | BlackRock Natural Resources Trust |
| BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. | BlackRock Series Fund, Inc. |
| BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund | BlackRock Series Fund II, Inc. |
| BlackRock ETF Trust | BlackRock Series, Inc. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| BlackRock ETF Trust II | BlackRock Strategic Global Bond Fund, Inc. |
| BlackRock EuroFund | BlackRock Sustainable Balanced Fund, Inc. |
| BlackRock Financial Institutions Series Trust | BlackRock Unconstrained Equity Fund |
| BlackRock Funds<sup>SM</sup> | BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. |
| BlackRock Funds II | BlackRock Variable Series Funds II, Inc. |
| BlackRock Funds III | iShares, Inc. |
| BlackRock Funds IV | iShares Trust |
| BlackRock Funds V | iShares U.S. ETF Trust |
| BlackRock Funds VI | Managed Account Series |
| BlackRock Funds VII, Inc. | Managed Account Series II |
| BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. | Master Bond LLC |
| BlackRock Index Funds, Inc. | Master Investment Portfolio |
| BlackRock Large Cap Focus Growth Fund, Inc. | Master Investment Portfolio II |
| BlackRock Large Cap Focus Value Fund, Inc. | Quantitative Master Series LLC |
| BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc. |  |

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BRIL also acts as the distributor or placement agent for the following closed-end registered investment companies:

BlackRock Core Bond Trust

BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Credit Strategies Fund

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

BlackRock Hedge Fund Guided Portfolio Solution

BlackRock Income Trust, Inc.

BlackRock Investment Quality Municipal Trust, Inc.

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust

BlackRock MuniAssets Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Municipal Income Trust

BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II

BlackRock Private Investments Fund

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust

BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust

BRIL provides numerous financial services to BlackRock-advised funds and is the distributor of BlackRock's open-end funds. These services include coordinating and executing Authorized Participation Agreements, preparing, reviewing and providing advice with respect to all sales literature and responding to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority comments on marketing materials.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of BRIL. The principal business address of each such person is 50 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position(s) and Office(s) with BRIL** | **Position(s) and**<br> **Office(s) with**<br> **Registrant** |
| Abigail Reynolds | Chairman and Member, Board of Managers, and Chief Executive Officer | None |
| Christopher Meade | Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Senior Managing Director | None |
| Lauren Bradley | Chief Financial Officer and Vice President | None |
| Gregory Rosta | Chief Compliance Officer and Director | None |
| Jon Maro | Chief Operating Officer and Director | None |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position(s) and Office(s) with BRIL** | **Position(s) and**<br> **Office(s) with**<br> **Registrant** |
| Andrew Dickson | Secretary and Managing Director | None |
| Terri Slane | Assistant Secretary and Director | None |
| Anne Ackerley | Member, Board of Managers, and Managing Director | None |
| Michael Bishopp | Managing Director | None |
| Samara Cohen | Managing Director | None |
| Jonathan Diorio | Managing Director | None |
| Lisa Hill | Managing Director | None |
| Brendan Kyne | Managing Director | None |
| Martin Small | Member, Board of Managers, and Managing Director | None |
| Jonathan Steel | Managing Director | None |
| Ariana Brown | Director | None |
| Chris Nugent | Director | None |
| Lourdes Sanchez | Vice President | None |
| Lisa Belle | Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer |
| Zach Buchwald | Member, Board of Managers | None |
| Gerald Pucci | Member, Board of Managers | None |
| Philip Vasan | Member, Board of Managers | None |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Not applicable.

**Item 33.** ***Location of Accounts and Records*.** <br>

Omitted pursuant to Instruction 3 of Item 33 of Form N-1A.

**Item 34.** ***Management Services*.** <br>

None.

**Item 35.** ***Undertakings*.** <br>

None.

------

**SIGNATURES** 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and the State of New York, on March 31, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| BLACKROCK ETF TRUST II (REGISTRANT)<br> ON BEHALF OF<br> BLACKROCK LARGE CAP MODERATE BUFFER ETF<br> AND BLACKROCK LARGE CAP DEEP BUFFER ETF | BLACKROCK ETF TRUST II (REGISTRANT)<br> ON BEHALF OF<br> BLACKROCK LARGE CAP MODERATE BUFFER ETF<br> AND BLACKROCK LARGE CAP DEEP BUFFER ETF |
| By: | /S/ JOHN M. PERLOWSKI |
|  | **(John M. Perlowski,**<br> **President and Chief Executive Officer)**<br> **(Principal Executive Officer)** |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /S/ JOHN M. PERLOWSKI <br> **(John M. Perlowski)** | Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | March 31, 2023 |
| /S/ TRENT WALKER <br> **(Trent Walker)** | Chief Financial Officer (Principal<br> Financial and Accounting Officer) | March 31, 2023 |
| CYNTHIA L. EGAN\*<br> **(Cynthia L. Egan)** | Trustee |  |
| FRANK J. FABOZZI\*<br> **(Frank J. Fabozzi)** | Trustee |  |
| LORENZO A. FLORES\*<br> **(Lorenzo A. Flores)** | Trustee |  |
| STAYCE D. HARRIS\*<br> **(Stayce D. Harris)** | Trustee |  |
| J. PHILLIP HOLLOMAN\*<br> **(J. Phillip Holloman)** | Trustee |  |
| R. GLENN HUBBARD\*<br> **(R. Glenn Hubbard)** | Trustee |  |
| W. CARL KESTER\*<br> **(W. Carl Kester)** | Trustee |  |
| CATHERINE A. LYNCH\*<br> **(Catherine A. Lynch)** | Trustee |  |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| ROBERT FAIRBAIRN\*<br> **(Robert Fairbairn)** | Trustee |  |
| \*By: /S/ JANEY AHN  |  | March 31, 2023 |
| **(Janey Ahn, Attorney-In-Fact)** |  |  |

---

------

**EXHIBIT INDEX** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit Number** | **Description** |
| (h)(13) | [BlackRock Rule 12d1-4 Fund of Funds Investment Agreement](d488450dex99h13.htm) |

---

## Ex-99.(H)(13)

***EXECUTION VERSION*** 

**AMENDED AND RESTATED BLACKROCK RULE 12d1-4** 

**PROPRIETARY FUND OF FUNDS INVESTMENT AGREEMENT** 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED FUND OF FUNDS INVESTMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), effective as of February 1, 2023 (the "Effective Date"), is made by and between each registered open-end investment company (each, a "Registrant"), on behalf of each portfolio series of each such Registrant listed on Schedule A or Schedule B hereto, or if the relevant Registrant has no portfolio series, then the relevant Registrant (as applicable, each an "Acquiring Fund" or "Acquired Fund" pursuant to the applicable schedule), each severally and not jointly.

WHEREAS, each Registrant is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");

WHEREAS, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act limits the extent to which a registered investment company may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, and Section 12(d)(1)(B) limits the extent to which a registered investment company, its principal underwriter or registered brokers or dealers may knowingly sell shares of such registered investment company to other investment companies;

WHEREAS, Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act (the "Rule") permits registered investment companies, such as the Acquiring Funds, to invest in shares of other registered investment companies, such as the Acquired Funds, in excess of the limits of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act subject to compliance with the conditions of the Rule;

WHEREAS, an Acquiring Fund may, from time to time, invest in shares of one or more Acquired Funds in excess of the limitations of Section 12(d)(1)(A) in reliance on the Rule; and WHEREAS, the parties to the BlackRock Rule 12d1-4 Proprietary Fund of Funds Investment Agreement dated January 19, 2022 desire to amend and restate such agreement to add BlackRock ETF Trust II as a Registrant on Schedule A;

NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the Rule, the Acquiring Funds and the Acquired Funds desire to set forth the following terms pursuant to which the Acquiring Funds may invest in the Acquired Funds in reliance on the Rule and certain additional terms of investment as provided below.

1. Terms of Investment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In order to help reasonably address the risk of undue influence on an Acquired Fund by an Acquiring Fund, and to assist
the Acquired Fund's investment adviser with making the required findings under the Rule, each Acquiring Fund and each Acquired Fund agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) *In-kind redemptions*. The Acquiring Fund acknowledges and agrees that, if
and to the extent consistent with the Acquired Fund's registration statement, as amended from time to time, the Acquired Fund may honor any redemption request partially or wholly in-kind in the sole
discretion of the

------

Acquired Fund (which discretion of the Acquired Fund shall include the selection of portfolio securities to distribute in-kind), even where such Acquired Fund does not ordinarily satisfy redemption requests in-kind (particularly in the case of Acquired Funds that are not exchange-traded funds).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Timing/advance notice of redemptions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. With respect to Enumerated Funds (as defined on Schedule B), the Acquiring Fund will use reasonable efforts to provide
the required advanced notification specified in the 12d1-4 List (as defined below). Such notice shall be provided to the Acquired Fund(s) whenever practicable and consistent with the Acquiring Fund's best
interests. This provision shall only apply in connection with any investment made by an Acquiring Fund in an Acquired Fund in excess of the limits in Section 12(d)(1)(A)(i) of the 1940 Act. For the avoidance of doubt, in the instance where the
Acquired Fund is an exchange-traded fund, the requirements of this paragraph (1) shall not apply to transactions in which an Acquiring Fund did not know or have reason to know that such transaction would result in a redemption transaction with
the Acquired Fund (such as where an Acquiring Fund sells shares in the secondary market).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Acquired Fund acknowledges and agrees that any notification provided pursuant to the foregoing is not a commitment to
redeem and constitutes an estimate that may differ materially from the amount, timing and manner in which a redemption request is submitted, if any.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) *Scale of investment.* Upon a reasonable request by an Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Fund will provide summary
information regarding the anticipated timeline of its investment in the Acquired Fund and the scale of its contemplated investments in the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In order to assist the Acquiring Fund's investment adviser with evaluating the complexity of the structure and fees
and expenses associated with an investment in an Acquired Fund, each Acquired Fund shall provide each Acquiring Fund with information on the fees and expenses of the Acquired Fund reasonably requested by the Acquiring Fund with reference to the
Rule. Such fee and expense information shall be limited to that which is made publicly available by the Acquired Fund.

------

2. Representations of the Acquired Funds.

In connection with any investment by an Acquiring Fund in an Acquired Fund in excess of the limitations in Section 12(d)(1)(A), the Acquired Fund agrees to: (i) comply with all conditions of the Rule, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from time to time, applicable to Acquired Funds; (ii) comply with its obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) promptly notify the Acquiring Fund if such Acquired Fund fails to comply with the Rule with respect to an investment by the Acquiring Fund, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from time to time, or this Agreement.

3. Representations of the Acquiring Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In connection with any investment by an Acquiring Fund in an Acquired Fund in excess of the limitations in
Section 12(d)(1)(A), the Acquiring Fund agrees to: (i) comply with all conditions of the Rule, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from time to time, applicable to Acquiring Funds; (ii) comply with its obligations under
this Agreement; and (iii) promptly notify the Acquired Fund if such Acquiring Fund fails to comply with the Rule with respect to its investment in such Acquired Fund, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from time to time, or this
Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) An Acquiring Fund shall provide an Acquired Fund with information regarding the amount of such Acquiring Fund's
investments in the Acquired Fund, and information regarding affiliates of the Acquiring Fund, upon the Acquired Fund's reasonable request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Each Acquiring Fund acknowledges that it may not rely on this Agreement to invest in the Ineligible Funds (as defined in
Schedule B) and that the Enumerated Funds are subject to certain additional conditions described on the list of Ineligible Funds and Enumerated Funds (the "12d1-4 List"). Each Acquiring Fund
acknowledges that the 12d1-4 List is available as described in Schedule B, and further acknowledges that it is an Acquiring Fund's obligation to review the 12d1-4 List on an ongoing basis for any changes which may occur from time to time.

4. Indemnification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Acquiring Fund agrees to hold harmless and indemnify each Acquired Fund, including any of its principals, directors
or trustees, officers, employees and agents, against and from any and all losses, expenses or liabilities incurred by or claims or actions ("Claims") asserted against the Acquired Fund, including any of its principals, directors or
trustees, officers, employees and agents, to the extent such Claims result from a violation or alleged violation by such Acquiring Fund of any provision of this Agreement, such indemnification to include any reasonable counsel fees and expenses
incurred in connection with investigating and/or defending such Claims; provided that no Acquiring Fund shall be liable for indemnifying any Acquired Fund for any Claims resulting from violations that occur directly as a result of incomplete or
inaccurate information provided by the Acquired Fund to such Acquiring Fund pursuant to terms and conditions of this Agreement.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Acquired Fund agrees to hold harmless and indemnify an Acquiring Fund, including any of its principals, directors or
trustees, officers, employees and agents, against and from any and all losses, expenses or liabilities incurred by or Claims asserted against the Acquiring Fund, including any of its principals, directors or trustees, officers, employees and agents,
to the extent such Claims result from a violation or alleged violation by such Acquired Fund of any provision of this Agreement, such indemnification to include any reasonable counsel fees and expenses incurred in connection with investigating
and/or defending such Claims; provided that no Acquired Fund shall be liable for indemnifying any Acquiring Fund for any Claims resulting from violations that occur directly as a result of incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the
Acquiring Fund to such Acquired Fund pursuant to terms and conditions of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any liability pursuant to the forgoing provisions shall be several and not joint. In any action involving the parties
under this Agreement, the parties agree to look solely to the individual series of the Acquiring Fund(s) or Acquired Fund(s) that is/are involved in the matter in controversy and not to any other series.

5. Reserved.

6. Notices.

All notices, including all information that either party is required to provide under the terms of this Agreement and the Rule, shall be in writing and shall be delivered by registered or overnight mail, facsimile, or electronic mail to the address for each party specified below. Either party may notify the other in writing of any changes to these notice provisions. For the avoidance of doubt, it is acknowledged and agreed that no notice is required hereunder to update, supplement or otherwise amend the 12d1-4 List.

To the Acquiring Funds or Acquired Funds, as applicable: iShares ETFs:

Email:<u> </u><u>Group12d14@blackrock.com</u>

**BlackRock Mutual Funds and Active ETFs:** 

Email:<u> </u><u>GroupOfficeofRegisteredFunds@blackrock.com</u>

7. Changes to Acquiring Funds and Acquired Funds.

In the event that any party wishes to add additional Acquiring Funds or Acquired Funds to this Agreement, or to remove certain Acquiring Funds or Acquired Funds from this Agreement, Schedule A or Schedule B, as applicable, shall be amended accordingly and the amended schedule shall be made a part of this Agreement and supersede the prior schedule. Except as modified by the amended Schedule A or Schedule B, as applicable, all other terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain in full force.

------

8. Governing Law; Counterparts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement will be governed by Delaware law without regard to choice of law principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument. An electronic copy of a signature received in Portable Document Format (PDF) or a copy of a signature received via a fax machine shall be deemed to be of the same force and effect as an original
signature on an original executed document.

9. Term and Termination; Assignment; Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) This Agreement shall be effective for the duration of the Acquired Funds' and the Acquiring Funds' reliance on
the Rule, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from time to time. While the terms of the Agreement shall only be applicable to investments in Funds made in reliance on the Rule, as interpreted or modified by the SEC or its Staff from
time to time, the Agreement shall continue in effect until terminated pursuant to Section 9(b).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement shall continue until terminated in writing by either party upon 30 days' notice to the other party.
Upon termination of this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund may not purchase additional shares of the Acquired Fund beyond the Section 12(d)(1)(A) limits in reliance on the Rule.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Other than as set forth in Sections 6 and 7 above, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing that is signed by each
affected party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) In the case of any Acquiring Fund or Acquired Fund organized as a Massachusetts business trust (each, a
"Massachusetts Trust"), a copy of the Declaration of Trust of each Massachusetts Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that no trustee, officer, employee, agent, employee or
shareholder of a Massachusetts Trust shall have any personal liability under this Agreement, and that this Agreement is binding only upon the assets and property of the applicable series of each Massachusetts Trust. For the avoidance of doubt, no
director, trustee, officer, employee, agent, employee or shareholder of any other Registrant shall have any personal liability under this Agreement, and that this Agreement is binding only upon the assets and property of the applicable series of
each such Registrant.

10. <u>Termination of Prior Agreements</u>. The execution of this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute the termination as
of the Effective Date of any and all prior agreements between an Acquiring Fund and an Acquired Fund that relates to the investment by any Acquiring Fund in any Acquired Fund in reliance on a participation agreement, exemptive order or

------

other arrangement among the parties intended to achieve compliance with Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act (the "Prior Section 12 Agreements"). The parties hereby waive any notice provisions, conditions to termination, or matters otherwise required to terminate such Prior Section 12 Agreements.

[*Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows*]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

**THE FOLLOWING ACQUIRING FUND REGISTRANTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE A HERETO, EACH ON BEHALF OF ITS APPLICABLE SERIES** 

**BlackRock ETF Trust II** 

**Each Open-End Mutual Fund Listed on Schedule A** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ John Perlowski |
| Name: | John Perlowski |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

**THE FOLLOWING ACQUIRED FUND REGISTRANTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE B HERETO, EACH ON BEHALF OF ITS APPLICABLE SERIES** 

**BlackRock ETF Trust** 

**BlackRock ETF Trust II** 

**Each Open-End Mutual Fund Listed on Schedule B** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Jennifer McGovern |
| Name: | Jennifer McGovern |
| Title: | Vice President |

---

**THE FOLLOWING ACQUIRED FUND REGISTRANTS LISTED ON SCHEDULE B HERETO, EACH ON BEHALF OF ITS APPLICABLE SERIES** 

**iShares Trust** 

**iShares, Inc.** 

**iShares U.S. ETF Trust** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| By: | /s/ Shannon Ghia |
| Name: | Shannon Ghia |
| Title: | Assistant Secretary |

---

------

**Schedule A: Acquiring Funds** 

**<u>Open-End Mutual Funds:</u>**

**BlackRock Allocation Target Shares** 

BATS: Series P Portfolio

**BlackRock ETF Trust II** 

BlackRock Floating Rate Loan ETF

**BlackRock Funds II** 

BlackRock Dynamic High Income Portfolio BlackRock Managed Income Fund

**BlackRock Funds III** 

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic Retirement Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2025 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2030 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2035 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2040 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2045 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2050 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2055 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2060 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Dynamic 2065 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index Retirement Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2025 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2030 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2035 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2040 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2045 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2050 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2055 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2060 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> ESG Index 2065 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index Retirement Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2025 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2030 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2035 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2040 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2045 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2050 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2055 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2060 Fund

BlackRock LifePath<sup>®</sup> Index 2065 Fund

------

**BlackRock Funds V** 

BlackRock Floating Rate Income Portfolio

BlackRock High Yield Bond Portfolio

BlackRock Sustainable High Yield Bond Fund

**BlackRock Series Fund II, Inc.** 

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio

**BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.** 

BlackRock 60/40 Target Allocation ETF V.I. Fund

**BlackRock Variable Series Funds II, Inc.** 

BlackRock High Yield V.I. Fund

------

**Schedule B: Acquired Funds** 

**<u>Exchange-Traded Funds:</u>**

BlackRock ETF Trust

All Series

BlackRock ETF Trust II

All Series

iShares Trust

All Series

iShares, Inc.

All Series

iShares U.S. ETF Trust

All Series

**<u>Open-End Mutual Funds:</u>**

BlackRock Advantage Global Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Advantage SMID Cap Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Allocation Target Shares

All Series

BlackRock Bond Fund, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Fund, Inc.

BlackRock California Municipal Series Trust

All Series

BlackRock Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

BlackRock EuroFund

BlackRock Funds<sup>SM</sup>

All Series

BlackRock Funds II

All Series

BlackRock Funds III

All Series

BlackRock Funds IV

All Series

BlackRock Funds V

All Series

BlackRock Funds VI

All Series

BlackRock Funds VII, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Index Funds, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Large Cap Focus Growth Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Large Cap Focus Value Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc.

All Series

------

BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Series, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust

All Series

BlackRock Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Municipal Series Trust

All Series

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

BlackRock Series Fund, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Series Fund II, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Series, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Sustainable Balanced Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Strategic Global Bond Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Unconstrained Equity Fund

BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.

All Series

BlackRock Variable Series Funds II, Inc.

All Series

Managed Account Series

All Series

Managed Account Series II

All Series

Master Bond LLC

All Series

Master Investment Portfolio

All Series

Master Investment Portfolio II

All Series

Quantitative Master Series LLC

All Series

**This Schedule B is amended to exclude any Acquired Fund that is at the time included on the list of funds that are not permissible as Acquired Funds (the "Ineligible Funds") and is supplemented to include Acquired Funds that are subject to certain additional terms of investment as set forth in the Agreement (the "Enumerated Funds"), along with related requirements (the "12d1-4 List"), all such additional terms and requirements being deemed incorporated by reference into the Agreement, which is maintained at <u>https://</u><u>www.ishares.com/us/literature/shareholder-letters/blackrock-12d1-4-list.pdf</u>, as such site is amended, supplemented or revised and in effect from time to time.** 

**This Schedule B is further amended to exclude any Acquired Fund that is identified as an ineligible mutual fund within the Section 12(d)(1) policy and procedures (collectively, the** 

------

 **"Policy") applicable to each Acquiring Fund and Acquired Fund, as the relevant section of such Policy is deemed incorporated by reference into the Agreement and as amended, supplemented or revised** and in effect from time to time.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature:** | <u>/s/ Shannon Ghia</u> | **Signature:** | <u>/s/ John M. Perlowski</u> |
| **Email:** | Shannon.Ghia@blackrock.com | **Email:** | john.perlowski@blackrock.com |
| **Signature:** | <u>/s/ Jennifer McGovern</u> |  |  |
| **Email:** |  |  |  |

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## Cover

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g488450g39g30.jpg) | 787 Seventh Avenue<br> New York, NY 10019-6099<br> Tel: 212 728 8000<br> Fax: 212 728 8111 |

---

March 31, 2023

**<u>VIA EDGAR</u>** 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Re: BlackRock ETF Trust II

Securities Act File No. 333-236575

Investment Company Act File No. 811-23511

<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 21</u> 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of BlackRock ETF Trust II (the "Trust"), we hereby transmit for filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 (the "Amendment") to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement").

The Amendment is being filed pursuant to Rule 485(a)(2) under the 1933 Act in order to add two new series to the Trust, BlackRock Large Cap Moderate Buffer ETF and BlackRock Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF (each, a "Fund").

On or around June 14, 2023, the Trust will file a subsequent post-effective amendment pursuant to Rule 485(b) that will bring each Fund's expense table and other information up to date under Section 10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act.

Should members of the Staff have any questions or comments concerning the Amendment, they should call the undersigned at (212) 728-3840.

Very truly yours,

<u>/s/ Esther Lee</u><u> </u>

Esther Lee

BRUSSELS CHICAGO FRANKFURT HOUSTON LONDON LOS ANGELES MILAN

NEW YORK PALO ALTO PARIS ROME SAN FRANCISCO WASHINGTON

------

Securities and Exchange Commission

March 31, 2023

Enclosures

cc: Diana Huffman, Esq., BlackRock, Inc.

Elliot J. Gluck, Esq., Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Bissie K. Bonner, Esq., Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP