Blackstone says trade tensions and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence have not materially slowed its fundraising or investment activity, with the private equity firm continuing to deploy capital across global markets, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The report cites Tom Nides, Blackstone’s vice chairman for strategy and client relations, as saying in an interview with Bloomberg TV that the firm remained active despite a more challenging geopolitical and economic environment.
Canada remains an area of focus for Blackstone, despite renewed tensions between the US and Canada. The firm invested CAD2.5bn ($1.8bn) in Air Canada’s loyalty programme in August and acquired Vancouver-based ultrasound technology company DarkVision in July through its energy transition investment business.
Nides said Blackstone was continuing to invest across Canada and viewed the country as offering significant opportunities.
The firm has also continued fundraising in Asia, securing $13.1bn for its latest Asia-focused buyout fund in June despite geopolitical tensions involving China, the US and other countries in the region.
Nides said Blackstone’s investment activity spans multiple sectors and strategies, including infrastructure, hospitality, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
The comments come as geopolitical and economic issues remain a focus for investors, with world leaders gathering for the United Nations General Assembly and US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping preparing for a summit.
Nides, who joined Blackstone in 2024, previously served as US ambassador to Israel during the Biden administration and held senior roles at the State Department. He was also chief operating officer of Morgan Stanley.
On artificial intelligence, Nides said companies and policymakers should do more to demonstrate the local economic benefits associated with the technology, including employment and tax revenues generated by data centres.
He also called for a measured approach to AI’s rollout, arguing that appropriate safeguards would be needed as the technology develops. He said policymakers across political parties, alongside industry participants, would need to work together on the framework governing AI.
