BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink says the world's largest asset manager is targeting more “transformational” M&A deals that will expand its technology and private markets capabilities, adding the firm is engaged in more discussions than it has been for “many, many years”.

“Blackrock has been a successful acquirer, and today advancements in tech and AI, scaling of private markets, and more attractive valuations means BlackRock is once again becoming increasingly engaged in M&A discussions,” Fink told analysts on 13 October following its third quarter results.