BlackRock net profit surges by 21% in first quarter
BlackRock announced a net profit of $862m for the quarter ended March this year, representing a 31% surge from a year ago. The global money management giant clocked a 14% year-to-date rise in AUM. (NY Times)

Virtu close to sealing $1.3bn purchase of US rival
Virtu Financial will likely emerge as the successful bidder for US high frequency trading firm KCG, in a deal that sources believe could be worth at least $1.3bn. (FT)