Larry Fink, of BlackRock, could be seen as the odd man out. He was rumored to be in the running--indeed, he was labeled the front runner early on--for the top job at Merrill Lynch and Citigroup. He didn't get either job, but that doesn't mean his star has dipped. He's still in heavy demand, according to Financial News Online. BlackRock, which largely was able to dodge the debt crisis, as you know has been tapped to run the M-LEC. It has also inked a deal to advise the Florida fund that was temporarily closed recently. It might take over management of the fund. It's also raising funds for a distressed securities fund. Fink's view of the world is growing more positive. He thinks much of the crises has been priced into the market; now may be the time to start making some upside bets.  

For more:
- here's the Financial News Online article

Related articles:
- BlackRock to manage bailout fund?
- BlackRock acquires fund of funds
- What's next for Merrill Lynch?

Read more on: BlackRock l Laurence Fink