Monday's Headlines: Wall Street Helped Pass Gay Marriage Law

Wall Street donors, usually known for their conservative leanings, helped push through the same-sex marriage law passed in New York, according to an article in The New York Times.

Three financiers in particular were cited for supporting Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's campaign with six-figure checks: Paul Singer, founder of Elliott Management, Clifford Asness, head of AQR Capital, and Daniel Loeb, head of Third Point.

"They were inclined to see the issue as one of personal freedom, consistent with their more libertarian views," the New York Times writes.

Some also had personal reasons to support the bill. Paul Singer's son is gay and was married in Massachusetts. Daniel Loeb has supported gay marriage campaigns in the past, and has been active with the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

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Investec wants to sell its Swiss private banking unit, with $3.1 billion in assets. [Bloomberg]

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HSBC's Saudi Arabian wholesale and investment banking unit is merging with SABB Securities, a brokerage and custody business of the Saudi British bank. [MarketWatch]

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has been granted license to do business in Saudi Arabia. [Reuters]

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Citibank opens "hi-tech" branch in Foggy Bottom, Washington DC. [Washington Post]

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