Financial software company First Derivatives has said "the significant growth in revenue and profitability" it reported in the first six months of the fiscal year was maintained in the second half.

In a trading update this morning, the company said investment has been maintained in sales training and infrastructure to support further growth across the global markets it serves both in the current year and beyond.

The board of directors said the results for the year to February 28th are expected to be broadly in line with current market expectations.

“Prospects for the business remain very positive and the company has made an encouraging start to the new financial year,” the statement said.

First Derivatives employs over 900 staff across 10 offices located in the cities of each of the major world financial markets.

Established 16 years ago by its chief executive Brian Conlon, the AIM-listed company is ranked as one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing businesses.