Bell Financial Group Doubles Profit as New Wealth Platform Boosts Growth

Profit Doubles on Market Recovery and Platform Launch

Bell Financial Group (ASX:BFG) reported a striking 133% jump in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $21.7 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2026, propelled by a 36% increase in revenue to $165.6 million. This marks a sharp turnaround from the previous corresponding period’s $9.3 million profit, underscoring a robust rebound in market conditions and trading activity.

The company’s earnings per share hit a record 6.8 cents, up 134.5%, enabling a 66.7% lift in the fully franked interim dividend to 5 cents per share, payable on 8 September 2026. Bell Financial’s net tangible assets per share also improved to 33 cents from 28 cents a year earlier, reflecting strengthened shareholder equity.

Markets Division Leads the Charge

The Markets division was the standout performer, with revenue soaring 60% to $110.8 million and NPAT surging over 400% to $8.5 million. This surge was driven by a resurgence in retail and institutional broking, alongside a strong showing from the Equity Capital Markets team, which completed 35 transactions raising $1.2 billion in new equity capital. Foreign exchange revenues also climbed by 31%, contributing to the division’s robust recovery.

This resurgence in Markets activity reflects renewed investor confidence that began in the second half of 2025 and has carried through to 2026, reversing the prior period’s slump. The division’s turnaround from a $2.8 million loss in 1H25 to strong profitability highlights the cyclical nature of broking revenues and the benefits of Bell Financial’s diversified business model.

Platforms Division Shows Steady Growth and Resilience

The Platforms division, which includes the newly launched Bell Potter Private Wealth platform and related services, contributed $50.2 million in revenue, up 8.4%, and $13.2 million in NPAT, a 9.1% increase. The division now accounts for over 60% of the Group’s net profit, providing a more stable and recurring earnings base that cushions the company against market volatility.

Bell Potter Private Wealth, launched in July 2026, recorded $0.5 billion in new client inflows during the half, partially offset by market movements and some outflows. The platform offers a comprehensive wealth management solution integrating Australian and international shares, fixed income, property, and alternative investments, alongside personalised portfolio administration and consolidated reporting.

Additionally, the Bell Cash Account, launched in April 2026 and backed by ANZ, aims to streamline client cash management and trade settlement, offering competitive interest rates and a seamless digital experience. Bell Financial plans to roll out new model portfolios and separately managed accounts in the second half of 2026, alongside upgraded client digital portals.

Strong Balance Sheet and Strategic Momentum

Bell Financial maintains a robust balance sheet with net assets of $255.6 million and $118.3 million in company-held cash, free of core operating debt. Loans and advances, primarily margin lending, increased slightly to $594.6 million. The company’s investment in technology, product innovation, and strategic acquisitions underpins its ambition to build a more diversified and resilient financial services group.

Co-CEO Arnie Selvarajah highlighted the benefits of the diversified model, noting that while market strength boosted recent results, the growing Platforms division provides earnings stability across cycles. The Group is also progressing its digital transformation with planned launches of new client portals and is actively assessing strategic acquisition opportunities to complement organic growth.