Latest Financial Services News

NZX Limited reported a robust first half of 2026 with operating earnings up 9.4% and net profit rising 18%. The exchange strengthened its funds management and wealth administration arms, relaunched equity derivatives, and declared a higher interim dividend. A new CEO is set to take the helm in September.

InvestSMART Group Limited swung to a net loss of $575,633 in FY26, marking a sharp reversal from the prior year’s profit, amid a strategic pivot including a pending $16 million sale of its Intelligent Investor business.

MA Credit Income Trust (ASX: MA1) launches a voluntary off-market buy-back for up to 2.5% of units at net asset value, aiming to provide liquidity and capital management benefits to unitholders.

Ironbark Balanced Income Limited reported a 5.6% decline in net profit to $2.89 million for FY2026, while its investment portfolio delivered a solid 7.8% return, outperforming its benchmark and maintaining fully franked dividends.

Credit Clear appoints Joshua Reid as Managing Director and interim CEO of ARMA Group Holdings, signaling a leadership shift aligned with its growth ambitions across Australia and international markets.

Solvar Limited posted a 6.2% decline in statutory net profit for FY26 to $29.5 million, while normalised earnings rose 7.5%. The lender declared a 19.5 cents fully franked dividend and expanded its Australian loan book by 10.5%, driven by growth in commercial lending.

The Savana US Small Caps Active ETF (ASX: SVNP) returned 2.21% in July 2026, beating the S&P SmallCap 600 benchmark by 5.44%, despite a sharp sell-off in semiconductor and AI infrastructure stocks. The fund’s disciplined, algorithm-driven approach helped navigate volatile market sentiment.

Challenger Limited has announced a fully franked dividend totaling AUD 0.175 per share for the six months ending 30 June 2026, including an ordinary dividend of AUD 0.16 and a special dividend of AUD 0.015. Shareholders can opt into a Dividend Reinvestment Plan with no discount, using a VWAP-based price.

WAM Global's FY2026 investment portfolio fell 4.2%, dragging the company to a $35.2 million net loss despite a 6.6 cent fully franked final dividend.

MoneyMe Limited grew its loan book by 34% to $2.08 billion in FY26, boosted by record originations and improved credit quality, while reducing its net loss by 40%.

The Lottery Corporation reported a resilient FY26 performance despite a rare jackpot drought, extending its Victorian licence by 40 years and unveiling a fresh digital-focused strategy.

NAOS Ex-50 Opportunities Company Limited reported a $3.09 million after-tax loss for FY26 but raised its dividend by 5% and continued an active share buyback, reflecting confidence despite portfolio underperformance.