Latest Financial Services News

Steadfast Group's consortium reconfirms $6 per share cash offer, extending exclusivity to 21 August amid final due diligence.

L1 Group Limited delivered a standout FY26 with statutory profit up 79% and underlying net profit nearly doubling, driven by merger synergies and strong fund performance.

Fiducian Group posted solid underlying earnings growth in FY2026, boosted by a 7% rise in funds under management, advice and administration, while absorbing a one-off $7.95 million ASIC penalty that halved statutory profits.

Barramundi Limited’s portfolio delivered a 2.2% gross return in July, outpacing the S&P/ASX200 hedged benchmark, driven by strong performances in healthcare and financials alongside strategic portfolio adjustments.

Cadence Opportunities Fund fell 2.3% in July, lagging the All Ordinaries index, but delivered a robust 26.6% gain over the past year and declared fully franked dividends yielding up to 7.4%.

Microequities Asset Management Group saw a 20.1% drop in profit after tax for FY26, hit by sharp valuation falls in tech-heavy portfolios amid AI fears, despite a 1.5% revenue rise and a strong balance sheet.

L1 Group has partnered with Dr Andrew Lin to launch PXC Advisors, a global long short investment manager boasting a 51% annualised return since 2024. The strategy will open to external investors in September 2026 and take over management of the Platinum International Technology Fund.

Global X Metal Securities Australia Limited has issued a prospectus for five classes of securities tracking gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and a precious metals basket. The securities are physically backed, traded on ASX under AQUA Rules, and managed by JPMorgan Chase Bank.

Global X Metal Securities Australia Limited has refreshed its prospectus for five classes of precious metals securities, maintaining physical bullion backing and ASX AQUA listing, with detailed disclosures on structure, fees, risks, and tax implications.

ECP Emerging Growth Limited reported a sharp 20.4% portfolio decline in FY2026 amid sector-wide challenges, yet declared a fully franked final dividend of 3.15 cents per share, supported by realised gains and reserves.

The WCM Quality Global Growth Fund posted a -5.20% return in July 2026, underperforming its MSCI benchmark as semiconductor stocks faltered. Despite short-term setbacks, the fund maintains strong long-term outperformance and is increasing exposure to AI-related companies.

Bell Financial Group surged to a $21.7 million half-year profit, more than doubling its net profit on stronger markets and the launch of its Bell Potter Private Wealth platform. The company also lifted its interim dividend by 67%, reflecting confidence in its diversified financial services model.