Latest Financial Services News

Count has reported a strong start to FY2027, with first-quarter revenue up 23.2%, underlying EBITA up 66.6% and funds under management reaching $6.7 billion. The group is also pursuing a 30% stake in Brisbane accounting and advice firm Apiary, although the purchase price remains undisclosed and completion requires ACCC approval.

BNK Banking Corporation delivered stronger underlying earnings, higher net interest income and continued loan growth in the first quarter of FY27. But technology investment turned the statutory result into a $59,000 loss, leaving the bank’s operating improvement only partly visible in headline profit.

FSA Group has priced a $200 million asset-backed securities transaction, giving the specialist lender another funding milestone as it expands its securitisation program. Settlement is expected in November, although customary conditions precedent still need to be satisfied.

Beforepay Group will replace CEO Jamie Twiss with deputy CEO Kasey Kaplan on 7 December, making an internal succession change as the fintech enters its next growth phase. Kaplan’s package includes A$600,000 fixed remuneration, annual incentives, equity rights and a potential six-year milestone plan worth up to A$10 million.

Challenger has used its 2026 AGM to showcase stronger earnings, record annuity sales and a substantial capital buffer while keeping discussions open with TAL Daiichi Life over its $11.80-per-share approach. The board still does not consider the proposal sufficient to recommend to shareholders.

Perpetual says its A$500 million sale of Wealth Management to Bain Capital remains on track for completion by year-end, positioning the group to move into net cash. The AGM also highlighted stronger FY26 earnings and cost savings, but persistent Asset Management outflows remain the central test.

NAOS Small Cap Opportunities has declared a 1.00 cents per share quarterly dividend, 50% franked, while its investment manager commits to reinvest 100% of estimated annual management fees in NSC shares. The payout implies a 16.38% annualised yield at the latest closing price, although future distributions remain dependent on performance and reserves.

La Trobe Financial’s 12-trust annual report shows continued expansion in its residential mortgage-backed securities platform, with cumulative losses of 0.03% of original issuance since 2014. The group also completed a further $1.25 billion RMBS transaction after year-end, while liquidity usage and newer loan pools remain key areas to monitor.

Euroz Hartleys Group delivered a sharp FY26 earnings recovery as revenue rose 43.6% and net profit increased 62.4%, while its $145 million sale of Capital Markets to BMO moved towards completion. The transaction will leave the ASX-listed group focused on Private Wealth, with a strategic question hanging over how much earnings power survives the separation.

Centuria Capital Group delivered record assets under management and double-digit operating earnings growth in FY26, while setting a 14% operating profit growth target for FY27. The next test is whether ResetData can convert its expanding AI infrastructure pipeline into revenue without diluting the strength of the property platform.

L1 Global Long Short Fund has completed its entitlement offer, shortfall offers and institutional placement, raising the maximum A$565.4 million available. The capital will be invested under the L1 Global Long Short Strategy, with 321.2 million new shares due to begin trading next week.

Plenti has exceeded its FY27 lending run-rate target early, reporting record quarterly originations of $613 million and an expanded loan portfolio of $3.5 billion. Growth accelerated across renewable energy and personal lending, although higher funding costs and a small rise in credit losses remain important watchpoints.