Bell Financial Group profit surges 133%

Bell Financial Group has reported a 133.3% increase in first half net profit after tax (NPAT) to $21.7 million, supported by stronger market conditions and increased trading activity.

Revenue for the six months to 30 June 2026 rose 36.3% to $165.6 million, with the Markets division delivering a significant improvement while the Platforms business continued to grow.

Markets revenue increased 59.7% to $110.8 million, with NPAT jumping 403.6% to $8.5 million. Platforms revenue rose 8.4% to $50.2 million, generating $13.2 million in NPAT, up 9.1% on the prior corresponding period.

Platforms accounted for 31.2% of adjusted revenue and 60.8% of total NPAT, providing Bell with a more diversified earnings base across market conditions.

Bell Financial Group co-chief executive Arnie Selvarajah said the result highlighted the benefits of group's diversified model as it expands further into wealth management.

"The strength of these results demonstrates the benefits of our diversified business model as we grow into a more holistic wealth manager," Selvarajah said.

"Our Markets division capitalised on improving market conditions, while our Platforms division continued to deliver scalable revenue growth and an increasingly meaningful contribution to group earnings."

Equity Capital Markets raised $1.2 billion across 35 transactions during the period, while the transition of existing clients to the new Bell Potter Private Wealth platform and expansion of its investment advice offering generated $500 million in new client inflows.

Funds under advice stood at $91.4 billion at the end of June, down 0.8% from December 2025, primarily reflecting a decline in the value of the Australian equity market.

Bell also maintained a debt-free operating balance sheet, with $118.3 million in company held cash.

The group declared a fully franked interim dividend of five cents per share, up 66.7% on the prior corresponding period.

Bell said it had also launched a new ANZ backed Bell Cash Account, while work continues on new digital client portals and the assessment of strategic acquisition opportunities.

Selvarajah said the group's diversified structure was designed to provide greater resilience beyond periods of strong markets.

"While strong markets helped drive our latest results, the diversification of our Markerts and Platforms businesses is designed to support greater resiliency across a range of market conditions," he said.