Bell reports NPAT up 26 per cent


Financial services business, Bell Financial has reported a 26 per cent increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $20.6 million for the full year, ended 31 December 2017.
The strong result was driven by its retail equities business which was again the stand-out performer of the group, with a 40 per cent increase on the prior corresponding period.
At the same time, group revenue increased 12 per cent to $208.6 million and the board declared a final dividend of 5.5 cents, fully franked.
Funds under advice (FUA) increased 22 per cent to $47.2 billion, approximately 10 per cent of which provided some form of recurring revenue the company said.
As far as the future outlook was concerned, Bell’s managing director, Alastair Provan, said: “It is very early days, but 2018 so far has been the best start we’ve had in 10 years, and provides a base for another year of solid growth across the group.”
He added that last year the company lodged a license application in the United States.
“Hopefully we will have a New York office up and running in the second quarter of 2018.
“The office structure will be similar to our Hong Kong office, and, if it is successful, will add a new dimension to our institutional distribution capability,” he said.
Recommended for you
ASIC has permanently banned a former Perth adviser after he made “materially misleading” statements to induce investors.
The Financial Services and Credit Panel has made a written order to a relevant provider after it gave advice regarding non-concessional contributions.
With wealth management M&A appetite only growing stronger, Business Health has outlined the major considerations for buyers and sellers to prevent unintended misalignment between the parties.
Industry body SIAA has said the falling number of financial advisers in Australia is a key issue impacting the attractiveness and investor participation of both public and private markets.