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Highlights

  • Macquarie’s Q1 net profit declined, impacted by results in asset management and commodities.

  • CFO Alex Harvey to step down by end-2025; Frank Kwok named as successor.

  • ASIC sues Macquarie for allegedly misreporting up to AUD 1.5 billion in short sales over 15 years.

Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG), Australia’s largest investment bank, reported a decline in first-quarter net profit on Thursday, attributing the drop to lower earnings contributions from its Asset Management division and the Commodities and Global Markets unit. The announcement coincided with significant leadership changes, as the bank confirmed that its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Alex Harvey, will step down at the end of 2025.

Harvey, who has served as CFO for eight years, is expected to retire by mid-2026, following a transition period with his appointed successor, Frank Kwok. Kwok has been with the company for 28 years and currently holds the role of Deputy CFO. The extended handover period is intended to ensure continuity in financial operations and strategic planning during a period of regulatory scrutiny and organisational change.

The leadership update comes as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched legal proceedings against Macquarie. The regulator alleges that the bank misreported up to AUD 1.5 billion in short sale transactions over a 15-year span. ASIC claims that these misstatements misled the market and breached transparency obligations introduced in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Macquarie responded to the lawsuit by indicating that the matter may influence executive remuneration decisions in the upcoming financial year. "So far as remuneration impacts are concerned, this will be an FY26 matter, about which the board will come to a view over the period ahead," the company stated.

Despite the legal issues, Macquarie acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CFO Alex Harvey, noting his efforts in reshaping the bank’s financial management and stakeholder engagement. According to the company, Harvey played an instrumental role in supporting the bank’s international growth and expanding its presence across key global markets.

In terms of financial performance, the group’s Asset Management division delivered a subdued result compared to the same period last year. The bank cited a timing lag in investment-related income from asset realisations as a major factor behind the lower net profit contribution from this arm.

Meanwhile, the Commodities and Global Markets business also reported weaker earnings. The unit saw a decline in profit contribution, primarily due to decreased net interest and trading income from North American Gas and Power markets.

The company did not disclose specific figures for its first-quarter net profit but noted the adverse impact of market dynamics and timing-related income on its earnings. Macquarie Group remains under close market observation, with further clarity expected on potential financial penalties, internal governance responses, and updates on executive compensation tied to the ASIC lawsuit as the financial year progresses.