KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): Bursa Malaysia Bhd (KL:BURSA) kicked off its financial year 2026 with a higher net profit, driven by improved trading revenue from the securities market.
Net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (1QFY2026) rose 6.4% to RM72.8 million, from RM68.4 million a year earlier, the exchange said in a filing.
Revenue grew 16.1% year-on-year to RM214.1 million, from RM184.4 million, underpinned mainly by higher securities trading activity as well as increased listing and issuer fees.
However, the top line growth was offset by higher operating expenses, which rose 24.2% to RM115.3 million, largely due to higher regulatory-related fees and continued investment in talent and technology.
No dividend was declared for the quarter under review.
On prospects, Bursa Malaysia said geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global oil supply chains, along with trade tariff uncertainties, will continue to influence trading activity.
Nevertheless, the exchange expects sustained market vibrancy, supported by a healthy initial public offering pipeline and ongoing stakeholder engagement initiatives.
“Bursa Malaysia remains focused on fulfilling its role as a trusted market operator, strengthening market vibrancy and supporting sustainable capital formation to meet the evolving needs of investors, issuers and the broader economy,” said chief executive officer Datuk Fad’l Mohamed.
In 1QFY2026, Bursa Malaysia’s securities market trading revenue rose 18.9% to RM91.2 million, from RM76.7 million, driven by higher average daily trading across on-market and direct business trades, supported by broad participation across investor segments.
Meanwhile, derivatives market trading revenue was flat at RM28.9 million compared with 1QFY2025, although average daily contracts traded increased 5.2% year-on-year to 107,487, driven mainly by higher trading in crude palm oil futures and increased hedging activity.
At market close on Thursday, Bursa Malaysia shares were up six sen or 0.71% at RM8.55, valuing the group at RM6.92 billion.