The unit’s net profit contribution climbed 83% to A$2.03 billion. Macquarie said risk-management income benefited from increased client hedging in global gas and power, while inventory-management and trading income was driven mainly by oil trading. The unit is the largest in a group that also operates retail banking and asset management, and was a major contributor to stronger-than-expected profit in Macquarie’s most recent fiscal year.

Group revenue rose 10% to A$9.57 billion. The company increased its interim dividend to A$3.25 a share, from A$2.80 a year earlier.

Macquarie Asset Management’s net profit contribution increased 28% to A$1.51 billion, largely reflecting a gain on the US$9 billion sale of Macquarie AirFinance, its aircraft-leasing business. Banking and financial services lifted its contribution 6% to A$841 million despite margin pressure. Over the six months through September, the unit expanded its mortgage portfolio by 9.3% and deposits by 9.7%.