Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Priya Jaiswal, a distinguished expert in banking, business, and finance, whose deep knowledge of market analysis, portfolio management, and international business trends offers invaluable insights. In this conversation, we’ll explore the recent trading update from Peel Hunt, a leading financial firm, diving into their exceptional performance, the key drivers behind their success, and what lies ahead for the company. From the pivotal role of their Investment Banking division to the promising growth in Execution Services, and the market’s enthusiastic response to their outlook, Priya will help us unpack the factors shaping Peel Hunt’s trajectory and the broader financial landscape.
How would you describe Peel Hunt’s recent performance, and what’s behind their confidence in exceeding market expectations for the full-year results?
Peel Hunt’s recent performance has been quite impressive, with the company signaling that they’re on track to surpass market expectations for their full-year results. This optimism stems from a particularly strong start to fiscal year 2026, or FY26. The firm has seen robust activity across its core divisions, which has set a solid foundation for the year. It’s a testament to their strategic focus and ability to capitalize on favorable market dynamics.
What specific factors have contributed to this strong start in FY26?
Several elements have come together to fuel this momentum. Notably, there’s been a surge in deal-making and client engagement, particularly in key areas like mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Peel Hunt has benefited from a broader market environment that’s been more conducive to financial activity, with renewed interest in equity markets. Their ability to adapt quickly to these conditions and deliver for clients has been a major driver.
Can you elaborate on the role of the Investment Banking division in driving Peel Hunt’s recent success?
Absolutely, the Investment Banking division has been a cornerstone of Peel Hunt’s recent achievements. They’ve been at the forefront of advising on high-profile M&A transactions, which not only boosts revenue but also enhances their reputation in the market. This division’s ability to secure and execute significant deals has been pivotal in positioning Peel Hunt as a go-to advisor for major corporate clients.
Could you share some insights into the major M&A transactions Peel Hunt has recently advised on?
While specifics often remain confidential, I can say that Peel Hunt has been involved in several transformative deals that have reshaped industries. These transactions often involve complex negotiations and strategic planning, and Peel Hunt’s expertise in navigating these challenges has been critical. Their role in facilitating such deals underscores their deep market knowledge and client trust.
How has the growth in Peel Hunt’s corporate client base, particularly with 58 FTSE 350 companies, influenced their business strategy?
Having 58 FTSE 350 companies, including both FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 firms, in their client roster is a significant achievement. It’s allowed Peel Hunt to diversify their revenue streams and strengthen their position in the market. Strategically, this growth pushes them to tailor services more closely to the needs of large corporates, ensuring they offer bespoke solutions while also scaling their operations to handle increased demand.
What trends are you seeing in the Equity Capital Markets space, and how has Peel Hunt positioned itself to support clients there?
The Equity Capital Markets, or ECM, space is experiencing a notable resurgence, with more companies looking to raise capital through equity raises and block trades. Peel Hunt has been proactive in supporting clients through these activities, leveraging their expertise to structure deals that attract investor interest. This trend reflects a growing confidence in the market, and Peel Hunt’s active role in ECM underscores their adaptability to shifting dynamics.
Turning to the Execution Services business, what’s driving the encouraging revenue growth compared to last year?
The Execution Services business has shown remarkable growth, with revenues significantly outpacing last year’s figures for the same period. This uptick is largely due to increased trading volumes and a heightened demand for efficient, reliable execution in the market. Peel Hunt has clearly fine-tuned their offerings in this area to meet client needs, which has paid off in terms of revenue.
Are there particular market conditions or internal changes that have fueled this growth in Execution Services?
It’s a combination of both. On the market side, there’s been a favorable environment with higher liquidity and trading activity, which naturally boosts demand for execution services. Internally, Peel Hunt has likely invested in technology and processes to enhance speed and accuracy, making their services more attractive to clients. This synergy between external conditions and internal improvements is key to their success here.
How does the performance of Execution Services complement the achievements in the Investment Banking division?
The two divisions work hand in hand to create a comprehensive service offering. While Investment Banking drives strategic, high-value deals, Execution Services ensures seamless implementation of trades and transactions. This complementary relationship means Peel Hunt can offer end-to-end solutions to clients, from advisory to execution, which strengthens their overall market position and client satisfaction.
Peel Hunt’s stock price surged over 11% after the trading update. How do you interpret this strong market reaction?
This significant jump in stock price reflects a clear vote of confidence from investors in Peel Hunt’s direction and performance. It suggests that the market sees their recent achievements and optimistic outlook as sustainable, not just a temporary spike. Investors are likely encouraged by the firm’s ability to deliver results in a competitive landscape, which drives up share value.
Does this reaction indicate broader investor confidence in Peel Hunt’s long-term strategy?
I believe it does. The 11% surge, coupled with a 10.2% gain in share value earlier this year, points to a growing belief in Peel Hunt’s strategic vision. Investors are not just reacting to short-term results but are buying into the firm’s ability to maintain momentum and navigate future challenges. It’s a strong signal that their approach resonates with the market.
Looking ahead to the detailed revenue figures for the first half of FY26 on October 1, 2025, what can we expect to see?
The upcoming release of detailed revenue figures will likely provide a deeper look into the drivers behind Peel Hunt’s strong performance. I anticipate a breakdown that highlights the contributions from both Investment Banking and Execution Services, offering clarity on how each segment is performing. It will be a chance to see the numbers behind the optimism and gauge the sustainability of their growth.
Are there specific areas or metrics in these figures that you think will stand out to stakeholders?
Stakeholders will probably be keen to see the exact revenue growth percentages in key divisions, as well as any updates on client acquisition or deal volumes. Metrics related to ECM activity and Execution Services efficiency could also stand out, as these areas have been highlighted as strong performers. These figures will paint a clearer picture of where Peel Hunt is excelling most.
What challenges or opportunities do you foresee for Peel Hunt in the near future as financial markets continue to evolve?
In the near term, Peel Hunt will likely face challenges like market volatility and regulatory changes, which can impact deal flow and client decisions. However, opportunities abound with the ongoing recovery in ECM and potential for more M&A activity as companies reposition themselves. Their ability to stay agile and leverage their strong client base will be crucial in turning these opportunities into sustained growth.
Finally, what is your forecast for Peel Hunt’s trajectory through the rest of FY26?
I’m cautiously optimistic about Peel Hunt’s path through FY26. If they can maintain the momentum from this strong start and continue to capitalize on market trends like ECM resurgence, they’re well-positioned for a standout year. The key will be balancing growth with adaptability to any unexpected market shifts, but given their recent track record, I believe they have the expertise and strategy to achieve strong results.
