Meritz Securities improved its first-quarter results on balanced growth across all business areas, including investment banking, asset management and retail.

Meritz Securities said its consolidated operating profit for the first quarter of 2026 rose 72.5 percent from a year earlier to 255.6 billion won. Net profit increased 35.7 percent to 254.3 billion won over the same period.

The performance came as its investment banking, asset management and retail units grew evenly, along with improved profitability at its capital subsidiary.

In investment banking, solid deal performance led the earnings improvement. The asset management unit benefited from higher gains on securities investments and increased dividend income.

The retail business also showed steady momentum on customer inflows and growth in assets under custody. Meritz Securities said it secured a stable profit base through risk management and portfolio diversification even as external volatility persists.

A Meritz Securities official said, "We delivered solid results despite external volatility, including geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East." The official added, "We will continue to strengthen a stable profit structure."