As of 31 March 2026, total assets reached $1.87tn in investment management and $7.35tn in wealth management. 

Morgan Stanley has reported net income applicable to the firm of $5.5bn for the first quarter of 2026, up 29% from $4.3bn in the same period last year. 

Net revenue for the quarter increased by 16% to $20.58bn from a year-ago level. 

The bank reported a return on tangible common equity of 27.1%, while its expense efficiency ratio stood at 65% in the first quarter. 

Its wealth management arm generated $8.5bn in revenue, against $7.3bn a year earlier.  

The increase was linked to asset management income, client activity and net interest income.  

During the quarter, the unit recorded $118bn in net new assets and $54bn in fee-based asset flows. 

Total client assets in wealth management were $7.35tn as of 31 March 2026, up 22% year over year.  

Revenue in investment management came to $1.5bn, versus $1.6bn a year earlier. 

The result was mainly attributed to asset management fees on higher average assets under management. Long-term net flows were positive at $3.3bn in the quarter. 

In the investment management arm, total assets under management or supervision were $1.87tn, up 13% year over year as of 31 March 2026.  

Institutional securities posted revenue of $10.7bn, up from $9bn in the same quarter last year. The change reflected results in markets operations amid higher market volatility and gains in investment banking, led by advisory work. 

The provision for credit losses was affected by individual assessments tied to certain commercial real estate loans, as well as greater macroeconomic uncertainty.

During the quarter, Morgan Stanley bought back $1.75bn of its common stock under its share repurchase programme.  

Morgan Stanley reported a record quarter. Strong execution resulted in net revenues of $20.6 billion, EPS of $3.43 and a ROTCE of 27.1%. Institutional Securities benefited from robust client engagement and strength globally.  

Wealth Management demonstrated continued momentum, with net new assets of $118 billion and fee-based asset flows of $54 billion. 

BlackRock Q1 profit surges 46% to $2.12bn 

The company’s assets under management were $13.89tn at quarter-end, compared with $11.58tn a year earlier. 

BlackRock has reported net income of $2.12bn for the first quarter of 2026, up 46% from $1.5bn in the same period a year earlier. 

The firm recorded $130bn in total net inflows for the quarter, with iShares ETFs contributing to what it described as a record first quarter, alongside net inflows into active and private markets strategies. 

The company’s assets under management were $13.89tn at quarter-end, compared with $11.58tn a year earlier. 

Revenue was $6.7bn, up 27% from a year earlier, which the company attributed to market effects, organic growth in base fees, fees linked to the HPS Transaction, and higher technology services and subscription revenue. 

Technology services and subscription revenue increased 22% year-over-year due to the momentum in Aladdin and the impact of the Preqin transaction. 

GAAP operating income increased 66% year-over-year and GAAP diluted EPS rose 46%.   

Operating income, as adjusted, rose 31% year-over-year. 

Investment advisory performance fees were $272m in the quarter, compared with $60m a year earlier.