Interactive Brokers reported higher revenue and earnings forthe first quarter of 2026, supported by increased trading activity and growthin client accounts and balances. The company also announced a dividend increasefollowing the results.Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!)Earnings and Revenue IncreaseAccording to Tuesday announcement, the broker posted diluted earnings per share of $0.59,compared to $0.48 in the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per sharestood at $0.60. Net revenue reached $1.67 billion, up from $1.43 billion a yearearlier, while adjusted revenue came in at $1.68 billion.Income before income taxes rose to $1.29 billion from $1.06billion in the prior-year quarter, while the pretax profit margin improved to 77%,compared to 74% a year earlier.At the same time, commission revenue increased 19% to $613 million, driven byhigher customer trading volumes. Stock trading volume rose 25%, while futuresand options volumes increased 20% and 16%, respectively.Read more: After StoneX, Interactive Brokers Taps Coinbase for Nano Bitcoin and Ether FuturesNet interest income grew 17% to $904 million. The increasereflected higher average customer margin loans and larger customer creditbalances. Revenue from other fees and services rose 10% to $86 million,supported by gains in order flow payments, FDIC sweep fees, and market datafees.At the same time, execution, clearing, and distribution feesdeclined 12% to $106 million. The decrease followed a reduction in regulatoryfees and higher exchange rebates linked to increased trading activity.Client Growth and Balance Sheet ExpansionInteractive Brokers reported continued growth in its clientbase and assets. Customer accounts increased 31% to 4.75 million. Customerequity rose 38% to $789.4 billion.Daily average revenue trades grew 24% to 4.37 million,reflecting higher activity across the platform. Customer credit balancesincreased 35% to $168.8 billion, while margin loans also rose 35% to $86.0billion.The company reported total equity of $21.3 billion at theend of the quarter. Following the results, the board approved a higher quarterly dividend of $0.0875per share, up from $0.08. The dividend will be paid on June 12, 2026, toshareholders on record as of June 1.Interactive Brokers also noted that its currencydiversification strategy reduced comprehensive earnings by $53 million duringthe quarter due to a decline in the value of its currency basket against the USdollar.This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.