What's happening?

Macquarie Online Trading closed to new applications from Wednesday 22 January 2025.

On Saturday 22 February 2025, your clients’ Macquarie Online Trading accounts transitioned to Desktop Broker, an online share trading platform offered by Bell Financial Group (Bell).

Importantly, clients’ online trading experience remains largely the same, gaining access to some additional digital features which further enhance the online trading experience, including a dedicated Bell mobile app and access to trade on US markets.

What changed?

  • Macquarie Online Trading was powered by Bell’s technology platform for a number of years, but branded by Macquarie. This arrangement ended Saturday 22 February 2025, and your clients’ trading accounts are now provided directly by Bell, and they’ve become a Bell client for their trading account.
  • Clients’ online trading experience is Bell branded, and they’ve gained access to some additional digital features, further enhancing their online trading experience.
  • Your clients can view their trading balance and access their account via the Bell website at desktopbroker.com.au.
  • Clients’ trading accounts are no longer visible when they log into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.

What’s not changing?

  • Clients’ brokerage fees remain the same.
  • The linked Macquarie Cash Management Account, and any other accounts they have with Macquarie, haven’t changed and clients can continue viewing their account by logging into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
  • Existing direct debit and/or transactional authorities haven’t changed and stay with Third Party Platform Pty Ltd (wholly owned by Bell). Any other third party authorities you’ve previously approved will also remain in place.
  • If clients have a margin loan, it has been retained as part of the transition to Bell and continues to act as the primary settlement account.

Has my account number changed?

Clients’ account numbers stay the same, but the first three letters (MOT) have been removed.

Do I need to register for Desktop Broker?

  • No, you’re automatically registered for Desktop Broker.
  • You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions after you login to the Desktop Broker website. Bell will send further instructions.

How do I view account information online?

  • Advised clients can view their trading balance and access their account via the Bell website desktopbroker.com.au
  • Bell will issue you a new access code after Saturday 22 February 2025 to view your trading account online or via their mobile app.
  • Macquarie Cash Management Account, and any other accounts clients have with Macquarie, haven’t changed and you can continue viewing accounts by logging into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
  • After Saturday 22 February 2025, clients’ trading accounts will no longer be visible when they log into Macquarie Online or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app.
  • If your client has a margin loan, it has been retained as part of the transition to Bell and continues to act as the primary settlement account.  
  • Bell will contact you and your clients to setup their new login credentials. When setting up new login credentials, ensure the same Macquarie password is not used. Bell will not prompt you to share your full Macquarie ID. For more information about security and scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the security hub on the Macquarie website.

What will happen to trades that weren’t settled before the transition?

All in-flight trades as at 22 February 2025 will continue to be settled. No further action is required.

Have my assets been transferred to another broker?

No, Macquarie Online Trading has been powered by Bell’s technology platform for a number of years, but branded by Macquarie, and therefore the CHESS sponsor of your assets will remain the same (Third Party Platform Pty Ltd wholly owned by Bell).

Can I still open a Macquarie Online Trading account for my client?

No, Macquarie Online Trading closed to new applications on Wednesday 22 January 2025. You can continue to open a standalone Macquarie Cash Management Account. 

What happens if my client has a margin loan on their account?

You don’t need to do anything. The existing margin loan has been retained as part of the transition to Bell and continues to act as the primary settlement account. 

How do I change my clients’ account details?

Bell will be able to support clients’ trading accounts and you can reach them via the details below: 

Phone: 1300 726 177 (within Australia) or +61 3 8663 2771 (international) from 8am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday (Eastern Standard Time)

Email: support@desktopbroker.com.au

For any questions about Macquarie accounts, including your clients’ Macquarie Cash Management Account, please contact us via live chat through Adviser Online.

Start a live chat

Log in to Macquarie Online Banking or the Macquarie Mobile Banking app and chat with a consultant in real time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Sydney time (excluding public holidays).

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Please get in touch as soon as possible so we can work together to find the right solution for you.

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Everyone at Macquarie is committed to providing our clients with the highest standard of products and services available. If you have feedback we would like you to tell us about it.