alpha financial markets consulting plc said wednesday that it expects to deliver fiscal 2023 performance ahead of market expectations after reporting a pretax profit increase in first half and that chief executive officer euan fraser will step down the provider of specialist consultancy services said pretax profit for the six months ended sept 30 rose to 142 million pounds 169 million up from gbp42 million the same period a year earlier revenue jumped to gbp1076 million from gbp684 million while net fee income increased by 56 to gbp1070 million the performance of the business demonstrates the strength of our business model and growth strategy which we continue to progress consequently we expect to deliver fullyear results ahead of current market expectations the group said alpha is forecast to report fiscal 2023 revenue of gbp1749 million according to a consensus taken from factset based on seven analysts estimations the board has declared an interim dividend of 370 pence a share up from 29 pence declared a year ago alpha financial said ceo euan fraser has announced his intention to step down with effect on march 31 mr fraser will remain in the group as a strategic adviser it said the company will appoint luc baque currently global head of asset and wealthmanagement consulting to lead the company with effect from april 1 it said mr baque has more than 20 years of industry experience it added shares at 0815 gmt were up 150 pence or 32 at 4850 pence