** Shares of Bell Financial Group BFG.AX rise 1.5% to A$ 1.375

** The financial services provider's stock rose as much as 5.5% to touch their highest level since late August

** Co signs an agreement with Macquarie Bank under which about 75,000 accounts from Macquarie Online Trading platform will be transferred to co's Bell Direct and Desktop Broker brands

** Says transition of accounts is expected to be completed after Feb 22

** About 169,683 shares change hands vs the 30-day average of 84,836

** Stock up 1.1% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)

((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))