In separate assessments released as part of the agencies’ latest review cycle, Agusto & Co. upgraded the bank’s long-term rating from BBB+ to A-, while its short-term rating moved from A2 to A1.
DataPro Limited, meanwhile, raised PremiumTrust Bank’s long-term rating from A- to A, while affirming the lender’s short-term rating at A1.
The simultaneous upgrades represent a further improvement in the bank’s credit profile and signal growing confidence in its ability to meet financial obligations, maintain adequate liquidity and withstand potential financial pressures.
Ratings in the ‘A’ category generally indicate a low level of credit risk and a strong capacity to meet financial commitments as they become due. An A1 short-term rating reflects a very strong capacity to settle short-term financial obligations promptly.
The latest assessments were supported by a number of key financial indicators, particularly the bank’s capital position and liquidity. The rating agencies noted that PremiumTrust Bank’s capital adequacy ratio rose significantly from 20.8 per cent to 40.8 per cent, providing a substantial capital buffer for growth and potential balance-sheet risks.
The bank also maintained a strong liquidity ratio of 71.1 per cent, while its net interest margin stood at 83.3 per cent.
Asset quality remained resilient during the period under review, with the bank recording a non-performing loan ratio of just 0.2 per cent. Its cost of funds was put at 3.2 per cent, while a cost-to-income ratio of 23.2 per cent reflected the bank’s emphasis on operational efficiency.
Agusto & Co. further highlighted PremiumTrust Bank’s profitability, noting that its pre-tax return on equity stood at 84.6 per cent, which the agency identified as the highest among Nigerian banks.
The improved ratings come on the back of a strong financial performance by the four-year-old lender. PremiumTrust Bank reported a pre-tax profit of ₦177.1 billion and total assets of ₦1.7 trillion for the 2025 financial year.
Beyond its financial metrics, the rating agencies also pointed to qualitative factors supporting the bank’s improved credit profile. These include the depth and experience of its management team, an expanding physical branch network, growing digital banking capabilities, as well as its corporate governance, risk management and compliance structures.
Since commencing operations four years ago, PremiumTrust Bank has expanded its physical presence to 33 branches across Nigeria. Its recent expansion has taken it to Irrua in Edo State, Owerri in Imo State and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, as the lender continues to broaden its reach across the country.
The bank has simultaneously stepped up investment in digital banking, including an upgraded PremiumTrust Mobile application designed to offer adaptive banking services, AI-powered assistance and personalised lifestyle tools to customers.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, described the latest ratings as recognition of the institution’s efforts to establish a strong foundation since its entry into the market.
“These upgrades are a strong validation of the fundamentals we have built at PremiumTrust Bank.
“From inception, we have been deliberate about establishing our presence and building an institution with the financial strength, resilience, and operating discipline to compete in the Nigerian banking industry.
“Our focus now is on converting this momentum into sustained growth. We are strengthening our balance sheet, expanding our physical and digital footprint, and investing in the capacity needed to serve our customers and support the businesses and communities across our markets.”
The dual upgrades are expected to further strengthen PremiumTrust Bank’s standing within Nigeria’s increasingly competitive financial services industry, while providing an external assessment of the lender’s capital strength, liquidity, asset quality and operating performance.
With its balance sheet expanding alongside its branch and digital networks, the bank said it would remain focused on maintaining strong corporate governance and prudent risk management while pursuing sustainable growth.
The lender’s strategy, it added, remains centred on delivering value to customers, shareholders and other stakeholders while building an institution capable of supporting businesses, individuals and communities across its markets.