Access Holdings Plc has delivered a milestone performance for the 2025 financial year, crossing the N1 trillion profit threshold for the first time in its history. The group reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N1.01 trillion, representing a 16.2% increase from the N867 billion recorded in 2024—an achievement that stands out against a challenging operating environment.
This result signals the group’s continued evolution into a more resilient and performance-driven financial institution, supported by diversified income streams and disciplined financial management.
Revenue Growth Driven by Diversification
The bank’s earnings profile showed notable strength across both interest and non-interest income lines. Net interest income rose to N1.36 trillion, reflecting steady expansion in core lending activities.
Even more striking was the performance of non-interest income. Net fees and commission income surged by 40.9% to N585.1 billion, highlighting the growing importance of digital banking, transaction services, and other fee-based offerings in the group’s revenue mix.
Overall operating income after impairment climbed by 23.9% to N3.17 trillion, underscoring the bank’s ability to grow earnings even after accounting for credit risk provisions.
Improved Efficiency and Strong Returns
Access Holdings also demonstrated tighter cost control during the year. Its cost-to-income ratio improved significantly, declining to 51.7% from 56.7% in 2024. This indicates better operational efficiency and a more disciplined approach to managing expenses.
Profitability metrics remained solid. Return on average equity stood at 18.4%, while return on average assets came in at 1.6%, reinforcing the quality and sustainability of earnings.
CEO Highlights Resilience and Strategic Shift
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/CEO Innocent C. Ike emphasized the institution’s ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining growth:
“Our 2025 performance reflects both the resilience of the Access franchise and the strength of the institution we have built over time. Despite a dynamic operating environment, we delivered strong earnings supported by diversified income streams, disciplined execution, and a continued focus on balance sheet optimisation.”
He added that the group is entering a more deliberate phase focused on efficiency and long-term value:
“We have now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with a stronger emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation.”
Balance Sheet Expansion Reflects Market Confidence
The group’s financial position strengthened considerably during the year. Total assets grew by 24.3% to N51.57 trillion, driven largely by robust deposit mobilisation. Customer deposits surged by 53.4% to N34.56 trillion, indicating strong confidence from clients and counterparties.
Shareholders’ funds also rose by 15% to N4.33 trillion, supported by retained earnings and sustained investor interest in the institution.
This expansion not only reflects the scale of Access Holdings’ operations but also signals deepening trust among stakeholders across its markets.
Outlook: Positioned for Growth in Africa
Looking ahead, the group expects a gradually stabilising macroeconomic environment to unlock new opportunities—particularly in credit expansion, transaction volumes, and broader financial system activity.
Management reaffirmed its commitment to disciplined execution, capital efficiency, and sustainable growth across its diversified business model.
Innocent C. Ike also pointed to the broader opportunity across the continent:
“Africa remains one of the most compelling long-term growth frontiers globally. Our role is not only to participate in that growth, but to help shape and finance it.”
“At Access Holdings, we have built an institution designed to endure, anchored on strong governance, disciplined execution, and a clear strategic direction. Our focus remains on delivering consistent, high-quality, risk-adjusted returns while building a financial institution that will stand the test of time.”
Steady Growth Amid Challenges
While macroeconomic pressures persist, Access Holdings’ 2025 performance highlights a balance of growth, efficiency, and resilience. By strengthening its revenue base, improving cost discipline, and expanding its balance sheet, the group appears well-positioned to sustain momentum and capitalize on emerging opportunities within Africa’s evolving financial landscape.