Amid harsh operating environment, Access Holdings Plc’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) has crossed the N1 trillion mark for the first time, rising to N1.01 trillion, a 16.2 per cent increase when compared to N867 billion achieved in the corresponding period in 2024.
This milestone underscored the group’s steady progression toward becoming a high-performing and resilient financial institution.

In its audited result for the year ended December 31, 2025, the bank’s net interest income rose to N1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income recorded a particularly strong growth of 40.9 per cent to N585.1 billion, reflecting increasing diversification in revenue streams.
In addition, its overall operating income after impairment grew by 23.9 per cent to N3.17 trillion.

At the same time, the group improved its cost discipline, with its cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024.
Returns also remained solid, with return on average equity at 18.4 per cent and return on average assets at 1.6 per cent, reinforcing the quality of earnings delivered during the year.

Reacting on the performance, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said: “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.”
“We have now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with a stronger emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation,” he added.

Further breakdown of the performance showed that the balance sheet also recorded significant expansion, driven by strong deposit mobilisation and sustained customer confidence as total assets increased by 24.3 per cent to N51.57 trillion, while customer deposits grew by 53.4 per cent to N34.56 trillion.
Shareholders’ funds also rose by 15 per cent to N4.33 trillion, reflecting both retained earnings and continued investor confidence in the institution.

The growth highlights not only the scale of the group’s operations but also the deepening trust of customers, counterparties, and investors.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expects macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for credit expansion, increased transaction volumes, and higher levels of activity across the financial system.

According to the bank, the group intends to maintain its focus on disciplined execution, improved capital efficiency, and sustainable growth across its diversified platform.
Ike said: “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’, he added.