Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc reported a 37.1 per cent increase in profit before tax to N97.28 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, as total assets rose above N5 trillion.

The group’s unaudited results showed that profit after tax grew by 21 per cent to N75.37 billion, while gross earnings increased by 33.2 per cent to N454.94 billion.

Non-interest income rose by 27.6 per cent to N101.16 billion, driven by fee-based activities, commodities trading and joint enterprise investments, according to the company.

Total assets increased by 30.4 per cent from the end of 2025 to N5.10 trillion, reflecting growth in the group’s balance sheet.

Net loans and advances rose by 28.8 per cent to N1.82 trillion, while customer deposits increased by 28.7 per cent to N3.84 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also grew by 38.8 per cent to N595.2 billion.

The group reported a return on average equity of 20 per cent and a return on average assets of 2.22 per cent.

It also said SterlingFi Wealth Management, which is in its second year of operations, had begun contributing to earnings but did not disclose the amount.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Yemi Odubiyi, described the crossing of the N5 trillion asset mark as an important milestone, adding that the group would focus on converting growth into sustainable shareholder value.

He said this would be pursued through disciplined capital allocation, effective governance and strategic oversight, while supporting the group’s businesses to grow sustainably.

Odubiyi added that the group would maintain financial resilience and prudent risk management as it expands its operations.