Access Holdings Plc has delivered a landmark financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a profit before tax (PBT) of N1.01 trillion; its first time breaching the trillion-naira threshold and a 16.2 per cent year-on-year increase from N867 billion recorded in 2024. The result marks a defining one for the financial services group as it transitions from a growth model driven largely by scale to one increasingly anchored on efficiency, earnings quality, and sustainable value creation.
The audited results, released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that at the top line, gross earnings rose by 13.34 per cent to N5.529 trillion, driven by robust growth in both interest and non-interest income. Interest income increased by 14.10 per cent to N3.546 trillion, with loans and advances to customers contributing N1.75 trillion (49.4 per cent of total interest income).
However, the composition of earnings also highlights a deliberate strategic tilt toward investment securities and non-lending income streams. Income from investment in securities stood at N1.073 trillion, albeit down 15 per cent year-on-year, while the Group significantly expanded its securities portfolio to N16.305 trillion, representing a 43.75 per cent increase from N11.3 trillion in the prior year. This positions securities holdings above loans and advances, which grew 16.13 per cent to N13.341 trillion.
A standout driver of the 2025 performance was non-interest income, particularly fair value and foreign exchange gains, which rose by an extraordinary 152.5 per cent to N1.05 trillion. This windfall significantly boosted the Group’s bottom line and reflects both opportunistic positioning and the benefits of market volatility within the review period.
Net fee and commission income also recorded strong momentum, rising by 40.9 per cent to N585.068 billion. The growth was largely underpinned by credit-related fees, which doubled to N330 billion from N162 billion in 2024. Additionally, digital banking channels and e-business income contributed N215.268 billion, while commissions from other financial services added N101.587 billion.
On the cost side, the group showcased improved discipline. Interest expenses declined marginally by 1.04 per cent to N2.189 trillion, even as customer deposits rose significantly. This helped support a 7.01 per cent increase in net interest income to N1.357 trillion.
However, rising credit risk pressures were evident in the Group’s impairment charges, which more than doubled, up 113.42 per cent to N523.550 billion. This increase weighed on net interest income after impairment, which declined by 18.52 per cent to N883.341 billion.
Notwithstanding this pressure, overall operating income after impairment grew by 23.9 per cent to N3.17 trillion.
Profit after tax rose by 15.7 per cent to N743.045 billion, reinforcing the group’s profitability trajectory. However, earnings per share declined by 19.33 per cent to N13.48, primarily due to a 16 per cent increase in shares outstanding, from 45.868 billion to 53.318 billion.
From a balance sheet perspective, Access Holdings recorded substantial growth, further consolidating its position as one of Africa’s largest financial institutions. Total assets expanded by 24.24 per cent to N51.556 trillion, driven largely by a surge in customer deposits, which rose by 53.44 per cent to N34.562 trillion. Deposits now account for over 64 per cent of the group’s balance sheet, underscoring strong liquidity and sustained customer confidence.
The growth in deposits provides a stable funding base for future lending and investment activities, while also enhancing the group’s ability to withstand external shocks. Shareholders’ funds increased by 15.05 per cent to N4.326 trillion, supported by retained earnings, which climbed 46.16 per cent to N1.672 trillion. Share capital and premium stood at N594.903 billion, reflecting continued investor backing.
Operational efficiency also improved during the year, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024. Returns remained solid, with return on average equity at 18.4 per cent and return on average assets at 1.6 per cent.
Commenting on the results, Innocent Ike, the group managing director and chief executive officer,emphasised the strategic significance of the performance. He noted that the group has entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with increased focus on returns on capital, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
“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,” Ike said.
He added that the group’s long-term strategy is firmly anchored on delivering consistent, high-quality, risk-adjusted returns while building a durable financial institution capable of weathering economic cycles.
Looking ahead, the group expressed cautious optimism about macroeconomic conditions, noting expectations of gradual stabilisation. This outlook is expected to create opportunities for credit expansion, higher transaction volumes, and increased financial intermediation across its diversified platform.
“We expect macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for growth across the financial system. Our focus remains on disciplined execution, improved capital efficiency, and sustainable growth,” the group said in its outlook statement. “
