Access Holdings Plc has reported a profit before tax (PBT) of ₦1.01 trillion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, marking a major milestone as the Group pivots from scale-driven expansion to value-focused growth.
The audited results show a 16.2 per cent increase in PBT compared to the previous year, underscoring the Group’s resilience and strengthening position within Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The Group’s net interest income rose to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income grew significantly by 40.9 per cent to ₦585.1 billion, reflecting continued diversification of revenue streams. Overall operating income after impairment increased by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion.
Cost discipline also improved, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024. Return on average equity stood at 18.4 per cent, while return on average assets was 1.6 per cent, reinforcing the quality and sustainability of earnings.
Commenting on the performance, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said the results reflect the strength of the Group’s franchise and disciplined execution strategy.
“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 and a continued focus on balance sheet optimisation,” he said.
He added that the Group has now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with emphasis on capital efficiency, earnings quality, and long-term value creation.
The Group’s balance sheet expanded significantly during the year, with total assets rising by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits surged by 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also increased by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion, reflecting sustained investor confidence.
Macroeconomic conditions provided a relatively supportive backdrop, with Nigeria’s GDP growth estimated at about 3.9 per cent, easing inflationary pressures, and improved external reserves. The NGX All Share Index gained over 51 per cent during the period, signalling renewed investor confidence.
While banking remains the core earnings driver—accounting for about 97 per cent of total revenue—the Group continues to deepen diversification through subsidiaries such as Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers.
Technology-driven platforms, including Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services, are also strengthening their footprint in the digital financial services ecosystem.
Analysts say the Group’s transition from scale to value signals a strategic shift aimed at improving returns on capital, strengthening operational efficiency, and building a more resilient earnings base.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expects improving macroeconomic conditions to support credit growth, increased transaction volumes, and broader financial system activity.
Ike said the Group remains committed to delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns while positioning itself as a long-term driver of economic growth across Africa.
“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,” he added.