Access Holdings Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience and disciplined growth, unveiling a strategic shift from rapid expansion to sustainable value generation as the Group reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦1.007 trillion for the 2025 financial year.
Speaking at the Group's 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, Chairman of Access Holdings, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, said the Group's future growth strategy would focus on improving the quality, sustainability and profitability of earnings rather than pursuing growth for its own sake.
According to him, the financial services giant has entered a new phase of its corporate evolution, anchored on a strategic framework described as "From Scale to Value."
"Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it," Aig-Imoukhuede told shareholders.
The chairman noted that Access Holdings delivered one of the strongest performances in its history during the 2025 financial year, recording Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion, while total assets grew to ₦51.56 trillion.
Customer deposits also posted significant growth, reflecting continued customer confidence in the institution and strengthening the Group's position as one of Africa's leading financial services organisations.
Despite the strong earnings performance, Aig-Imoukhuede explained that the Group deliberately accelerated provisions relating to legacy credit exposures and regulatory forbearance obligations, resulting in higher impairment charges during the period.
He said the decision was part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and positioning the institution for long-term resilience.
"Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience and sustainability of its earnings," he said.
Beyond traditional banking, Access Holdings highlighted the growing contribution of its non-banking subsidiaries as it continues to transform into a diversified financial services ecosystem.
The Group noted that businesses operating across pensions, insurance, payments, consumer finance and investment management are increasingly contributing to earnings diversification and future growth.
Among the emerging platforms driving this expansion are Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payments, all of which are expected to play strategic roles in strengthening the Group's long-term revenue mix.
Addressing shareholder concerns regarding dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividend distribution was driven by regulatory compliance requirements rather than any weakness in the Group's financial position.
Aig-Imoukhuede assured investors that the institution remains financially strong and capable of generating sustainable returns once regulatory conditions are fully satisfied.
"Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders," he stated.
The AGM also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen corporate governance and leadership continuity within the organisation.
During the year, Mr. Innocent C. Ike was appointed Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, while Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Shareholders and directors equally commended Mrs. Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director, Business Development, for successfully steering the Group as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer during the leadership transition period.
According to the chairman, the succession process was executed seamlessly, ensuring continuity in strategy implementation, operational stability and stakeholder confidence.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its ability to navigate prevailing macroeconomic challenges across its operating markets, citing its diversified business model, strengthened capital position and disciplined execution framework.
The Group further noted that significant unrealised value remains embedded within its international operations and subsidiaries, with management committed to improving market recognition of that intrinsic value over time.
Aig-Imoukhuede concluded by reaffirming the institution's commitment to delivering sustainable shareholder value.
"Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures, one defined by clarity of purpose, discipline of execution and sustainable value creation over time," he said.
Access Holdings Plc is one of Africa's leading financial services groups with operations spanning banking, payments, pensions, insurance, consumer finance and investment management across Africa and key international markets.
