May 03, (THEWILL) — Access Holdings Plc has reported audited results for the year ended December 31, 2025, marking a strategic shift from scale-driven expansion to a sharper focus on value creation, efficiency, and earnings quality.
The Group delivered a resilient performance despite a transitional operating environment, underscoring the strength of its franchise and governance framework. Profit before tax crossed the N1 trillion threshold for the first time, rising to N1.01 trillion, a 16.2 percent increase year-on-year.
Revenue growth remained broad-based. Net interest income rose to N1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income jumped 40.9 percent to N585.1 billion, reflecting increasing diversification. Overall operating income after impairment climbed 23.9 percent to N3.17 trillion.
Cost discipline also improved, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 percent from 56.7 percent in 2024. Returns remained solid, with return on average equity at 18.4 percent and return on average assets at 1.6 percent, highlighting stronger earnings quality.
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.
Balance sheet growth was robust. Total assets rose 24.3 percent to N51.57 trillion, customer deposits surged 53.4 percent to N34.56 trillion, and shareholders’ funds increased 15 percent to N4.33 trillion.
Macroeconomic improvements supported performance, with stronger growth, moderating inflation, rising reserves, and a 51 percent gain in the NGX All Share Index.
While banking still contributes about 97 percent of revenue, diversification efforts continue across pensions, insurance, and digital platforms. Looking ahead, the Group expects a stabilising economy to drive credit growth and transaction volumes, while it maintains a disciplined focus on sustainable, high-quality returns.
Speaking on the results, Group managing director/chief executive officer, Innocent 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.
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.
Speaking on the results, Group managing director/chief executive officer, Innocent 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.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings said “it expects macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for credit expansion, increased transaction volumes, and higher levels of activity across the financial system.
“The Group intends to maintain its focus on disciplined execution, improved capital efficiency, and sustainable growth across its diversified platform.”
Ike noted, “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.”
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
