Access Holdings Delivers Over ₦1 Trillion PBT, Signals Strategic Shift from Scale to Value
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Access Holdings Plc has reported audited results for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, marking a significant turning point in its corporate trajectory as it pivots from a scale-driven growth model to one focused on value creation, efficiency, and earnings quality.
The Group posted a strong and resilient performance despite a transitional operating environment, underscoring the strength of its franchise and governance structures. Profit before tax (PBT) crossed the ₦1 trillion mark for the first time, rising to ₦1.01 trillion, representing a 16.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Net interest income grew to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income recorded a robust 40.9 per cent increase to ₦585.1 billion, reflecting the Group’s continued diversification of revenue streams. Overall operating income after impairment rose by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion.
The Group also strengthened cost discipline, with its cost-to-income ratio improving 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, reinforcing the quality and sustainability of earnings.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said the performance reflects both resilience and strategic clarity.
“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,” he said.
“We have now entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with a stronger emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation,” Ike added.
The Group’s balance sheet recorded significant expansion, driven by strong deposit mobilisation and sustained customer confidence. Total assets increased by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits grew by 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds rose by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion, reflecting retained earnings and continued investor confidence.
Macroeconomic conditions during the period provided a supportive backdrop for performance. Nigeria’s economic growth strengthened to about 3.9 per cent, inflation moderated from elevated 2024 levels, and foreign exchange reserves rose above $45 billion. The NGX All Share Index gained over 51 per cent during the year, signalling renewed investor confidence and stronger capital market activity.
While banking remains the dominant contributor, accounting for approximately 97 per cent of total revenue, the Group is making steady progress in diversifying its income base. Its subsidiaries, including Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers, provide stable and recurring income streams. Meanwhile, technology-driven platforms such as Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are enhancing its footprint in the digital financial services space.
The Group’s evolving strategy reflects a deliberate shift from scale to value, with management prioritising improved capital efficiency, stronger earnings quality, and sustained cost discipline. This repositioning is aimed at building a more resilient institution capable of delivering consistent, long-term returns.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expects macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for credit expansion, increased transaction volumes, and broader financial system activity. The Group plans to maintain a focus on disciplined execution and sustainable growth across its diversified platform.
“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,” Ike said.
“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.”
