Access Holdings Plc has reported a profit before tax of ₦1.01 trillion for the 2025 financial year, crossing the trillion-naira milestone for the first time and indicating a strategic transition from rapid expansion to efficiency-focused and value-driven growth.
The audited results for the year ended December 31, 2025, show a 16.2 per cent increase in profit before tax, with the group attributing the performance to resilience in a challenging operating environment.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said the results reflect the strength of the group’s franchise and its diversified business structure.
“Our 2025 performance reflects the resilience of the Access franchise and the strength of the institution we have built over time,” Ike said in a statement.
He added that the group is now focused on improving capital efficiency and enhancing earnings quality rather than aggressive expansion.
“We have entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with stronger emphasis on returns on capital and long-term value creation,” he said.
The performance was driven by strong growth in key income lines. Net interest income rose to ₦1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income grew by 40.9 per cent to ₦585.1 billion. Operating income after impairment increased by 23.9 per cent to ₦3.17 trillion.
Operational efficiency 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.
The group’s balance sheet expanded significantly, supported by strong deposit growth and sustained customer confidence. Total assets rose by 24.3 per cent to ₦51.57 trillion, while customer deposits jumped 53.4 per cent to ₦34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds increased by 15 per cent to ₦4.33 trillion.
Access Holdings said improved macroeconomic conditions contributed to its performance, citing stronger economic growth, easing inflationary pressures, improved foreign reserves, and a positive equities market.
Although banking remains its core revenue driver, accounting for about 97 per cent of total earnings, the group said it is gradually expanding into other financial services sectors.
Subsidiaries such as Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers continued to provide stable income streams, while digital platforms like Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are strengthening its presence in fintech.
Looking ahead, the company said it expects further economic stability to support credit growth, higher transaction volumes and improved financial sector activity.
Ike reiterated that Access Holdings is positioning itself as a long-term driver of Africa’s financial development.
“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 said.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to disciplined execution, strong governance and sustainable value creation as it enters a consolidation phase after years of expansion.
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