Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, reporting a historic 99 per cent increase in profit before tax to ₦90.7 billion.
The results, published on the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, reflect a landmark year for the financial services Group, underpinned by strong earnings growth, improved operational efficiency and strategic capital strengthening.
Gross earnings rose by 46 per cent year-on-year to ₦476.5 billion, driven by robust expansion in both interest income and fee-based revenue streams. The dual-engine growth highlights the Group’s diversified income base across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.
Commenting on the performance, Group Chief Executive of Sterling HoldCo, Yemi Odubiyi, said the results demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of the Group’s structure.
“Our performance over the 2025 financial year demonstrates the strength and adaptability of our Group structure. The significant growth in profit underscores the success of our strategy to operate as a diversified financial services Group, delivering value through both our conventional and non-interest banking subsidiaries,” Odubiyi said.
The Group’s balance sheet also recorded notable improvements. Total assets grew by 11 per cent to ₦3.92 trillion, while customer deposits increased by 18 per cent to ₦2.98 trillion, reflecting sustained public confidence in the institution.
Operational efficiency improved significantly, with the cost-to-income ratio declining from 72 per cent in 2024 to 63 per cent in 2025. Shareholders’ funds rose by 39 per cent to ₦424.0 billion, further strengthening the Group’s capital base.
A key highlight of the financial report was Sterling HoldCo’s early compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new capital requirements. The Group raised additional capital through several initiatives, including a successful ₦88 billion public offer, well ahead of the March 2026 regulatory deadline.
“We are grateful to our shareholders and the investing public for their confidence in the Group, as reflected in the resounding success of our recently concluded public offer,” Odubiyi said. “This capital injection not only secures our regulatory position but provides the fuel for our next phase of strategic expansion.”
Looking ahead, Sterling HoldCo said it is positioning itself for sustained growth in the 2026 financial year, leveraging continued investments in digital infrastructure and customer-centric services to deepen market relevance and competitiveness.
