Access Holdings Plc has reported audited results for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in its corporate strategy from scale-driven expansion to a stronger 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, representing a 16.2 per cent increase year-on-year.
This milestone reflects the Group’s steady progression toward becoming a more resilient and high-performing financial institution.
Net interest income grew to N1.36 trillion, while net fees and commission income surged by 40.9 per cent to N585.1 billion, signalling increasing diversification of revenue streams. Overall operating income after impairment rose by 23.9 per cent to N3.17 trillion.
Cost efficiency also improved, with the cost-to-income ratio declining to 51.7 per cent from 56.7 per cent in 2024. Returns remained strong, 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.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C Ike, said the performance reflects both resilience and disciplined execution.
“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.
He added that the Group has entered a more deliberate optimisation phase, with greater emphasis on returns on capital, earnings quality, and long-term value creation.
The balance sheet recorded significant expansion during the period. Total assets rose by 24.3 per cent to N51.57 trillion, while customer deposits increased by 53.4 per cent to N34.56 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also grew by 15 per cent to N4.33 trillion, reflecting retained earnings and sustained investor confidence.
Macroeconomic improvements supported the Group’s performance, with Nigeria’s economic growth strengthening to about 3.9 per cent, inflation easing from 2024 highs, and foreign exchange reserves rising above $45 billion. The NGX All Share Index gained over 51 per cent during the year, boosting investor confidence and capital market activity.
While banking remains the core earnings driver—accounting for about 97 per cent of total revenue—the Group continues to diversify its income base. Its investment and insurance subsidiaries, including Access ARM Pensions and Access Insurance Brokers, provide stable recurring income. Meanwhile, technology platforms such as Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payment Services are strengthening its footprint in digital financial services.
The Group’s evolving strategy reflects a transition from scale to value, with management focusing on improving capital efficiency, enhancing earnings quality, and sustaining cost discipline to deliver long-term shareholder value.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings expects macroeconomic conditions to continue stabilising, creating opportunities for credit growth, increased transaction volumes, and broader financial system activity.
“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.”
