Sterling Financial Holdings Records 99% Pre-tax Profit Growth To N90.7bn In 2025

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has posted an increase of 99 per cent in its profit before tax to N90.7 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

The Company’s 2025 full-year interim financial results, showcasing an improvement in operational efficiency with a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 63 per cent from 72 per cent in 2024.

The Group’s total assets surged by 11 per cent to nearly N4 trillion, a strong indicator of its expanded market footprint. Customer deposits rose by 18 per cent, reaching N2.98 trillion, further reflecting the Group’s successful efforts in enhancing customer engagement and product adoption across its platforms.

Sterling HoldCo’s gross earnings grew by 46 per cent year-on-year to N476.5 billion, driven by healthy growth in both interest and non-interest income. Interest income rose by 43 per cent to N369.6 billion, fueled by an increase in loans and advances and improved yields on investment securities. Non-interest income grew by 57.3 per cent, supported by higher trading income and growth in fees and commissions.

Sterling HoldCo has also continued to strengthen its capital position, with shareholders’ funds increasing 39 per cent to N424.0 billion. This bolstered capital base ensures the Group’s banking subsidiaries are well-equipped to support its future growth initiatives, having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirements ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

The Group stated that “this achievement was driven by a series of disciplined capital-raising initiatives, including a public offer of over N88 billion to bolster Sterling Bank’s position, and a prior capital injection that secured The Alternative Bank’s status as a national non-interest bank.

“The Group’s results reflect a diversified earnings base, an emphasis on efficient capital deployment, and a strengthened operational foundation, all of which position Sterling HoldCo for continued growth in the competitive financial services landscape.”

Sterling Financial Holdings Company is a Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.