Access Holdings posts N1tn profit, unveils growth plan

Access Holdings Plc has announced a robust profit before tax of N1.007 trillion, showcasing the strength of its diversified business model and expanding earnings across key markets. The financial institution also saw its total assets grow to N51.56 trillion, with a significant increase in customer deposits, reflecting sustained momentum and deepening customer trust.

During its fourth Annual General Meeting, the company reaffirmed its strategic shift towards long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience, and disciplined growth. Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede emphasized that a financial institution's true test lies in its ability to grow profitably and sustainably. He noted that the 2025 performance was a result of a deliberate strategy to strengthen long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong financial outcomes.

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Periods of volatility often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing but improving in the quality and sustainability of its earnings.

Aig-Imoukhuede also highlighted that the group made a prudent decision to accelerate the recognition of legacy exposures and exit regulatory forbearance positions, which led to elevated impairment charges. This strategic choice prioritized balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimization. "Periods of volatility often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing but improving in the quality and sustainability of its earnings," he stated.

The group's evolution continues beyond traditional banking, expanding into a diversified financial services ecosystem. Contributions from investment management, insurance, and technology-driven platforms are growing. While banking remains the primary earnings engine, new ventures like Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments are expanding the group's reach in digital finance, consumer lending, and payments. This transformation is guided by an "ideas-to-ventures" approach, positioning Access Holdings as a platform for innovation and future growth.

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Scale created opportunity, value creation is how we fully realise it.