Sterling HoldCo profit jumps 99% as earnings hit ₦476.5bn

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo) has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a 99 per cent year-on-year increase in profit before tax (PBT), driven by significant growth in both interest and non-interest income.

According to its interim unaudited full-year results released on Saturday, the Group’s gross earnings rose by 46 per cent to ₦476.5 billion.

Interest income increased by 43 per cent to ₦369.6 billion, supported by growth in loans and advances as well as improved yields on investment securities. Non-interest income also surged by 57.3 per cent, boosted by higher trading income, fees and commissions.

The company said the diversified revenue streams helped it navigate a competitive operating environment while maintaining tight cost controls.

Sterling HoldCo also improved operational efficiency, with its cost-to-income ratio dropping to 63 per cent from 72 per cent in 2024.

The Group attributed the performance partly to sustained investments in digital and operational capabilities across its banking and non-banking businesses, which it said enhanced service delivery, improved cost efficiency and strengthened risk management.

Total assets grew by 11 per cent to ₦3.92 trillion, while customer deposits rose by 18 per cent to ₦2.98 trillion. Shareholders’ funds also increased by 39 per cent to ₦424 billion, reinforcing the company’s capital base.

Sterling HoldCo further disclosed that its banking subsidiaries have already met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new recapitalisation requirements ahead of the March 2026 deadline. The milestone was achieved through a series of capital-raising initiatives, including a public offer of over ₦88 billion to strengthen Sterling Bank and a prior capital injection to secure The Alternative Bank’s status as a national non-interest bank.

With stronger capital buffers, diversified income streams and continued investment in technology, the Group said it remains well-positioned to sustain growth.

Sterling HoldCo operates a diversified portfolio of financial services businesses, including Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited and SterlingFI Wealth Management, providing banking, payments and technology-driven financial solutions across Nigeria.