Access Holdings PLC has emerged as Nigeria’s top bank for asset quality and one of the most structurally sound institutions in the Tier 1 banking category, according to the newly released 2025 Tier 1 Banking Report by Proshare. The report, titled “The Class of 2025: Getting Bigger, Bolder, and Dominant,” ranked Access Holdings second overall with a 91st percentile score, trailing only Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) but surpassing other key players like Zenith, FirstHoldco, UBA, and GTCO.
With a Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPLR) of just 2.76%, Access Holdings was recognised as the Tier 1 bank with the best asset quality in Nigeria. This, along with a strong capital adequacy ratio of 20.46%, earnings growth of 88.05%, and net interest margin of 6.80%, highlights the group’s balanced execution of risk management and profitability.
The Group’s total assets surged to ₦41.5 trillion in FY 2024, supported by a loan book of ₦13.1 trillion and cost of risk maintained at 1.25%. Analysts point to this combination of scale, discipline, and strategic foresight as a blueprint for resilience in a changing financial landscape.
Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare, commended Access Holdings’ evolving model of growth. “Its robust capital base, successful fundraising, and pan-African expansion make it not just a local champion but a continental leader,” he said. Awoyemi also clarified ETI’s top ranking as partly due to its broader regional footprint and relatively lower Nigerian regulatory exposure.
Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group CEO of Access Holdings, said the recognition affirms the Group’s operational discipline and commitment to long-term value creation. “Sustainable success lies in balancing growth with resilience. We will continue to execute with precision and innovate with integrity,” she stated.
Proshare’s revamped Bank Strength Index (PBSI) integrates not just traditional financial metrics but also indicators of governance quality, digital transformation, and stakeholder value. Access Holdings stood out across these benchmarks, positioning itself as a key player shaping the future of banking in Africa as Nigeria’s financial system undergoes transformative recapitalisation.
