Abiodun JIMOH
Access Holdings Plc is under mounting investor scrutiny following a prolonged delay in releasing its Q2 2025 half-year financial results, raising questions about transparency and operational discipline at one of Nigeria’s largest banks.
The financial group, once praised for its prompt disclosures and strong governance under the late Herbert Wigwe, has now missed the expected reporting window, sparking concerns about compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
Market analysts warn that the delay could signal deeper challenges in consolidating the bank’s aggressive cross-border acquisitions in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Angola. Each operates under distinct regulatory and accounting frameworks, complicating the preparation of consolidated statements.
“The lack of timely reporting leaves investors uncertain about the group’s capital adequacy, risk exposure, and earnings outlook—especially in a high-interest rate environment,” one analyst told BusinessNG.
Access Holdings’ stock has reflected this uncertainty, trading in a narrow band between N25 and N27, with subdued investor appetite despite the bank’s Q1 2025 results showing solid growth in net interest margins, non-interest income, and deposits.
Analysts note that while the group remains undervalued compared to peers like Zenith Bank and GTCO, weak investor communication is eroding confidence. The board now faces pressure to restore transparency and reassure the market that Access can match its Pan-African ambition with timely execution.
Investors await not just the overdue Q2 report but also signals of a stronger disclosure culture under the bank’s new leadership.
