Abiodun Jimoh
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has reported a striking 69% growth in profit for the 2025 financial year, underscoring the resilience of its operations and improved credit management in a challenging macroeconomic environment. According to the group’s unaudited financial statements released on Tuesday, net income surged to N380.8 billion, up from N225.3 billion in 2024, while pretax profit climbed 82% year-on-year to N55.8 billion.
A major driver of this strong performance was the bank’s net interest income, which rose 43% to N585 billion, compared with N410.5 billion the previous year. The growth reflects the bank’s expanded loan book and strategic lending initiatives that enhanced interest revenue. Complementing this was a significant increase in non-interest income, which reached N310.7 billion, up from N236.4 billion in 2024. Higher fees and commissions were cited as key contributors to this surge, helping to diversify the bank’s revenue base. Overall, total income for 2025 climbed 38% to N895.7 billion, from N646.8 billion the year before, highlighting a balanced mix of core banking and fee-based earnings.
A standout feature of the results was the sharp reduction in impairment charges, which plummeted 86% to N14.2 billion, down from N99.4 billion in 2024. This dramatic decline underscores improved asset quality across the bank’s lending portfolio and reflects more prudent risk management practices. “The decline in impairment charges, combined with strong growth in both interest and non-interest income, underscores our resilience and operational efficiency,” a Stanbic IBTC spokesperson said.
Analysts point to these results as a sign of the Nigerian banking sector’s recovery, noting that Stanbic IBTC’s performance demonstrates the benefits of strategic lending, diversification, and disciplined credit management. “This is a clear illustration of how a bank can thrive even amid economic pressures by balancing risk management with innovative revenue strategies,” said Chijioke Okoro, a Lagos-based financial analyst.
The strong earnings come at a time when rising interest rates and improved lending activity are creating opportunities for Nigerian banks to expand core revenue streams while reducing bad debt provisions. Stanbic IBTC has also emphasized operational efficiency and digital transformation in recent years, streamlining services and expanding customer access. Investments in digital platforms have notably boosted fee and commission income, contributing significantly to the overall profitability of the bank.
Looking ahead, Stanbic IBTC remains optimistic about sustaining growth in 2026. With improved credit performance, a strong capital base, and a diversified income structure, the bank is well-positioned to navigate economic fluctuations and continue delivering value to shareholders. The 2025 performance places Stanbic IBTC among the top-performing banks in Nigeria, demonstrating the resilience of well-managed financial institutions in a competitive and evolving market.
The results reflect a combination of disciplined financial management, strategic revenue diversification, and a commitment to enhancing customer service. By successfully balancing growth, profitability, and risk, Stanbic IBTC has set a benchmark for other banks operating in similar market conditions. As Nigeria’s economy continues to recover, the bank’s strong position provides a solid foundation to capture future growth opportunities, expand lending operations, and deepen its influence in the financial sector
