Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has reported its strongest financial performance ever, posting a pretax profit of ₦551.7 billion for the 2025 financial year, up sharply from ₦303.7 billion recorded in 2024.

The group’s profit after tax reached ₦380.8 billion, the highest in its history and more than its cumulative profit over the previous five years.

The major driver of this growth was lending activity. Interest income rose by 38.94 per cent year-on-year to ₦787.05 billion, with loans and advances contributing 60 per cent of that figure, while investment income accounted for 36 per cent.

Non-lending income also recorded strong growth. Fees and commissions increased to ₦257.7 billion from ₦186.4 billion, while trading revenue surged to ₦53.1 billion from ₦12.8 billion in 2024, boosted by market volatility, higher yields, and stronger treasury operations.

As a result, total income climbed to ₦895.7 billion, compared to ₦646.8 billion in the previous year.

The group also posted significant balance sheet expansion. Total assets rose to ₦8.6 trillion from ₦6.9 trillion in 2024, while loans and advances increased to ₦3.8 trillion from ₦2.4 trillion, making it the largest asset class on its books.

Customer deposits also grew strongly, reaching ₦4.37 trillion, reflecting increased confidence from depositors and providing a stronger base for lending activities.

On the capital side, total equity rose to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦670.6 billion, supported by reserves of ₦858.4 billion, further strengthening the group’s financial position.

For everyday customers, the results signal three major developments.

First, the sharp increase in loans and advances suggests the bank is deploying more capital and may be in a stronger position to extend credit to businesses and retail borrowers in a tight liquidity environment.

Second, the rise in fees and commissions shows stronger customer activity, but it also means the bank is earning more from transactions and services. Customers may need to pay closer attention to charges across digital banking and investment products.

Third, shareholders are set for a stronger return. The group declared a final dividend of ₦4 per ordinary share, payable on 26 May 2026, bringing the total dividend for 2025 to ₦6.50 per share, up from ₦5.00 paid in 2024.

Investors had already responded positively before the audited results were released. During the trading week ending 17 April 2026, Stanbic IBTC shares gained 36.63 per cent on the Nigerian Exchange, with over 8 million units traded, pushing year-to-date performance to 88.55 per cent.

The audited figures now confirm that the momentum was backed by strong fundamentals.

Stanbic IBTC’s 2025 performance goes beyond routine growth. It reflects record profitability, stronger capital strength, expanding lending capacity, and rising shareholder value, positioning the group as one of the strongest performers in Nigeria’s banking sector.