Stanbic Bank posts 38% profit growth as earnings momentum strengthens in 2025

 

Stanbic Bank Ghana LTD delivered strong earnings rebound in 2025, posting a sharp increase in profitability and revenue growth indicative of renewed confidence in Ghana’s banking sector amid improving credit conditions and expanding non-interest income streams.

The bank recorded a profit after tax of GHS1.61 billion for the year ended December 2025, a 38.4 percent increase over the GHS1.16 billion reported in 2024, affirming one of the strongest year-on-year performances among tier-one banks during the period. The results reflect a combination of higher trading income, improved asset quality and sustained balance sheet expansion, even as banks continued to operate within a cautious post-debt restructuring economic environment. Total net income rose to GHS4.46 billion, representing a 22.2 percent increase year-on-year, supported by growth across both funded and non-funded income lines. 

Net interest income climbed 13 percent to GHS2.84 billion, driven by improved yields on earning assets and funding optimisation. However, the standout contributor to earnings growth came from non-interest revenue, which surged 42.4 percent to GHS1.63 billion. Trading revenue alone expanded by 71 percent, reaching GHS1.01 billion, highlighting increased activity in financial markets and treasury operations.

Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, said the performance reflects deliberate strategic repositioning rather than cyclical gains. “What we are seeing is the outcome of a multi-year effort to rebalance our earnings profile. We are building a bank that is less dependent on traditional lending cycles and more anchored on diversified, quality revenue streams.”

A key driver of profitability was the significant reduction in credit impairment charges, which declined to GHS52 million from GHS364 million in 2024, easing pressure on earnings and stabilising credit performance. The bank’s loan loss ratio improved markedly from 4.57 percent to 1.35 percent, reflecting tighter risk management and improved borrower performance.

According to Mr. Asomaning, disciplined risk management has become central to sustaining growth. “Growth without strong risk governance is not sustainable. Our focus has been on improving portfolio quality while continuing to support productive sectors of the economy.”

Stanbic Bank’s total assets grew 12.6 percent to GHS36.7 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose nearly 39 percent to GHS5.74 billion, supported largely by retained earnings growth. The Bank delivered strong operating performance, achieving a return on equity of 32.6%, driven by efficient use of capital and a steadily improving business environment. It also maintained solid capital buffers, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 23.2%, well above regulatory requirements.

With improving capital ratios, stronger earnings diversification and stabilising credit conditions, the bank expects continued growth momentum into 2026.