Stanbic IBTC profit growth hits ₦278bn in nine months

Stanbic IBTC profit growth hits ₦278bn in nine months, driven by higher interest income and reduced impairment losses

Stanbic IBTC profit growth accelerated strongly in the first nine months of 2025, with profit after tax rising to ₦278.48 billion, up from ₦182.87 billion in the same period of 2024.

Also read: OPay hosts empowering futures conference 2025

According to the group’s financial statements released on the Nigerian Exchange, profit before tax climbed by 77 per cent, reaching ₦393.84 billion from ₦222.93 billion a year earlier.

The robust performance was driven by higher net interest income, improved cost discipline, and a sharp reduction in impairment charges.

Net interest income rose to ₦454.59 billion from ₦251.85 billion, as interest income increased to ₦584.31 billion from ₦425.78 billion, while interest expenses declined to ₦129.72 billion from ₦173.93 billion.

Non-interest revenue, comprising fees, commissions, and trading income, dipped slightly to ₦200.58 billion from ₦214.01 billion, though fee and commission income grew to ₦190.52 billion from ₦134.38 billion.

The bank recorded a notable improvement in credit quality, withnet impairment losses reducing to ₦11.64 billion from ₦59.38 billion in 2024, significantly supporting overall profitability.

Operating expenses rose to₦249.69 billion from ₦183.55 billion, driven by increased staff costs and general expenses. However, revenue growth and reduced impairments more than offset these pressures.

Profit attributable to equity holders stood at ₦275.29 billion, while non-controlling interests accounted for ₦3.18 billion.

Earnings per share climbed to 1,731 kobo, compared with 1,390 kobo in the previous year.

Stanbic IBTC’s total assets expanded to ₦8.38 trillion from ₦6.91 trillion at the end of 2024.

Trading assets surged to ₦1.63 trillion from ₦591.53 billion, reflecting higher market activity.

Loans and advances rose to ₦2.62 trillion, mainly due to growth in loans to banks, while customer loans dipped slightly to ₦2.29 trillion.

Customer deposits increased by 39 per cent to ₦4.18 trillion, strengthening liquidity and funding capacity. Total deposits, including those from banks, rose to ₦4.71 trillion from ₦3.27 trillion.

Shareholders’ equity also grew significantly to ₦1.06 trillion from ₦670.65 billion, supported by retained earnings and additional capital from the bank’s recent rights issue, which added 2.94 billion new ordinary shares to its listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The group’s total liabilities stood at ₦7.32 trillion, with key components including ₦1.17 trillion in trading liabilities, ₦180.87 billion in issued debt securities, and ₦66.68 billion in insurance contract liabilities.

Also read: OPay hosts empowering futures conference 2025

Analysts say the strong results highlight Stanbic IBTC’s financial resilience, efficient balance sheet management, and ability to deliver sustainable returns despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

David Okere