…Gross Earnings Rise 46% Amid Op-Ex Decline, Strengthened Capital Position

Lagos, Nigeria: Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the Group”) has posted its interim, unaudited full-year financial results, showcasing a 99% year-over-year (YoY) increase in profit before tax (PBT) for the year ended December 31, 2025. A key driver of this performance was the Group’s substantial growth in both interest and non-interest income, with gross earnings rising by 46% to ₦476.5 billion.
Interest income surged by 43% to ₦369.6 billion, reflecting growth in loans and advances to customers and improved yields on investment securities. Meanwhile, non-interest income soared by 57.3%, supported by higher trading income, increased fees, and commissions. These income streams contributed to the Group’s ability to navigate a competitive market while maintaining a disciplined approach to cost management.
The Group also demonstrated strong operational efficiency, reducing its cost-to-income ratio to 63%, down from 72% in 2024. This reflects Sterling HoldCo’s commitment to enhancing cost-effectiveness while delivering robust revenue growth.
A key driver of Sterling HoldCo’s improved performance has been its continued investment in digital and operational capabilities across its banking and non-banking businesses. These investments have enhanced service delivery, improved cost efficiency, and strengthened its capacity to support growing customer volumes while maintaining sound risk controls.
Sterling HoldCo’s total assets grew by 11%, reaching ₦3.92 trillion, with customer deposits rising 18% to ₦2.98 trillion. The Group’s capital position also strengthened, with shareholders’ funds increasing by 39% to ₦424.0 billion, providing a solid foundation for continued growth.
Building on the appreciation of shareholders’ funds, Sterling HoldCo has fortified its capital structure by ensuring its banking subsidiaries met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new recapitalisation requirements well ahead of the March 2026 deadline. This achievement was driven by a series of disciplined capital-raising initiatives, including a public offer of over ₦88 billion to bolster Sterling Bank’s position, and a prior capital injection that secured The Alternative Bank’s status as a national non-interest bank.
With a diversified revenue base, increased capital, and a focus on enhancing digital and operational capabilities, Sterling HoldCo is well-positioned for sustainable growth moving forward.

About Sterling Financial Holdings Company

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy. The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technology-driven financial services.

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