Sterling HoldCo Declares 99% Profit Growth, Reduced Cost-to-income

Kayode Tokede

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc  has released its 2025 full-year interim financial results, showcasing an improvement in operational efficiency with a reduced cost-to-income ratio of 63per cent from 72per cent in 2024.

This decline, coupled with a N90.7billion profit before tax in 2025, up by 99 per cent  from  N45.86 billion in 2024, highlights the Group’s strategic focus on controlling operational expenses while driving robust revenue growth.

Sterling HoldCo’s gross earnings stood at N476.5 billion in 2025, about 46per cent increase from  N326.82 billion in 2024, driven by healthy growth in both interest and non-interest income. Interest income rose by 43 per cent to N369.6 billion, fueled by an increase in loans and advances and improved yields on investment securities.

Non-interest income grew by 57.3per cent, supported by higher trading income and growth in fees and commissions.

The Group’s total assets surged to N3.92 trillion in 2025, representing an increase of 14  per cent from N3.54trillion in 2024, a strong indicator of its expanded market footprint.

Customer deposits reached N2.98 trillion in 2025, an increase of 18per cent to further reflect the Group’s successful efforts in enhancing customer engagement and product adoption across its platforms.

Sterling HoldCo has also continued to strengthen its capital position, with shareholders’ funds increasing 39per cent to N424.0 billion.

This bolstered capital base ensures the Group’s banking subsidiaries are well-equipped to support its future growth initiatives, having met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirements ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

This achievement was driven by a series of disciplined capital-raising initiatives, including a public offer of over N88billion to bolster Sterling Bank’s position, and a prior capital injection that secured The Alternative Bank’s status as a national non-interest bank.

The Group’s results reflect a diversified earnings base, an emphasis on efficient capital deployment, and a strengthened operational foundation, all of which position Sterling HoldCo for continued growth in the competitive financial services landscape.