Sterling Financial Deepens Market Confidence as Assets Cross ₦4tn, Profit Jumps 53% in Q1 2026

Sterling Financial has deepened market confidence as assets cross ₦4tn and profit jumped 53% in Q1 2026.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has reinforced its growth narrative and investor confidence after posting strong audited full-year 2025 and first-quarter 2026 financial results, with total assets crossing the ₦4 trillion mark for the first time in the Group’s history.

 

The financial services group reported sustained earnings growth, improved balance sheet strength and stronger capital positioning across its banking and wealth management businesses, underscoring its expanding footprint in Nigeria’s financial sector.

 

According to a statement by the Group Chief Financial Officer, Adebimpe Olambiwonnu, Gross Earnings for the 2025 financial year rose by 44.4 per cent to ₦486.8 billion, marking the strongest financial performance in the Group’s modern history.

 

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Profit Before Tax climbed by 89.2 per cent to ₦86.8 billion, while Profit After Tax increased by 74.8 per cent to ₦76.3 billion.

 

The Group’s balance sheet also recorded significant expansion during the period, with Total Assets closing at ₦3.91 trillion, Customer Deposits rising to ₦2.98 trillion, and Loans and Advances reaching ₦1.41 trillion. Shareholders’ Funds also grew by 40.5 per cent to ₦428.7 billion.

 

Building on its 2025 momentum, Sterling Financial sustained strong performance into the first quarter of 2026 as Total Assets crossed the ₦4 trillion threshold to settle at ₦4.07 trillion.

 

Gross Earnings for Q1 2026 rose by 41.6 per cent year-on-year to ₦134.8 billion, supported by a 36.8 per cent increase in Net Interest Income to ₦64.9 billion.

 

Operating income stood at ₦93.4 billion during the quarter, while Profit Before Tax increased by 52.8 per cent to ₦27.9 billion. Profit After Tax also rose to ₦23.4 billion.

 

The Group’s Shareholders’ Funds strengthened further to ₦542.5 billion following the successful completion of its recapitalisation programme.

 

Commenting on the performance, Yemi Odubiyi said the results reflected continued growth across the Group’s core business segments.

 

“Our FY2025 and Q1 2026 results reflect continued growth across the Group’s core businesses, supported by disciplined execution, improved operating efficiency, and a strengthened capital position.

 

“The successful completion of our recapitalisation programme positions the Group for the next phase of growth across our commercial banking, non-interest banking, and wealth-management businesses. We remain focused on sustaining growth, strengthening our balance sheet and delivering long-term value across our diversified platform,” Odubiyi stated.

 

The Group noted that the period marked a significant phase in its corporate evolution, driven by the continued expansion of Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited and SterlingFI Wealth Management.

 

Sterling Financial added that it enters the remainder of 2026 with stronger capital buffers, expanded operating capacity and improved momentum across its diversified banking and wealth management operations.

 

The Group also reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, financial inclusion and sustainable growth, while positioning itself to deliver long-term value for shareholders, customers and communities across Nigeria.