Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has released its full-year 2025 financial results showing a marked rise in profitability and tightened expense management. The company reported pre-tax profit of N90.7 billion for 2025. This figure is a 99 percent increase from N45.86 billion in 2024, reflecting a near doubling of profit in one year.
Sterling HoldCo’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 63 percent in 2025 from 72 percent in 2024, indicating reduced operating expenses relative to income. Achieving a lower cost-to-income ratio signals stronger operational discipline and efficiency in managing overheads across the business units.
The company’s gross earnings rose to N476.5 billion, up by about 46 percent compared with 2024. Growth in gross earnings stemmed from both core banking interest income and non-interest income streams. Interest income increased by 43 percent to N369.6 billion, driven by higher earnings on loans, advances, and investment securities. Meanwhile, non-interest income grew by 57.3 percent, supported by expanded trading revenues and higher fees and commissions. The mix of interest and non-interest income growth underscores a diversified revenue base and indicates balanced performance across Sterling HoldCo’s operating segments.
Total assets for the group climbed to N3.92 trillion in 2025, an increase of 14 percent from N3.54 trillion in 2024.This growth in total assets reflects an expanded market presence and a broader lending and investment footprint. Customer deposits rose by 18 percent to N2.98 trillion, highlighting successful efforts to attract and retain funds from individual and corporate clients.
Sterling HoldCo’s shareholders’ funds increased by 39 percent to N424.0 billion. A stronger capital base improves the group’s ability to support future growth initiatives, absorb shocks, and maintain regulatory compliance. The company met all recapitalisation requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria ahead of the March 2026 deadline, achieving this through disciplined capital-raising actions, including a public offer exceeding N88 billion as well as other capital injections.
The results reflect a pattern of reinforced financial performance, with strategic emphasis on revenue generation and strict expense control. Sterling HoldCo’s ability to grow profit significantly while also improving efficiency metrics suggests a stronger operational model capable of navigating a competitive financial services environment.
In summary, the 2025 results show Sterling HoldCo delivering robust profitability, improved operational efficiency, higher earnings, expanded assets, and a stronger capital position. These outcomes position the company to pursue sustained growth and competitive advantage in its core markets.
