Access Bank expands loan book amidst tight market conditions
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday May 25, 2026 06:00
According to the bank’s unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, gross loans increased to P6.75 billion from P5.95 billion recorded in the previous year, reflecting continued expansion in lending activities across key sectors of the economy.
The bank also achieved solid balance sheet growth during the reporting period, with total assets rising by seven percent during the reporting period.
The growth was largely supported by the strong performance of the loan book as the institution maintained its focus on extending credit whilst managing risks in a constrained market environment.
The performance comes at a time when many financial institutions are experiencing liquidity pressures and narrowing profit margins due to elevated funding costs.
Despite these challenges, Access Bank maintained a disciplined funding strategy while strengthening its overall balance sheet position.
Customer deposits increased by three percent during the reporting period, rising to P7.48 billion from P7.26 billion recorded in 2024.
The bank said the growth reflected ongoing efforts to optimise funding efficiency in an increasingly constrained liquidity environment.
'With a strengthened balance sheet and disciplined funding approach, the bank is well positioned to capitalise on upcoming opportunities, including the introduction of market-leading enhancements to its deposit offerings,' officials said.
Directors indicated that strategic balance sheet management remains central to sustaining growth and maintaining resilience amid evolving market conditions.
Net interest income, however, remained under pressure despite a six percent increase in interest income, which was supported by effective portfolio and liquidity management.
Rising funding costs continued to weigh on margins, limiting broader growth in interest-based earnings. Beyond traditional banking activities, the bank benefited from strong growth in digital banking and trading activities, which significantly boosted overall revenue performance.
Non-interest revenue increased by 26% year-on-year during the 2025 financial year, largely driven by increased transaction volumes within the digital banking space. Trading income also surged by 117%, supported by higher customer activity and the bank’s expanding portfolio of financial products and services.
The strong performance in digital banking underscored the growing importance of technology-driven financial services in improving customer convenience whilst strengthening revenue diversification within the banking sector.
Access Bank also recorded a net impairment charge of P73 million during the reporting period, reflecting broader economic challenges affecting customers and businesses. Despite this, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities and clients during difficult economic conditions while maintaining operational stability.
Operating expenses rose by five percent, mainly due to continued investment in human capital as part of the bank’s long-term growth strategy. The bank said strategic cost management measures implemented in other operational areas helped offset the increase whilst supporting future competitiveness.