Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has sustained its aggressive growth trajectory, with its total assets crossing the historic N4tn threshold for the first time in the first quarter ended 31 March 2026.
According to the group’s latest financial statements, total assets hit N4.07tn in Q1 2026, building on the N3.91tn closed at the end of the 2025 financial year.
The holding company also published its audited full-year 2025 results, revealing an 89.2 per cent surge in profit before tax to N86.8bn, up from the previous year.
Profit after tax for FY2025 similarly grew 74.8 per cent to close at N76.3bn, driven by a historic 44.4 per cent rise in gross earnings to N486.8bn.
The strong performance trickled directly into Q1 2026, where gross earnings rose 41.6 per cent year-on-year to N134.8bn, while profit before tax climbed 52.8 per cent to N27.9bn.
Additionally, the successful completion of the group’s recapitalisation programme pushed shareholders’ funds up to N542.5bn during the quarter.
Commenting on the milestone and the underlying drivers of the group’s performance, the Group Managing Director of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Yemi Odubiyi, said, “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.”
Looking toward the remaining quarters of the year, he added, “We remain focused on sustaining growth, strengthening our balance sheet and delivering long-term value across our diversified platform.”
The growth period highlights a critical phase in the holding company’s evolution, as the synchronised expansion of Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, and SterlingFI Wealth Management positions the group to effectively capture market share across multiple financial segments under a unified corporate framework.
NGX Group strengthens investor literacy with digital initiatives
Jide Ajia
The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc has intensified its investor education drive through a digital engagement initiative aimed at improving financial literacy and deepening retail participation in the Nigerian capital market.
The group recently hosted an X Space session themed ‘Follow the Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market’, which reached over 5,000 users. The audience was largely composed of young Nigerians, first-time investors, and retail market participants seeking to better understand investment opportunities.
The session featured social media investment influencer Omiete Inko-Tariah, alongside representatives from Nigerian Exchange Limited and NGX Regulation Limited. It demystified key concepts around market operations, investor protection, and safe participation.
Beyond education, the event served as an open forum where retail investors engaged directly with market stakeholders on issues of confidence, transparency, and accessibility.
Speaking on the initiative, the Head, Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo, said, “Deepening retail participation is critical to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable capital market.
“At NGX Group, we believe financial literacy is not just an educational responsibility; it is a strategic imperative for strengthening investor confidence, improving market accessibility, and expanding long-term wealth creation opportunities for Nigerians. Through digital platforms like this, we are leveraging innovation to connect with the next generation of investors and democratise access to market knowledge.”
The initiative forms part of NGX Group’s broader sustainability agenda under its Community pillar, which focuses on advancing financial literacy, inclusion, and economic empowerment through education-driven and stakeholder-focused programmes.
Following the success of this edition, NGX Group plans to sustain similar engagements as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening investor confidence, deepening retail participation, and building a more resilient and inclusive investment ecosystem.
