NCBA Group Plc has reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Sh31.2 billion for the financial year ended 2025, reflecting a 24.3 percent growth from the Sh25.1 billion recorded the previous year.
This comes as the lender continues to strengthen its regional presence and digital banking platforms.
Speaking during the release of the group’s full year 2025 financial results in Nairobi, John Gachora, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), insisted that the bank’s performance reflects the success of the merger that formed NCBA and the resilience of its diversified business model.
Gachora noted that six years after the merger between NIC Bank and Commercial Bank of Africa, the institution has built a strong foundation capable of navigating global and regional uncertainties.
In addition, the CEO pointed out that despite operating in a complex economic climate characterized by geopolitical tensions and shifting global markets, the group has continued to record steady growth across its business lines.
“We have diversified our business and invested in the countries where we operate. We believe strongly in the opportunities within our markets and we will continue betting on our region,” he added.
According to Gachora, the group’s total income rose to about Sh73 billion, representing roughly a 10 percent increase, driven by growth in lending, digital financial services, and expansion into new markets.
He emphasized that NCBA’s strategy is anchored on supporting economic growth in the region through lending to businesses and households while strengthening its digital banking capabilities.
“Our role as a bank is to support the real economy. We are committed to providing the capital that businesses need to grow and expand across East Africa,” he explained.
Providing insights into the performance of the bank’s markets and trading activities, Raphael Agung, Group Director for Global Markets, disclosed that the institution has made significant progress in diversifying its revenue sources beyond Kenya.
Agung observed that historically, Kenya accounted for the overwhelming majority of the group’s revenue but that contribution has gradually reduced as regional subsidiaries grow.
“When we started this journey, Kenya contributed about 95 percent of the group’s revenue, with the rest coming from other subsidiaries and non-bank businesses. Over time we have deliberately diversified our portfolio,” he reported.
Further, the Director mentioned that foreign currency deposits and regional operations have increasingly become an important pillar for the bank’s earnings.
“We continue to see growth in foreign currency deposits and regional business activity. This diversification strengthens the resilience of the group against currency and market fluctuations,” Agung remarked.
He added that digital lending and partnerships with mobile network operators have also significantly boosted transaction volumes and expanded financial access to millions of customers across the region.
Highlighting the group’s strategic direction, Louisa Wandabwa, Group Director of Strategy and Chief of Staff, announced that the bank has successfully implemented its previous strategic cycle and is now positioning itself for the next phase of growth.
She outlined that the group has invested heavily in technology, customer experience and expanding its branch and digital footprint.
“Our branch network has grown to 100 branches in Kenya, up from about 71 at the beginning of the strategy cycle. At the same time, we have significantly strengthened our digital platforms,” she elaborated.
Equally, Ms Wandabwa added that the bank’s digital lending book has expanded substantially, while other services such as wealth management and bancassurance have also recorded strong growth.
“Wealth management assets under management have grown to about Sh96 billion, while our bancassurance premiums have increased significantly over the same period,” the Director disclosed.
She further revealed that the next strategic cycle running from 2026 to 2030 will focus on four key priorities including strengthening the core banking business, accelerating digital transformation, expanding regional operations, and unlocking new growth opportunities.
“Our goal is to solidify our position as one of the top banking groups in East Africa by continuing to invest in innovation, partnerships and customer-centric services,” Wandabwa affirmed.
Meanwhile, David Abwoga, Group Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), maintained that the bank’s financial performance demonstrates resilience despite economic pressures such as currency volatility and global inflationary trends.
Abwoga reported that exchange rate movements particularly between the Kenya shilling and the US dollar influenced some financial metrics over the reporting period.
“As you look at the numbers between 2023 and 2025, it is important to contextualize them with currency movements. The shilling weakened significantly during part of that period, which affected some comparisons,” he explained.
Abwoga however affirmed that the underlying profitability of the bank remains strong and sustainable.
“Our profit before tax rose to Sh31.2 billion compared to Sh25.1 billion the previous year, which represents a solid 10 percent growth. This reflects the strength of our diversified model and disciplined cost management,” the CFO assured, adding that the bank has also maintained strong asset quality and adequate capital buffers to support future growth.
He at the same time stressed that NCBA continues to strengthen risk management and loan recovery frameworks to maintain healthy non-performing loan ratios and sustain profitability.
Looking ahead, the group expressed optimism about the economic outlook of the East African region, citing strong demographics, growing trade opportunities and increasing adoption of digital financial services.
Gachora reaffirmed that NCBA remains committed to supporting businesses and individuals across the region while driving innovation in banking.
“We believe East Africa is a strong region with tremendous opportunities. As a bank we will continue investing in the real economy and supporting our customers to grow and prosper,” he said.
By Nicholas Ochieng
