Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has crossed the N4tn asset mark for the first time, extending its strong growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026.
The group disclosed in its latest financial report that total assets rose to N4.07tn as of March 31, 2026, up from N3.91tn recorded at the end of the 2025 financial year.
The company also posted impressive earnings in its audited 2025 full-year results, with profit before tax soaring by 89.2 per cent to N86.8bn compared to the previous year.
Profit after tax equally recorded strong growth, rising 74.8 per cent to N76.3bn, supported by a sharp increase in gross earnings which climbed 44.4 per cent to N486.8bn.
The strong financial performance continued into the first quarter of 2026 as gross earnings expanded by 41.6 per cent year-on-year to N134.8bn, while profit before tax increased by 52.8 per cent to N27.9bn.
The group’s recapitalisation programme also strengthened its financial position, pushing shareholders’ funds to N542.5bn during the quarter.
Reacting to the results, the Group Managing Director of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Yemi Odubiyi, said the company’s growth was driven by stronger operational efficiency, disciplined execution and improved capital strength across its businesses.
According to him, the successful recapitalisation exercise has positioned the group for another phase of expansion across its commercial banking, non-interest banking and wealth management operations.
Odubiyi added that the company remains committed to sustaining growth, strengthening its balance sheet and delivering long-term value to shareholders through its diversified financial services structure.
The latest results reflect a major growth phase for the holding company as Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited and SterlingFI Wealth Management continue expanding across different segments of Nigeria’s financial market under a unified structure.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc has stepped up efforts to improve financial literacy and encourage more retail participation in the capital market through digital engagement initiatives.
NGX Group recently hosted an X Space session titled “Follow the Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market,” attracting more than 5,000 participants, mainly young Nigerians and first-time investors interested in understanding investment opportunities.
The session featured investment influencer Omiete Inko-Tariah alongside officials from Nigerian Exchange Limited and NGX Regulation Limited, who explained market operations, investor protection and safe participation in stock trading.
The event also created an opportunity for retail investors to interact directly with market stakeholders on issues relating to transparency, accessibility and investor confidence.
Speaking on the initiative, NGX Group’s Head of Communications and Partnerships, Clifford Akpolo, said increasing retail participation remains essential to building a stronger and more inclusive capital market.
He explained that financial literacy goes beyond education, describing it as a key strategy for boosting investor confidence, expanding market access and creating long-term wealth opportunities for Nigerians.
Akpolo added that digital platforms are helping NGX connect with younger investors while making market knowledge more accessible to the public.
According to the group, the initiative forms part of its wider sustainability programme focused on financial inclusion, education and economic empowerment.
NGX said it plans to continue similar engagements as part of efforts to strengthen investor confidence and build a more resilient investment environment in Nigeria.
