Fidelity Bank Plc has reported a strong performance for the 2025 financial year, with gross earnings rising by 45 per cent and shareholders’ funds crossing the N1 trillion mark, driven by balance sheet expansion and fresh capital injection.
According to its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, the bank recorded gross earnings of N1.5 trillion, up from N1.04 trillion in 2024.
Net interest income rose to N831.3 billion, compared to N629.7 billion in the previous year, supported by growth in interest-earning assets and a higher interest rate environment.
Interest and similar income calculated using the effective interest rate increased by 38.7 per cent to N1.11 trillion, while other interest income rose by 25.1 per cent to N184.51 billion.
The bank also recorded improved efficiency in risk management, as credit loss expense dropped significantly by 61.7 per cent to N21.61 billion from N56.44 billion in 2024.
Non-interest revenue also strengthened during the period. Fee and commission income rose by 44.7 per cent to N113.36 billion, driven by growth in e-banking, ATM transactions, account maintenance charges, and foreign-related fees.
Other operating income surged by 200.5 per cent to N8.24 billion, while foreign exchange revaluation gains jumped sharply by 749.9 per cent to N99.58 billion.
Fidelity Bank’s investment portfolio expanded significantly, with debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income rising by 199 per cent to N557.78 billion, and those at amortised cost increasing to N1.97 trillion.
On the balance sheet, liquidity strengthened considerably as cash and cash equivalents rose by 87 per cent to N1.32 trillion. Restricted balances with the Central Bank of Nigeria also increased to N1.65 trillion.
Total assets grew by 18.6 per cent to N10.46 trillion, driven by expansion in liquid assets and investment securities, while customer deposits rose by 16.1 per cent to N6.89 trillion.
The bank’s capital position also improved, with total equity rising by 21.1 per cent to N1.09 trillion, pushing shareholders’ funds above the N1 trillion milestone.
A key driver of the capital growth was a private placement of 12.9 billion ordinary shares completed in December 2025, which strengthened the bank’s capital base and enhanced its capacity for larger transactions and expansion.
The lender also confirmed that its eligible capital rose to N532.6 billion, exceeding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s minimum requirement of N500 billion for internationally licensed banks.
Overall, the results reflect stronger profitability, improved liquidity, and enhanced capital strength, positioning the bank for further growth in lending, digital banking expansion, and regional ambitions.
