Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo), the parent firm of Sterling Bank and Alternative Bank Limited, has announced a robust N341.7 billion revenue for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, reflecting sustained growth across its core banking and non-banking operations. The performance underscores the company’s strategic diversification following its transition into a holding company structure and its growing footprint in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.
In a statement released to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Sterling HoldCo said the impressive revenue figure was driven by strong loan growth, increased transaction volumes, and improved returns from its digital banking platforms. The group also credited its consistent focus on sustainability and innovation as key drivers of its improved performance.
The company’s profit before tax (PBT) for the period climbed to N92.4 billion, representing a 36 percent increase year-on-year, while profit after tax (PAT) rose to N78.5 billion, up from N57.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. Sterling HoldCo attributed the growth to improved asset quality, disciplined cost management, and steady progress in its digital transformation agenda.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling HoldCo, Abubakar Suleiman, described the Q3 results as a reflection of the group’s resilience amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. He emphasized that Sterling’s strategy of operating across diverse but complementary sectors—banking, investment, and alternative finance—has positioned it to deliver sustainable growth.
“Our transformation into a holding company has allowed us to deepen specialization across our business units while maintaining a unified purpose of enriching lives and driving value creation. The strong Q3 performance reinforces our belief that innovation and sustainability are key to the future of finance in Nigeria,” Suleiman said.
He added that the group’s subsidiaries—Sterling Bank and The Alternative Bank (TAB)—continued to play crucial roles in driving financial inclusion through technology, renewable energy financing, and digital payment solutions.
The bank’s net interest income grew by 28 percent to N184.2 billion, buoyed by higher yields on loans and advances as well as efficient funding cost management. Non-interest income, comprising fees, commissions, and digital transactions, surged by 42 percent to N157.5 billion, reflecting increased customer activity across its mobile and online banking platforms.
Sterling HoldCo’s total assets rose to N3.42 trillion at the end of September 2025, up from N2.9 trillion in December 2024, while customer deposits climbed by 24 percent to N2.5 trillion, highlighting growing confidence among its retail and corporate clients.
According to the group’s Chief Financial Officer, Yemi Odubiyi, the company’s capital adequacy ratio and liquidity position remained strong and well above regulatory thresholds. “Our balance sheet continues to reflect prudent risk management and strategic asset allocation. We are focused on maintaining healthy capital buffers as we expand into new markets,” he said.
The group’s Alternative Bank, which focuses on non-interest banking, recorded a significant leap in revenue, contributing over 30 percent of total earnings. Its success was linked to expanding demand for ethical and sharia-compliant financial products, particularly in northern Nigeria and among SMEs seeking affordable financing.
Odubiyi added that Sterling HoldCo remains committed to promoting green finance through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-friendly infrastructure. The group’s “HEART of Sterling” strategy—focused on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—continues to guide its investment priorities.
Industry analysts have lauded Sterling HoldCo’s performance as a demonstration of its agility and innovative edge in Nigeria’s competitive financial services sector. They noted that the firm’s holding structure provides operational flexibility and better oversight across its subsidiaries, allowing for improved governance and efficiency.
“Sterling HoldCo’s ability to sustain growth in a volatile economy is a testament to its strong fundamentals and customer-centric model,” said Dr. Fola Adebayo, a financial analyst at Afrinvest. “Its focus on digital transformation and sustainability provides a long-term advantage in a market increasingly defined by technology-driven solutions.”
Beyond financial performance, Sterling HoldCo has continued to deepen its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Through its Sterling One Foundation, the company has supported youth empowerment, environmental initiatives, and education-focused projects. Recent programs include a partnership with international NGOs to provide clean energy solutions to rural communities and scholarships for underprivileged students.
Suleiman reaffirmed that the company’s long-term vision remains centered on building a digitally inclusive and sustainable economy. “Our next growth phase will focus on expanding financial access through digital channels, supporting Nigeria’s low-carbon transition, and fostering youth entrepreneurship. We believe that inclusive growth is essential for national development,” he stated.
The group also hinted at plans to explore regional expansion across West Africa by 2026, leveraging its technological capabilities and alternative finance expertise to tap into underserved markets.
Meanwhile, investors have responded positively to the company’s strong quarterly results, with Sterling HoldCo’s stock appreciating by 6.4 percent on the NGX following the announcement. Market analysts expect further appreciation as the firm consolidates its leadership in ethical and digital banking.
As Nigeria’s financial sector continues to evolve, Sterling HoldCo’s Q3 performance underscores its position as one of the most forward-thinking players driving the next phase of financial innovation and inclusion. The company’s solid fundamentals, sustainability-driven strategy, and growing digital ecosystem are expected to sustain its growth momentum into the final quarter of 2025 and beyond.
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