Access holdings reaffirms long-term value strategy despite headwinds

Access Holdings Plc yesterday reaffirmed its strategic transition toward long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience, and disciplined growth, even as it navigates a dynamic and evolving operating environment. Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised that the defining test of a financial institution is not merely its capacity for […]

Access Holdings Plc yesterday reaffirmed its strategic transition toward long-term value creation, balance sheet resilience, and disciplined growth, even as it navigates a dynamic and evolving operating environment.

Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasised that the defining test of a financial institution is not merely its capacity for growth, but its ability to grow profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time. 

He noted that Access Holdings’ performance in 2025 reflects a deliberate approach to strengthening the institution’s long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong financial results. 

The Group delivered profit before tax of N1.007 trillion, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. 

Total assets grew to N51.56 trillion, with customer deposits increasing strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust. 

However, he stressed that these results must be viewed in context. 

During the year, the Group took a prudent decision to accelerate the recognition of legacy exposures and exit regulatory forbearance positions, resulting in elevated impairment charges.

This, he explained, reflects a clear strategic choice to prioritise balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation. 

“Periods of volatility often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing but improving in the quality and sustainability of its earnings,” he stated. 

The AGM highlighted the Group’s continued evolution beyond traditional banking into a diversified financial services ecosystem, with growing contributions from investment management, insurance, and technology-driven platforms.

While banking remains the core earnings engine, new growth verticals, including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments, are expanding the Group’s footprint in digital finance, consumer lending, and payments, strengthening its long-term earnings mix and scalability. 

Looking ahead, he stated, “The Strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale creates opportunity, value creation is how we fully realise it.”

The Chairman noted that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, closing the gap between returns and cost of equity remains central to unlocking shareholder value. He also acknowledged the existence of significant unrealised value within the Group’s international subsidiaries, with a clear emphasis on improving market recognition of this intrinsic value. 

The Board addressed shareholder concerns regarding dividend payments, clarifying that the non-payment of dividend was driven by regulatory alignment and compliance considerations within the banking subsidiary.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that this position does not reflect diminished earnings capacity but rather aligns with supervisory expectations and prudent capital management. He assured shareholders of the Board’s commitment to resuming dividend payment as soon as regulatory conditions are satisfied. 

Access Holdings also highlighted continued progress in strengthening governance and leadership continuity. During the year, Innocent C. Ike was appointed Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, while the Board was reinforced with the appointment of Ibironke Adeyemi, an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The Chairman noted that leadership transitions were executed with stability and alignment, ensuring continuity of strategy, operational resilience, and stakeholder confidence. 

Despite continuing macroeconomic uncertainties, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its strategic positioning, underpinned by disciplined execution, a diversified business model, and a strengthened capital base.

Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed the Group’s long-term commitment, saying, “Our responsibility is to justify the confidence of our shareholders by building an institution that endures, one defined by clarity of purpose, discipline of execution, and sustainable value creation over time.”