… Chairman says economic uncertainty reveals true strength of institutions, as Group pivots to “From Scale to Value” strategy
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes
Access Holdings Plc has assured shareholders that its strategic focus remains firmly on building a stronger, more sustainable institution, even as it navigates a challenging macroeconomic landscape.
Speaking at the Group’s 4th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede declared that the true measure of a financial institution lies not merely in its ability to grow, but in its capacity to do so profitably, sustainably, and with discipline over time.
The Group’s 2025 financial scorecard bore testimony to this philosophy, with Profit Before Tax hitting ₦1.007 trillion, underpinned by a diversified business model and expanding earnings across key markets. Total assets climbed to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits posted strong growth, reflecting sustained customer confidence and franchise momentum.
However, the Chairman was quick to contextualise the numbers, emphasising that the results must be viewed alongside deliberate risk management decisions. The Group accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in higher impairment charges, a conscious effort to reinforce the balance sheet and strengthen long-term resilience.
“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth,” Aig-Imoukhuede told shareholders. “Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience and sustainability of its earnings.”
Beyond Banking: The Ecosystem Play
The AGM also underscored Access Holdings’ ongoing transformation from a traditional banking institution into a broader financial services ecosystem. While banking remains the primary earnings driver, subsidiaries spanning investment management, pensions, insurance, consumer finance, and digital payments are making increasingly significant contributions to overall performance.
Growth platforms including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments continue to expand the Group’s footprint across retirement services, consumer lending, and digital finance, strengthening its long-term earnings profile.
“From Scale to Value”
Looking ahead, Aig-Imoukhuede said the Group’s next phase of development is anchored on its “From Scale to Value” strategy, a natural evolution of its journey.
“Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” he explained.
He added that while the Group continues to generate strong returns, the long-term objective is to ensure earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital, while unlocking significant unrealised value embedded within its international subsidiaries.
Dividend Suspension: Regulatory, Not Financial
Addressing shareholder concerns over dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension was driven by regulatory compliance requirements, not any weakening of the Group’s financial position.
Aig-Imoukhuede assured investors that earnings capacity remains robust and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to resuming dividends once regulatory conditions are satisfied.
“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he stated.
Leadership Succession and Governance
The AGM also reflected continued progress in governance and leadership succession. During the year, Innocent Ike was appointed Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, while Ibironke Adeyemi joined the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
Shareholders commended Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director, Business Development, for her stewardship of the management team during her tenure as Acting Group CEO before Ike’s appointment. The Chairman noted that the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, ensuring strategic continuity, operational stability, and sustained stakeholder confidence.
Outlook
Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties across its markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its strategic positioning, citing disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable value creation.
Reaffirming the Group’s long-term vision, Aig-Imoukhuede concluded: “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.”
About Access Holdings Plc
Access Holdings is a leading African financial services group headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with a growing presence across sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom. The Group operates through its banking subsidiary, Access Bank, and a network of non-banking financial services entities spanning pensions, insurance, consumer finance, and digital payments.
Media Contact: Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
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