NCBA Group PLC has posted a profit after tax of KES 23.4 billion for FY2025, a 7.0 per cent increase from KES 21.9 billion in 2024, supported by strong digital lending expansion, rising operating income, and improved balance sheet performance.
The Group also announced a 30 per cent increase in dividend payout to KES 11.7 billion, up from KES 9.1 billion, reflecting stronger earnings and shareholder returns. The final dividend was set at KES 7.10 per share.
Digital Lending and Income Drive Growth
Digital transformation remained the Group’s strongest growth driver, with digital loans disbursed rising 33 per cent to KES 1.4 trillion.
Operating income increased 17 per cent to KES 73.3 billion, while profit before tax grew 10.9 per cent to KES 27.9 billion. Operating expenses also rose 17 per cent to KES 37.5 billion.
The balance sheet strengthened further, with total assets rising 8.0 per cent to KES 716 billion and customer deposits increasing 6.0 per cent to KES 532 billion. Credit loss provisions rose significantly by 46.3 per cent to KES 8.0 billion.
Strong Core Banking Performance
Corporate banking remained a key contributor, anchored by KES 215 billion in deposits and growing transaction banking activity, including over 20,000 users on the NCBA ConnectPlus platform.
Retail expansion supported growth, with the branch network increasing from 89 to 123 branches over the strategy period, helping double the core customer base.
Asset finance maintained market leadership above 30 per cent, driven by strategic partnerships and digital innovations such as AI-powered Carduka, which has attracted 6 million users.
Earnings Base Strengthened by Subsidiaries
Kenya banking operations contributed 82 per cent of profit before tax at KES 22.9 billion, remaining the Group’s main earnings engine.
Regional subsidiaries delivered KES 3.6 billion in profit, while non-banking units contributed KES 1.9 billion.
The Investment Bank surpassed KES 100 billion in assets under management, while insurance profits rose 82 per cent to KES 306 million.
Strategy Cycle Ends, New Growth Phase Begins
NCBA said FY2025 marks the successful completion of its 2020–2025 strategy, which delivered strong gains in brand positioning, retail expansion, corporate leadership, digital transformation, and organisational culture.
The Group achieved Top 10 brand ranking in Kenya and Top 100 in Africa, alongside a Net Promoter Score of 72 per cent in 2025.
It is now transitioning to its 2026–2030 “Ubuntu Strategy,” anchored on Banking on Belief – Empowering Ambitions.
The strategy will focus on strengthening core operations, scaling high-growth segments such as SME, wealth, consumer and insurance, and expanding into new regional markets.
Sustainability and Regional Expansion Agenda
NCBA’s sustainability programme “Change The Story” delivered KES 9.5 billion in green financing, 1.3 million trees planted, and impact on 1.2 million livelihoods.
The Group also trained 70,536 women and youth, recycled 83.6 per cent of waste in selected offices, and invested in EV charging infrastructure across the region.
Outlook Boosted by Nedbank Stake Plan
The Group highlighted the proposed acquisition of a 66 per cent stake by Nedbank as a potential catalyst for growth, improved capital strength, and international expansion.
The transaction is expected to unlock access to global financial hubs including London, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Dubai.
Group Managing Director John Gachora said the results reflect disciplined execution and a strong foundation for future growth.
“We are proud of the progress made and excited about the Ubuntu strategy, which will drive the next phase of growth,” he said.
