…FCMB Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 26.95% at the end of the first quarter
…The Group’s investment banking operations, which include FCMB Capital Markets and CSL Stockbrokers, recorded profit before tax growth of 90% to N3.4 billion in 2025 and an even stronger 322% increase to N1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026
MON JUNE 08 2026-theGBJournal| FCMB Group Plc strengthened its balance sheet and earnings profile in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, with shareholders’ funds surpassing the N1 trillion mark and all business divisions delivering double-digit profit growth.
The financial services group reported that customer current and savings account balances—its key source of low-cost funding—rose by 17% or N420.5 billion during 2025 and increased by a further 15% or N433.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
Total customer deposits expanded by 2.8% in 2025 and 5.8% in the three months to March 2026, resulting in an improvement in the proportion of low-cost deposits to 71.1% from 65.4%.
Total assets climbed to N930 billion as of December 2025, reflecting continued balance sheet expansion across the Group’s businesses.
Shareholders’ equity increased by 21.4% to N835.4 billion at the end of 2025 from N688.2 billion a year earlier.
The capital base expanded further to N1.14 trillion by March 2026, supported by stronger retained earnings and proceeds from the Group’s 2025 public offer.
FCMB Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 26.95% at the end of the first quarter, underscoring a strong capital position and providing a significant buffer above regulatory requirements.
The Group’s asset management franchise also sustained strong momentum. Assets Under Management (AUM) rose by 24.2% to N1.70 trillion in 2025 from N1.37 trillion in 2024 and increased by another 10.1% to N1.88 trillion by March 2026.
The growth was driven largely by market share gains recorded by FCMB Pensions and FCMB Asset Management.
The Banking Group remained the dominant earnings contributor, accounting for 81% of profit before tax.
The division recorded a 110% year-on-year increase in profit before tax to N163.3 billion in 2025 and a 97% rise to N56.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
The banking business benefited from the deployment of capital raised in 2024, alongside higher yields on earning assets, which boosted net interest income and return on equity.
Management said its balance sheet strategy remains focused on enhancing net interest margins through growth in consumer and SME lending, while directing more corporate borrowers toward capital market funding and further expanding low-cost deposit mobilisation.
Consumer finance subsidiary Credit Direct delivered one of the strongest performances within the Group. Profit before tax surged 107% to N25.5 billion in 2025 and climbed a further 99% to N8.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
The business continued to capitalize on rising demand for retail credit through technology-driven loan origination, underwriting and distribution platforms.
The investment management division, comprising FCMB Pensions, FCMB Asset Management and FCMB Trustees, reported profit before tax growth of 29% to N8.4 billion in 2025 and 54% to N2.7 billion in the first quarter.
The unit benefited from sustained growth in assets under management and fee-based income, reinforcing its position as a stable and recurring earnings contributor.
Meanwhile, the Group’s investment banking operations, which include FCMB Capital Markets and CSL Stockbrokers, recorded profit before tax growth of 90% to N3.4 billion in 2025 and an even stronger 322% increase to N1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
The performance was driven by a rebound in debt and equity capital markets activity, which supported higher advisory and transaction-related revenues.
The results highlight FCMB Group’s increasingly diversified earnings structure, with banking, consumer finance, investment management and investment banking all contributing to growth while strengthening the Group’s capital position ahead of evolving regulatory requirements.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
