Equity Group Holdings has recorded a 17 per cent growth in profit after tax to Ksh 34.6 billion year on year, up from Ksh 29.6 billion. Marking a strong performance despite a challenging global, regional, and local economic environment.
The growth was driven by a 9 per cent increase in net interest income, supported by an 18 per cent drop in interest expenses, and a 2 per cent reduction in total costs, aided by a 34 per cent decline in loan loss provisions.
Strongest quarterly performance in history
The Group achieved its best-ever quarterly profit before tax of Ksh 22.9 billion in Q2 2025, surpassing its four-year quarterly average of Ksh 14.8 billion. Q1 2025 also saw strong performance with Ksh 18.6 billion in profit before tax, underlining the success of the Group’s four-year transformation journey.
Resurgence across regional subsidiaries
All subsidiaries posted strong recoveries in profit after tax:
Kenya
Up 40 per cent to Ksh 19.5 billion, with net interest income rising 18 per cent to Ksh 32.8 billion after a 29 per cent drop in interest expense.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Up 22 per cent to Ksh 9.1 billion, with loans and advances growing 13 per cent to Ksh 275.4 billion.
Uganda
Up 40 per cent to Ksh 1.9 billion, supported by a 5 per cent rise in deposits to Ksh 96.8 billion and 14 per cent growth in investment securities.
Rwanda
Achieved 21 per cent total asset growth to Ksh 130.1 billion, with a 23 per cent rise in loan book and 22 per cent in deposits.
Tanzania
Recorded the highest percentage growth, with profit after tax surging 75 per cent to Ksh 1.1 billion and shareholders’ funds rising 67 per cent
Regional diversification is driving revenue
Equity Group’s regional banking businesses now account for nearly half of its operations, contributing 49 per cent of deposits, 50 per cent of the loan book, 48 per cent of total banking assets, and 50 per cent of banking revenue. Regional subsidiaries contributed 46 per cent of profit before tax and 43 per cent of profit after tax.
Healthy loan book and strong capital buffers
The Group’s loan book grew 4 per cent to Ksh 825.1 billion, while customer deposits rose 2 per cent to Ksh 1.32 trillion. Total assets expanded 3 per cent to Ksh 1.8 trillion.
The loan-to-deposit ratio stands at a healthy 62.5 per cent, supported by strong capital buffers—16.5 per cent core capital to risk-weighted assets and 18.1 per cent total capital ratio—and a liquidity ratio of 58.6 per cent.
The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 13.7 per cent, outperforming the Kenyan banking industry’s 17.6 per cent average.
Insurance business expansion
Equity Group’s diversification into insurance has seen strong momentum, with licenses for life, general, and health insurance:
Life Insurance: Gross written premiums rose 58 per cent to Ksh 3.8 billion, with profit before tax up 20 per cent to Ksh 890 million.
General Insurance: Recorded Ksh 1.36 billion in gross written premiums in just six months of operation, generating Ksh 640 million in revenue.
Insurance Group Overall: Achieved a 26 per cent profit growth, with assets up 40 per cent to Ksh 31.48 billion.
Digital transformation and non-banking growth
The Group’s technology-driven delivery model has seen 98 per cent of transactions happen outside branches, with 87.4 per cent conducted through digital channels.
Non-banking businesses—including technology and insurance—have increased their share of Group assets to 1.9 per cent, revenue to 4 per cent, and profit before tax to 3.8 per cent. These segments posted a return on equity of 42.4 per cent.
Sustainability and social impact investments
Through the Equity Group Foundation, the Group invested $715 million in social impact and sustainability programs:
Education: 29,515 university scholars supported, 1,061 placed in top global universities, and 3,979 TVET scholars funded.
Climate Action: Distributed 520,549 clean energy products and planted 36.4 million trees.
Entrepreneurship: Disbursed Ksh 363.09 billion to 350,149 MSMEs, with 2.49 million women and youth receiving financial education.
Social Protection: Reached 5.9 million individuals through cash transfer programs totalling Ksh 169.8 billion.
Healthcare: Expanded the Equity Afia network to 139 clinics, serving 3.98 million patients.
Awards and recognition
Equity Bank was named “Best Regional Bank in East Africa” at the African Banker Awards 2025 and retained its title as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the second year running, affirming its leadership in financial inclusion and regional expansion.
Equity Group’s performance reflects the success of its transformation strategy, resilience in challenging economic conditions, and its ability to leverage regional and business diversification for sustainable growth.