Fidelity Bank Grows Earnings by 45%, Shareholders’ Funds Cross N1 Trillion Milestone

Fidelity Bank Plc posted a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, recording a 45 per cent increase in gross earnings as shareholders’ funds climbed above the N1 trillion mark, driven by steady business expansion and fresh capital injection.

According to the bank’s audited financial report for the year ended December 31, 2025, gross earnings rose significantly to N1.5 trillion from N1.04 trillion in 2024, reflecting stronger operational performance across major business segments.

Net interest income also advanced to N831.3 billion from N629.7 billion a year earlier, supported by higher returns on interest-earning assets and favourable market conditions. Interest income climbed by 38.7 per cent to N1.11 trillion, while additional interest-related earnings grew by 25.1 per cent.

The lender also improved its risk profile, with credit loss expenses dropping sharply to N21.61 billion from N56.44 billion in 2024, signalling stronger asset quality and better loan recovery performance.

Digital banking activities and customer transactions contributed to revenue growth, as fee and commission income jumped 44.7 per cent to N113.36 billion. Earnings were boosted by charges linked to letters of credit, ATM transactions, foreign exchange-related services, account maintenance, and e-banking operations.

Fidelity Bank equally benefited from stronger investment performance, with foreign currency revaluation gains surging to N99.58 billion from N11.72 billion in the previous year. Investments in debt securities and other financial assets also expanded considerably, reinforcing the bank’s income base.

On the balance sheet side, total assets increased by 18.6 per cent to N10.46 trillion, while customer deposits rose to N6.89 trillion from N5.94 trillion, reflecting sustained customer confidence in the institution. A major highlight of the year was the strengthening of the bank’s capital base.

Total equity climbed by 21.1 per cent to N1.09 trillion, pushing shareholders’ funds beyond the N1 trillion threshold for the first time. The bank disclosed that it raised N259 billion through a private placement of 12.9 billion ordinary shares in December 2025, following approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission. This lifted eligible capital above the CBN’s N500 billion benchmark for banks with international licences.

With a stronger financial position, Fidelity Bank is expected to expand lending, support larger corporate transactions, and accelerate its regional growth ambitions.