Access Holdings Plc has emerged as the Tier 1 bank with the best asset quality in Nigeria, according to the recently released Proshare 2025 Tier 1 Banking Report. The financial holding company was recognised for its strong credit discipline and low non-performing loan ratio, with its Acting Chief Executive Officer, Bolaji Agbede, affirming that the institution remains fully committed to sound corporate governance and long-term value creation.
In the Proshare report, Access Holdings was ranked first in terms of asset quality, posting a Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPLR) of just 2.76 per cent — the lowest among Nigeria’s Tier 1 banks. The report also ranked Access Holdings second overall in the Tier 1 category, just behind Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, which secured a perfect 100 percentile score. Access Holdings followed closely with a 91st percentile score.
Agbede, while reacting to the achievement, stated that the ranking reflects more than financial strength; it highlights the institution’s internal discipline, leadership culture, and regional growth strategy.
“This ranking is not just a measure of our financial health; it reflects the strength of our governance, the quality of our decision-making, and the focus we place on long-term value creation,” she said. “It is a testament to the discipline of our people and the effectiveness of our pan-African strategy.”
The 2025 edition of the Proshare Bank Strength Index (PBSI) adopted a more comprehensive approach in assessing bank performance, taking into account Nigeria’s ongoing recapitalisation efforts and the broader shifts in the banking industry. According to Proshare, the recalibrated framework goes beyond traditional financial metrics and incorporates factors such as capital adequacy, asset quality, governance strength, board diversity, earnings diversification, cost-efficiency, and commitment to digital transformation.
Chairman of Proshare, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, speaking during the official launch of the report, described Access Holdings as one of the most adaptive and forward-thinking financial institutions on the continent. He noted that the group’s ability to strengthen its capital base while expanding its footprint across Africa demonstrates a well-executed strategy rooted in resilience and innovation.
“Access Holdings has proven itself as a strong, adaptive institution. Its robust capital base, successful fundraising, and continental expansion efforts show a group that is not only growing but evolving,” Awoyemi said. “As recapitalisation reshapes the banking landscape, institutions like Access Holdings will continue to define the future of finance in Africa.”
Agbede echoed similar sentiments, noting that sustainable growth can only be achieved through a balance between aggressive expansion and prudent risk management.
“At Access Holdings, we believe that sustainable success lies in balancing growth with resilience,” she said. “We will continue to execute with precision, build with purpose, and innovate with integrity as we expand our presence across Africa and beyond.”
Access Holdings, one of Africa’s largest financial services groups, has made significant strides in diversifying its operations across multiple African countries while investing in digital banking, financial inclusion, and strategic partnerships. The company’s focus on governance, customer-centricity, and sustainability has earned it several recognitions both locally and internationally.
The Proshare 2025 Tier 1 Banking Report is widely regarded in the financial services industry as a credible benchmark for assessing the health and performance of top banks operating in Nigeria. It offers stakeholders—including investors, regulators, and analysts—a detailed view of how financial institutions are navigating current economic realities and regulatory expectations.
Analysts say that Access Holdings’ strong performance in asset quality positions it well to compete in Nigeria’s evolving financial environment, especially as regulatory authorities push for recapitalisation and stronger banking institutions capable of supporting economic growth.
As Access Holdings moves further into its regional expansion and deepens its role in financing key sectors, the bank is expected to continue shaping conversations around corporate governance, digital transformation, and sustainable banking in Africa.
