Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has reported robust financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with pre-tax profit soaring to N18.2 billion—marking a remarkable 125.29% increase compared to Q1 2024.

The company’s Q1 performance extends the momentum from its impressive full-year 2024 earnings, where pre-tax profit doubled to N45.8 billion from N22.6 billion in 2023. This latest jump is largely credited to a substantial boost in loan income, driven by the firm’s aggressive credit expansion and strategic lending initiatives.

The group's loan portfolio witnessed significant growth, underpinned by a customer-focused approach and innovative lending products tailored to emerging market needs. The surge in interest income reflects Sterling’s effective deployment of capital into high-yield segments and its ability to capture demand across various economic sectors.

As a result of its strong financial showing, Sterling Financial Holdings has declared a dividend, reaffirming its commitment to shareholder value creation. This move is likely to bolster investor confidence and position the company favorably in the increasingly competitive financial market.

Sterling’s continued success reflects its investment in digital transformation and operational efficiency. The company has steadily enhanced its digital banking capabilities, enabling faster service delivery, broader financial inclusion, and improved customer satisfaction.

Amid regulatory reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the financial ecosystem, Sterling has remained agile—aligning its strategies with evolving compliance requirements while maintaining profitability. The bank’s forward-thinking leadership has enabled it to remain resilient and outperform sector benchmarks.

Sterling’s Q1 2025 earnings not only highlight its capacity for sustained growth but also underscore its strategic focus on innovation and long-term value. With Nigeria’s financial sector undergoing rapid transformation, Sterling Financial Holdings appears well-equipped to retain its leadership position and deepen its footprint in the banking industry.