NCBA Unveils New Strategy as Digital Loans Hit KES 1.4 Trillion
NCBA Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of KES 23.4 billion for FY2025, a 7.0 per cent rise from KES 21.9 billion in 2024, supported by strong digital lending growth, improved operating income, and solid performance across subsidiaries.
The Group also announced a 30 per cent increase in dividend payout to KES 11.7 billion, up from KES 9.1 billion, alongside a final dividend recommendation of KES 7.10 per share.
Digital and Operating Performance Strengthen Earnings
Digital transformation remained a key earnings driver, with digital loans disbursed increasing 33 per cent to KES 1.4 trillion.
Operating income rose 17.0 per cent to KES 73.3 billion, while profit before tax increased 10.9 per cent to KES 27.9 billion. Operating expenses also grew 17.0 per cent to KES 37.5 billion.
The balance sheet remained stable, with total assets rising 8.0 per cent to KES 716 billion and customer deposits increasing 6.0 per cent to KES 532 billion. Provisions for credit losses rose sharply by 46.3 per cent to KES 8.0 billion.
Core Business Anchors Growth
Corporate banking continued to play a central role, supported by KES 215 billion in deposits and increased adoption of NCBA ConnectPlus by more than 20,000 customers.
Retail banking expansion saw the branch network grow from 89 to 123, helping deepen customer reach and accelerate acquisition.
Asset finance maintained a leading market position above 30 per cent, supported by innovations such as AI-powered Carduka, which has reached 6 million users.
Subsidiaries Deliver Strong Contribution
Kenya banking operations remained the dominant earnings contributor at 82 per cent of profit before tax, equivalent to KES 22.9 billion.
Regional subsidiaries generated KES 3.6 billion, while non-banking businesses including investment banking, leasing, and insurance contributed KES 1.9 billion.
The Investment Bank surpassed KES 100 billion in assets under management, while insurance profits rose 82 per cent to KES 306 million following full integration into the Group.
Strategy Transition and New Growth Blueprint
NCBA said the results mark the successful conclusion of its 2020–2025 strategy, which strengthened brand positioning, expanded retail and corporate banking, and accelerated digital transformation.
The Group achieved Top 10 brand ranking in Kenya and Top 100 in Africa, and recorded a Net Promoter Score of 72 per cent in 2025.
It has now launched its 2026–2030 “Ubuntu Strategy,” anchored on Banking on Belief – Empowering Ambitions.
The strategy will focus on strengthening core banking, scaling high-growth segments (SME, consumer, wealth, and insurance), unlocking new markets, and building a future-ready operating model.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Under its “Change The Story” agenda, NCBA mobilised KES 9.5 billion in green financing, planted over 1.3 million trees, and supported more than 70,000 women and youth through empowerment programmes.
The Group also reported 83.6 per cent waste recycling in selected offices and invested in EV infrastructure across the region.
Outlook Supported by Nedbank Stake Proposal
NCBA highlighted the proposed acquisition of a 66 per cent stake by Nedbank as a key strategic opportunity to strengthen capital, diversify risk, and accelerate regional and global expansion.
The deal is expected to open access to international markets including London, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Dubai.
Group Managing Director John Gachora said the performance reflects disciplined execution and positions the Group for its next phase of growth.
“We are proud of the progress made and excited about the Ubuntu strategy, which will define our next chapter,” he said.