Abayomi Susan
Fidelity Bank’s liquidity position surpassed the N1 trillion mark in the 2025 financial year, driven by an 87 percent increase in cash and cash equivalents to N1.32 trillion, reflecting stronger cash reserves, improved deposit mobilisation, and expansion in interest-earning assets.
According to the lender’s audited financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents rose from N707.45 billion in 2024, highlighting a stronger liquidity profile despite Nigeria’s tight monetary environment.
Restricted balances with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also grew by 4.1 percent to N1.65 trillion from N1.59 trillion in the previous year.
The improved liquidity position aligned with strong growth in customer deposits, which increased by 16.1 percent to N6.89 trillion from N5.94 trillion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and expansion in the bank’s funding base.
Total assets expanded by 18.6 percent to N10.46 trillion from N8.82 trillion, supported by growth in investment securities, liquid assets, and other financial instruments.
Analysis of the bank’s earnings performance showed that gross earnings rose by 45.6 percent to N1.52 trillion from N1.04 trillion in 2024, driven by higher interest income and foreign exchange-related gains. Interest and similar income climbed by 38.7 percent to N1.11 trillion, while net interest income increased by 32 percent to N831.35 billion.
Fidelity Bank also strengthened its credit risk position as credit loss expenses declined significantly to N21.61 billion from N56.44 billion in the previous year, contributing to a 41.2 percent rise in net interest income after credit losses to N809.74 billion.
Non-interest income performance remained robust, with fee and commission income increasing by 44.7 percent to N113.36 billion. Foreign currency revaluation gains surged to N99.58 billion from N11.72 billion recorded in 2024.
The bank further expanded its investment portfolio during the year, as debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) jumped by 199 percent to N557.78 billion, while debt instruments at amortised cost rose by 27.2 percent to N1.97 trillion.
Shareholders’ funds crossed the N1 trillion threshold as total equity grew by 21.1 percent to N1.09 trillion from N897.87 billion. Statutory reserves rose by 32.7 percent, while non-distributable regulatory reserves increased by 92.5 percent.
Fidelity Bank opened the year with a share price of N19.00 and closed at N21.90 on Monday, representing a 15.3 percent year-to-date gain on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
The lender is currently the 25th most valuable stock on the NGX, with a market capitalisation of N1.1 trillion, accounting for about 0.686 percent of the Nigerian equity market.
