Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited announced a KES 9.38 billion profit after tax in the nine months to September 30, 2025. The lender, with operations in Kenya and South Sudan, attributed the 7.5% drop in profitability to a 25% decline in gross interest income on declining interest rates and 49% drop in foreign exchange revenue on compressed margins.
This was partly offset by 49% easing on interest expense on recalibration of the balance sheet and 34% increase in foreign exchange trading volumes.
The Bank’s loans and advances to customers increased by 16% year on year to KES 253 billion, accelerating faster than industry private sector growth, anchored on enhanced customer support and product diversification.
Customer deposits also expanded by 5% demonstrating customer confidence in the brand and strategy optimization.
‘’Our Q3 performance reflects the strength of our franchise and the confidence our customers place in us. With robust growth in loans and deposits, we are building the foundations for sustainable earnings as we transform for the future,” said Stanbic CEO Dr Joshua Oigara.
“We are confident this momentum will translate into stronger returns and lasting value for our shareholders,” added Dr Oigara.
The lender’s KES 476 billion balance sheet remained resilient and was anchored on lending to key growth sectors in the economy namely oil and gas, agriculture, Small and Medium Sized (SME) entities and individual lending.
For the second year, the Bank successfully facilitated a $1.5 billion Eurobond transaction, continuing its critical supporting role in the Government of Kenya’s liability management strategy and economic stability.
‘’Our commitment to supporting key sectors of the economy has driven solid growth in loans and deposits, building momentum towards closing the profitability gap and achieving our full-year ambitions. We remain focused on delivering sustainable shareholder value while capitalizing on emerging opportunities,’’ stated Dr Oigara.
Dennis Musau, the chief financial and value officer said the Bank’s Non-performing loans (NPL) ratio stood at 8.4%, ranking among the best in the industry in a period that saw elevated credit default rates and sluggish private sector credit growth.
“Our balance sheet momentum remains strong, supported by sustained customer activity. While margin compression has moderated earnings, our strategic position remains solid, anchored in a stable operating environment. Our commitment to elevating our customer experience and creating operational efficiencies continues to deliver value,” noted Dennis.
During the period under review, the Bank continue to cement its market positioning through innovative and strategic solutioning. Notably, it grew its assets under management to KES 4.81 billion and enhanced its mobile platform with 18 new features, demonstrating sharp focus on delivering stability, security and efficiency for clients.
The company noted that stabilising macros from a well-anchored inflation, a stable currency with sufficient forex reserves, and the resumption of South Sudan oil exports is expected to support gradual recovery amid fiscal pressures.
In October, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Stanbic Bank Kenya’s rating at ‘B’ with a ‘Stable’ Outlook. The rating agency also affirmed the bank’s Viability Rating (VR) of ‘b’, which is the highest attainable national rating on Kenya’s national scale.
Other key highlights
∙7% drop in credit impairments on lower exposure and focus on recoveries
∙Financial investments up 31.8% to KES 100.4 billion
∙KES 94.8 billion issued in trade loans
∙KES 1.27 billion lent under affordable housing
∙KES 47.6 billion in loans to women in business (D.A.D.A) since inception
∙8% of loan book allocated to the agriculture sector
In line with its sustainability commitments, Stanbic issued KES 4.5 billion in green building loans, with KES 1.8 billion going to climate-smart agriculture and over KES 11.5 million to solar financing.
The bank was ranked as the 5th-largest MSME lending Bank in Kenya by the Kenya Bankers Association, affirming the lender’s focus on catalysing enterprise growth.
Stanbic Bank was named the Best Investment Bank in Kenya by Euromoney for the fifth year, showcasing its expertise in foreign exchange services and innovative capital raising solutions.
It also received accolades from EMEA for Best refinancing in Africa: Kenya’s $1.5bn bond issuance and $2bn capped tender offer and Best sovereign bond in Africa: Kenya’s $1.5bn new issuance and $1.4bn tender refinancing.
Through the Stanbic Kenya Foundation, the Bank continued to drive positive impact through targeted enterprise, education and digital upskilling programs across the country.
Notably, KES 57 million in catalytic funding was disbursed to MSMEs in the year, while 6,664 individuals were trained on financial literacy. Over 7,000 individuals received vocational training.
