Jaiz Bank Plc has announced plans to aggressively grow its retail and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) banking operations in 2026, as the Nigerian non-interest lender reports its strongest financial performance in recent years. The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Haruna Musa, disclosed the growth strategy at the bank’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually in Abuja on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The bank’s 2025 results, marked by a 28% rise in pre-tax profit, double-digit growth in deposits, and a strengthening capital base, have positioned Jaiz Bank as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing ethical banking institutions.
SME and Retail Banking at the Centre of 2026 Strategy
Dr. Musa said the bank’s 2026 strategic direction is anchored on deepening financial inclusion and expanding its reach to underserved segments of the Nigerian economy. “We will deepen financial inclusion through ethical banking solutions and increase shareholders’ value through sustainable growth and profitability,” he said.
As part of this push, Jaiz Bank plans to open 10 new branches by December 2026, extending its nationwide footprint and improving access to its non-interest banking products for both individuals and small businesses.
Profit and Total Assets Soar
Jaiz Bank recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N31.24 billion in the 2025 financial year, a 28% increase from the N24.44 billion reported in 2024. Gross earnings grew by 24%, rising from N82.87 billion to N102.81 billion over the same period.
According to the CEO, this performance was driven by growth in financing activities, investment income, and increased customer transaction volumes. “The results underscore our ability to generate sustainable earnings while remaining faithful to our principles of ethical and value-based banking,” Dr. Musa said.
The bank’s balance sheet recorded strong growth in 2025. Total assets expanded by 19%, moving from N1.08 trillion in 2024 to N1.29 trillion by year-end 2025. Customer deposits grew even faster, rising 24% from N904 billion to N1.12 trillion, a sign of growing customer confidence in the bank’s products and service delivery.
Net risk assets and investments also climbed by 27%, from N671 billion to N849 billion, reflecting the bank’s continued commitment to financing productive sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Cost Efficiency Improves as Digital Push Continues
One of the notable operational achievements in 2025 was a decline in the bank’s cost-to-income ratio, a key measure of how efficiently a bank manages its expenses relative to income. The ratio dropped from 60.42% in 2024 to 58.09% in 2025, driven by digital transformation, process optimization, and disciplined cost management.
Dr. Musa expressed confidence that the ratio would continue to fall, noting that management has introduced additional cost-cutting measures that are expected to yield further savings in the coming year.
Capital Base Strengthens, Liquidity Remains Robust
Jaiz Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), which measures a bank’s ability to absorb financial shocks, improved significantly from 23.87% in 2024 to 26.89% in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.6%. This positions the bank well to support future expansion and withstand market volatility.
The bank’s Statutory Liquidity Ratio stood at 43.45%, well above regulatory requirements, indicating that Jaiz Bank is effectively deploying its funds into income-generating assets while maintaining sufficient liquidity buffers.
Jaiz Bank remains Nigeria’s leading non-interest (Islamic) bank and one of the few fully licensed non-interest financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Its renewed focus on SMEs and retail banking aligns with a broader industry push to extend formal financial services to millions of Nigerians who remain unbanked or underserved.
Dr. Musa said the bank would continue to build a “stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive institution” that delivers sustainable value to all stakeholders, while advancing the case for ethical finance in Nigeria and beyond.
Key 2025 Financial Highlights at a Glance
- Total Assets: ₦1.29 trillion (+19% year-on-year)
- Customer Deposits: ₦1.12 trillion (+24%)
- Gross Earnings: ₦102.81 billion (+24%)
- Profit Before Tax: ₦31.24 billion (+28%)
- Net Risk Assets & Investments: ₦849 billion (+27%)
- Capital Adequacy Ratio: 26.89% (up from 23.87%)
- Statutory Liquidity Ratio: 43.45%
- Cost-to-Income Ratio: 58.09% (down from 60.42%)
