First Atlantic Bank PLC has delivered a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, posting a net profit of GH¢393.84 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The impressive outturn represents a 16.8 per cent growth over the GH¢337.11 million recorded in 2024, underscoring the Bank’s resilience in a challenging operating environment.

Figures from the Bank’s consolidated financial statements further revealed that profit before tax rose to GH¢579.17 million, up from GH¢539.92 million in the preceding year. The steady rise in profitability reflects improved cost management, stronger balance sheet expansion and a significant turnaround in impairment charges.

Earnings Performance Shows Mixed Trends

A closer look at the earnings breakdown indicates a mixed performance across key income lines. Net interest income came in at GH¢556.36 million in 2025, marginally below the GH¢576.09 million recorded in 2024. The decline was largely attributed to a sharp increase in interest expense, which surged to GH¢468.01 million from GH¢302.40 million in the previous year.

Similarly, net fee and commission income eased to GH¢162.75 million from GH¢180.20 million year on year. The moderation suggests competitive pressures within transaction banking and related services.

Net trading income experienced a notable contraction, dropping significantly from GHS 335 million in 2024 to GH¢135.09 million in 2025. Together with other operating income of GH¢5.24 million, total operating income softened to GH¢859.44 million from GHS 1.09 billion in the prior year.

Despite these headwinds, the Bank’s bottom line benefited from a remarkable turnaround in impairment charges. The Bank booked a net impairment charge gain of GH¢203.72 million during the year, compared to a net impairment loss of GH¢38.53 million in 2024. This reversal played a pivotal role in sustaining overall profitability.

On the expense side, personnel expenses edged up slightly to GH¢259.62 million from GH¢257.06 million. However, other operating expenses declined significantly to GH¢159.59 million from GH¢207.50 million, reflecting tighter cost controls and improved operational efficiencies.

Strong Balance Sheet Expansion

First Atlantic Bank’s statement of financial position showed robust growth across major balance sheet lines. Total assets expanded strongly by 41.2 per cent to GH¢18.82 billion in 2025, compared to GH¢13.32 billion in 2024.

Cash and balances with banks surged to GH¢8.16 billion from GH¢4.60 billion, signalling strengthened liquidity buffers and enhanced capacity to meet short term obligations. Investment securities also increased to GH¢2.90 billion from GH¢2.65 billion, indicating continued participation in fixed income instruments.

Loans and advances to customers rose slightly to GH¢1.95 billion from GH¢1.93 billion, suggesting measured credit expansion in line with prudent risk management practices.

Deposits from customers recorded marked growth, climbing to GH¢16.64 billion from GH¢11.61 billion in the previous year. The strong deposit mobilisation reflects sustained customer confidence and effective deposit growth strategies.

Total equity advanced to GH¢2.12 billion from GH¢1.60 billion, supported by an increase in retained earnings to GH¢483.21 million. The growth in shareholders’ funds further reinforces the Bank’s capital base and capacity to support future expansion.

Capital and Risk Metrics Remain Stable

From a regulatory standpoint, the Bank maintained adequate capital buffers. The Capital Adequacy Ratio settled at 16.91 per cent in 2025, slightly lower than the 16.98 per cent posted in 2024 but still comfortably above the regulatory minimum threshold.

Asset quality also showed signs of improvement. The Non Performing Loan ratio declined to 17.80 per cent from 19.10 per cent, pointing to enhanced credit monitoring and recovery efforts.

Liquidity strengthened further, with the liquidity ratio improving to 143 per cent from 138 per cent year on year. This indicates ample liquid assets to meet short term liabilities.

The Bank reported no breaches of statutory liquidity requirements in 2025. However, it recorded one breach of prudential guidelines, resulting in a GH¢2 million penalty. This marks a significant improvement compared to three breaches and related sanctions amounting to GH¢23.82 million in 2024.

Outlook and Strategic Positioning

The 2025 results highlight First Atlantic Bank’s ability to navigate margin pressures while expanding its balance sheet and improving asset quality metrics. Although some income lines moderated during the year, prudent cost management and a substantial impairment gain supported overall profitability growth.

The strong surge in customer deposits and assets signals growing market confidence and reinforces the Bank’s competitive standing within Ghana’s banking sector. Improved liquidity and stable capital buffers further position the institution to capitalise on emerging opportunities in retail, corporate and digital banking segments.

As macroeconomic conditions stabilise and credit demand gradually strengthens, the Bank’s disciplined risk management framework and enhanced capital position are expected to underpin sustained growth in the coming financial periods.

With net profit approaching GH¢400 million and total assets nearing GH¢19 billion, First Atlantic Bank has delivered a performance that reflects both resilience and strategic focus in 2025.