Online Reporter
Business Reporter
ZB Financial Holdings recorded a 25 percent surge in total income for the year ended 31 December 2025, closing at ZiG3,89 billion, up from ZiG3,11 billion in the prior year, as growth in commissions, lending activities and insurance revenue bolstered the group’s top line.
The group’s total income growth was underpinned by a sharp rise in commission income, which accounted for 47 percent of total income, alongside net income from lending activities (38 percent) and insurance revenue (25 percent).
Insurance revenue soared by 130 percent to ZiG976,45 million, up from ZiG424,303 million, driven by prudent underwriting, an expanded product mix and entry into new markets.
Operating expenses rose by 61 percent to ZiG2,922 billion from ZiG1,812 billion, a jump largely attributed to one-off costs associated with human capital restructuring.
Despite the strong revenue performance, the group reported profit after tax of ZiG679 million, a 35 percent decline from ZiG1,041 billion in the prior year. The drop was primarily due to reduced unrealised exchange gains as exchange rate stabilisation took hold.
However, when adjusted for unrealised exchange and fair value gains, the group’s profit after tax position improved to ZiG73 million, compared with a prior-year loss position of ZiG292 million, reflecting growth in core business revenues.
Reported return on equity stood at 10 percent, while adjusted return on equity came in at 1,05 percent, against a negative 6 percent in 2024.
Total assets closed at ZiG16,080 billion, a 13 percent increase from ZiG14,248 billion the previous year, supported by a 39 percent rise in cash and cash equivalents, a 52 percent increase in Treasury Bills and a 4 percent fair value gain on investment properties.
In US dollar terms, the group’s interest income rose by 48 percent to US$55,454 million from US$37,552 million, contributing 38 percent to total income, a significant improvement from 22 percent in the prior year, owing to favourable interest rate adjustments during the period.
Total income in US dollar terms closed at US$146,835 million, a 15 percent drop from US$172,578 million, reflecting exchange rate distortions. Total operating expenses fell to US$110,456 million from US$119,809 million. The group reported a profit after tax of US$25,425 million, yielding a net profit margin of 17 percent and a return on equity of 11 percent.
In a development expected to boost asset creation and enhance top-line performance and profitability, the group concluded a US$12 million offshore credit line from Shelter Afrique, earmarked for housing development projects and infrastructure.
Looking ahead, ZB Financial Holdings said it would continue to leverage strategic partnerships, its extensive branch network and robust digital platforms to deliver real investment value to shareholders.
