GCB Bank posted a record 2025 profit, with Managing Director Farihan Alhassan saying the lender is building a resilient franchise for long-term growth in Ghana’s banking sector.
Speaking on the bank’s 2025 performance, Alhassan described the results as unprecedented within Ghana’s banking industry, saying the institution’s record profitability reflects both financial strength and strategic discipline.
“This is the first time any bank has made GHC2 billion net profits. It has never happened in the industry before,” he said. He added that the bank also achieved “a gross profit of GHC3.2 billion” and generated “a healthy operating income of GHC6 billion.”
The remarks come after GCB Bank reported profit before tax of about GH¢3.2 billion for 2025, representing a 67.4 per cent increase over the previous year.
Deposits, Loans and Revenue Drive Performance
The bank’s strong showing was supported by solid expansion across its core business lines. Customer deposits rose by 19.7 per cent to GH¢41.3 billion, helping lift total assets by 23 per cent to GH¢52.6 billion.
Loans and advances also climbed sharply by 56.8 per cent year-on-year to GH¢16.39 billion, signalling renewed credit demand as Ghana’s economy continued to stabilise and recover.
Operating income increased by 40.9 per cent to GH¢6.3 billion, driven by growth in both interest and non-interest income.
Interest income rose by 38.3 per cent despite a lower interest rate environment, reflecting what the bank described as strategic balance sheet positioning and proactive risk management.
Diversified Income Supports Stability
A key feature of the bank’s 2025 performance was the strength of its non-funded income. Fees and commissions increased by 39.9 per cent, while trading and other income jumped by 81.8 per cent.
That pushed the contribution of non-interest income to total revenue to 27.3 per cent, up from 24.3 per cent in 2024, giving the bank a broader earnings base at a time when lower policy rates continue to pressure lending margins.
Alhassan said the broader story lies in the institution’s underlying strength.
“For me, the excitement is not just in the profits, it’s the total health of the franchise.
"We’re building a franchise that can stand the test of time.” - Managing Director Farihan Alhassan
Improved Asset Quality Strengthens Outlook
Beyond revenue growth, GCB Bank also posted notable improvements in asset quality. The non-performing loan ratio declined to 10.3 per cent from 15.1 per cent in 2024, while the cost of risk dropped significantly to 1.3 per cent from 4.3 per cent.
The bank attributed the improvement to tighter lending standards, stronger recovery systems and better repayment performance by borrowers in a stabilising economy.
Although operating costs rose by 41.1 per cent, this remained broadly in line with revenue growth, leaving the cost-to-income ratio unchanged at 47.2 per cent.
The 2025 results suggest GCB Bank is not only delivering record profits, but also strengthening the foundations for sustained growth, resilience and long-term competitiveness in Ghana’s banking industry.
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