Equity Group Holdings reported a net profit of Sh54.1 billion for the three months ending September, reflecting a 32 percent increase from the Sh40.9 billion recorded in the previous quarter.
The growth comes amid easing economic pressures both in Kenya and internationally, supported by a combination of diverse revenue streams, operational efficiency, and strong contributions from regional operations.
James Mwangi, Equity Group managing director and CEO, said during an investor briefing in Nairobi on Thursday: “During the quarter, the global environment demonstrated resilience with slightly stronger economic growth expected for the year.
Easing global inflation rates has been helpful in an international landscape increasingly shaped by trade tensions and fragmentation.”
The bank’s performance was shown by a Return on Average Equity of 26.4 percent and Return on Average Assets of 4.1 percent. Net interest income rose 16 percent, while non-funded income grew three percent.
Operational efficiency improved, lowering the cost-to-income ratio from 55.1 percent to 50.6 percent, while asset quality remained strong with non-performing loan coverage at 71.4 percent and a contained cost of risk of 1.9 percent.
Mwangi noted that the bank’s Q3 performance demonstrates the effectiveness of its strategic business plan. “Our Q3 2025 performance reflects the strength of our diversified tri-engine business model, operational efficiency, and continued commitment to transforming lives,” he said.
He added that the bank continues to empower MSMEs, leverage digital platforms, and align with Africa’s socio-economic and sustainability goals to drive inclusive growth.
“We are particularly proud of our regional subsidiaries, which have demonstrated resilience and contributed significantly to our overall performance.”
Equity Bank Kenya contributed Sh31.1 billion to the Group’s net earnings, up from Sh20.6 billion in the prior quarter. Net interest income increased 27 percent to Sh53.6 billion, supported by a 34 percent fall in interest expenses, which declined to Sh25.1 billion from Sh38 billion.
The Kenyan operations maintained their leadership in MSME banking, disbursing 45 percent of Sh201 billion MSME loans issued in Kenya between January and July 2025. Equity Insurance Group also delivered strong results, reporting a 71 percent rise in gross written premiums and a 36 percent increase in profit before tax.
Regional subsidiaries played a significant role in the Group’s growth. Equity BCDC in DRC posted 19 percent loan growth, Equity Bank Rwanda grew 34 percent, and Tanzania’s profit nearly doubled to Sh1.5 billion.
Overall, regional operations accounted for 45 percent of gross earnings and 42 percent of net profits, with at least half of deposits, 53 percent of loans, and 50 percent of total banking assets coming from these subsidiaries.
Profit after tax in DRC rose to Sh13.8 billion, Uganda reached Sh2.9 billion, and Rwanda expanded total assets by five percent to Sh122.9 billion.
Equity Insurance Group supported overall growth with a 36 percent rise in gross profits to Sh1.46 billion, fueled by Sh6.55 billion in gross written premiums.
The results highlight the bank’s balanced growth approach, combining strong domestic performance with regional expansion to deliver sustainable profitability.
