Accra: GCB Bank PLC, Ghana's largest indigenous bank, has posted a record Profit Before Tax (PBT) of GHS3.17 billion for the 2025 financial year. The profit outturn marks a 67.4 percent increase from the previous year, driven by robust deposit growth, loan book expansion, investments, and growing fee income.
According to Ghana Web, customer deposits grew by 19.7 percent to GHS41.3 billion, which facilitated a 23 percent expansion in the Bank's balance sheet to GHS52.6 billion. This growth in deposits supported a 56.8 percent year-on-year increase in the loan book to GHS16.39 billion, as credit demand rose alongside Ghana's economic recovery. Consequently, operating income increased by 40.9 percent to GHS6.3 billion, fueled by both interest and non-interest income.
Interest income saw a 38.3 percent increase despite declining interest rates, as the bank effectively navigated the low-interest-rate environment through strategic balance sheet repricing and proactive risk management. Non-funded income, which includes revenue from fees, commissions, and trading, grew by 58 percent year-on-year. Fees and commissions rose by 39.9 percent, while trading and other income surged by 81.8 percent, raising non-funded income's share of total revenue to 27.3 percent from 24.3 percent in 2024.
With Ghana's Central Bank implementing a cumulative 1,000-basis-point reduction in the policy rate to 18 percent during 2025, traditional lending margins are under pressure. The bank has flagged the increase in transaction-based income as critical to maintaining profitability. Operating costs rose by 41.1 percent, aligning with revenue growth, which kept the cost-to-income ratio stable at 47.2 percent.
The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio fell to 10.3 percent from 15.1 percent in 2024, while the cost of risk decreased to 1.3 percent from 4.3 percent, contributing significantly to the record profit. These improvements were attributed to tighter lending standards, enhanced early-warning systems, improved loan recoveries, and increased borrower repayment capacity as Ghana's economy stabilized.
GCB Bank concluded 2025 with a capital adequacy ratio of 18.0 percent, up from 17.5 percent in 2024, surpassing the regulatory floor of 13 percent. Cash and liquid assets amounted to GHS14.5 billion, representing 27.5 percent of total assets. Earnings Per Share (EPS) reached GHS7.78 billion, and shareholders experienced a capital gain of 215.7 percent as the share price climbed from GHS6.37 to GHS20.11.
These results are aligned with the first year of GCB Bank's 2025-2028 medium-term strategy, which aims to transition from a retail-funded model to a more diversified platform encompassing wholesale, commercial, and transaction banking. The bank initiated several strategic programs, including a comprehensive sustainability initiative focusing on climate risk, diversity, and governance. Other notable initiatives were the Sheagles Soar female leadership development program and the Amber Club for top customers.
Farihan Alhassan, Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC, commented on the financial results, stating, "The 2025 results were not accidental; they reflect steady leadership, deliberate strategic choices, and disciplined execution across the bank. By every measure, this represents a record performance and reinforces GCB Bank's strong position within Ghana's banking sector." Alhassan expressed confidence in the bank's strategy and team, asserting that GCB Bank is well-positioned to meet client aspirations, empower employees, and sustain its digital transformation amid challenges in 2026.