NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 11 – SBM Bank Kenya has reported a return to profitability for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a profit before tax of Sh614 million compared to a loss of Sh1.6 billion in 2024.
The lender attributed the turnaround to improved operating performance and growth in customer activity following an ongoing transformation strategy.
Operating profit rose to Sh780 million, reversing a Sh1.8 billion loss recorded in 2024, as the bank strengthened operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Customer deposits increased 20 percent to Sh82.4 billion, driven largely by growth in current and savings accounts as customers increasingly used the bank’s digital payment platforms.
Total operating income grew 55 percent to Sh6 billion, supported by an 81 percent increase in net interest income and a 24 percent rise in non-interest income to Sh2.1 billion, reflecting higher transaction volumes across digital channels, trade finance and card payments.
Operating expenses remained stable at Sh5.4 billion despite continued investments in technology and digital infrastructure.
Asset quality also improved during the year, with gross non-performing loans falling 34 percent to Sh11.3 billion from Sh17.1 billion in 2024, reducing the NPL ratio to 22.5 percent from 33.2 percent.
The lender ended the year with core capital of Sh7.7 billion, above the regulatory minimum set by the Central Bank of Kenya, and a liquidity ratio of 47.6 percent, well above the required threshold.
