Access Holdings Plc has rolled out a new strategy called “From Scale to Value,” marking a move towards creating lasting shareholder value, improving earnings quality, and building long-term balance sheet strength as the financial services group steps into its next growth phase.

During the Group’s 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede revealed that the institution is shifting from a growth-driven approach to one focused on unlocking value from the scale it has achieved across Africa and global markets.

According to him, while Access Holdings continues to deliver strong financial performance, the Group’s priority is to ensure that growth translates into sustainable returns and long-term shareholder wealth.

“Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it,” Aig-Imoukhuede stated.

The Chairman noted that Access Holdings delivered a Profit Before Tax of ₦1.007 trillion in the 2025 financial year, supported by the strength of its diversified business model and growing earnings contributions across key markets. Total assets rose to ₦51.56 trillion, while customer deposits grew strongly, reflecting continued customer confidence and franchise expansion.

He, however, explained that the Group deliberately strengthened its balance sheet during the year by accelerating the recognition of provisions on legacy and regulatory-forbearance credit exposures, resulting in higher impairment charges.

According to him, the decision reflects management’s commitment to prioritising long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.

“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing but improving in the quality, resilience, and sustainability of its earnings,” he said.

The AGM also showcased the Group’s progress in transforming into a diversified financial services ecosystem beyond traditional banking. While banking remains its primary earnings driver, businesses such as Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance and Hydrogen Payments are increasingly contributing to growth across pensions, insurance, consumer lending, digital finance and payment services.

Aig-Imoukhuede noted that these emerging businesses are expected to strengthen the Group’s earnings mix and support future scalability.

He further disclosed that significant unrealised value remains embedded within the Group’s international subsidiaries, adding that management is focused on ensuring the market increasingly recognises the intrinsic value of these operations over time.

Addressing shareholder concerns over dividend payments, the Board clarified that the temporary suspension of dividend distribution was driven by regulatory forbearance requirements and not by any weakness in the Group’s financial position.

The chairman assured investors that the Group’s earnings capacity remains robust and that dividend payments would resume once the relevant regulatory conditions are met.

“Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders,” he added.

Shareholders also commended Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director, Business Development, for her leadership of the Group as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer before the appointment of Ike.

Aig-Imoukhuede said the leadership transition was executed seamlessly, preserving strategic continuity, operational stability and stakeholder confidence.

Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges across its operating markets, Access Holdings expressed confidence in its future prospects, citing disciplined execution, a strengthened capital position, a diversified business model and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.

The Chairman reaffirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to shareholders, stating that Access Holdings remains focused on building an institution defined by disciplined execution, resilience and enduring value creation.