Equity Bank defies low rate regime to post Sh45.5 billion in six months*

Equity Bank Holdings has posted a 32 per cent growth in net earnings for the first six months of the year, boosted by rising contributions from its regional subsidiaries.

The lender’s net profit hit Sh45.5 billion in the period under review compared to Sh34.6 billion reported in the corresponding half last year.

Net interest income continued to strengthen, rising 17 per cent to Dh69.3 billion from Sh59.3 billion, reflecting the depth of the Group’s lending franchise and disciplined balance sheet management.

Total income grew 25 per cent to Sh124.9 billion, up from Sh100.2 billion, driven by a sharp rise in nonfunded income, which expanded 36 per cent to Sh55.6 billion from Sh40.9 billion.

Nonfunded income now contributes 44.5 per cent of the Group’s total income, up from 40.8 per cent in H1 2025, underscoring Equity’s multiline business, geographic diversification and revenue quality mix.

The balance sheet also continued its upward trajectory, expanding 20 per cent to Sh2.16 trillion.

This growth was anchored by a 21 per cent rise in customer deposits to Sh1.6 trillion and a 19 per cent increase in net loans to Sh981 billion, demonstrating sustained customer confidence and strong credit demand across the markets where Equity operates.

Shareholders’ funds grew 27 per cent to Sh350 billion, reinforcing the Group’s capital strength.

Equity now serves 23.3 million customers through various digital platforms.

Speaking at an investors’ briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday morning, Equity Bank Group MD
James Mwangi said the bank’s performance unfolded against a backdrop of resilient regional economic growth.

“Equity’s half-year 2026 performance is the outcome of a multi-year transformation agenda focused on resilience, diversification, and technology enablement,” Mwangi said.

“The Group has repositioned its operating model, strengthened its regional presence, and invested heavily in digital and AI‑enabled capabilities to build an institution equipped for the future.”