Oluchi Chibuzor
PremiumTrust Bank has received dual credit rating upgrades from two of Nigeria’s leading rating agencies, Agusto & Co. and DataPro Limited, underscoring the Bank’s financial strength, sound risk management and consistent growth trajectory.
WhileAgusto & Co. upgraded the Bank’s long-term rating from BBB+ to A- and its short-term rating from A2 to A1, DataPro has upgraded the Bank’s long-term rating from A- to A, while affirming its short-term rating at A1.
A long-term rating in the ‘A’ category reflects a low credit risk profile and a strong capacity to meet financial obligations as they fall due, while an A1 short-term rating denotes the highest capacity for timely settlement of short-term financial commitments. Taken together, the two outcomes represent upgrades from both agencies within the same review cycle mark a further improvement in the Bank’s credit standing since its last assessment.
The agencies cited the bank’s robust capitalisation, with its capital adequacy ratio rising from 20.8% to 40.8%, alongside a strong liquidity ratio of 71.1% and a net interest margin of 83.3%. Asset quality remained sound, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 0.2% and a cost of funds of 3.2%, while cost efficiency was reflected in a cost-to-income ratio of 23.2%. Agusto & Co. further noted the Bank’s pre-tax return on equity of 84.6% as the highest in the Nigerian banking industry. The upgrades come against the backdrop of the Bank’s strong underlying performance, having reported a pre-tax profit of N177.1 billion and total assets of N1.7 trillion in FY2025.
Commenting on the ratings, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, said: “These upgrades are a strong validation of the fundamentals we have built at PremiumTrust Bank. From inception, we have been deliberate about establishing our presence and building an institution with the financial strength, resilience, and operating discipline to compete in the Nigerian banking industry. “Our focus now is on converting this momentum into sustained growth. We are strengthening our balance sheet, expanding our physical and digital footprint, and investing in the capacity needed to serve our customers and support the businesses and communities across our markets,” he said.