NAIROBI, Kenya — Equity Group Holdings PLC has once again showcased its resilience and adaptive ability in the face of the ongoing global recession. The bank reported impressive first quarter results for 2023, with significant growth across its various financial segments, including a considerable rise in customer deposits, forex income, and non-funded income.
The bank’s Q1 performance showed customer deposits growing by 23% to Kshs. 1,111.2 billion, up from Kshs. 900.9 billion. This robust growth comes despite prevailing economic challenges worldwide, reinforcing Equity’s strong market positioning and its trusted relationship with customers.
Total assets for the Group also saw a significant surge, up by 21% to Kshs. 1,537.7 billion. Profit after tax exhibited a steady growth, rising by 8% to Kshs. 12.8 billion. This healthy financial performance points to the effective execution of Equity’s diversified business strategy and its commitment to enhancing shareholder value even in the face of a global downturn.
#Equity2023Q1Results pic.twitter.com/fXE84DH3pr
— Equity Bank Kenya (@KeEquityBank) May 16, 2023
The growth in non-funded income was primarily driven by a surge in trade finance towards intra-country and intercountry trade. Equity Bank’s successful bet on forex trading has particularly paid off. The DRC subsidiary has become the largest contributor of forex income within the Group, surpassing even Kenya, a significant milestone highlighting the success of Equity’s pan-African strategy.
Digital transactions have also flourished, with a staggering 243% growth reported in transactions via the Equity Till Number, reaching 48.3 million in the quarter. This reflects the Group’s success in promoting digital banking solutions in a rapidly digitizing economy.
The announcement of Equity’s successful performance was accompanied by news of the bank receiving preliminary approval from the Insurance Regulatory Authority to set up a general insurance business. This strategic move follows the early success of Equity Life Insurance, which registered a Gross Written Premium of KES 3.99 billion in under nine months.
As Equity Group continues to navigate the economic landscape, its Q1 results for 2023 confirm its robust financial health and agile strategic planning. Its success in growing multiple income streams and its commitment to technological innovation provide assurance of the bank’s continued resilience in the face of global economic challenges. The Group remains an exemplar of growth in the region, further cementing its position as one of Africa’s leading banking conglomerates.