CBZ profit jumps 760% to ZWG1.44bn
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Publicly traded financial services group CBZ Holdings Limited (CBZHL) delivered a stellar financial performance in 2025, with profit after tax surging by 759.7% to ZWG1.44bn from ZWG168.05m in the prior year, despite operating in a constrained economic environment, Business Times can report.
Group chairman Luxon Zembe said the strong outturn came against a backdrop of tight liquidity conditions and sustained policy interventions aimed at stabilising the economy.
“The group delivered a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31 2025 despite operating in a dynamic economic environment characterised by tight liquidity conditions and ongoing policy interventions,” Zembe said.
“The group’s diversified business model and continued focus on digital transformation enabled it to sustain growth across its key income streams.”
Total income rose to ZWG5.73bn in 2025, up from ZWG4.11bn in 2024, underpinned by growth in both funded and non-funded income streams. Net interest income increased to ZWG1.89bn from ZWG1.38bn, supported by expansion in the loan book and improved asset yields.
Non-funded income remained the dominant revenue driver, climbing to ZWG3.86bn from ZWG2.77bn, largely buoyed by increased transaction volumes across the group’s digital platforms and sustained growth in commission and fee-based income.
The strong revenue performance translated into a sharp improvement in profitability. Profit after tax closed at ZWG1.44bn, compared to ZWG168.05m in the prior year.
Asset quality also improved markedly, with Expected Credit Loss (ECL) expenses declining to ZWG20.97m from ZWG800.65m, reflecting enhanced credit risk management and improved quality of the loan book and other financial assets.
CBZHL’s balance sheet remained robust, with total assets growing to ZWG34.42bn in 2025. Customer deposits increased to ZWG27.76 bn from ZWG21.59bn, underscoring sustained depositor confidence in the group.
Loans and advances rose to ZWG10.19bn, highlighting the bank’s continued support for productive sectors of the economy.
Looking ahead, the group said it will navigate a complex global and regional environment marked by geopolitical tensions, including instability in parts of the Gulf region and Europe, which could have spillover effects on domestic markets.
“The group is aware of the key opportunities and threats locally and regionally and will apply prudent risk governance and operational efficiencies to navigate these,” Zembe said.
“Our strategy is centred on utilising and enhancing our capital strength, optimising funding structures, and entrenching business agility to support sustainable growth. We will continue leveraging our diversified portfolio, strengthening strategic partnerships, and mobilising external lines of credit to support priority economic sectors while delivering sustainable value to shareholders and broader stakeholders.”
