ZB delivers robust financial performance
STAFF WRITER
ZB Financial Holdings Limited has posted a strong set of results for the nine months to September 30, 2025, buoyed by solid growth across all business segments, effective risk management, and an improving domestic economic environment.
The diversified financial services group said proactive risk-management measures put in place by management helped safeguard long-term shareholder value and positioned the institution for sustained growth amid ongoing global uncertainties.
ZB also noted that the relatively stable local operating environment had “offered new growth opportunities” and continued to support broader economic expansion.
Total revenue surged by 75% to ZWG2.86bn, up from ZWG1.64bn recorded during the same period last year.
In a statement accompanying the results, company secretary Tinashe Masiiwa said ZB remained committed to prudent financial management and efficiency.
“The group’s profit after tax for the period ended 30 September 2025 improved by 41% from the same period prior year. This growth was due to the increase in total income underpinned by net income from lending activities,” said Masiiwa.
He added that despite tight liquidity conditions, the group’s net income from lending activities had shown “marginal real growth.”
ZB also secured new lines of credit during the period, which increased its lending capacity and is expected to boost net interest income in the final quarter and beyond.
Non-funded income rose sharply to ZWG2.12bn, up from ZWG1.43bn in 2024, driven primarily by the success of the group’s digital channels and wider service delivery ecosystem, which contributed 62% of total commissions and fees income.
Property income grew by 16%, supported by higher rental inflows and income from property management services.
Masiiwa also noted that exchange gains contributed 27% of non-funded income, reflecting the group’s net exposure to currencies other than the US dollar, which remains its functional currency.
The cost-to-income ratio rose to 73%, compared with 64% in 2024, due to once-off costs incurred during the period. However, Masiiwa said management remained focused on maintaining strict cost discipline and ensuring that operating expenses remained within sustainable levels.
The group’s total assets expanded to ZWG17.77bn, up from ZWG14.38bn a year earlier — a 24% increase — largely driven by a 56% growth in cash and short-term funds since December 2024.
Although mortgages and other advances declined by 11%, ZB expects to underwrite more business in the coming months, leveraging the newly acquired credit lines to grow its loan book.
Customer deposits and other accounts increased by 34%, reflecting effective client retention and the success of customer-centric product offerings.
Overall, ZB reported a 14% growth in its capital position over the nine-month period, supported by solid profitability.
Masiiwa said the group’s capital and liquidity levels remained strong, with all subsidiaries meeting minimum regulatory capital requirements except ZB Building Society, which is being aligned with group capitalisation plans.
“The group expects to consolidate its banking operations into one banking license in the near future,” he said.
In a major sustainability milestone, ZB Bank Limited became the first bank in Zimbabwe to receive the Sustainability Standards Certification Initiative (SSCI) from the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The bank achieved a Level 3 rating, signifying strong alignment with global sustainability and ethical banking standards.
Reflecting confidence in its financial position, the group declared a dividend for the period under review.
