ZBFH reports 25% income growth
CLOUDINE MATOLA
ZB Financial Holdings recorded a 25% jump in total income for the year ended 31 December 2025 closing at ZWG3.89 billion compared to 2024 total income figure of ZWG3.11 billion.
Total income growth was supported by a surge in commission income (47% of total income),
Net income form lending activities (38% of total income) and insurance revenue (25% of total income).
Insurance revenue went up by 130% to close at ZWG976.45 million from ZWG424.303 million driven by prudent underwriting, expanded product mix and new markets acquisition.
Operating expenses went up by 61% to close the financial year under review at ZWG2.922 billion from a prior year figure of ZWG1.812 billion largely due to once off costs incurred related to human capital restructuring costs.
The group remained profitable with a profit after tax of ZWG679 million dropping by 35% from ZWG1.041 billion due a drop in unrealised exchange gains as a result of the stabilisation of exchange rates.
However, when adjusted for unrealised exchange and fair value gains, the group’s PAT position improved to ZWG0.073 billion from a prior year loss position of ZWG0.292 billion.
This improved performance was mainly supported by a growth in core business revenues. The reported ROE closed off at 10% with an adjusted ROE of 1.05% (negative 6%:2024). Total assets closed at ZiG16.080 billion improving by 13% from previous year 2024 position of ZWG14.248 billion on the back of an increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (39%), Treasury Bills (52%) and fair value gains in Investment Properties (4%).
In US$ terms, the Group’s interest income went up by 48% to US$55.454 million from US$37.552 million prior year. Interest income contributed 38% to total income of US$146.835 million significantly improving from a 22% level prior year on the back of positive interest rate adjustments during the period under review. Total income closed the period at US$146.835 million from US$172.578 million resulting in a 15% drop largely reflecting exchange rate distortions.
Total operating expenses dropped to US$110.456 million from US$119.809 million prior year. The group reported a profit after tax of US$25.425 million resulting in a Net Profit Margin of 17% and Return on Equity of 11%.
A major development which is expected to boost asset creation further improve the Top line and profitability is the conclusion of offshore credit line from Shelter Afrique (US$12 million) earmarked for housing development projects and infrastructure.
Going forward the group will continue to leverage on its strategic partnerships, wide branch network and robust digital platforms to deliver real investment value to its shareholders.
