Equity Group Holdings Plc has reported impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2026, posting a 24% year-on-year growth in Profit After Tax to KSh19.1 billion, up from KSh15.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
The strong performance further cements Equity Group’s position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and a preferred banking partner for Kenyans in the diaspora seeking reliable investment, remittance, and wealth management solutions.
According to Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi, the growth reflects the bank’s continued focus on regional expansion, digital banking innovation, customer confidence, and diversified revenue streams across East and Central Africa.
Equity Group Q1 2026 Financial Highlights
Equity Group’s latest investor briefing revealed major growth across key financial indicators:
- Profit After Tax: KSh19.1 billion, up 24%
- Profit Before Tax: KSh24.5 billion, up 31%
- Total Income: KSh55.3 billion, up 15%
- Customer Deposits: KSh1.48 trillion, up 13%
- Total Assets: KSh2.04 trillion, up 16%
- Net Loans: KSh873.5 billion, up 9%
The Group also maintained strong operational efficiency with the Cost-to-Income Ratio improving to 50.6%.
Strong Signal for Diaspora Banking Confidence
The latest results are expected to boost confidence among Kenyans living abroad who continue to rely on Equity Bank for diaspora banking, international money transfers, property financing, savings accounts, and investment opportunities in Kenya.
Equity Bank has continued expanding its diaspora banking products targeting Kenyans in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Many diaspora customers use Equity’s digital platforms for:
- Sending money to families in Kenya
- Paying school fees and bills remotely
- Investing in land and real estate
- Accessing diaspora mortgage products
- Managing dollar and foreign currency accounts
The bank’s continued profitability demonstrates resilience despite global economic pressures, currency fluctuations, and high interest rate environments affecting many economies worldwide.
Dr. James Mwangi Praises Customers and Staff
Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi attributed the impressive results to customer trust, innovation, and the commitment of the Group’s workforce across multiple African markets.
The lender has heavily invested in digital transformation, agency banking, fintech partnerships, and regional expansion strategies aimed at increasing financial inclusion.
Over the years, Equity Group has grown from a Kenyan building society into a regional banking giant operating in countries including:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC subsidiary in particular continues to emerge as a major growth driver for the Group.
Equity Group Continues Dominating African Banking Sector
The latest earnings come just months after Equity Group was ranked among Africa’s strongest banking brands.
The Group has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in:
- Digital banking innovation
- SME financing
- Diaspora banking solutions
- Financial inclusion
- Cross-border trade financing
Financial analysts say the strong Q1 2026 performance signals continued investor confidence and stable long-term growth potential.
For diaspora investors and customers, the results reinforce Equity Group’s reputation as one of the most trusted financial institutions connecting Africans abroad with investment and banking opportunities back home.
