Standard Bank takes $8.6 million in franchise fees from Kenyan unit in 2025

Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender by assets, earned Ksh1.11 billion ($8.59 million) in franchise fees from its Kenyan subsidiary, Stanbic Holdings, in the year ended December 2025, marking the second consecutive annual decline in payouts from the East African unit.

The Johannesburg-based lender saw franchise fees fall from Ksh1.14 billion ($8.82 million) in 2024 and a peak of Ksh1.22 billion ($9.44 million) in 2023, reflecting a gradual moderation in internal fee flows despite improving operating conditions.

Stanbic Kenya profit climbs to $106 million

Stanbic Kenya delivered strong earnings performance, posting Ksh13.7 billion ($105.99 million) in profit after tax, supported by a recovery in Kenya’s macroeconomic environment.

The lender benefited from declining inflation, stabilizing interest rates, and improved currency conditions, which helped revive private sector credit demand and strengthen financial sector activity.

Balance sheet expands as asset quality holds

Stanbic’s balance sheet grew by 19% during the year, reflecting increased lending and customer activity. Asset quality remained stable, with the non-performing loan ratio held at 8%.

The bank also maintained strong shareholder returns, distributing Ksh17 billion ($131.5 million) in dividends over the past two years, reinforcing its commitment to capital returns amid improving earnings visibility.

Standard Bank reinforces pan-African dominance

Standard Bank remains Africa’s largest lender by assets, with operations across 19 sub-Saharan African markets and a presence in 21 countries.

With over 20 million clients, more than 1,000 branches, and approximately 6,000 ATMs, the group has built the continent’s most expansive banking footprint, supporting its leadership in trade finance, infrastructure funding, and retail banking.

The lender’s headline earnings nearly doubled from R25.02 billion ($1.5 billion) in 2021 to R49.2 billion ($2.99 billion) in 2025, while total assets expanded from R2.7 trillion to R3.6 trillion, underscoring sustained growth and resilience.