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Agusto & Co. upgraded PremiumTrust Bank’s long-term rating from BBB+ to A-, while DataPro raised its rating from A- to A.
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The bank’s capital adequacy ratio rose from 20.8 percent to 40.8 percent, with liquidity at 71.1 percent and non-performing loans at 0.2 percent.
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PremiumTrust Bank reported ₦177.1 billion in pre-tax profit and ₦1.7 trillion in total assets for 2025 as it expanded its branch network to 33 locations.
September 08, (THEWILL) — PremiumTrust Bank has received credit rating upgrades from Agusto & Co. and DataPro Limited, with both agencies citing the lender’s stronger capital position, sound asset quality, liquidity and financial performance.
Agusto & Co. upgraded the bank’s long-term rating from BBB+ to A- and its short-term rating from A2 to A1.
DataPro, meanwhile, raised PremiumTrust Bank’s long-term rating from A- to A, while affirming its short-term rating at A1.
An A-category long-term rating indicates a low credit risk profile and strong capacity to meet financial obligations as they fall due, while an A1 short-term rating reflects a high capacity to meet short-term financial commitments on time.
Dual Upgrades Strengthen Credit Standing
The latest assessments mark an improvement in PremiumTrust Bank’s credit standing and come as the lender continues to expand its operations and balance sheet.
The rating agencies highlighted the bank’s capitalisation and liquidity positions as major factors supporting the upgrades. Its capital adequacy ratio increased sharply from 20.8 percent to 40.8 percent, providing a stronger buffer as the bank expands its lending and other operations.
The lender’s liquidity ratio stood at 71.1 percent, while its net interest margin was 83.3 percent.
Asset quality also remained strong, with the bank’s non-performing loan ratio at 0.2 percent. Its cost of funds stood at 3.2 percent, while the cost-to-income ratio was 23.2 percent, reflecting relatively strong operating efficiency.
Agusto & Co. further noted PremiumTrust Bank’s pre-tax return on equity of 84.6 percent, which it identified as the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.
₦177.1bn Profit Supports Growth
The improved ratings were also supported by the bank’s financial performance in 2025.
PremiumTrust Bank reported a pre-tax profit of ₦177.1 billion and total assets of ₦1.7 trillion for the financial year, providing a stronger financial base for its continued expansion.
Beyond the financial metrics, the agencies cited the depth of the bank’s management team, its governance and compliance framework, and the expansion of its physical and digital banking infrastructure.
Four years after commencing operations, PremiumTrust Bank has expanded its branch network to 33 locations nationwide. Recent additions include branches in Irrua, Edo State; Owerri, Imo State; and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The bank has also continued investing in digital banking, including an upgraded PremiumTrust Mobile application featuring adaptive banking, AI-powered assistants and personalised lifestyle tools.
Bank Targets Sustained Expansion
Commenting on the ratings, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, said the upgrades validated the fundamentals established by the bank since inception.
“These upgrades are a strong validation of the fundamentals we have built at PremiumTrust Bank”, he said.
Emefienim said the bank would focus on converting its growth momentum into sustained expansion by strengthening its balance sheet, expanding its physical and digital footprint and investing in capacity to serve customers and businesses.
The upgrades come as Nigerian banks continue to strengthen capital buffers, asset quality, liquidity and operational efficiency amid evolving regulatory and economic conditions.
For PremiumTrust Bank, sustaining the improved ratings will depend on its ability to maintain strong capitalisation, profitability, liquidity and asset quality as its balance sheet continues to grow.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
