DTB Profit Jumps 21% to Ksh10.7B

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has reported a solid rise in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025, with net profit climbing by 21 per cent to Ksh 10.7 billion, underpinned by tighter cost control and steady growth across its core business lines.

The lender’s total revenue grew by 14 per cent during the period, reflecting higher income from lending and other banking services.

At the same time, operating expenses dropped by seven per cent, a sign of improved efficiency as the bank continues to streamline its operations and invest in technology.

Customer deposits increased to Sh509 billion, marking a 14 per cent rise from the previous year. Net loans also grew at the same pace to Ksh 324 billion, driven largely by increased lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), retail customers, and mid-sized businesses. This growth signals DTB’s continued focus on supporting key sectors of the economy, even as the broader business environment remains challenging.

The bank also recorded a sharp increase in its customer base, which rose to 4.5 million from 3.1 million a year earlier. This growth has been supported by the expansion of its branch network across the region, as well as the uptake of digital banking services, which are becoming more popular among customers seeking convenience.

Asset quality showed improvement, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio easing to 10.8 per cent from 12.3 per cent in 2024. This suggests better loan recovery efforts and more careful lending practices, even as many borrowers continue to face economic pressure.

Speaking on the results, Group Chief Executive Officer Nasim Devji said the bank’s performance reflects a strong and disciplined approach to growth.

“These results reflect the strength of our strategy and the resilience of our business model. We have delivered quality growth while maintaining strong discipline and enhancing operational efficiency,” she said.

She added that DTB’s continued investment in digital platforms is playing a key role in expanding access to financial services and improving customer experience.

“Continued investment in digital capabilities is helping expand access to financial services while positioning the bank for long-term growth,” Devji noted.

Steady recovery

DTB’s latest performance builds on a steady recovery path over the past few years. In 2023 and 2024, the bank focused on cleaning up its loan book, cutting costs, and strengthening its balance sheet after a period marked by economic uncertainty and rising loan defaults. Those efforts now appear to be paying off, with stronger profitability and improved asset quality.

The bank has also been expanding its presence in the East African region, including markets such as Tanzania and Uganda, where it continues to grow its footprint and customer base. This regional diversification has helped cushion it against risks in any single market.

Looking ahead, DTB is expected to continue focusing on digital transformation, SME financing, and regional growth as key drivers of its strategy.

With competition in the banking sector intensifying, the lender’s ability to balance growth with cost discipline will remain critical to sustaining its performance.