ARB Apex Bank recorded a profit before tax of GHS 34.56 million in 2025, marking a 35% increase from the GHS 25.44 million reported in 2024. This robust financial performance underpins the bank's readiness to assume an expanded supervisory role within Ghana's microfinance ecosystem.
The Bank of Ghana earlier in 2025 announced a comprehensive restructuring of the microfinance and specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDI) sub-sector. This policy transforms ARB Apex Bank into a central tool for the industry. Its mandate will now extend beyond community banks to include microfinance banks, credit unions, and last-mile providers, ensuring broader oversight.
This development aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial sector stability and consumer protection. The Bank of Ghana's reforms aim to create a more resilient and well-regulated microfinance landscape. ARB Apex Bank's enhanced capacity is crucial for implementing these new regulatory frameworks effectively across the country.
Daniel Ohene K. Owusu, Board Chair of ARB Apex Bank, attributed the significant strides to the dedication and support of both members and the governing board. He stated, "Your commitment has strengthened our ability to deliver our mandate and to navigate a year marked by complexity and transformation." This highlights the collaborative effort behind the bank's improved performance.
Looking ahead, ARB Apex Bank's expanded supervisory role will require enhanced capital for systems upgrades and modernisation. This is necessary for effective policy transmission, institutional development, and supervisory coordination. Decision-makers and market participants will closely watch the bank's implementation of these new mandates and its continued financial trajectory.
The bank's total assets saw a significant increase of 136.8%, growing from GHS 2.28 billion in 2024 to GHS 5.40 billion in 2025. This growth was primarily driven by improved deposit levels, stronger liquidity flows, and strategic investment activities. Deposits rose to GHS 5.13 billion from GHS 2.11 billion in 2024, representing a 143.1% increase.
As a result of these strong inflows, the bank expanded its loans and advances to GHS 180.34 million from GHS 121.97 million in 2024, a growth of 47.9%. Investments also grew by 114.5% from GHS 634.49 million in December 2024 to GHS 1.36 billion. This growth in investments and loans contributed to a profit after tax growth of 135.94%, reaching GHS 46.97 million.
Shareholders’ funds improved significantly from GHS 49.47 million in December 2024 to GHS 94.83 million. This reflects retained earnings and sustained performance improvements. The accumulated loss improved from GHS 63.34 million in December 2024 to GHS 28.11 million at the end of 2025.
Despite the substantial profits, the bank did not recommend dividend payments for 2025. This decision stems from the impacts of the Domestic Debt Exchange Program, which resulted in an accumulated loss of GHS 28,112,959. Managing Director Curtis William Brantuo is optimistic about future dividend declarations, projecting significant gains to rectify negative retained earnings.
The bank steadily progressed in strengthening its capital position during the 2025 financial year. Stated capital grew from GHS 18.43 million to GHS 23.43 million. This was largely due to a GHS 5.00 million per annum capital increase subscribed by community banks, aiming for a targeted GHS 25.00 million over five years.
Mr. Owusu noted that the enhanced capital foundation would place the bank in a stronger position. This will allow it to support the growth of community banks, absorb future economic shocks, and invest in modern systems. Such investments are crucial for executing its expanded mandate more effectively in the years ahead.
In terms of corporate social responsibility, GHS 927,900 was spent on various activities in 2025. This included contributions to Komfo Anokye Hospital and a kidney transplant. A total of GHS 100,000 was donated to the national support fund for helicopter crash victims. The remaining GHS 224,842 supported educational and community-based activities.