PremiumTrust Bank has received credit rating upgrades from two leading Nigerian rating agencies, Agusto & Co. and DataPro Limited, in a development that highlights the lender’s strengthening capital position, liquidity and financial performance.
Agusto & Co. upgraded PremiumTrust Bank’s long-term rating from BBB+ to A- and its short-term rating from A2 to A1. DataPro also raised the bank’s long-term rating from A- to A, while affirming its short-term rating at A1.
The A-category rating reflects a low credit-risk profile and a strong capacity to meet financial obligations as they fall due, while an A1 short-term rating indicates a high capacity for timely settlement of short-term financial commitments. The two upgrades, delivered within the same review cycle, represent a further improvement in PremiumTrust Bank’s credit standing.
Reasons For Reclassification
The rating agencies pointed to the bank’s improved capitalisation and liquidity as key drivers of the stronger ratings. Its capital adequacy ratio rose from 20.8% to 40.8%, while its liquidity ratio stood at 71.1%.
PremiumTrust Bank also reported a net interest margin of 83.3%, a non-performing loan ratio of 0.2%, and a cost of funds of 3.2%. Its cost-to-income ratio stood at 23.2%. Agusto & Co. further noted that the bank recorded a pre-tax return on equity of 84.6%, described as the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.
The stronger credit profile comes against the backdrop of significant balance-sheet growth. PremiumTrust Bank reported a pre-tax profit of ₦177.1 billion and total assets of ₦1.7 trillion for the 2025 financial year.
Beyond the financial metrics, the agencies cited the depth of the bank’s management team, expansion of its branch network and digital presence, as well as its governance and compliance framework.
Four years after commencing operations, PremiumTrust Bank has expanded its network to 33 branches across Nigeria. Recent additions include branches in Irrua, Edo State; Owerri, Imo State; and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The bank has also continued to invest in digital banking. Its upgraded PremiumTrust Mobile app includes adaptive banking features, AI-powered assistants and personalised lifestyle tools.
Commenting on the ratings, PremiumTrust Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, said the upgrades validate the foundations the bank has built since inception.
“These upgrades are a strong validation of the fundamentals we have built at PremiumTrust Bank. From inception, we have been deliberate about establishing our presence and building an institution with the financial strength, resilience, and operating discipline to compete in the Nigerian banking industry,” Emefienim said.
He added that the bank would focus on converting the improved credit standing into further growth by strengthening its balance sheet, expanding its physical and digital footprint and investing in its capacity to serve customers.
