Best bank 2025: Stanbic Bank Uganda
Stanbic Bank Uganda continues to set the benchmark for excellence in Uganda’s banking sector, combining strong financial performance with a deep commitment to innovation, inclusion and impact.
In 2024, the bank demonstrated the all-round strength of its offering – delivering a 16.2% rise in profit after tax to USh478 billion ($133 million) and a return on equity of 24.3%. This was shown across key areas, especially in cost efficiency, with a cost-to-income ratio of 47.2%, and in credit quality, with a credit loss ratio of just 0.8%.
A key reason for the bank’s success is its impressive range of services for both individuals and businesses. The bank made a series of enhancements to its services, including the launch of online account opening and a significant upgrade to its digital platforms, resulting in 80% of transactions now taking place outside the banking hall. Clients also benefit from the bank’s real-time feedback solution, which has helped push first-call resolution to 92.4%.
Stanbic demonstrated strong performance across in-credit activities, including USh370 billion in financing for MTN Uganda and USh56.9 billion in credit support for Jumo’s digital lending platform to drive financial inclusion. Elsewhere, the bank strengthened its private banking and wealth management proposition with the introduction of the Stanbic Unit Trust through its investment arm, SBG Securities Uganda, in response to rising customer demand for portfolio diversification and enhanced returns.
Another area where the bank stands out is in its commitment to SME development. Through the Stanbic Business Incubator, over 3,000 entrepreneurs – many of them women and young people – received targeted training, mentorship and access to markets. This was complemented by over $20 million in financing unlocked for MSMEs, reinforcing the bank’s role as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
Best investment bank 2025: Stanbic Bank Uganda
Stanbic Bank Uganda demonstrated exceptional performance to retain the title of Uganda’s best investment bank.
The bank partnered with fintech firm Jumo to provide USh56.9 billion ($15.9 million) in credit to support financial inclusion by channelling local currency funding to micro businesses and unbanked individuals via a pioneering mobile platform. This approach not only underscores Stanbic’s dedication to innovation but also enhances fintech-driven lending in Uganda.
Furthermore, Stanbic Bank Uganda has demonstrated its ability in executing high-value corporate lending transactions. Notable deals include a $30 million loan to Crown Beverages Limited aimed at supporting modular expansion, and a USh370 billion loan to MTN Uganda Limited for general corporate purposes. These transactions exhibit Stanbic’s capacity to fulfil extensive financing requirements across various sectors, bolstering their standing as a leader in corporate finance.
In equity capital markets, Stanbic Bank Uganda led a secondary offering for MTN Uganda. The bank set a price of USh170 per share for over 1.57 billion shares, representing a 7.03% stake. This transaction enhanced market liquidity and broadened investor participation.
These accomplishments collectively position Stanbic Bank Uganda as a leader in the nation’s investment banking sector, adept at handling both innovative financial solutions and substantial corporate transactions that contribute to the advancement of Uganda’s financial landscape.
