GCB, Ecobank, 4 others are top tier banks in Ghana – PwC Banking Survey
The report added that Ghana’s banking sector demonstrated sustained profitability in 2025 despite a contracting interest rate environment. With the policy rate falling to 18% and the Ghana Reference Rate dropping below 20%, quartile analysis shows year-on-year improvements compared to 2024.
GCB Bank, Absa Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Zenith Bank comprise the top tier or first quartile banks in Ghana, as per the 2026 Ghana Banking Survey conducted by PwC Ghana. This prestigious group remained unchanged from 2025, with Zenith Bank being the only new addition. These top-tier banks are considered the largest and most influential lenders in the country, holding the greatest share of total operating assets, customer deposits, and market power.
GCB Bank led the quartile with the highest Return on Equity (ROE), escalating from 29.8% in 2024 to 34.0% in 2025. Zenith Bank demonstrated the most significant improvement among the quartile, with its ROE rising from 22.0% in 2024 to 32.7% in 2025. Other first quartile banks like Absa Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic Bank, and Fidelity Bank also recorded improved profitability in 2025, despite the declining interest rate environment.
The Ghanaian banking sector demonstrated sustained profitability in 2025, amidst a shrinking interest rate environment. The report highlighted that these banks' success was attributed to strategic measures, such as operational efficiency, which contributed to their improved performance. Furthermore, the banking sector in Ghana experienced strong balance sheet growth, improved liquidity, and sustained profitability in 2025.
Despite the challenging outlook for earnings due to lower interest rates and reduced margins, revenue patterns across the industry are evolving. Banks are increasingly relying on fees, commissions, and digitally enabled channels to bolster their earnings. Concurrently, banks are investing in technology and operating infrastructure to enhance service delivery, deepen customer engagement, and maintain long-term competitiveness.
The survey cautioned that the main challenge banks face is not merely maneuvering through a low-interest rate environment while preserving their existing business models but rather strategically repositioning themselves for the future. Banks must make clear choices about where they can excel, invest in the capabilities that support these decisions, and build business models that generate value beyond the interest-rate cycle.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
