Equity Group Holdings has announced a significant 23.8% increase in profit after tax for the first quarter of 2026, reaching Sh18.3 billion, driven by cost-cutting measures and a digital shift.

• The group's asset base surpassed the Sh2 trillion mark.
• Key to the profit surge was a reported 19% drop in interest expenses, aided by a wider net interest margin, particularly in Kenya.
• The increased profitability was also attributed to a 9.6% decline in other operating expenses, a result of customers embracing self-service digital banking channels, as highlighted by Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi.