Lion International Bank (LIB) reported pre-tax profit of 1.8 billion birr for the 2024/25 fiscal year, nearly doubling from the previous year, underpinned by disciplined cost management and higher non-interest income.

Customer deposits rose 23 percent to 44 billion birr, forming 93 percent of total liabilities, while total assets climbed 25 percent to 54 billion birr. Loans and advances accounted for 36.2 billion birr, or 67 percent of total assets, and capital and reserves increased 28 percent to 6.5 billion birr.

The bank’s retail base expanded to 2.4 million clients, up 24 percent, with savings deposits representing 70 percent of the total and an average account holding of 18,000 birr. Demand and fixed-term deposits made up 13 percent and 17 percent respectively.

LIB continued its nationwide expansion, adding 35 new branches to reach 341 locations. Its digital services also grew sharply, with mobile banking users reaching 798,000, card banking 314,000, internet banking 70,000, and agent banking 438,000. The bank deployed 80 ATMs and 1,697 additional agents to broaden service coverage.

Total credit, including loans, bonds, and Treasury bills, rose 22 percent to 40.3 billion birr, with roughly three-quarters directed to exports, imports, and domestic trade. The bank also launched Alegnta, a digital lending service providing collateral-free loans to salaried clients, with plans for wider expansion.

International operations mobilised 104 million US dollars during the year, up 38 percent, largely from exporters accessing preferential financing. LIB strengthened its remittance network through partnerships with Western Union, MoneyGram, RIA, and other global operators.

Management attributed the results to “coordinated resource mobilisation, disciplined cost control, and a focus on sustainable income growth.” It said the move to a unified exchange rate regime is expected to support the bank’s foreign currency market participation.

Looking ahead, LIB plans to sustain growth through continued digital strategy implementation, risk-based management, and operational efficiency.