Access Bank Under Fire As Fraud Losses Surge, Investor Anxiety Deepens

Access Bank Plc and its parent company, Access Holdings, came under renewed scrutiny in November 2025, following a wave of negative reports that highlighted soaring fraud losses, governance concerns, weakening investor confidence, and questions over the bank’s aggressive expansion strategy.

Fresh disclosures from the group’s half-year financials revealed that Access Holdings suffered a staggering ₦1.64 billion fraud loss in the first half of 2025 — a 254 per cent increase compared with June 2024. The losses were reportedly linked to forged instruments, fraudulent transfers, cash theft and sophisticated electronic fraud schemes, sparking growing public concerns about the bank’s internal controls.

Analysts described the escalating fraud incidents as a major red flag for the institution’s governance framework. Despite heavy investment in cybersecurity — estimated at ₦193.5 billion — fraud cases have not abated. Some reports even alleged internal sabotage involving staff, raising further alarms about insider vulnerabilities.

The bank’s financial performance has also triggered criticism. While Access Holdings posted strong revenue growth, its profit-after-tax increased only marginally, prompting analysts to question operational efficiency and the quality of earnings. With rising costs and declining profitability, market watchers say the group’s underlying fundamentals remain shaky.

Investor concerns intensified as Access Holdings’ share price struggled in the final quarter of 2025. A number of analysts have openly questioned the viability of the bank’s rapid expansion across African markets, warning that the strategy may be diluting value rather than delivering expected returns. Some investors also raised doubts over the timeliness and transparency of the group’s financial reporting, citing delays in its Q2 2025 results.

As these issues mount, the bank’s reputation is facing fresh pressure. Stakeholders have urged the institution to strengthen its risk management systems, improve governance structures and restore investor confidence to protect its standing within the Nigerian financial sector.

Access Bank Plc and Access Holdings have yet to issue a comprehensive public response addressing the latest concerns, but industry observers say the group will need decisive action to reassure customers, regulators and shareholders in the weeks ahead.
.NewsBreakNaija –