**Nigerian Banks Defy Fintech Competition: Loans Up 9.2% to N33.99trn** In a remarkable feat, six major deposit money banks in Nigeria have recorded a significant increase in loans and advances to customers, despite stiff competition from Fintech companies. According to recent data, these banks have declared a total of N33.99 trillion in loans and advances for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 9.2% increase over the N31.12 trillion declared in the corresponding period in 2024. The six banks that have announced their audited results are Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Wema Bank Plc, First Holdco Plc, and Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. Notably, banks like Zenith Bank Plc and Access Holdings Plc are yet to announce their results for the same period. The remarkable increase in loans and advances by these banks can be attributed to their ability to attract low-cost deposits, despite the challenges posed by Fintech companies. These digital lenders, including Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, MoMo Payment Service Bank, and others, have been offering attractive interest rates on loans to customers, making them a popular choice for many Nigerians. In fact, recent numbers released by Moniepoint highlight how Fintech companies are powering the informal economy with credit. FairMoney MFB, another Fintech lender, has disclosed that it disbursed over N150 billion in loans to small businesses in 2025. This trend is a clear indication that Fintech companies are changing the way Nigerians access financial services. As technology continues to evolve, customer demands are driving changes in the banking sector. Fintech startups have raised the bar by offering customers easier, faster, and cheaper financial services, including zero transfer fees, attractive interest rates on savings, full online banking experience, and speed and simplicity. The emergence of more Fintech companies has also led to an increase in electronic payment transactions in Nigeria. According to Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, it processed transactions worth N412 trillion and disbursed over N1 trillion in loans in 2025. While the six banks that have announced their results have posted varying increases in loans and advances, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated led the pack with a 11% increase, followed by Wema Bank Plc with a 45%