Average loan growth and net interest margins (NIM) at major banks in emerging markets remained steady or improved in the first half of 2025, according to data from Fitch Ratings.
The study, which analysed 142 banks worldwide, found that average loan growth reached 12% during the first six months of 2025.
Although NIMs edged down slightly across most regions, they were broadly stable overall at 4.2%, supported by strong performance from banks in Nigeria, Fitch said in its February 2026 monitor.
Banks in emerging markets also continued to rely mainly on deposits for funding. The average loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 103% as of the first half of 2025. Among regions, emerging market banks in Latin America recorded the highest ratio at 127%, whilst those in Africa had the lowest average ratio at 66%.
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