Burkina Faso’s richest banker Idrissa Nassa drives Coris Bank to $60 million H1 profit

Coris Bank International, the financial institution founded by Burkinabe tycoon Idrissa Nassa, posted a net profit of 33.75 billion CFA francs — about $59.9 million — in the first half of 2025 on the back of rising deposits and higher banking income, even as provisions for credit risk climbed sharply.

The results show a 0.7% increase in net profit from the same period last year. Net banking income climbed 8.8% to 65.1 billion CFA francs ($115.5 million), lifted by stronger interest margins and a steady flow of fee-based revenues.

Total assets stood at 2.797 trillion CFA francs ($4.96 billion), up 8.3% year-on-year, while customer deposits rose 11.1% to 1.839 trillion CFA francs ($3.26 billion). Lending also expanded, with net loans reaching 1.246 trillion CFA francs ($2.21 billion).

The gains came at a cost. The bank’s risk provisions rose 61.7% to 5.6 billion CFA francs ($9.9 million), reflecting a cautious stance amid economic and political pressures in the region. Analysts say the jump in provisions underlines the bank’s effort to protect its balance sheet while continuing to finance growth.

Founded in 2008 by Idrissa Nassa, Coris Bank has grown from a local lender in Burkina Faso into a regional financial group with operations across West Africa. Nassa, who remains president, has pursued a strategy that combines expansion with risk discipline, helping the bank weather macroeconomic turbulence while building market share.

“The bank continues to build on strong fundamentals,” Coris said in its results statement, pointing to investments in digital services and regional diversification as drivers of future growth.

With deposits rising at double-digit rates and banking income strengthening, Coris Bank has reinforced its position as one of Burkina Faso’s most important financial institutions.