Access Bank Plc on Thursday excited the capital market community with an impressive financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2015. The bank reported growth in all performance indicators despite the economic headwinds. Gross earnings rose by 38 per cent from N337 billion to N245.4 billion in 2014. Interest income and non-interest income contributed 62 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively to the gross earnings. Non-interest income jumped by 89 per cent to N129.450 billion from N68.429 billion. Profit before tax (PBT) grew by 44 per cent from N52 billion in 2014 to N75 billion in 2015. Profit after tax (PAT) was up 53 per cent from N43.1 billion to N65.9 billion. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) improved from 16.5 per cent in 2014 to 20.4 per cent in FY 2015, indicative of the bank's commitment to maximising shareholder returns. The bank recommended a final dividend of 30 kobo per share to bring the total dividend to 55 kobo, having paid an interim dividend of 25 kobo per share. Access Bank's customer deposits rose by 16 per cent to N1.68 trillion, from N1.45 trillion in December 2014 driven by enhanced customer engagement and an accelerated deposit mobilisation drive. Total Assets closed at N2.59 trillion, up 23 per cent from N2.1 trillion in December 2014, reflecting overall business growth.