Ghana Collateral Registry: Foreign Banks Dominate Q2 2026 Secured Lending

• Foreign-controlled banks provided GH¢14.1 billion in secured credit during Q2 2026, representing 71.1% of the total GH¢19.9 billion registered by banks.
• Indigenous banks recorded substantial year-on-year growth of 112.4%, reaching GH¢5.7 billion in secured credit.
• Large enterprises secured the largest portion of overall registered credit, receiving GH¢13.8 billion, which was 43.9% of the total.
• The construction sector emerged as the primary beneficiary of secured credit, attracting GH¢9.9 billion, or 31.4% of the total registered credit.
• Secured lending to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) increased by 28.9% year-on-year, reaching GH¢3.8 billion in Q2 2026.

The latest Collateral Registry report for the second quarter of 2026 underscores the enduring influence of foreign-controlled financial institutions in Ghana's secured lending landscape, even as indigenous banks demonstrate remarkable growth.

The latest Collateral Registry report for the second quarter of 2026 underscores the enduring influence of foreign-controlled financial institutions in Ghana's secured lending landscape, even as indigenous banks demonstrate remarkable growth. Data compiled by the Bank of Ghana Collateral Registry reveals that foreign banks were responsible for the vast majority of secured credit registered by banking institutions during this period. This trend highlights a significant aspect of Ghana's financial sector, particularly for legal professionals advising on credit structuring and risk assessment.

Out of a total of GH¢19.9 billion in secured credit registered by banks in Q2 2026, foreign-controlled entities accounted for a substantial GH¢14.1 billion. This figure represents 71.1% of the total secured credit reported by banks, reinforcing their dominant position. This amount also reflects a notable increase of 19.3% compared to the GH¢11.8 billion registered by foreign banks in the second quarter of 2025.

While foreign bank secured lending Ghana continues to lead, indigenous banks have shown impressive expansion. These local institutions registered GH¢5.7 billion in secured credit during the review period. This represents an extraordinary year-on-year growth of 112.4%, a significant leap from the GH¢2.7 billion they recorded in the second quarter of 2025. The growth among indigenous banks, though from a smaller base, signals a dynamic shift within the market.

This growth trajectory for indigenous banks indicates increasing capacity and participation in the secured credit market, offering diverse opportunities for businesses seeking financing. For legal advisors, understanding these distinct growth patterns between foreign and indigenous banks is crucial for strategic guidance on financing options and market penetration.

An analysis of the Ghana secured credit report Q2 2026 further reveals how this credit was distributed across various borrower categories and economic sectors. Large enterprises were the primary recipients of overall registered secured credit, securing GH¢13.8 billion. This sum constituted 43.9% of the total registered secured credit and marked an 18.3% increase year-on-year. Other borrowers collectively received GH¢10.1 billion, accounting for 32.0% of the total credit disbursed.

Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) also experienced significant growth in secured lending, with advances increasing by 28.9% to reach GH¢3.8 billion in Q2 2026, up from GH¢2.9 billion in Q2 2025. From a sectoral perspective, the Ghana construction sector secured credit emerged as the largest beneficiary, attracting GH¢9.9 billion, which is 31.4% of the total registered credit. The Commerce and Finance sector also saw a 25.9% increase in credit values, rising from GH¢6.4 billion to GH¢8.1 billion. Furthermore, secured lending to the Services sector expanded dramatically, experiencing a 154.8% increase during the period.

The Ghana Collateral Registry foreign banks Q2 2026 statistics provide critical insights into the nation's financial health and lending priorities. The sustained dominance of foreign banks in secured lending underscores their pivotal role in providing capital, particularly to larger enterprises. Simultaneously, the robust growth of indigenous banks and the substantial increase in credit to SMEs suggest a broadening and deepening of the credit market, fostering greater financial inclusion and economic activity.

These trends are particularly relevant for legal practitioners advising financial institutions or businesses in Ghana. The significant allocation of secured credit to the construction sector, alongside growth in commerce, finance, and services, indicates key areas of economic expansion and investment. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the regulatory landscape, assessing risk, and identifying strategic opportunities within Ghana's evolving secured credit market.

Lawyers advising financial institutions or businesses seeking secured credit in Ghana should note the continued dominance of foreign banks and the significant growth in secured lending to specific sectors like construction, as reported by the Collateral Registry. This data is crucial for informing credit structuring, risk assessment, and strategic advice on financing opportunities and market trends.

Source: Reporting based on the Q2 2026 Collateral Registry Report via Joy Business.