NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Standard Chartered says it has reinforced its commitment to global investments in Kenya as more local investors seek to diversify their portfolios beyond domestic markets.
The lender says it has introduced new products this year, including US corporate bonds, USD government bonds, and its signature CIO funds.
These offerings add to its already diverse range of financial products, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds, USD money market funds, and mutual funds in multiple currencies.
With a growing trend towards investments in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and money market funds (MMFs), financial literacy has emerged as a crucial factor in this shift.
Standard Chartered says it is leveraging its robust digital infrastructure to make these investment solutions more accessible.
Edith Chumba, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking for Kenya and East Africa at Standard Chartered, emphasized the importance of financial education in this new landscape.
“At Standard Chartered, we believe that an informed investor is an empowered investor. Recent surveys show that 60% of new investors feel unprepared to make decisions on global platforms,” she said.
“In response, we are enhancing our educational initiatives and digital offerings to build both confidence and competence in the investment sector.”
The lender says research shows a growing interest among Kenyan investors in foreign currency assets such as US Treasury bonds and foreign currency MMFs.
Many are seeking these assets to diversify their portfolios amid increasing global financial uncertainty.
