Edith Chumba, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking for Kenya and East Africa at Standard Chartered
Nairobi, 3 October 2024 – Standard Chartered Bank has solidified its commitment to providing diverse foreign currency investment opportunities as Kenyan investors increasingly look beyond local markets for growth. The bank’s latest offerings include US Corporate Bonds, USD Government Bonds, and its own curated Signature CIO funds, complementing existing products such as ESG funds, USD Money Market Funds (MMFs), and various Mutual Funds.
In response to a surge in interest in global investment vehicles, Standard Chartered is leveraging its robust digital infrastructure to democratize access to these financial solutions. Investors can now easily buy, track, and sell investment products directly through the bank’s digital platform, which features a wide range of global opportunities, including US Treasuries and Foreign Currency MMFs.
Edith Chumba, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking for Kenya and East Africa at Standard Chartered, emphasized the bank’s focus on financial education. “At Standard Chartered, we believe that an informed investor is an empowered investor. Recent surveys indicate that 60 percent of new investors feel inadequately prepared to make investment decisions on global platforms,” she noted. In response, the bank is enhancing its educational initiatives alongside its digital offerings to build investor confidence and competence.
Research highlights a growing appetite among Kenyan investors for foreign currency assets, reflecting a broader trend towards portfolio diversification. Chumba stated, “Our investment offering is underpinned by a structured advisory framework and research to ensure our clients are well equipped when making financial decisions.”
Standard Chartered’s SC Wealth Select investment framework employs a holistic approach—Today, Tomorrow, Forever—designed to help clients identify suitable investment options. This methodology merges over a century of banking experience with real-time market insights, guiding investors through their immediate, short-term, and long-term financial planning.
By prioritizing financial literacy and savvy investing, Standard Chartered aims to empower Kenyan investors to effectively navigate and grow their wealth in an unpredictable global economy. As the demand for sophisticated investment solutions rises, the bank continues to position itself as a leader in the financial sector, catering to the evolving needs of its clients