Standard Chartered Bank is solidifying its position as a leader in foreign currency investments as Kenyan investors increasingly seek opportunities beyond local markets. In 2024, the bank expanded its investment offerings by introducing US Corporate Bonds, USD Government Bonds, and its exclusive Signature CIO Funds, catering to the growing demand for diversified global portfolios. These new products complement the bank’s existing lineup, which includes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Funds, USD Money Market Funds (MMFs), and Mutual Funds across various currencies.
Through its comprehensive digital infrastructure, Standard Chartered is democratizing access to international investment solutions, opening the door for a new era of informed investors. The bank’s digital platform offers a seamless experience, allowing investors to explore a wide array of global investment opportunities such as US Treasuries, Foreign Currency MMFs, and CIO Signature Funds. Clients can easily buy, track, and sell these investment products directly through the bank’s digital platform, putting control in the hands of the investor.
Edith Chumba, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered Kenya and East Africa, emphasized the critical role of financial education in empowering investors. “At Standard Chartered, we believe that an informed investor is an empowered investor,” she stated. “Recent surveys show that 60% of new investors feel inadequately prepared to make decisions on global platforms. We are addressing this gap by enhancing our educational initiatives and digital offerings, ensuring investors are confident and capable when navigating the global investment landscape.”
Research shows that foreign currency assets, such as US Treasuries and Foreign Currency MMFs, are gaining popularity among Kenyan investors, who are eager to diversify their portfolios and mitigate risks associated with local market fluctuations. As global markets offer new avenues for wealth growth, Standard Chartered’s strategic investment products are well-positioned to meet this rising demand.
“Our investment offering is built on a structured advisory framework and backed by in-depth research, ensuring our clients are well-equipped to make informed financial decisions,” Edith Chumba further noted. The bank’s SC Wealth Select investment framework employs the Today, Tomorrow, Forever approach, helping clients align their immediate, short-term, and long-term financial goals with appropriate investment options. This methodology combines over a century of banking expertise with real-time market insights, offering investors comprehensive guidance at every stage of their wealth-building journey.
Standard Chartered’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and investment savvy continues to set it apart in Kenya’s competitive banking landscape. The bank’s educational initiatives are helping bridge knowledge gaps, enabling local investors to confidently navigate complex global markets and grow their wealth despite the unpredictability of the global economy.
As Standard Chartered accelerates its efforts to make foreign currency investments more accessible, the bank is paving the way for a new generation of Kenyan investors to thrive on the global stage. With its cutting-edge digital platform and robust portfolio of investment solutions, Standard Chartered is empowering clients to take control of their financial future in an increasingly interconnected world.
