Investing in diversified financial instruments is one of the most effective ways to grow wealth in Kenya today. For investors seeking professional management, exposure to both local and global markets, and flexible investment options, Standard Investment Bank (SIB) and its MansaX Special Fund offer compelling solutions.
What Is Standard Investment Bank (SIB)?
Standard Investment Bank is one of Kenya’s largest indigenous investment banks, serving governments, corporations, financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and retail investors. SIB provides services across multiple areas including:
- Equities: Trading in listed stocks and derivatives, with a record of executing Kenya’s first derivatives futures trades in 2019.
- Fixed Income: Investment in government bonds, Eurobonds, corporate bonds, and treasury bills for both local and foreign investors.
- Corporate Finance: Advisory on balance sheet structuring, capital raising, mergers, and acquisitions.
- Global Markets: Exposure to currencies, commodities, global indices, and selected international stocks.
- Islamic Investment Banking: Shariah-compliant solutions under SIB Najah.
- Private Clients & Asset Management: Customized wealth management and investment services.
SIB also partners with CPF Financial Services to manage the Taifa Pension Fund and with Safaricom for the Ziidi Money Market Fund, reflecting its commitment to inclusive and accessible financial solutions.
Introducing MansaX Special Fund
The MansaX Special Fund is a multi-asset strategy fund designed to generate capital growth through investments in both local and global financial instruments. It is a Capital Markets Authority-licensed Special Collective Investment Scheme, available in both KES and USD denominations.
Key Features
| Feature | KES Fund | USD Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | KES 250,000 | USD 2,500 |
| Minimum Top-Up | KES 100,000 | USD 1,000 |
| Lock-in Period | 6 months | 6 months |
| Withdrawals | 2–3 working days | 2–3 working days |
| Performance Fee | 10% above Hurdle Rate | 10% above Hurdle Rate |
| Hurdle Rate | 25% p.a. | 15% p.a. |
| Custodian | I&M Bank | I&M Bank |
Fund Strategy
MansaX leverages a long/short trading model to create opportunities regardless of whether markets are rising or falling. Its portfolio spans:
- Local equities and fixed income
- Global indices like S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100
- Commodities such as natural gas and precious metals
- Currency instruments including Canadian Dollar and Taiwan Dollar
- Cash and cash equivalents
The fund also offers leveraging opportunities to trade amounts larger than your initial capital, providing potential for higher returns while managing risk.
Performance Highlights
- KES Fund: KES 1 million earned KES 1,803,460 net return in 72 months.
- USD Fund: USD 10,000 earned USD 3,011.62 net return in 27 months.
Top holdings in Q4 2024 included fixed income instruments, interest rate derivatives, global tech stocks like Microsoft and Netflix, and natural gas exposure.
Why Investors Choose MansaX Special Fund
- Diversification: Combines traditional Kenyan equities, fixed income, and real estate with global financial instruments.
- Professional Risk Management: Well-defined investment process with asset, sector, and dealer limits; independent oversight by the investment committee and trustee.
- Liquidity: Access funds easily after the initial lock-in period.
- Local Presence: SIB provides both online money management and brokerage services within Kenya.
- Global Exposure: Ability to invest in multiple international markets and currencies.
Getting Started
Investors interested in MansaX can contact SIB via:
- Head Office: JKUAT Towers, 16th Floor, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
- Telephone: 0777 333 000, +254 20 227 7000
- Email: clientservices@sib.co.ke
- Website: www.sib.co.ke
