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Investment banks provide low-risk and one of the sure ways to build wealth steadily. Unfortunately, most Kenyan citizens have limited exposure to this information, leaving them in the dark.
The best investment banks in Kenya include CFC Stanbic, Genghis Capital Ltd, Dyer and Blair, Dry Associates Investment Bank, Africa Capital Limited, and many more.
So, why should you be interested in investment banking? These financial institutions offer great investment opportunities that can help you accomplish your financial goals and build a stable portfolio.
Here, I will focus on the following:
- Investment banks meaning
- The best investment banks in Kenya in 2024
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s dive in!
What Is Investment Banking?
Unlike the famous definition of banks, investment banks are a special segment of banking that offers financial advice and fund-raising assistance to individuals and organizations. Simply put, the investment banks are the intermediaries between the security issuers and investors.
On a normal day-to-day operation, the investment banks buy all company’s or organization’s shares and resell them to the public. Alternatively, they sell the shares on behalf of their clients(the company/organization) and earn a commission on every unit.
It’s important to note that investment banking is one of the most complex banking fields that performs numerous roles, including:
- Trading securities for their accounts
- Offering merging and acquisition advice
- New issues or IPOs to help firms go public
- Lending money to firms to settle acquisitions or purchase assets
While they are in business, they also help you invest in lucrative and stable opportunities.
7 Best Investment Banks In Kenya
Now that you know the meaning and role of investment banking, here is a list of the best 7 investment banks in the country you may want to explore.
1. CFC Stanbic SBG Securities
Stanbic Holdings PLC provides securities under the SBG entity. The Nairobi Stock Exchange or NSE regulates the SBG securities. It is among one of the most lucrative and convenient investment options.
As one of the iTrader founders, SBG Securities offers its investors an encrypted investment platform that ensures your assets are secure. This platform also allows you to implement your investment decisions in the comfort of your home. You don’t need to drive or walk into an office to expand your investment.
To make your experience better, iTrader offers you market information and statements. Hence, you can easily view the order status, and real-time prices, and access trading profiles.
2. Dyer & Blair Investment Bank
You’ve probably encountered this name on billboards if not on media. To provide you with a deeper insight into the brand – Dyer & Blair is an investment bank that focuses on a variety of financial services, including:
- Online trading
- Stock brokerage
- Asset management
- Financial research
- Investment banking
Another key trait that makes this financial institution outstanding is that it’s among the founders of the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Moreover, Dyer & Blair allows clients to deposit funds into their accounts via MPESA which is convenient.
3. Kestrel Capital
Kestrel Capital is among the oldest independent investment banks in Kenya. Founded in 1994, kestrel Capital offers multiple financial services including the following:
- Investment advisory
- Company and market research
- IPOs and NSE listings
- Stock brokerage
- Bond trading
- Commercial paper placing
- Equity and debt private placements
As an affiliate of the Nairobi Stock Exchange, Kestrel Capital has won several accolades as a top stockbroker and researcher.
4. Africa Alliance
The Africa Alliance is one of the leading financial researchers in the continent. The investment bank boasts numerous branches across Africa and has topped stockbroking, asset management, corporate finance, and private equity.
Unlike other investment banks, Africa Alliance has a unique feature as it owns stakes in the mineral and energy sectors.
5. Genghis Capital
Famously known as Genghis, Gengis Capital is among the leading investment banks in Kenya that has made remarkable progress in real markets and organizations. Moreover, the institution joined the ISO-certified banks after the ISO Certification Kenya Ltd issued it with the accreditation in 2010.
To provide the best investment experience for investors, Genghis Capital has talented wealth managers who keep you posted on every financial information and trend. The team of professionals also implements your requests with urgency and efficiency.
Besides being ISO certified, Genghis Capital boasts awards such as the Research Team of the Year and Think Business Capital Markets. As a result, you’re assured of integrity and efficiency when working with them.
6. Apex Africa Limited
Who are the Apex Africa Limited?
Apex Africa Limited is among the top investment banks in Kenya in the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The HAK investment authorized Apex Africa Limited in 1994. The institution majorly focuses on portfolio management, research, and trading primary and secondary bonds.
Apex Africa Limited also buys and sells equities at the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Its remarkable investment success earned it a position in the AXYS Group. The AYXS is popular for providing the best online stock brokerage services in Kenya.
7. Drummond Investment Bank
Drummond Investment Bank is among the top-performing investment banks in the country. The company specializes in stock brokerage and is a member of the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks or KASIB.
Popularly known as FD, Drummond Investment Bank is the pioneer of online trading in Kenya. And it initiated the Diaspora segments via the digital platform. Kenyans abroad and foreigners can invest through this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Other Investment Banks Exist In Kenya?
Other investment banks that exist in Kenya include the following:
- ABC Capital Africa Investment Bank
- Kenya United Bank for Africa
- Diamond Trust Bank
- CBA Capital Discount Securities (Under Statutory management)
- Equity Investment Bank
- Development Bank of Kenya
- Faida Investment Bank
- Kingdom Securities
- Ngenye Kariuki & Co. Ltd (Under Statutory management)
- NIC Securities
- Old Mutual Securities
- Commercial Bank of Africa
- Renaissance Capital (Kenya)
- Consolidated Bank of Kenya
- Standard Investment Bank
- Credit Bank
- Sterling Capital
- Suntra Investment Bank
- Bank of India
- Commercial Bank
- Fidelity Bank
- Barclays Bank
- Cooperative Bank of Kenya
- Ecobank Equatorial
- Family Bank
- Fina Bank
- Gulf African Bank
- First Community Bank
- Jamii Bora Bank
- Giro Commercial Bank
- Guardian Bank
- Habib Bank
- Imperial Bank
- Middle East Bank
- Investment & Mortgages Bank
- Oriental Commercial Bank
- Kenya Commercial Bank
- National Bank of Kenya
- Prime Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Paramount Universal Bank
- Trans-National Bank
Who Oversees Investment Banks In Kenya?
All investment banks in Kenya operate under the Capital Markets Authority and are registered with the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The Capital Markets Authority or CMA regulates and ensures that orderly, efficient, and fair capital markets are established.
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Ready To Expand Your Investment Portfolio?
Investment banking provides highly lucrative opportunities to help you build a stable portfolio. So, whether you’re a beginner or intermediate investor, you can find a suitable investment option.
All you need to do is consult a financial expert to help you analyze the current options. Then choose one that matches your needs and financial goals.
For more personal finance guidance, visit our shop. We have a variety of products including debt-clearance, financial planning, and budgeting guides.
