Standard Chartered Bank is cementing its foreign currency investments as investors increasingly seek opportunities beyond local markets. This year, the bank has introduced US Corporate Bonds, USD Government bonds, and its Signature CIO funds to complement and other products such as ESG funds, USD MMF, and Mutual Funds in various denominations.
The bank’s digital platform offers an array of global investment opportunities including US Treasuries, Foreign Currency Money Market Funds (FCY/MMFs), and CIO Signature Funds. With these features, an investor can buy, track, and sell investment products, all on the digital bank platform.
According to market research conducted in Kenya, foreign currency assets such as US Treasuries and Foreign Currency MMFs are becoming increasingly popular among Kenyan investors, who are looking to diversify their portfolios. It is for this reason that Standard Chartered’s SC Wealth Select investment framework utilizes the Today, Tomorrow, Forever approach to assist clients in identifying appropriate investment options. This method combines over 100 years of banking experience with real-time market insights to guide investors through immediate, short-term, and long-term financial planning.
Standard Chartered’s Edith Chumba, who is the Head of Wealth and Retail Banking for Kenya and East Africa highlighted the strategic importance of financial education. She said, “At Standard Chartered, we believe that an informed investor is an empowered investor. Recent surveys indicate that 60% of new investors feel inadequately prepared to make investment decisions on global platforms. We are responding by enhancing our educational initiatives and digital offerings to build confidence and competence in the investment sector.”
Edith further noted, “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 has reiterated its commitment to uphold financial literacy and keep enabling Kenyan investors to confidently manage and grow their wealth in an unpredictable global economy.