Nairobi — Britam Asset Managers has expanded its investment portfolio with two special funds targeting exposure to global equities and a wider range of asset classes as Kenyan investors increasingly seek opportunities beyond domestic markets.
The Britam Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund and Britam Multi Asset Special Fund were approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in August, with the products targeting investors seeking long-term returns through diversified portfolios.
The move comes as Kenya's collective investment scheme industry continues to expand, with assets under management rising to Sh948.7 billion in June, representing a 59.1 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the CMA.
The global equities fund provides exposure to international companies across sectors including technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, energy and the digital economy.
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The multi-asset fund, meanwhile, combines local and international investments across asset classes including equities, fixed income securities and commodities.
"Every day, Africans participate in the global economy as consumers, businesses and users of technology created around the world," said Britam Group Managing Director and CEO Tom Gitogo.
"We believe they should also have the opportunity to become investors in the companies driving that economy, own a stake in their growth and share in the value they create," he added.
The launch reflects growing demand among Kenyan investors for diversification as local financial markets face challenges including currency fluctuations, interest-rate changes and limited sector concentration.
By investing in overseas markets, investors can gain exposure to companies and industries that may not be represented on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, although such investments also expose them to risks including global market volatility, exchange-rate movements and changes in international economic conditions.
Britam Asset Managers manages more than Sh300 billion in assets, placing it among Kenya's largest asset managers. The firm had more than Sh55 billion under management in the fixed-income category as of July.
Barack Obatsa, CEO of Britam Asset Managers, said the new products were intended to broaden investment choices available to investors.
"These funds are the next step in widening the choices available to investors as their needs and ambitions evolve," Obatsa said.
"We have built our offering from accessible local investments to a wider range of opportunities, and these funds extend that choice across global markets and asset classes," he added.
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