Kenyans looking to grow their savings can now invest through two Britam funds that offer access to global technology companies and a range of local and international investments.
The two funds, launched on October 8, are the Enhanced Global Equity Special Fund and the Multi-Asset Special Fund.
A fund is a pool of money that an investment company collects from investors and manages.
The company invests the money in assets such as shares, government securities and commodities, depending on the fund’s objectives.
Investors can earn money if the investments perform well, but they can also lose money if their value falls.
Instead of choosing and buying each investment themselves, investors rely on professional fund managers to make investment decisions on their behalf. However, returns depend on how the investments perform.
Britam Asset Managers manages more than KSh 300 billion, making it one of Kenya’s five largest asset managers. It leads the Fixed Income category, managing over KSh 55 billion in assets as of July.
1. How the Global Equity Special Fund Works
The Britam Enhanced Global Equity Special Fund lets Kenyans invest in international companies, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors.
Also Read: Britam’s New Fund to Help Kenyans Invest in American Tech Giants
The fund targets industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, cloud computing and electric vehicles, as well as major global technology companies.
These industries include companies that make computer chips, develop AI tools, and provide online storage services for other companies. Through the fund, investors can access international share markets without buying individual foreign shares.
The fund is managed professionally and operates in US dollars. It targets long-term growth, making it better suited for investors who can keep their money invested for an extended period.
How Much Do You Need?
The minimum initial investment is $2,000, while additional investments start at $1,000.
The fund may suit people saving for long-term goals, such as retirement or future financial plans, provided they can withstand changes in the value of their investments.
However, technology shares can rise or fall depending on company performance and market conditions. Investors may therefore get back less money than they initially invested.
What Does Investing in US Dollars Mean?
The fund is measured in US dollars rather than Kenya shillings, giving investors access to international markets.
Changes in the exchange rate can affect how much an investor receives when converting the money back into shillings. A stronger dollar could increase the investment’s value in shillings, while a weaker dollar could reduce it.
Also Read: Over 40,000 Accountants to Benefit as Britam Rolls Out New Insurance Package
The final return will also depend on how the shares perform. Investing in dollars does not protect investors from losses if share prices fall.
2. How the Multi-Asset Special Fund Works
The Multi-Asset Special Fund spreads investments across different asset types in Kenya and international markets.
These include Kenyan government securities, Treasury bills, bank deposits, international fixed-income investments, local and global shares, exchange-traded funds and commodities such as gold and oil.
Each type of investment works differently. Government securities and some fixed-income investments can earn interest, while shares offer the potential for growth as companies expand. Gold and oil prices are influenced by factors such as supply, demand and global economic conditions.
By investing in different assets, the fund reduces its reliance on a single market or sector. However, this does not eliminate the risk of losses because several investments can lose value at the same time.
How Much Do You Need to Invest?
The minimum initial investment is KSh500,000, while additional investments start at KSh250,000.
The fund operates in Kenya shillings and may suit investors who want to spread their money across different investments through one professionally managed product.
For example, someone who has saved money through a business or years of employment may want to invest in several types of assets rather than depend on the performance of one company.
The fund can also use hedging strategies, including currency hedging, and leverage. Hedging reduces the impact of certain market movements, while leverage uses borrowed money or increases investment exposure. These strategies can affect both potential returns and losses.
3. What Is the Difference Between the Two Funds?
Enhanced Global Equity Special Fund focuses on global technology and innovation shares and operates in US dollars. The Multi-Asset Special Fund invests across several asset types and operates in Kenya shillings.
The global equity fund is more exposed to share price changes, particularly in the technology sector. The multi-asset fund spreads investments across different markets, although it can also lose value depending on market conditions and the strategies used.
Minimum investment amounts also differ. The global equity fund requires $2,000 to get started, while the multi-asset fund requires KSh500,000. Additional investments start at $1,000 and KSh250,000, respectively.
The choice depends on an investor’s financial goals, how long they can leave their money invested and how much risk they are willing to take.
4. What Kenyans Should Consider Before Investing
Before investing in either fund, Kenyans should understand the costs, withdrawal conditions and risks involved.
The product information provided for this article states that both funds have a six-month lock-in period and a 5 per cent penalty for early withdrawals. Investors should confirm these terms with Britam, including how the penalty is calculated and what other withdrawal conditions apply.
This means investors should avoid investing money they may need for immediate expenses such as rent, school fees, medical bills, or emergencies. Keep money set aside for daily needs separate from long-term investments.
Investors should also ask about management fees, other charges, and applicable taxes, as these can affect the returns. They should ask how the fund reports performance and how long withdrawals take once the applicable conditions are met.
Most importantly, neither fund guarantees a profit. Although professional fund managers make investment decisions, investors can still lose money when markets perform poorly. Past performance also does not guarantee future returns.
