Paul Arithi 
Capital Markets Authority (CMA) CEO,Wycliffe Shamiah
- CMA Approves New Unit Trust Schemes, Expands Investment Options for Kenyan Investors
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) approves the registration of two new umbrella unit trust schemes and several additional sub-funds under existing collective investment schemes in a move aimed at broadening investment opportunities for Kenyan investors and deepening the country’s capital markets.
Among the newly approved schemes is the Cinemark Unit Trust Fund,promoted by Cinemark Investment Bank Limited.
The umbrella fund has been registered with seven sub-funds, including the Cinemark KES Money Market Fund, Cinemark KES Fixed Income Fund, Cinemark USD Fixed Income Fund,Cinemark USD Special Fixed Income Fund, Cinemark KES Special Fixed Income Fund, Cinemark KES Multi-Asset Special Fund and the Cinemark USD Multi-Asset Special Fund.
The Authority also approved the Karsis Unit Trust Scheme, promoted by Karsis Asset Managers Limited.
The scheme comprises twelve sub-funds covering money market, fixed income, multi-asset special funds and private debt special fund strategies.
In addition to the new umbrella schemes,CMA approved the registration of new sub-funds under several existing unit trust schemes.
Absa Asset Management Limited received approval to establish the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (USD) and the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (KES) under the existing Absa Unit Trust Funds.
Dry Associates Investment Bank Limited was also granted approval to register the Dry Associates Euro Special Fixed Income Fund and the Dry Associates Sterling Special Fixed Income Fund, expanding the firm’s multi-currency investment offering.
Madison Investment Managers Limited received approval to introduce the Madison USD Fixed Income Special Fund as an additional sub-fund under the Madison Unit Trust Scheme.
Meanwhile, Tradiam Investments Services Limited has been authorised to establish the Tradiam Fixed Income Fund (KES) and the Tradiam Fixed Income Fund (USD) as new sub-funds under the existing Tradiam Unit Trust Scheme.
According to CMA, all approvals remain subject to continued compliance with the applicable regulations and guidelines governing collective investment schemes.
The regulator said the new registrations are expected to enhance product diversity, increase market depth, provide investors with greater choice and strengthen confidence in Kenya’s capital markets.
“Investors are reminded to familiarize themselves with the Information Memorandum and Trust Deed of any scheme before investing, to consider their personal risk appetite and investment horizon and to deal only with licensed and approved capital markets intermediaries,” CMA advised.
