How NCBA’s Global Equity and Fixed Income Funds Open the Door to Offshore Growth for Kenyan Savers

NCBA used its platform at the Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference to introduce two offshore products designed to change how Kenyan households think about long-term diversification. The NCBA Global Equity Special Fund and the NCBA Global Fixed Income Special Fund allow savers to access international markets through a regulated, USD-denominated structure.

The launch tapped into an audience already aware of the need for broader wealth strategies. Many attendees had been monitoring rising currency pressures, limited local investment options, and the growing interest in foreign assets. NCBA’s announcement felt timely, responding to current trends rather than being a speculative introduction.

A clearer path into global markets

The two funds are part of NCBA’s larger wealth management program, which includes unit trusts, pension products, and institutional mandates. Both funds rely on ETF portfolios that draw exposure from the United States, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets. Performance data shared at the conference indicated steady growth, with the Global Equity Special Fund returning 23.3 percent year to date and the Global Fixed Income Special Fund at 9 percent over the same period.

The minimum entry remains at 1,000 dollars, a practical amount for retail savers who want offshore exposure without dealing with foreign brokerage accounts. The bank’s custody system keeps the assets locally while providing investors with currency diversification and access to global performance cycles.

An expanding range of dollar-denominated options

NCBA’s launch coincides with other local players also expanding their offshore offerings. For instance, CIC Asset Management has created two distinct options for investors seeking USD holdings with global exposure.

The CIC Global Balanced Special Fund offers a more diversified approach. It distributes capital across international ETFs, foreign equities, mutual funds, and local fixed income. Its structure is designed to protect investors from market fluctuations while giving them a foothold in offshore markets. Since it is USD denominated, it also provides an immediate buffer against local currency weakening.

The CIC Dollar Fund takes a more conservative stance. It focuses on short and medium-term USD instruments, including Treasury bills, sovereign bonds, and high-grade deposits. Part of the portfolio is invested offshore, making it a good option for savers who want dollar stability without taking on full equity risk.

These products, along with NCBA’s new special funds, highlight a market that is shifting toward currency diversification and global asset access as essential components of long-term planning. Savers no longer view offshore investing as exclusive to specialists or high earners. These tools are becoming common fixtures in retail portfolios.

Positioning in a changing investment landscape

Slides presented by NCBA revealed that global funds have been in testing since 2020, with assets under management now at 2.2 million dollars for the fixed income strategy and 1.6 million dollars for the equity fund. The performance spread across regions reinforced the case for diversification. Chinese equities led with returns exceeding 40 percent, while other markets, such as the UK, Japan, and widespread emerging regions, contributed steady gains.

The timing of the launch aligns with the overall sentiment at the Abojani conference. Discussions across different panels repeatedly returned to the idea that Kenyan households cannot rely solely on domestic cycles. Income streams are diversifying, savings habits are changing, and long-term plans need tools that operate independently of local market pressures.

A careful but clear step

NCBA presented its new products straightforwardly, focusing on structure, performance history, and practical accessibility. The audience responded positively to this approach. Many attendees were already exploring ways to spread their risk across currencies and regions. The bank’s new funds now join a growing list of options that fulfill that demand.

With CIC and other institutions also entering offshore markets, the landscape is transforming rapidly. What once seemed like a specialized corner of the industry is becoming part of mainstream financial planning. NCBA’s launch strengthens that transition and offers investors another structured route to global markets under local oversight.

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