Absa Asset Management Limited (AAML), the asset management subsidiary of Absa Bank Kenya PLC, has received approval from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to register two new special funds under the existing Absa Unit Trust Scheme, further expanding its investment solutions portfolio for clients.
The approval paves the way to introduce the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (USD) and the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (KES), providing investors with additional opportunities to diversify their portfolios through professionally managed global investment strategies.
In its approval letter, the CMA confirmed that it had reviewed AAML’s application and supporting documentation and found them to be compliant with the requirements of the Capital Markets (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2023. Accordingly, and pursuant to the powers granted under the Capital Markets Act and the applicable regulations, the Authority approved the registration of the two funds as additional sub-funds under the Absa Unit Trust Scheme. The approval is subject to AAML’s continued compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines issued by the Authority from time to time.
AAML plans to launch the special funds soon, further expanding Absa’s investment offering, which currently comprises of the Absa Shilling Money Market Fund, Absa Dollar Money Market Fund, Absa Fixed Income Fund, Absa Balanced Fund, and Absa Equity Fund. These funds are managed by AAML, which is duly licensed by the Capital Markets Authority and mandated to act as a Fund Manager of Collective Investment Schemes in Kenya, providing investors with professionally managed investment solutions tailored to their diverse financial goals and risk profiles.
Speaking about the development, Elizabeth Irungu, the AAML Head, welcomed the approval, describing it as an important milestone in broadening investment opportunities for Kenyan investors. “This approval is a strong endorsement of our commitment to developing investment solutions that respond to the changing needs of our clients. As investors increasingly seek diversified opportunities that can help them achieve their financial goals, the introduction of these Global Multi-Asset Special Funds provides them with additional avenues to grow and preserve wealth while benefiting from professional fund management,” said Ms. Irungu.
She added that the new funds demonstrate AAML’s continued focus on understanding client needs and delivering relevant solutions across different investor segments. She further noted that though Special Funds give clients’ access to international markets, the Kenyan markets continue to outperform with the Absa Equity Fund up 15% in the first half of 2026. Additionally, the local focused products have the advantage of providing low ticket entry levels of Kes 1,000 and USD 100.
“At Absa Asset Management, we are constantly listening to our clients and developing products and solutions that speak to their aspirations, risk profiles, and long-term financial objectives. The approval of these funds expands the array of investment options available to our clients and reinforces our commitment to helping them invest better and achieve their financial ambitions,” she said.
According to data from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Kenyan investors are increasingly embracing Special Funds, which accounted for a record 23.9% market share of the Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) sector, with assets under management reaching KSh 203.5 billion as of March 2026. This growth underscores the rising demand for specialised investment solutions tailored to the diverse financial goals and evolving needs of investors.
The new Global Multi-Asset Special Funds are expected to offer investors access to diversified investment opportunities across multiple asset classes, enabling them to benefit from broader market exposure and professionally managed investment strategies tailored to varying investment objectives.
In line with its purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time, Absa continues to strengthen its investment offering through accessible, transparent, and professionally managed solutions that help individuals, businesses, and institutions achieve their financial goals. The strong growth of AAML’s funds by 28% since inception, reflects growing investor confidence and a rising appetite among customers for innovative and diversified investment solutions that support long-term wealth creation.
