Standard Investment Bank’s flagship fund has made history, crossing the $1 billion threshold in assets under management as investors flee mediocrity for high-yield global exposure.

Standard Investment Bank’s (SIB) Mansa-X fund has shattered the glass ceiling, crossing the $1 billion (approx. KES 130 billion) mark in assets under management. This financial watershed signals a maturing Kenyan market where local investors are actively rejecting traditional, low-yield savings vehicles in favor of sophisticated, high-yield global exposure to hedge against currency volatility and inflation. The milestone cements Mansa-X as Kenya’s largest special Collective Investment Scheme (CIS).

Outperforming the Market

The fund’s growth has been fueled by a track record of defying market gravity. In a year where many asset classes struggled, Mansa-X delivered stellar returns. The Kenya Shilling (KES) fund posted an average net return of 20.74% in 2025, while the US Dollar (USD) fund delivered a net return of 13.37%. These figures are significantly above the market average, attracting a flood of capital from high-net-worth individuals, chamas, and corporate treasuries seeking a safe harbor for their cash.

Nahashon Mungai, the Executive Director for Global Markets at SIB, attributed the success to a diversified strategy that plays in the big leagues. "Surpassing USD 1 Billion AUM reflects the trust investors have placed in us," Mungai stated. Unlike traditional money market funds that rely heavily on government paper, Mansa-X is a multi-asset strategy fund. It trades in global currencies, precious metals, commodities, and stock indices, allowing it to generate returns regardless of whether the local economy is booming or busting.

• Shariah Compliance: The fund has also seen robust growth in its Shariah-compliant options, with the KES Shariah fund returning 17.25% and the USD equivalent returning 11.64%.
• Currency Hedge: The USD fund has become a critical tool for investors looking to protect their wealth from the depreciation of the shilling, offering a dollar-denominated return that beats offshore bank rates.
• Accessibility: Despite its sophisticated engine, the fund remains accessible, with entry points designed for the upper-middle class, democratizing access to global trading floors.

A New Era of Investing

The rise of Mansa-X points to a shift in the Kenyan investment culture. The era of "land banking" and idle bank deposits is fading. Investors are becoming more literate and demanding. They want their money to work as hard as they do. SIB has capitalized on this appetite by offering a product that bridges the gap between Nairobi and Wall Street.

However, with great size comes great scrutiny. Managing a billion-dollar book requires ironclad risk management protocols. SIB has reassured clients that its focus remains on "risk-adjusted returns," ensuring that the pursuit of profit does not expose capital to reckless danger. As Mansa-X enters the "Billionaires Club," it is not just a win for SIB; it is a signal that Kenya’s capital markets are deepening, evolving, and ready to compete on the global stage.