NCBA Group has launched a suite of offshore investment solutions, significantly widening access for Kenyan retail and high-net-worth investors to global financial markets. The strategic move, announced on Monday, November 24, 2025, positions NCBA among a select group of financial institutions in Kenya offering structured products for diversifying wealth beyond the domestic economy.

The new platform, managed by NCBA Investment Bank, provides clients with entry into foreign currency portfolios, global equities, international fixed-income instruments, and alternative assets. This initiative is a direct response to increasing client demand for avenues to mitigate the risks associated with Kenyan shilling volatility and to tap into broader growth opportunities on the world stage.

“We're utilising our global presence, market knowledge, and expertise to create a solid offshore investment setup,” said Muathi Kilonzo, Managing Director of NCBA Investment Bank, during the launch event. “Our goal is to ensure it meets all regulatory standards in various markets and truly connects with our clients’ needs, helping them invest their capital safely while aiming for reliable returns.”

So What for Kenya?

The launch arrives at a critical time for Kenyan investors, who have faced significant currency depreciation in recent years. The Kenyan shilling lost considerable value against the US dollar between 2022 and early 2024, eroding the value of local-currency-denominated savings and investments. Although the shilling has shown resilience in 2025, the memory of this volatility has spurred a greater appetite for assets denominated in hard currencies like the US dollar. Offshore investments provide a structural hedge, preserving wealth and potentially generating higher returns independent of local economic cycles.

This trend is underscored by a growing sophistication among Kenyan investors. A 2025 report by Standard Chartered revealed that a significant number of affluent Kenyans are exploring more diversified and globally informed investment options beyond traditional assets like land. NCBA's product suite is tailored to this evolving landscape, offering tiered solutions for different investor profiles.

The offerings include pooled investment funds, such as the NCBA Global Equity Special Fund and the NCBA Global Fixed Income Special Fund, which are denominated in US dollars and require a minimum investment of $1,000. For more experienced investors, the bank provides execution and custody services, while bespoke segregated portfolios are available for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

Competitive and Regulatory Landscape

NCBA joins other established players in Kenya's wealth management sector that offer offshore solutions, including Standard Investment Bank (SIB), Faida Investment Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Absa Bank Kenya. The move intensifies competition in a market catering to Kenya's growing affluent class. According to the Africa Wealth Report 2025, Kenya is home to 6,800 high-net-worth individuals, a key target demographic for these products.

The development aligns with the Capital Markets Authority's (CMA) broader strategy to deepen Kenya's capital markets and position Nairobi as a premier international financial centre. The CMA has established a regulatory framework, including the Capital Markets (Foreign Investors) Regulations, to govern such activities and protect investors. NCBA has stated its commitment to adhering to all international standards, including Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requirements.

The official product launch took place at the 5th Annual Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference on Saturday, November 22, 2025, an event focused on wealth creation for young professionals and investors. By introducing these solutions, NCBA aims not only to provide market access but also to enhance financial literacy through educational content and advisory sessions, empowering a new generation of global investors in Kenya.