On July 31, 2024, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) saw a landmark event—the formal listing of the Linzi Sukuk bond. This event, attended by President William Ruto, marked the introduction of the first Islamic and Sharia-compliant financial asset on the bourse. This significant step reflects the commitment to diversifying investment options in Kenya’s financial market….
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently raised KSh 23 billion during its weekly auction, reflecting a cautious stance among investors. Despite high interest rates, there remains a strong demand for short-term securities, particularly the 91-day Treasury bills, which were oversubscribed. This trend highlights the market’s preference for short-term investments as a hedge against long-term…
Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, has announced a groundbreaking profit of $5.2 billion in the first half of 2024. This milestone highlights Tether’s robust financial strategy and its expanding role in global markets. Key Financial HighlightsIn the second quarter alone, Tether’s net operating profit surged to $1.3 billion, a significant increase from the $1 billion…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to raise KSh50 billion in August through a tap sale of reopened infrastructure bonds. These bonds, initially issued in 2023, are 6.5-year and 17-year terms with remaining maturities of 5.8 years and 15.7 years, respectively. They offer tax-free returns, with coupon rates of 17.93% for the 6.5-year bond…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to increase the minimum capital requirement for banks from KSh 1 billion to KSh 10 billion. This aims to strengthen the resilience of the banking sector and encourage mergers and acquisitions. Banks will have three years to meet the new requirement. The change is intended to fortify the…
Kenya’s microfinance banks (MFBs) are grappling with substantial financial setbacks, recording a loss of KSh 2.4 billion before tax by December 2023, a sharp increase from KSh 980 million in the previous year. This rise in losses signals serious difficulties in the sector, influenced by several critical factors. Key Factors Behind the Losses Major Contributors…
Moody’s Downgrade: A Wake-Up Call for Kenya Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Kenya’s credit rating from B3 to Caa1 after the Finance Bill 2024 failed to pass. This bill aimed to increase government revenue but was abandoned due to public opposition and concerns about its economic impact. As a result, Kenya’s fiscal deficit is projected to…
Africhange, a Nigerian fintech company, has launched its operations in the UK. The company aims to meet the growing demand for convenient remittance services between the UK and Nigeria. This expansion marks a significant step for Africhange as it seeks to provide a seamless and cost-effective platform for money transfers across various regions. Global Reach…
