Absa Asset Management Limited (AAML), the asset management subsidiary of Absa Bank Kenya PLC, has received approval from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to establish two new Special Funds under the existing Absa Unit Trust Scheme, expanding its range of investment solutions for Kenyan investors.
The approval paves the way for the launch of the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (USD) and the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (KES), offering investors additional opportunities to diversify their portfolios through professionally managed global investment strategies.
CMA Approves Two New Global Multi-Asset Special Funds
In its approval letter, the CMA confirmed that it had reviewed AAML’s application and supporting documentation and found them to be fully compliant with the requirements of the Capital Markets (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2023.
Pursuant to the Capital Markets Act and the applicable regulations, the Authority approved the registration of the two Special Funds as additional sub-funds under the Absa Unit Trust Scheme. The approval remains subject to AAML’s continued compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines issued by the Authority.
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Absa Expands Investment Portfolio with Global Diversification Options
AAML plans to launch the two Special Funds in the coming months, further strengthening Absa’s investment offering.
The firm’s existing portfolio includes 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 licensed by the Capital Markets Authority to operate as a Fund Manager of Collective Investment Schemes in Kenya.
The new Global Multi-Asset Special Funds are expected to complement the existing range by giving investors access to professionally managed global investment opportunities across multiple asset classes while catering to different financial goals and risk profiles.
New Funds Aim to Meet Growing Demand for Diversified Investments
Commenting on the approval, AAML Head Elizabeth Irungu described it as an important milestone in expanding 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,” she said.
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Irungu noted that the new funds reflect AAML’s commitment to understanding evolving customer needs and delivering investment solutions that meet different investor profiles.
She added that while the Special Funds will provide clients with access to international investment markets, Kenya’s local equity market continues to deliver strong returns. The Absa Equity Fund recorded a 15 per cent return during the first half of 2026, highlighting the continued attractiveness of domestic investments.
She further pointed out that locally focused investment products remain accessible to retail investors, with minimum investment amounts starting from KSh1,000 for Kenya Shilling-denominated funds and USD100 for dollar-denominated products.
“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.
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Special Funds Gain Momentum as Investor Appetite Grows
According to the Capital Markets Authority, Special Funds are becoming an increasingly significant segment of Kenya’s Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) market.
As of March 2026, Special Funds accounted for a record 23.9 per cent market share of the CIS industry, with assets under management reaching KSh203.5 billion. The growth reflects increasing investor demand for specialised investment products that address diverse financial goals and changing market conditions.
The new Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Funds are expected to provide investors with exposure to diversified investments across multiple asset classes, enabling broader market participation while benefiting from professional portfolio management 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 company noted that AAML’s funds have grown by 28 per cent since inception, reflecting rising investor confidence and increasing demand for innovative, diversified investment solutions that support long-term wealth creation.
Great news for investors!