Understanding NCBA Money Market Fund

CleantonePaul the Critique
5 min readJul 11, 2023

NCBA Money Market Fund, an investment opportunity that has captured the attention of Kenyan investors seeking stable and reliable returns. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the fund, uncover its benefits, discuss potential considerations, identify the ideal investor profile, guide you through joining and withdrawing funds, and ultimately help you make an informed investment decision.

What is it?

The NCBA Money Market Fund is a specialized unit trust that focuses on short-term investment instruments, such as treasury bonds, treasury bills, fixed deposits, and other interest-bearing assets. The NCBA Money Market Fund is a licensed unit trust, approved by the Capital Markets Authority, which pools investors’ money into a single fund[1]. This fund is then channeled into various professionally managed investment vehicles, including the NCBA Money Market Fund, NCBA Equity Fund, and NCBA Dollar Investment Fund. With a minimum investment as low as KES 5,000 for the Money Market Fund and Equity Funds, and USD 100 for the Dollar Investment Fund, this offering provides accessibility to a wide range of investors[2].

Features

Investments Towards Retirement: NCBA Investment Bank recognizes the importance of building confidence in your financial future after retirement. To address the critical needs in retirement, NCBA offers two key solutions: the NCBA Individual Pension Plan and the NCBA Income Drawdown Fund[1].

The NCBA Individual Pension Plan is a personal pension plan that allows investors to contribute as low as KES 2,000 per month, providing a structured approach to saving for retirement. This plan ensures that essential living expenses are met, allows for the maintenance of one’s desired lifestyle, prepares for unexpected financial challenges, and enables the creation of a legacy.

For those with a minimum investment of KES 500,000, the NCBA Income Drawdown Fund offers an income-focused solution. Regulated by the Retirement Benefits Authority, this fund provides a steady stream of income during retirement while preserving the capital invested.

Bespoke Segregated Portfolios: NCBA Investment Bank understands that each investor has unique investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizons. To cater to these specific needs, NCBA offers bespoke segregated portfolios. These portfolios are designed and managed to reflect your individual preferences, taking into account factors such as liquidity needs, tax attributes, and a combination of private and public, on-shore and off-shore investment instruments. With professionally structured and managed portfolios, this solution provides access to unique investment opportunities tailored to your requirements[1].

Execution Mandates: As part of their investment solutions, NCBA Investment Bank offers a platform for investing in various short-term and long-term investments. This includes options such as Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds, Eurobonds, Listed Stocks, and offshore investments, among others. By utilizing this platform, investors retain decision-making control over their investments and specific securities in their portfolios while outsourcing administrative processes to NCBA Investment Bank[1].

Key Benefits

One of the most compelling aspects of the NCBA Money Market Fund is its impressive historical growth and competitive yield rates. Over the past years, it has consistently offered annual interest rates ranging from 8.9% to an impressive 9.8% as of December 2022, surpassing many other funds in the market[2].

The fund’s daily interest compounding feature allows you to earn compound interest not only on your initial investment but also on the interest you have already earned. This compounding effect enhances your returns over time and accelerates the growth of your investment.

Accessibility is another advantage, with a minimum deposit requirement of only Ksh 5,000 and no entry or exit fees. Moreover, the NCBA Money Market Fund offers fast and hassle-free withdrawals, ensuring that you can access your funds within three days of submitting your application[1].

Additionally, the fund carries a low level of risk due to its CMA approval and the experienced team of investors who diligently monitor and select the safest money market investments. This stability makes it an attractive option for those with a low-risk appetite, seeking capital preservation, or looking for a short-term savings plan to achieve their financial goals.

Joining the NCBA Money Market Fund

To become a part of the NCBA Money Market Fund, you will need to fill out a Unit Trusts account opening form, providing essential identification information and your signature. You can indicate your preference for the NCBA money market fund and make the minimum deposit of Ksh 5,000. After submitting the form, you will receive a response from NCBA Investment Bank, confirming your participation.

Considerations and Ideal Investor Profile

While the NCBA Money Market Fund offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider a few factors. The fund requires a minimum top-up of Ksh 5,000, which may not be suitable for all investors. However, the flexibility of anytime top-ups enables you to gradually increase your investment over time[2].

Furthermore, while the interest rate has been consistently impressive, it’s important to remember that future returns are subject to market fluctuations. However, the fund’s historical performance and NCBA Investment Bank's expertise provide confidence in its ability to weather market changes.

The NCBA Money Market Fund is well-suited for two types of investors: those with a low-risk appetite who prioritize capital preservation and savers seeking regular income or a short-term savings plan to meet various financial goals.

The NCBA Money Market Fund is an attractive investment opportunity offered by NCBA Investment Bank. With competitive yields, daily interest compounding, and a range of investment solutions tailored to suit individual needs, the fund provides a secure path to short-term investing. Whether you are seeking capital preservation, planning for retirement, or looking for a personalized investment approach, NCBA Investment Bank offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to help you achieve your financial goals. Consider exploring the NCBA Money Market Fund and other investment offerings to embark on a path of financial growth and security.Remember, this article serves as a comprehensive guide, providing you with valuable insights to make an informed decision. Should you require further information or seek expert advice, NCBA Investment Bank is readily available to assist you on your financial journey.

References

1. Investment solutions. NCBA Bank. (n.d.). https://ke.ncbagroup.com/diaspora/investment-solutions/

2. Warrior, C. (2023, January 20). NCBA Money Market Fund explained [2023](everything to know!). Cent Warriors Tribe. https://centwarrior.com/ncba-money-market-fund/

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