AIB-AXYS Upgraded to Investment Bank as CMA Approves Three New Licenses

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the upgrade of AIB-AXYS Africa Limited from a stockbroker to a fully licensed investment bank.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 28, 2026 CMA said the approval is part of efforts to increase full-service investment banking services in Kenya and expand the range of services available to investors and companies.

AIB-AXYS was among three firms granted Investment Bank licenses by the Authority.

The other companies approved are Cinemark Consult Limited and Fintrust Securities Limited, which were previously operating as Authorised Securities Dealers.

“The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the grant of three Investment Banking licenses, all of which are upgrades from existing intermediaries,” read part of the statement.

CMA Clears Cinemark, Fintrust and AIB-AXYS for Investment Banking Expansion

Following the approval, AIB-AXYS Africa Limited will now offer additional services beyond its current brokerage business in equities and fixed income trading.

The company will now provide corporate finance advisory services, capital raising, underwriting and syndication, wealth management, alternative investments, and sustainable finance advisory services.

The firm will also offer digital access for retail and diaspora investors through its trading platform.

CMA Speaks on New Approvals

According to CMA, the approvals are meant to strengthen Kenya’s capital markets sector and improve services available to investors and businesses.

“The approvals will contribute to increased market depth, improved product diversity, enhanced issuer and investor choice, and strengthened confidence in Kenya’s capital markets,” CMA said.

The Authority added that it remains committed to supporting innovation while maintaining high regulatory standards in the financial markets sector.

Also Read: CMA Opens Up New Investment Opportunities for Kenyans from Top Firms

Details of Other Approved Firms

Cinemark Consult Limited, which was previously licensed as an Authorised Securities Dealer, was also upgraded to an Investment Bank.

The company plans to offer services such as corporate advisory, securities dealing, underwriting, fund management, and market-making under one licensed entity.

Cinemark said it will target institutional investors, corporates, retail investors, diaspora clients, and high-net-worth individuals.

Also Read: CMA Clears 6 New Entrants to Strengthen Kenya’s Capital Markets

Fintrust Securities Limited was also approved to upgrade to an Investment Bank license.

The upgrade will allow the company to expand its services to include corporate finance advisory, underwriting, debt and equity capital raising, wealth and asset management, research services, and improved fixed-income trading.

CMA said the approvals will help deepen and diversify Kenya’s capital markets while giving investors and issuers more choices in the market.

About AIB-AXYS Africa

AIB-AXYS Africa is a leading Kenyan broker and part of AXYS Group, an investment company formed through the merger of AIB Capital Limited and Apex Africa Capital Limited.

The company has operated in Kenya’s capital markets for more than 30 years and is licensed to trade at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

AIB-AXYS serves retail investors, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Its services include trading in local shares and bonds, access to global markets and offshore funds, research and advisory services, and wealth management.

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Capital Markets Authority (CMA) CEO Wyckliffe Shamiah. Photo/ CMA