CMA Approves Kenya’s First Local Exchange-Traded Fund for NSE Listing

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the listing of the Wallstreet Africa Banking Index Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), making it the first ETF established locally in Kenya.

According to a notice dated August 11, 2026, the approval brings the number of ETFs listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange to three.

The CMA said the new ETF is part of its efforts to diversify and deepen Kenya’s capital markets by providing investors with more investment options.

“As part of its strategy to diversify and deepen the capital markets, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the listing of an innovative Index Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), WSA Banking Index ETF, on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE),” read part of the statement.

CMA Says Investors to Gain Exposure to Multiple Banks Through One Fund 

CMA stated that the Wallstreet Africa Banking Index ETF will track the NSE Banking Index, which comprises shares of companies in Kenya’s banking sector.

In addition, the authority noted that the fund will invest in the banking companies that make up the index, including Equity Group, KCB Group, Co-operative Bank, Absa Bank Kenya, NCBA Group, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, Stanbic Holdings, I&M Group, Diamond Trust Bank, HF Group and BK Group.

Also Read: Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Appoints Former CMA CEO to Its Board

This means investors can gain exposure to several banking companies through a single investment product instead of buying shares in each company separately.

The CMA also stated that the fund will trade in Kenyan shillings and seek to closely track the performance of the NSE Banking Index.

The approval brings the total number of ETFs listed on the NSE to three. The other two are the Absa NewGold ETF, which tracks the price of physical gold, and the Satrix MSCI World Feeder ETF, which tracks large and medium-sized companies in developed global markets.

Wallstreet Africa Partners With Tradiam to Manage New Exchange-Traded Fund

The ETF will be issued by Wallstreet Africa Group Limited, the company behind Kenyan Wall Street and the Wall Street Africa financial media and technology business.

Wallstreet Africa has partnered with Tradiam Asset Managers Limited, which will serve as the fund manager.

The fund will be structured as an open-ended scheme, with its units listed and traded on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Also Read: CMA Approves Two New Unit Trust Schemes With Multiple Investment Funds

CMA Chief Executive Officer Wyckliffe Shamiah said the new product is in line with the Authority’s efforts to encourage the development of new investment products.

Shamiah said the ETF is expected to respond to growing demand for new investment opportunities while helping investors spread their investments across different assets.

He added that the product would contribute to the growth of Kenya’s capital markets by expanding the range of investment products available to investors.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

CMA has approved new unit trusts, special funds and an alternative investment fund to expand regulated investment options for Kenya. ./ PHOTO FILES