SBG Securities launches mobile platform for NSE trading

SBG Securities has introduced a groundbreaking mobile platform, M-shares, for trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The platform, operated on a USSD code, revolutionizes the way investors can directly buy and sell shares while accessing real-time market data. Bethuel Karanja, the Executive Director at SBG Securities, discussed the innovative platform in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Understanding the landscape of Kenya's mobile technology advancements, Karanja explained how M-shares is set to make a significant impact in the market. Karanja emphasized that M-shares is a USD-based platform that provides investors with access to the NSE, allowing them to seamlessly transact, manage their CDS accounts, and fund their accounts using mobile money. The convenience of the platform is unparalleled, enabling investors to monitor their portfolios, view account balances, and execute trades all from their mobile devices. This real-time access to market data empowers investors to make informed decisions, enhancing their trading experience. As Karanja delved into the rationale behind developing M-shares, he highlighted the behavior of the Kenyan investor, who values simplicity, convenience, and accessibility. The platform's integration with mobile money aligns with Kenya's affinity for mobile transactions, bridging the gap between mobile finance and stock market participation. By eliminating the need for a traditional stockbroker, M-shares empowers investors to take control of their trades while still providing access to essential market information. The seamless link between the mobile platform, CDS accounts, and live market data streamlines the trading experience for investors. The platform enables users to track their shareholdings, access real-time market prices, and manage their funds efficiently, all through a single interface. Karanja underscored the critical role of M-shares in democratizing stock market participation and driving financial inclusion among retail investors. In response to evolving trends in the market, Karanja noted a recent slowdown in retail investor participation, emphasizing the need for platforms like M-shares to reignite interest. By offering a user-friendly interface and instant access to trading opportunities, M-shares aims to attract retail investors back to the market and enhance their overall trading experience. The platform's launch campaign, tailored to reach a digital-savvy audience, seeks to engage young investors and foster a new wave of market participants. Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior towards digital solutions, SBG Securities plans to develop a mobile app to complement the USSD platform, catering to tech-savvy users and expanding market reach. Karanja reiterated the platform's accessibility across various mobile service providers, ensuring widespread availability and convenience for all investors. As SBG Securities drives forward with its mission to transform the capital markets landscape, M-shares stands out as a game-changer in the Kenyan market, paving the way for a new era of accessible and inclusive stock trading. In conclusion, SBG Securities' launch of the M-shares mobile platform signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. By leveraging mobile technology and innovative financing solutions, SBG Securities is reshaping the investment landscape in Kenya and empowering investors to participate actively in the stock market. The introduction of M-shares marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards financial inclusion and market democratization, setting a new standard for mobile trading platforms in the region.