Fidelity Securities Limited (FSL), the asset management subsidiary of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, has launched two collective investment schemes: Fidelity Balanced Trust and Fidelity Fixed Income Trust.

The introduction of these two products will enable FSL reach a wider section of the investing public and help more Ghanaians in their quest to financial freedom. Specifically, these products will target retail investors both local and non-resident Ghanaians, associations and Corporate Institutions who seek to build wealth to address future needs.

The Fidelity Fixed Income Trust is designed to offer investors a stable stream of income by investing in fixed income securities of high credit quality.

Through this investment, investors will be able to build wealth steadily over time and have the opportunity to do more with their income. The Fidelity Balanced Trust on the other hand, offers a healthy balance between stability of income from the fixed income market and growth through capital appreciation from the equity market. This balance helps investors lower their risk while taking advantage of growth opportunities in the equity market.

The two products were launched at an event hosted at the Fidelity Bank Head Office at Ridge Tower, Accra. The event was attended by representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Ministry of Finance, The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), corporate trustees, clients, management and staff of the Fidelity Bank Group and members of the press.

The launch officially ushers in the IPO period, which spans from 1st October to 22nd October, 2019. Investors can visit any Fidelity Bank branch to fill and submit application forms and make their initial deposit.

In his welcome address, Sam Aidoo, Deputy Managing Director in charge of Wholesale Banking of Fidelity Bank, stated, “over the years and consistent with the standards of the Fidelity Group, Fidelity Securities has upheld high standards in corporate governance, risk management and professionalism, helping clients achieve sustainable growth over time. We believe the introduction of these two products will enable us broaden our scope and reach in supporting more Ghanaians to achieve their financial goals in a much efficient way.” he said.

Sharing details of the two products, the Head of Fidelity Securities Limited, Akwasi Adu-Boahene, said some of their benefits include: diversification across various asset classes to minimize investor risk; Access to professional Fund Management; Flexibility and ease of payment through Mobile Money, Fidelity Mobile App and Fidelity Bank branches nationwide.

Akwasi further disclosed that the initial minimum contribution for any of the two schemes is GHS100.00 with a minimum top up amount of GHS10.00. He added that, “Both investment products are open-ended and offer investors the opportunity to invest and redeem their funds whenever they need to.” He however recommended that investors kept their funds invested for longer in order to maximize their gains.

The Deputy Director-General, Legal of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Deborah Mawuse Agyemfra, disclosed that, for the next six month SEC will not issue new licenses for fund managers. This is to enable SEC review the current licensing regime for a stronger, more efficient and resilient market, as well as the introduction of new licensing guidelines and directives.

“We want to encourage the introduction of new products like what Fidelity Bank has done today. We want to deepen the existing market and to provide more investment options for investors and the general public. We also want licensed fund managers to think outside the box and introduce new innovative products,” she added.