CMA LICENSES THREE NEW FUND MANAGERS TO EXPAND ASSET MANAGEMENT CAPACITY IN KENYA
Nairobi, 06 July 2026…… The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has licensed three Fund Managers as part of its ongoing efforts to deepen Kenya’s capital markets, enhance innovation and expand access to professional asset management services across retail, institutional, corporate, diaspora and high-net-worth investor segments.
The licenses reflect the Authority’s commitment to fostering a well-regulated, inclusive and dynamic capital markets ecosystem, and are expected to broaden the range of fund management strategies available to Kenyan investors, from alternative offshore-linked funds to infrastructure-focused vehicles and locally structured unit trust portfolios.
Among the firms licensed is ADAR Asset Management Limited. The firm intends to structure, launch and manage closed-end collective investment schemes offering Kenyan investors institutional-grade access to alternative global markets, beginning with real estate-linked credit opportunities. Its business model emphasises a sequenced fund launch platform, disciplined risk management and full regulatory compliance, with each fund managed independently over its lifecycle.
The Authority has also licensed Entrust Advisory Limited, previously licensed as an Investment Adviser. The upgrade will enable the firm to create, preserve and grow wealth for its clients through a broader suite of investment management products and services, leveraging technology for product innovation and applying scalable investment management structures to deliver professional performance and value.
In further strengthening the fund management segment, the Authority has licensed Everstrong Asset Management Limited to operate as a Fund Manager. The firm intends to manage a diverse range of investment activities in Kenya and the wider East African region, with a strategic focus on infrastructure, private equity, real estate, energy and other alternative asset classes, aimed at delivering long-term financial returns while contributing to the region’s development.
The Capital Markets Authority notes that the entry of these fund managers will contribute to increased market depth, improved product diversity, enhanced investor choice, and strengthened confidence in Kenya’s capital markets. The Authority remains committed to maintaining high regulatory standards while supporting innovation and responsible market development.
ENDS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE CAPITAL MARKETS AUTHORITY
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) was set up in 1989 as a statutory agency under the Capital Markets Act Cap 485A. It is charged with the prime responsibility of both regulating and developing an orderly, fair, and efficient capital markets in Kenya with the view to promoting market integrity and investor confidence. CMA also regulates the commodity markets and online forex trading. The regulatory functions of the Authority as provided by the Act and the regulations include; Licensing and supervising all the capital market intermediaries; Ensuring compliance with the legal and regulatory framework by all market participants; Regulating public offers of securities, such as equities and bonds & the issuance of other capital market products such as collective investment schemes; Promoting market development through research on new products and services; Reviewing the legal framework to respond to market dynamics; Promoting investor education and public awareness; and Protecting investors’ interest. For more information, please contact: Antony Mwangi, Assistant Director Corporate Communications & International Affairs on amwangi@cma.or.ke
